Top 10 Most Enthralling Attractions in Ca Mau

Among the captivating natural wonders in Ca Mau, Silver Stone Island in Tran Van Thoi district, 50 km away from the city center by waterway, stands out. It takes about 1.5 hours by motorbike from the city, making it a prime spot for adventurers. This ancient archipelago of over 180,000 years old retains its pristine beauty and clean air, surrounded by the vast sea. Nature's miraculous creations here include fascinating granite formations like the fairy well, fairy hand, fairy yard, etc. Additionally, this mystical sea area carries spiritual legends about the Whale Fish, believed to rescue fishermen in distress. The most renowned historical site here is the Hai Nam Whale Temple, honoring a giant whale skeleton revered for millennia. The region's dense forests and rare flora add to Silver Stone Island's eco-tourism potential. Visitors to the temple can admire the displayed whale skeleton, and every year on the 23rd of May according to the lunar calendar, locals, fishermen, and tourists gather for the Whale Worshiping Festival, praying for good weather, national peace, and bountiful catches.

As one of the 13 provinces in the Southwest of Vietnam, the river culture of the garden is a characteristic beauty easily found when visitors come to Ca Mau. On the Ganh Hao river, at the heart of the city, hundreds of boats of all sizes gather daily for the exchange of goods. This bustling atmosphere, mixed with a unique, rustic, and poetic flavor, is found at the Ca Mau Floating Market. The market's approachable beauty and the charm of simple river life captivate every visitor who comes to Ca Mau.

The Ca Mau Floating Market focuses on wholesale various goods from food, essential products, fresh fruits, and vegetables from the gardens to the traders. The locals are genuine and humble, trading on boats along the river, leaving a lasting impression of the unique charm of the floating market, typical of the Western provinces. Fruits like squash, guava, watermelon, coconut, papaya, mango, pineapple, and rambutan are available. Additionally, the market also sells 'chiếu rong,' a distinctive item that often reminds people of Ca Mau.

For those passionate about exploring pristine and mysterious nature, a visit to the Lower U Minh Forest in Ca Mau is a must. As a vast natural museum, the U Minh Ha National Park boasts an incredibly rich and diverse ecosystem, preserving and breeding rare biological genes, contributing to the country's scientific, cultural, and historical development. Through the famous film 'Southern Land,' the Lower U Minh Forest is depicted as a wild world full of challenges, echoing the stories of pioneering ancestors who tamed the land centuries ago. Spanning over 8,527 hectares, it's recognized by UNESCO as one of the three largest biosphere reserves in the world, home to over 250 plant species, 180 bird species, and 20 common reptiles, alongside many rare animals awaiting discovery by biologists.

Visitors to U Minh Ha can experience the thrill of navigating through the forest on small boats, immersing themselves in the deep, wild, and mysterious jungle scenery. Besides, you can enjoy unique local dishes such as fried field mice, green bean stewed snake, and steamed eel with local herbs. A trip to U Minh Ha promises to leave a lasting impression. Particularly, beneath the canopy, diligent bees collect nectar from tram flowers, yielding significant honey harvests annually. From December to June, the honey harvesting season offers a fascinating experience of following beekeepers into the forest to collect honey, topped with tasting fresh bee larvae dipped in thick, shiny, sweet honey.

Dubbed Ca Mau's 'gem,' Hon Khoai is a priceless natural masterpiece generously gifted to this land's tip. Situated 14.6 km southwest from the mainland, it's not just a marvel of nature with its captivating skies, dense forests, and vast seas but stands proudly in the ocean as a natural fortress guarding the nation's territory. Amidst historical upheavals, this archipelago bears the marks of heroic historical relics from the resistance against the French, most notably the Lighthouse - the earliest maritime beacon in Vietnam's territorial waters.

Formed during the Jurassic period of the Mesozoic era, Hon Khoai enchants visitors with its stunning natural landscapes and poetic beauty, evoking feelings of being lost in an ancient, primitive world. Explorers can feast their eyes and fuel their imagination on the creatively shaped rocks and cliffs, sculpted by the waves over millions of years. Furthermore, Hon Khoai's natural world is a priceless ecological museum, home to over 1000 species of flora and fauna residing on the island, captivating the soul of any traveler who ventures to this magical archipelago.

Positioned in the Southeast of Ca Mau, Khai Long Beach Resort was established to showcase the harmonious beauty between the sea and the mangrove forests, a distinct natural scenery unique to the Dat Mui region. Spanning 230 hectares, visitors here can enjoy the comprehensive beauty of the distant Hon Khoai islands amidst the vast sea and the primitive, majestic mangrove forests along the coast. Although not as majestic as Ha Long Bay, Khai Long's golden sandy beaches, shaped like a winding dragon, and its gentle waves create an interesting and poetic allure for every visitor. Offering leisure and beach tourism, Khai Long Beach Resort stands as an ideal destination for those seeking the beauty of a Southern beach.

A 20-meter-high statue of Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy), facing the East Sea, erected in 2008, stands as a beacon for fishermen returning from the sea, signaling their homecoming and a place where they often pray for peace and prosperity for their families. Not only fishermen but visitors from all over are drawn to admire this Guanyin statue at Khai Long. Additionally, watching the sunrise over the sea here is a beloved experience; guests can relax on the soft white sand, enjoy breakfast, and watch the sunrise from the eastern shore, refreshing the spirit and alleviating all worries and fatigue.

Adjacent to the open sea, the land and geology of Ca Mau are predominantly saline, giving rise to the unique and distinctive ecological system of this southernmost region - the Nam Can Mangrove Forest. In such saline conditions, mangrove and cajeput trees are resilient life forms thriving in the flooded areas. An hour's speedboat ride from Ca Mau Floating Market, the Nam Can Mangrove Forest is a biologically rich reserve home to species typical of mangrove ecosystems such as white frogs, herons, and barramundi. Exploring this magnificent mangrove forest, visitors can delve into the mysteries of nature and immerse themselves in the pristine, fresh air of the wilderness, relieving life's pressures and connecting more closely with nature.

Moreover, as you boat through the Ca Mau mangroves, you'll have the chance to hear boatmen share the origins of the mangrove and enthralling stories related to it, guaranteeing a fascinating experience. Especially, beneath the neat mudflats and the flowing waters, where other plants might have long perished, the mangrove thrives, robustly proliferating and silently making its way towards the open sea, becoming Ca Mau's most intriguing tourist spot that visitors should not miss. Overnight stays offer the unique experience of resting in traditional stilt houses within the forest and savoring unique local delicacies like barramundi, crab, and bummalo, ensuring unforgettable memories for travelers.

Thi Tuong Lagoon in Ca Mau, nestled along the Xang Ba Keo canal and a two-hour boat ride from the city center, spans 10 km connecting to the Gulf of Thailand. It comprises three areas: inner, middle, and outer lagoon, where local aquaculture thrives. At dawn and dusk, the lagoon transforms into a picturesque scene reminiscent of an ink painting, with thousands of lights twinkling on its surface by night, offering visitors a magical view. Beyond the natural beauty, guests can indulge in local delicacies while enjoying the traditional 'vong co' music, creating a serene experience. The Thi Tuong Lagoon also houses the historical Xeo Duoc Provincial Committee Base, recognized on June 11, 2007, as a provincial historical site. This location offers insights into the valiant efforts of revolutionaries during the Vietnam War and serves as an educational site for patriotism. Visitors can explore both the revolutionary site and the lagoon, with boat tours lasting around 1 to 2 hours. Improved access roads now make visiting Thi Tuong Lagoon more convenient than ever.

For wildlife enthusiasts and avid birdwatchers, the Ca Mau Bird Sanctuary in Dam Doi district is a must-visit. Home to thousands of birds, this sanctuary is a paradise for ornithologists and photographers alike. Amidst the pure air and pristine nature, visitors can observe rare bird species such as storks, plovers, and waterfowl, immersing themselves in the untouched beauty of the surroundings, all set to the natural symphony crafted by the sounds of myriad birds. The sanctuary's scientific and environmental significance draws numerous visitors eager to learn about bird behaviors and capture the unique and breathtaking natural scenery in their photographs.

Often a weekend retreat after a long week's work, visitors prefer the tranquil countryside scenery here to the bustling city life, seeking solace and relaxation amidst nature's embrace. The Ca Mau Bird Sanctuary, with its lush natural beauty, is the perfect spot for relaxation, offering a gentle countryside landscape for unwinding. Renowned photographers have captured this locale's enchanting scenery, adding to the charm of their portfolios. Additionally, the nearby Ca Mau cultural park's bird garden offers more to explore, including monuments, beautifully landscaped gardens, and intricately pruned bonsai trees, alongside architecture inspired by Uncle Ho's workplace.

Ong Trang Islet stands out as an enchanting eco-tourism destination in Ca Mau, located in Ngoc Hien district to the west of Dat Mui. This unique biosphere reserve offers visitors a picturesque landscape of vast sandbars enveloped by the dense greenery of the mangrove forests. Formed by annual alluvial deposits, Ong Trang Islet not only boasts a poetic beauty but also serves as a habitat for numerous economically valuable aquatic species. Its natural beauty and favorable conditions mark Ong Trang Islet as a burgeoning eco-tourism site with great future potential.

What makes Ong Trang Islet exceptional is its geographical location. Spanning approximately 122 hectares within the Ca Mau National Park area, it is particularly situated at the mouth of the Cai Lon River, enriching the islet with fertile alluvium. The islet’s shoreline expands annually by 50 to 80 meters, facilitating the growth of diverse marine life. Despite being divided into two segments by the Ong Trang river mouth, the ecosystem remains unified, creating a unique eco-tourism spot. The beauty of Ong Trang Islet is not only evident in its economic value and ecosystem but also in the serene and unspoiled natural scenery it offers, reflecting the tranquil waterways of Ca Mau.