Journey beyond the familiar waterways of Southern Vietnam on the U Minh Forest Mekong – Ca Mau Eco Tour, a two-day adventure connecting Can Tho with Ca Mau Cape and the legendary U Minh Ha forest. This carefully designed itinerary is an excellent addition to longer Mekong Tours, offering international travelers a rare opportunity to explore Vietnam’s southernmost landscapes, distinctive ecosystems, and traditional rural life.
At Ca Mau Cape, stand beside the National Coordinate Landmark GPS0001, photograph the symbolic Ca Mau ship monument, and look across an expansive landscape where mangrove forests gradually advance toward the sea. The area forms part of the UNESCO-recognized Mui Ca Mau Biosphere Reserve, which protects diverse mangrove, marine, and melaleuca forest ecosystems.
The journey continues into U Minh Ha, a remarkable freshwater wetland dominated by melaleuca trees. Travel by local motorized boat along peaceful forest canals, observe birdlife, meet welcoming residents, and learn about livelihoods shaped by fishing, farming, and traditional forest honey collection.
An overnight stay at a simple forest homestay adds an authentic community-based dimension to the experience. With regional meals, fresh air, peaceful surroundings, and seasonal activities hosted by local families, this tour is ideal for nature enthusiasts, photographers, families, and travelers seeking a more meaningful encounter with the Mekong Delta.
05:00 – Departure from Can Tho
You will meet our English-speaking guide and driver at the hotel or meeting point in Can Tho. Beginning the overland journey toward Ca Mau through the fertile countryside of the Mekong Delta.
Along the way, you will have chance to observe rice fields, fruit orchards, waterways, village markets, and small towns across the southern provinces. A rest stop will be arranged during the journey. Breakfast is not included on the first day, but you may purchase food and drinks at the stop.
11:00–11:30 – Arrival at Dat Mui and Local Lunch
Arriving in the Dat Mui area and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The meal introduces the fresh seafood and rustic flavors for which Ca Mau is well known.
12:30 – Explore Ca Mau Cape
You will visit the celebrated landmarks of Vietnam’s southern frontier, including:
The National Coordinate Landmark GPS0001
The symbolic Ca Mau ship monument facing the sea
The final southern milestone of the Ho Chi Minh Road
Panoramic viewpoints over the surrounding mangrove landscape
Selected cultural monuments within the Ca Mau Cape tourism area
Meanwhile, you will take time to photograph the symbols of Ca Mau and learn about the geography, history, and cultural significance of this remote destination.
13:30 – Mui Ca Mau National Park
You continue exploring the natural environment of Mui Ca Mau National Park, a core area of the UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve. Walk along designated pathways and observation areas surrounded by mangrove trees.
Our guide will explain how mangrove forests protect the coastline, provide habitats for aquatic species and migratory birds, and support local fishing communities. Depending on local operations and weather conditions, a short boat or canoe experience through the mangrove waterways may be arranged.
15:00 – Transfer to U Minh Ha
Leaving Ca Mau Cape and travel northwest toward the U Minh Ha area. The changing scenery reveals another side of Ca Mau, where freshwater wetlands, melaleuca forests, farms, and narrow canals replace the coastal mangroves.
17:30 – Forest Homestay Check-in
Arriving at a locally operated homestay or forest bungalow. You will check in and enjoy time to relax amid the quiet rural surroundings. Or you may take a short walk, watch the sunset, or simply enjoy the fresh air and natural soundscape.
18:30 – U Minh Country Dinner
You will enjoy a generous dinner featuring a selection of regional specialties. Depending on seasonal availability, dishes may include grilled snakehead fish, braised freshwater fish, free-range chicken, eel hotpot, wild vegetables,…Or other locally sourced ingredients.
In the evening, you will meet the host family and learn about everyday life near the forest. A cultural exchange featuring Don Ca Tai Tu, the traditional chamber music of Southern Vietnam, may be arranged subject to performer availability.
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Overnight: Homestay or bungalow near U Minh Ha.
06:30 – Morning Walk
Waking to the peaceful atmosphere of the forest and take a gentle walk around the homestay. You can listen for birds, observe the morning mist over the canals, and appreciate the slower rhythm of rural life.
07:00 – Breakfast
You will enjoy breakfast at the homestay. A typical local option may include U Minh-style snakehead fish congee, noodles, bread, seasonal fruit, tea, or coffee.
07:45 – Boat Journey Through the Melaleuca Forest
Next, you will board a local motorized boat, traditionally known as a vo lai, and travel along narrow canals shaded by melaleuca trees. The journey offers an intimate view of U Minh Ha’s freshwater wetland landscape.
During the excursion, the local guide will introduce the forest’s plants, wildlife, water system, and ecological importance. Although, birds and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. But the quiet waterways provide excellent opportunities for nature observation and photography.
08:45 – Traditional Honey-Harvesting Experience
Then, you will meet a local forest beekeeper and learn about gác kèo ong, a distinctive method in which angled wooden rafters are prepared to encourage wild bees to build their hives.
When seasonal conditions, safety requirements, and forest regulations permit. You may accompany an experienced beekeeper to observe honey collection and taste fresh melaleuca honey. Outside the harvesting season, the host will provide a demonstration and explain the tools, techniques, and knowledge passed down through generations.
09:45 – Local Farming and Fishing Activities
Continue visiting a family garden or small farm to learn about the self-sufficient lifestyle of U Minh residents. Depending on the season, you may see papaya trees, vegetable plots, traditional cooking facilities, or small-scale rice-wine production.
Optional hands-on experiences may include:
Checking traditional fish traps
Learning how eel traps are prepared
Catching freshwater fish with local residents
Harvesting seasonal garden produce
Sampling fresh forest honey
Observing traditional pond-fishing activities
All activities depend on water levels, weather, seasonal availability, conservation rules, and arrangements with the host family. Wildlife is observed responsibly and protected species are not captured or consumed.
10:45 – Forest Observation Tower or Panoramic Viewpoint
In addition, you also climb an observation tower or visit an available elevated viewpoint for panoramic views across the green melaleuca canopy. From above, appreciate the immense scale of the wetland forest and its interconnecting waterways.
Access may be restricted during periods of high fire risk, heavy rain, maintenance, or other safety conditions.
11:30 – Lunch at the Homestay
Returning to the homestay for lunch. You will enjoy regional dishes that may include fermented fish hotpot with local vegetables. Or steamed free-range chicken, grilled fish, seasonal produce, and fresh fruit.
13:00 – Departure for Can Tho
Now, it’s time to say goodbye to the host family and begin the return journey to Can Tho. A comfort stop will be provided along the way.
17:30–18:30 – Arrival in Can Tho
Arriving at the original meeting point or your hotel in central Can Tho. The exact arrival time may vary according to traffic and weather conditions.
The U Minh Forest Mekong – Ca Mau Eco Tour concludes.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Tour Inclusions
Private or shared air-conditioned transportation as specified
One-night accommodation at a local homestay or forest bungalow
English-speaking tour guide
Local guide for selected community and forest activities
Entrance fees for the attractions stated in the itinerary
Local motorized boat trip in the U Minh Ha area
Four included meals: one breakfast, two lunches, and one dinner
Two bottles of drinking water per guest per day
Travel insurance according to the tour operator’s policy
Service charges and applicable local taxes
Tour Exclusions
Breakfast on Day 1
Personal expenses and drinks not included with meals
Additional food or beverages ordered by guests
Tips for the guide, driver, boat operator, and local hosts
Domestic or international flights
Accommodation in Can Tho before or after the tour
Services and activities not specifically mentioned
Holiday and peak-season surcharges, where applicable
Important Notes
This itinerary involves substantial driving because Ca Mau Cape and U Minh Ha are located in different parts of the province.
Homestay accommodation is clean and welcoming but simple; facilities may be more basic than those of a city hotel.
Boat trips, observation-tower access, fishing, honey collection, and other forest activities depend on weather, water levels, seasonal conditions, safety requirements, and local conservation regulations.
Traditional honey harvesting is seasonal and cannot be guaranteed on every departure.
The itinerary may be rearranged while all practical core experiences are maintained.
Guests should bring insect repellent, sun protection, comfortable footwear, lightweight clothing, and a compact raincoat.
Travelers should inform the tour operator in advance of dietary requirements, allergies, mobility limitations, or medical conditions.
| Hotels in Can Tho | ||
| Star | Hotel | Room Type |
| 3-Star hotel in Can Tho | Hau Giang Hotel | Superior |
| 4-Star hotel in Can Tho | Muong Thanh Hotel | Superior |
| 5-Star hotel in Can Tho | Victoria Hotel | Superior |
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
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