Ca Mau

Ca Mau is where the Mekong Delta meets the sea, with mangroves, swamp forest and the southernmost point of Vietnam.

  • 6 attractions
  • Updated
  • By VO Travel Team
Best time
Nov – Apr
Ideal stay
2 days 1 night
Avg. cost
$25 – $60/day
Airport
CAH · 15m

Ca Mau Overview

Ca Mau is a quiet, watery province at the southern end of Vietnam, with Bac Lieu next door. It suits nature lovers and travellers who want to see the very end of the country.

Highlights of Ca Mau:

  • Cape Ca Mau: The southernmost point, reached by boat through mangrove forest.
  • U Minh Ha National Park: A swamp forest with boat rides and birdlife.
  • Hon Khoai Island: A small island group off the coast.
  • Bac Lieu: The prince’s mansion, wind farm and bird sanctuary are close to Ca Mau.

Best Time to Visit: Nov – Apr has the fewest rainy days (about 7 – 24 a month) at 26 – 28.7°C. May – Nov is the wettest stretch, with 24 – 30 rainy days a month.

Plan at least two days, since travel to the cape is slow.

Where to stay in Ca Mau

Where to base yourself, by travel style.

  • History and wind farm

    Bac Lieu City

    City stays close to the prince's mansion and the wind farm.

  • First-timers

    Ca Mau City

    City hotels and restaurants, the base for day trips to the mangroves.

  • Adventurers

    Dat Mui Cape Area

    Basic stays near the cape, for an early boat trip to the southern tip.

Things to do in Ca Mau

Hand-picked things to do.

When to visit Ca Mau

Temperature, rain and crowds by month.

  • January

    26.2°C ~ 79°F

    10 days of rain

    Crowds: Busy

  • February

    26.8°C ~ 80°F

    7 days of rain

    Crowds: Busy

  • March

    28°C ~ 82°F

    8 days of rain

    Crowds: Moderate

  • April

    28.7°C ~ 84°F

    15 days of rain

    Crowds: Moderate

  • May

    28.4°C ~ 83°F

    29 days of rain

    Crowds: Quiet

  • June

    27.5°C ~ 82°F

    28 days of rain

    Crowds: Quiet

  • July

    27°C ~ 81°F

    29 days of rain

    Crowds: Quiet

  • August

    27°C ~ 81°F

    30 days of rain

    Crowds: Quiet

  • September

    26.7°C ~ 80°F

    28 days of rain

    Crowds: Quiet

  • October

    26.5°C ~ 80°F

    29 days of rain

    Crowds: Quiet

  • November

    26.4°C ~ 80°F

    24 days of rain

    Crowds: Moderate

  • December

    26°C ~ 79°F

    15 days of rain

    Crowds: Moderate

What to eat in Ca Mau

Local dishes worth trying.

Local Specialty

Cua Ca Mau

Large mud crab from the Ca Mau mangroves, steamed or cooked with tamarind.

Local Specialty

Ca Keo Kho To

Small goby fish braised in a clay pot with pepper and fish sauce.

Best Souvenir

Banh Phong Tom Nam Can

Crisp shrimp crackers from the Nam Can area.

Local Specialty

Lau Mam U Minh

A hotpot with a fermented fish broth from the U Minh area.

Best Souvenir

Mat Ong Rung U Minh

Wild honey from the U Minh mangrove forest.

Getting to Ca Mau

Times, costs and booking links.

Step 1: Fly or travel to Ca Mau By air or road

Ca Mau has a small airport with limited flights; check current schedules. Many visitors come by road from Can Tho or Saigon.

  • Flight: Limited schedule; check which airlines fly now.
  • Bus or car: About 180 km from Can Tho, around 3 – 4 hrs.
Step 2: Go to the cape By road and boat

The cape is about 100 km from Ca Mau city; the last stretch is by boat through the mangroves.

  • Boat: A boat trip to the cape costs about 700,000 – 1,000,000 VND per group in recent reports; confirm the price.
  • Private car: Easiest for the road leg.
Step 3: Explore the area Scooter or car

Sights are far apart, so a car with a driver is practical.

  • Car with driver: Best for Bac Lieu and U Minh Ha.
  • Boat: Needed for the mangrove and cape trips.

FAQs

How many days do I need in Ca Mau?

Two days: one for the cape and mangroves, one for U Minh Ha and Bac Lieu.

How do I get to Cape Ca Mau?

By road to the Dat Mui area, then by boat through the mangrove forest.

Is Bac Lieu in the same area?

Yes, it is a short drive from Ca Mau city and is covered in this guide.

When is the best time to visit Ca Mau?

Nov – Apr has the fewest rainy days (about 7 – 24 a month) at 26 – 28.7°C. May – Nov is the wettest stretch, with 24 – 30 rainy days a month.

What should I eat in Ca Mau?

Mud crab, braised goby fish and local fermented-fish dishes.