Exploring Bạc Liêu, the hometown of the newly crowned Miss Vietnam 2012

In these days, the province of Bạc Liêu is in the spotlight as the birthplace of Miss Vietnam 2012, Đặng Thu Thảo, known for its unique local customs. Bạc Liêu, situated along the coastal area of the Mekong Delta in Southern Vietnam, is renowned for its contrast between the salty sea and fertile freshwater. Travelers can discover many fascinating aspects of Bạc Liêu, from immersing themselves in the luxurious lifestyle reminiscent of the bygone era to indulging in the aroma of freshly made sizzling pancakes amidst century-old longan orchards.

Traveling to Bạc Liêu using public transportation

From Ho Chi Minh City to Bạc Liêu, you can purchase tickets for Mai Linh buses (Phone: 08 39292929) on the route TP.HCM – Bạc Liêu. Tickets are available at 400A Lê Hồng Phong, District 1, Ward 10, and 293 Trần Phú, District 5, Ward 8, or you can request home delivery.

Take a Phương Trang bus, buy tickets, and depart from 328A Lê Hồng Phong, District 10 (08-38.333.468) or buy tickets at the Miền Tây bus station (Counter 31, Phone: 08-38.841.568). Phương Trang buses depart regularly throughout the day at predetermined hours (regardless of passenger volume).

Additionally, many buses to Bạc Liêu depart regularly from the Miền Tây bus station. Tickets are available for sleeper or seated options, priced from 125,000 – 160,000 VND/ticket. Travel time is approximately 6 – 7 hours, with stops at the Bạc Liêu city bus station.

Quan Am Buddha Tower (Nam Hai Bodhisattva) is situated in Nha Mat Ward, Bac Lieu City. Constructed since 1973, Nam Hai Bodhisattva area stands out as a prominent architectural, cultural, and spiritual landmark in Bac Lieu. Every year, thousands of tourists visit to explore, admire, and express their reverence. The Via Ba festival takes place every March, lasting for 3 days. It is a grand and solemn event, attracting numerous visitors.

Ancient Vinh Hung Tower

This ancient-looking tower is located in Vinh Hung Commune, Vinh Loi District, about 20km west of the center of Bac Lieu City along the bird flight path. To reach the site, you can choose either a vehicle or a boat. If you opt for a vehicle, travel from the town center along Cau Sap – Vinh Hung route, turn left after 2km to reach the tower. Choosing a boat allows you to admire the picturesque Bac Lieu river with lush green trees along the banks and almost year-round vibrant green rice fields, which is truly magnificent.

Representative Festivals of the People of Bac Lieu

Quan Am Nam Hai Festival

The Quan Am Nam Hai Festival is one of the distinctive folk festivals of the people of Bac Lieu, taking place at the Quan Am Buddha Tower in Bac Lieu town. Each festival on the 17th, 18th, and 19th of the 6th lunar month annually attracts tens of thousands of Buddhists, tourists, monks, and a large number of people from everywhere. The festival includes rituals such as prayers for peace, blessings, and offerings; the festival part includes exhibitions displaying images of the country, the people of Bac Lieu then and now, the fair area, and the procession of Quan Am Nam Hai.

Ganh Hao Whale Worship Festival

The Nghinh Ong Festival at the Ganh Hao seashore has been a gathering point for fishermen and visitors alike for many years. Taking place over 3 days (from the 9th to the 11th day of the 3rd lunar month), as the festival approaches, even when fishing boats are offshore, boat owners make sure to return to the mainland. They renovate and decorate their boats to participate in the procession of Ong from the open sea (about 5-7 nautical miles from the coastline).

Chol Chnam Thmay Tet of the Khmer People

The New Year festival of the Khmer people usually lasts for 3 days, extending to 4 days in a leap year. The time for this festival is usually in mid-April, marking the transition between the dry and rainy seasons in the South. For the Khmer community in the South, the New Year celebration has long become a traditional festival. Khmer families diligently prepare for the New Year by cleaning, decorating, and ensuring an abundance of food and drinks for the festive days. During this time, many traditional cultural activities of the Khmer people are also organized.

Ok Om Bok Festival

The moon offering festival or the 'flat rice dumpling sticking' ceremony (Bon som pes pres khe or Ok om bok) is held annually on the 15th night of the 10th lunar month. It is a time to remember and express gratitude to the moon, which the Khmer people consider a deity controlling the agricultural seasons. A special feature of the offering in this festival is the flat rice dumpling, hence it is also known as the 'Flat Rice Dumpling Sticking' ceremony.

Proposed Tour Itinerary:

• In the morning, visit the Bac Lieu Gentleman's House and Phuoc Duc Ancient Temple located in the city center. If time permits, continue to Vinh Hung Tower (about 20km from the town)
• In the afternoon, explore Xiem Can Pagoda, Bac Lieu Bird Garden, and Bac Lieu Beach along the same route
• In the evening, dine at the Bac Lieu Gentleman's House hotel restaurant, enjoy dinner, coffee, and stay overnight (if reservations are made).

What to Bring When Visiting Bac Lieu?

• Wear simple and comfortable clothing.
• Bring swimwear if you plan to swim at the beach.
• Coat, hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and insect repellent if you intend to explore the forest.
• Bring medical tape, medicated oil, and stomachache medicine to prevent sunburn-related discomfort from excessive travel.
• Carry a needle, thread, button, and bandage for unexpected situations.

Common Tourist Routes:

My Tho – Long An – Ben Tre – Can Tho – Bac Lieu – Ca Mau

Ho Chi Minh City – My Tho – Can Tho – Bac Lieu

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Source: Travel guide from Mytour – Reference from the Internet