Bac Lieu Province Vietnam belongs to the Ca Mau Peninsula in the southmost of Vietnam, sharing a border with the provinces of Hau Giang and Kien Giang in the Northwest, Soc Trang in the Northeast, Ca Mau in the Southwest and the South China Sea. The province has a long coastline of 56km, connecting with the crucial beaches such as Ganh Hao, Nha Mat and Cai Cung.
With a natural area of 2,582.46km2, Bac Lieu Vietnam consists of 6 districts, namely: Hoa Binh, Vinh Loi, Hong Dan, Gia Rai, Phuoc Long, Dong Hai and Bac Lieu City, which is an administrative center of the province.
- Postal code: 960000
- The nearest airport: There is currently no airport in this province. The nearest one is Ca Mau Airport in Ca Mau Province - 60km away from the city center.
I - What is Bac Lieu weather like?
Wind turbine - Source: wikipedia.com
It is characterized by a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: the rainy season (May - November) & the dry season (December - April). The average rainfall is about 2,000 - 2,300mm annually, average temperature is 26°C, the shining hours are 2,500-2,600 hours, and an average humidity during the dry season is 80%, 85% in the rainy season. Bac Lieu Province is rarely affected by storms, tropical depressions and floods, but is strongly influenced by tides of the South China Sea. Most of the tourist sites in this province are historical relics and garden houses, therefore you can travel at any time of the year regardless of weather conditions.
II - Where to go in Bac Lieu Vietnam?
Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary, the mansion of Bac Lieu Prince, Ho Nam Ecotourism Area, Nha Mat Tourist Site, Xiem Can Pagoda, Tom Khoe Farm, Hung Thien Pagoda, Ghasitaram Pagoda,... are considered as the most famous attractions in the province.
1 - Top attractions in Bac Lieu Province: Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary
Bird gardens - Source: vntrip.vn
The sanctuary has a total area of 385ha with 19ha of primitive forest, home to 150 species of fauna, 104 species of flora, many of which are listed in the Red Book of Vietnam. Besides admiring the diverbiosity of the sanctuary, you can take beautiful photos with a stunning background of bright canary flowers or burma padauk, etc. The other exciting experience at the Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary must be getting on a dinghy on the canal lined with green trees on both sides to enjoy cool fresh air and soothing moments among vast space. You will have a joyful time strolling or riding an electric bike in the forest and participating in exciting games such as blindfolded football catch, dinghy race, cycling across the bridge and swinging rope, etc. To have a panoramic view of verdant forests and Bac Lieu Province, it is best for you to climb up the observatory in the sanctuary to let your mind wander among the immense space filled with flocks of birds and ear-pleasing sounds.
- Entrance ticket: 30,000 VND/ person ($1.32)
- Address: Cao Van Lau Street, Nha Mat Ward, Bac Lieu City
2 - The mansion of Bac Lieu Prince
This is the most luxurious mansion of that time - Source: ktds.vn
Bac Lieu Prince (1900-1973) was famous as one of the richest persons in Vietnam at that time. The mansion was constructed from 1917 to 1919, characterized by luxurious Western architecture, and outstanding as the most magnificent house at that time. Most materials and furniture and housewares inside the house were taken from Paris to Vietnam. Right after coming to this mansion in Bac Lieu Province, you will be overwhelmed by sophisticated patterns and the elegance with the shimmering yellow light and delicately decorated pillars. It consists of two floors and a terrace. There is also another wooden stair leading to the terrace where the father of Bac Lieu Prince used to dry out money in the past. You also get to admire precious and valuable artifacts left such as: a “cold” bed made of fragrant rosewood, a “hot” bed made of narra padauk, a one-piece wood sofa, “Three unicorn” turntables made of stone,... Until now, the mansion has been still kept untouched and most furniture in the house have been well preserved, many items and amenities are still working well.
- Address: No.13 Dien Bien Phu Street, Ward 3, Bac Lieu City
- Ticket: 30,000 VND/ adult ($1.3); 20,000 VND/ kid ($0.88)
3 - Ho Nam Ecotourism Area
Ho Nam Ecotourism Area - Source: googlemap
Ho Nam Ecotourism Area is actually a complex of resorts, restaurants, and a conference center - wedding venue, golf course, swimming pool, tennis court, souvenir, children’s playground, check-in places such as love bridge, heaven ladder, etc.
Ho Nam Ecotourism Area in Bac Lieu Vietnam is located near a freshwater lake with an area of 12ha, typical of the Southern region of Vietnam with lush green trees and flower gardens around. The food court is designed with poetic cottages located around the airy lakeside, serving a diverse menu which includes nearly 800 specialities of many regions along the country. The playground for children features a myriad of interesting folk games such as swinging, buffalo riding in the meadow, yachting, fishing, etc. Besides, visitors can enjoy the relaxing time in spa and massage rooms, gyms, or karaoke, etc.
- Address: No.02 Tran Quang Dieu Street, Group 1, Ward 1, Bac Lieu City
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kdlhonambaclieu
4 - Nha Mat Tourist Site
Nha Mat Tourist Site - Source: nld.com.vn
Nha Mat Tourist Site is nicknamed as “Fairy stream of the western region of Vietnam” with a large-scale man-made beach and a wealth of interesting games and activities. With an area of more than 21ha, Nha Mat Tourist Site in Bac Lieu Province consists of three zones: shopping mall and hotels, tourist - service area, parks and public services. The very first thing attracting visitors must be Tien Rong artificial beach with an area of 10,000m2, impressive with clear blue water. It is equipped with the modern Spanish system of creating artificial sea waves to make bathers feel like they are immersed in the real blue sea. The beach also comprises an aquarium - the largest one and most beautiful in the Mekong Delta, providing a myriad of exciting water games such as rope swing, slide tower, cable car, etc. Moreover, coming to Nha Mat Tourist Site in Bac Lieu Vietnam, you get to discover the bird sanctuary with more than 60 species of birds and a wide range of animals such as bears, deers, weasels, ostrich, python, monkey, iguana, etc.
Nam Hai Buddha Temple of Ba Nam Hai belonging to the Nha Mat Tourist Site has an area of nearly 3ha, featuring a 11m-high Buddha statue, built in 1973. The statue faces the China East Sea, expressing the desire of giving prosperity and good luck for local fishermen. Every year, the pagoda holds official festivals on March 21st to 23rd of the lunar calendar.
- Address: Bach Dang Street, Nha Mat Ward, Bac Lieu City
- Entrance fee (exclude swimming): 30,000 VND/ person ($1.31)
- Bathing in the artificial beach: 100,000 VND/ adult ($4.4); 80,000 VND/ kid (1-1.3m)
- Ferris wheel, a mysterious cave, free fall ride, 6D cinema, “laughing house”: 30,000 VND/ each game ($1.31)
- Note:
+ The roller coaster is open from 7:30am - 5:30pm during weekdays and from 7:00am - 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and New Year’s Eve.
+ A group of more than 20 people get a discount of 10,000 - 20,000 VND/ person ($0.44 - 0.88) for each type.
+ If you buy the ticket for swimming in the artificial beach, you are free to go sightseeing on the campus of the tourist site.
5 - Top attractions in Bac Lieu Vietnam: Xiem Can Pagoda
Xiem Can pagoda - Source: @deven.hwang
The pagoda is outstanding with a typical architecture of Khmer’s spiritual culture. It was built in 1887 with an original area of 4,500m2. This is considered the oldest and the most splendid pagoda in the province. The complex of Xiem Can includes great surrounding walls, a three-entrance gate, the main hall, bell tower, tomb area, and the resting places of monks. The entire Xiem Can Pagoda in Bac Lieu Province Vietnam is painted in bright yellow color, highlighted with orange-red patterns, which reminds visitors of the majestic temples of Cambodia and Thailand. The reliefs on the three-entrance gate clearly represent the spiritual culture of the Khmer people. The main hall will blow you away with its charm and splendor. The roof corners of the hall are meticulously decorated with a long, curved, soft snake tail. The most outstanding feature must be 100 round concrete pillars which are sophisticatedly designed with detailed patterns. Opposite the main hall of Xiem Can Pagoda in Bac Lieu Vietnam is another small pillar curved with the image of a five-headed snake, used to light candles on holidays or festivals. Behind the main hall is the group of traditional sala houses, built totally of wood and designed with unique patterns which have been still kept unchanged over the long period of time. On the roof of sala houses is the statue of Sidatta prince riding a white horse to find enlightenment.
- Address: Bien Dong B Hamlet, Vinh Trach Dong Commune, Bac Lieu City
6 - Tom Khoe Farm
Tom Khoe Farm - Source: @nongtraitomkhoe
Tom Khoe Farm is a perfect green for those who would like to immerse themselves in nature. There is a mangrove forest which is requisitioned as an eco-tourism model, but still retains the natural environment. Coming to the farm can experience the daily life of the local people and enjoy rustic indigenous dishes. At Tom Khoe Farm in Bac Lieu Vietnam, you and your travel mates will have fun when sitting on a raft and traveling around the mangrove forest, then take a rest under the canopy to enjoy food and breathe in the cool fresh air. In addition, you can join in farm activities and wade in the mud to catch crabs and fish, etc.
- Address: Hamlet 15, Vinh Hau A Commune, Hoa Binh District
- Ticket: 30,000 VND/ person ($1.3)
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nongtraitomkhoe
7 - Hung Thien Pagoda in Bac Lieu Province
The pagoda is famous for the statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, also called Mother Dong Hai by the locals with a height of more than 43m, making it the highest Buddha statue in the Mekong Delta region until now. The giant, white statue is located on a campus of 2ha, among the vast green space, fields, and gardens, creating a picturesque scenery. Hung Thien Pagoda in Bac Lieu Vietnam welcomes visitors by a three-entrance gate, then you will be strongly impressed by 32 statues of Quan Am Buddha in different postures. In the center of the pagoda is the white statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara on a pink lotus-shaped pedestal which is 10m high. To get to the pedestal, you have to walk through 52 steps. In particular, there is a stair inside the statue to reach the peak of the statue.
Address: Phu Tong Hamlet, Hung Hoi Commune, Vinh Loi District,
8 - Ghasitaram Pagoda - a famous pagoda in Bac Lieu Province
Ghasitaram Pagoda - Source: @quê tôi bạc liêu
Ghasitaram, also known as Cu Lao Pagoda, is a typical Khmer Pagoda. It was built in 1860 in a campus of 4ha, in front of the pagoda are rows of borassus trees which is a familiar image of the region. It includes the main hall, stupas, school, and monastery, etc. The main hall is considered the largest main hall of pagodas in Vietnam with an area of more than 427m2, and a height of over 36m. This spiritual pagoda in Bac Lieu Vietnam was constructed according to the traditional architecture of ancient Khmer Theravada Buddhism combined with modern architecture. The patterns and reliefs are typical of Angkor's, from lotus-shaped motifs with gentle and elegant curves to strong and balanced asterisks on the windows and doorways. From afar, the main hall is glorious with the red - yellow background, typical colors of Khmer’s pagodas. Both inside and outside the Ghasitaram Pagoda in Bac Lieu Province is meticulously decorated with hundreds of statues in the legend of Tam Tang Kinh of Buddhism. The space among the pillars are carved with many reliefs depicting vivid stories about the life of Buddha. In the campus of the pagoda are two towers to store the gauss of the late monks together with a crematorium and other auxiliary architectural works. There are several important festivals of the Khmer community in the pagoda, namely Dolta festival, Dang Y festival, Chol Chnam Thmay festival,...
- Address: Cu Lao Hamlet, Hung Hoi Commune, Vinh Loi District
III - Good to know about Bac Lieu Vietnam’s tourism
1 - Top 3 Bac Lieu hotels
This is the list of some nice hotels in the province:
New Palace Hotel
New palace hotel - Source: chuanviet.com.vn
This is one of the largest and most modern hotels in the province currently which is impressive with the luxurious space and environmentally friendly campus. ALl rooms are fully equipped with advanced and modern facilities as well as amenities.
- Address: No.36 Tran Quang Dieu Street, Ward 1, Bac Lieu City Center
- Rate: from 600,000 VND/ room/ night ($26.3)
- Contact: +84 291 3949 888
Saigon Bac Lieu Hotel
The hotel is located right in the city center, about 1 minute walk to a vibrant night market, about 20 steps to the mansion of Bac Lieu Prince. The hotel features a system of 100 3-star standard rooms, making it the largest hotel of the province.
- Address: No. 02-04-06 Hoang Van Thu Street, Ward 3, Bac Lieu City
- Rate: from 590,000 VND/ room/ night ($25.85)
- Contact: +84 291 3822 437
Hotel Royal
Located in the city center, this is one of the best Bac Lieu hotels. It is very convenient to travel from the hotel to other famous tourist attractions in the province. The 2-star hotel consists of 20 well-equipped rooms in total, providing guests with large space and a broad view of the beautiful city with large windows.
- Address: No.08 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Ward 3, Bac Lieu City
- Rate: from 560,000 VND/ room/ night ($24.53)
- Contact: +84 291 3676 767
2 - Signature dishes of Bac Lieu Vietnam
Fermented fish sauce hot pot & Tam Bi cake - Source: Internet
Apart from impressive tourist sites, this province also “satisfies” visitors with its rustic but scrumptious cuisine. Here are a couple of the most outstanding specialities that you must try once traveling to this province.
Lau mam (fish sauce hotpot)
the dish is considered the quintessence of cuisine of the Mekong Delta as it reflects the culture in its flavors, namely Viet, Cham, and Khmer. There are a wide array of ingredients to make this special hotpot such as: basa meat, shrimp, squid, water spinach, water lily, etc.
Some famous restaurants for reference:
- Lau Mam Hong Gam:
+ Address: No.03/225b Tinh Lo 38 street, ward 5, Bac Lieu City
+ Rate: 150,000 - 200,000 VND/ hotpot ($6.6 - 8.76)
- Lau mam Kim Cuong
+ Address: No.598 Tran Phu street, ward 7, city center
+ Rate: 150,000 VND/ hotpot ($6.6)
Ngan Dua silkworm cake (Banh tam)
The dish is made from plain rice flour, so it is very fragrant and flexible. It is served with boiled and shredded pork and meat, aromatic pounded roasted peanuts, sliced cucumber, coriander, bean sprouts, tomato sauce, sugar, chili, coconut water, vinegar, etc. Some places to eat:
- Banh tam Ngan Dua (Ms. Nhan)
+ Address: Le Duan Street, Ward 1, Bac Lieu City
+ Rate: 25,000 - 40,000 VND/ serving ($1.1 - 1.75)
- Ngan Dua market: No.34 Nguyen Minh Khai Street, Ngan Dua Ward, Hong Dan District
- Bac Lieu night market: Hai Ba Trung Street, Ward 3, city center
Bac Lieu spicy beef vermicelli
The broth is rich in taste and eye-catching with the red color of satay. The combination of milky white flexible noodles, cooked beef, cinamon, slices of fruit, lemon, cinnamon, bean sprouts, and water spinach, etc. make the bowl of vermicelli greasy and fragrant. Best places to enjoy this dish:
- Anh Nguyet spicy beef vermicelli: No.119 Cao Van Lau Street, Ward 5, Bac Lieu City
- Hoang My spicy beef vermicelli: No.47 Le Loi Street, Ward 3, city center
- A Tia spicy beef vermicelli: Ha Huy Tap Street, Ward 3, city center
3 - Top 3 festivals in Bac Lieu Vietnam
Da Co Hoai Lang festival - Source: giaoducthoidai.vn
“Dạ cổ hoài lang” Festival
This festival was held at the memorial site of the late musician Cao Van Lau in Ward 2, Bac Lieu City in every the lunar August 12th aiming at paying tribute to the late musician and predecessors for creating a unique traditional art form of “da co hoai lang” and “don ca tai tu”, and contributing to the conservation these kinds of special art forms of the nation, which was recognized by UNESCO as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. “Dạ cổ hoài lang” Festival in Bac Lieu Province includes two parts: ceremony and activities. The former features many different rituals such as offering incense, flowers, five-fruit tray, cake, votive paper, then reading funeral orations and praying for peace and prosperity, etc. The latter are a wide array of traditional musical performances, lotus-shaped floating paper lantern release, Bac Lieu food court organization and the display of artifacts and photos about the late Cao Van Lau musician as well as conventional craft products.
Nghinh Ong Festival
Held in three days from January 8th to 10th, this is one of the most important festivals of fishermen in Vinh Thinh Commune, Hoa Binh District, Bac Lieu Province Vietnam. This is an opportunity for people to come together to express their deep gratitude to the guardian God who keeps peace and brings good luck for the locality. There are two parts during Nghinh Ong Festival in Bac Lieu Vietnam: the ceremony and the festival. The first one takes place on the 9th with the sacrifice ceremony and palanquin procession of the “Nam Hai general”. Near the beach, there are hundreds of boats splendidly decorated with lights, flowers and colorful flags with solemn offerings, creating a lively atmosphere and recreating the typical folklore of the locality. After the ceremony is the festival with numerous interesting activities such as catching ducks, kicking stilts soccer, playing billiards, running marathons, playing beach volleyball and human chess.
Chol Chnam Thmay Festival in Bac Lieu Province
Chol Chnam Thmay Festival - Source: fmiuris.com
This is the largest traditional festival of the Khmer people with a majority of activities taking place right in the campus of the pagoda, featuring many different unique Buddhist rituals imbued with local culture, sports and folk games. It is held every year in mid-April of the solar calendar, which is in the transitional season between the rainy season and the dry season, when all plants thrive. This is the reason why Chol Chnam Thmay Festival in Bac Lieu Vietnam is called the beginning of a new year - Chol Chnam Thmay. At night, elderly Buddhist people gather in the lecture hall or main hall to listen to the monks' lectures while young men and women are in the yard to organize folk games and enjoy traditional art forms such as “Rom vong” dance, Duke, and Robam, etc.
4 - How to get around in Bac Lieu Vietnam?
There are two popular and convenient means of transport you can consider to go around in the province: taxi and motorbike. Here are a couple of taxi brands along with their contacts for reference:
- Cong Tu Bac Lieu Taxi: +84 291 396 9696
- Mai Linh Bac Lieu Taxi: +84 291 385 8585 or +84 291 625 0555
- Vinasun Taxi: +84 291 327 2727
Some motorbike rental agencies such as:
- Ngoc Giau motorbike rental:
+ Address: No.133/5, Ward 1, Bac Lieu City
+ Contact: +84 942 904 504 or +84 906 353 152
+ Fare: 70,000 - 280,000 VND/ motorbike/ day ($3.1 -12.3)
- My Ngoc motorbike rental:
+ Address: Highway 1A, ward 8, Chau Hung Town, Vinh Loi District,
+ Contact: +84 918 441 0002
+ Fare: 150,000 - 250,000 VND/ motorbike/ day ($6.6 - 11)
- Mr. Hung motorbike rental:
+ Address:No.89/353A, Cach Mang Street, Ward 1, Bac Lieu City
+ Contact: +84 949 069 333
+ Fare: 100,000 - 200,000 VND/ motorbike/ day ($4.4 - 8.8)
Tour agencies operating tours around the province:
- Tourism Joint Stock Company:
+ Address: No.02 Hoang Van Thu Street, Ward 3, Bac Lieu City
+ Contact: +84 291 3824 272
- Hoang Cung Tourism Agency:
+ Address: No.262 Tran Phu Street, Ward 7, city center
+ Contact: +84 291 3823 362
- Bac Lieu Vietravel:
+ Address: No.216 Tran Phu Street, Ward 7, city center
+ Contact: +84 291 3997 888
5 - Bac Lieu map
There are a myriad of factors that make a difference between Bac Lieu Vietnam with others, which are the biodiversity with many unique natural sceneries, historical-cultural relics, the typical Khmer architecture represented through a plenty of religious and spiritual architectural works, and rich intangible cultural heritages, etc. All of these “components” make a profound impression on visitors’ minds when paying a visit to this province.
