Travel Guide to the Hometown of the Dashing Gentleman of Bac Lieu

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Means of transportation

Bạc Liêu is approximately 290 km away from the center of Ho Chi Minh City and takes 5 hours by car. Travelers can choose reputable bus companies for this route such as Phương Trang, Hoàng Yến, Kim Yến… with ticket prices ranging from 190,000 to 210,000 VND.

From the northern region, you can travel by air via the Hanoi – Can Tho flight route, then take a bus to Bạc Liêu operated by companies like Phương Trang, Tuấn Hưng, Vũ Linh… Tickets range from 80,000 to 100,000 VND for the bus and 1,900,000 to 2,700,000 VND for the flight. The total travel time is about 4 hours and 30 minutes…

To get around the city, besides motorbikes, people can choose buses as they are a popular means of transportation with high frequency.

Accommodation

The price for a guesthouse per night ranges from 180,000 to 300,000 VND, offering clean rooms, full amenities, and proximity to the city center. It's advisable to book early to experience the feeling of being a “landlord” at the Lord's House Hotel in Bạc Liêu with prices ranging from 500,000 to 1,200,000 VND.

Local Specialties

Preserved gourd pickles: a familiar dish among the people of Bạc Liêu. Clean young gourds, blanch in boiling water, soak in a jar with a mixture of rice water and salt for 3 to 5 days to make delicious pickled gourds.

Gourd pickles have a sour, crispy taste, perfect for dipping in soy sauce, braised fish sauce, shrimp salad... Gourds are also used in other dishes such as stir-fried shrimp, stir-fried pork, sour soup with snakehead fish, carp,... The price for one kilogram of pickled gourds is 40,000 - 50,000 VND.

Pickled radish: Also known as salted radish, best enjoyed with white rice porridge. Select large radishes, clean and slice into small strands, then dry in the sun and mix with sugar, five-spice powder, salt, and a little rice wine.

Radish cakes: The outer layer of the cake is made from a mixture of wheat flour and white radish powder, rolled thin into bite-sized pieces. The filling is made from shrimp, minced pork, mixed with mung beans seasoned to taste, then stir-fried until cooked. Serve with raw vegetables and a dipping sauce of lime, garlic, and chili.

Sweet and sour three-spot crabs:

Belonging to the crab family, with three distinctive ridges on their backs resembling knives, hence the locals call them three-spot crabs. For a delicious dish, use medium-sized crabs, clean them, remove the apron and the sharp tip of the shell. Soak in boiling water for about 15 minutes to disinfect and reduce saltiness, then cut into small pieces for easy consumption and quick seasoning absorption. Mix the crabs evenly with finely chopped garlic and chili, add lime, sugar, and suitable seasoning. Apart from sweet and sour dishes, three-spot crabs are also used in dishes such as tamarind stir-fry, three-spot crab paste, papaya salad with three-spot crabs,...

Attractions

Bạc Liêu Bird Garden: Following the road named after the late musician Cao Văn Lầu, about 8 km from the city center, visitors will reach the nature reserve area of Bạc Liêu Bird Garden. With high biodiversity, Bạc Liêu Bird Garden was recognized as a nature reserve in 1986. Entrance fee is 15,000 VND.

Lord's House Bạc Liêu: Located on Điện Biên Phủ street, Bạc Liêu city; the house was built in French architectural style in 1919. The house consists of a ground floor, an upper floor with 4 rooms and 4 spacious halls, with wide corridors so the house is always cool and airy.

In addition to sightseeing and learning about architecture, historical artifacts, visitors also have the opportunity to hear stories about the extravagant life of the wealthiest playboy in the southern region at that time. This is truly a destination that any visitor to Bạc Liêu wants to explore. Admission fee is 15,000 VND.

Nam Hải Lady Buddha: Built in 1973, located in Nhà Mát ward of the city; Nam Hải Lady Buddha is a prominent architectural, cultural, and spiritual work. The attraction is the 11m tall Lady Buddha statue facing the East Sea to protect and bless fishermen making a living on the sea.

Cao Văn Lầu Memorial Area: Located in ward 2 of the city, the final resting place of the famous Southern folk song composer of Dạ Cổ Hoài Lang. Here, visitors are introduced to his background, career, and the development process of the art form from the piece Dạ Cổ. Visitors also have the opportunity to visit free exhibitions displaying images of costumes, musical instruments, wax models of đờn ca tài tử... In 1997, the memorial area was recognized as a provincial historical relic.

Tắc Sậy Church: Located in Tan Phong commune, Gia Rai district, more than 40 km from the city center along National Highway 1A towards Cà Mau. The church is the resting place of Father Trương Bửu Diệp, revered and trusted by many. In a solemn and sacred atmosphere, the church is a place of prayer, seeking blessings not only for Catholics but also for people throughout the Western region. From the 11th to the 12th of the 3rd lunar month is the death anniversary of the father, attracting many people to visit.

Xiêm Cán Pagoda: A distinctive Khmer pagoda in Bạc Liêu, built in the 19th century on a spacious campus of 50,000 m2. Passing through cool green trees from the highway, visitors are amazed by the pagoda adorned with various patterns, motifs, along with unique carvings and sculptures.

Longan Garden: Visitors will be amazed to see giant longan trees stretching for tens of kilometers along the two communes of Hiệp Thạnh to Vĩnh Trạch Đông in the city. In addition to enjoying the sweet fruit, visitors can also participate in camping, picnicking...

Traditional Festivals

Nghinh Ông Festival: The festival is held on the 9th and 10th of the 3rd lunar month at the Whale Tomb in Gành Hào town, Đông Hải district. The festival commemorates the contributions of whales – regarded by coastal fishermen as the Great General of the Southern Sea because, according to legend, they have helped fishermen overcome storms and rough seas whenever they encounter storms.

Nọc Nạng Commune Festival: Takes place from the 15th to the 17th of the 2nd lunar month in Gia Rai district to commemorate and honor the predecessors' indomitable spirit during the 1928 struggle on the Nọc Nạng fields. Activities during the festival include: culinary exchanges, Chinese chess competitions, tug-of-war, kite flying, water-carrying competition, blindfolded pot smashing,...

Quan Âm Phật Đài Festival: On the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of the 3rd lunar month every year, the Vía Bà festival attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over to offer incense and pay respects.

Dạ Cổ Hoài Lang Festival: The festival takes place from the 13th to the 15th of the 8th lunar month at the Cao Văn Lầu Memorial Area. The festival aims to commemorate and honor the contributions of Mr. Cao Văn Lầu, who contributed to the creation and development of vọng cổ folk songs. Activities during the festival include artistic performances, đờn ca tài tử exchanges, ancestral music ceremonies, Mid-Autumn lantern procession and flower lantern release, exhibition of artifacts and images of Mr. Cao Văn Lầu, and traditional craft products…

Souvenirs

Specialties like pickled gourds, three-spot crab paste, longans... are unique culinary gifts from Bạc Liêu land for travelers to give to their loved ones and friends. Additionally, travelers can choose from a variety of books about Lord Bạc Liêu, cải lương CDs, vọng cổ CDs...

According to VnExpress

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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour

MytourJanuary 8, 2015

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best transportation options to reach Bạc Liêu from Ho Chi Minh City?

Travelers can opt for a reputable bus service, which takes about five hours and costs between 190,000 to 210,000 VND. Alternatively, flying from Hanoi to Can Tho followed by a bus ride to Bạc Liêu is another option, with a total travel time of around 4.5 hours.

How can I find affordable accommodations in Bạc Liêu during my visit?

Accommodation options in Bạc Liêu range from budget guesthouses priced between 180,000 to 300,000 VND to the Lord's House Hotel, offering rooms from 500,000 to 1,200,000 VND per night. It's advisable to book early to secure the best rates and locations.

What are some unique local specialties to try when visiting Bạc Liêu?

While in Bạc Liêu, don’t miss trying preserved gourd pickles, pickled radishes, and sweet and sour three-spot crabs. These dishes offer a unique taste of the region’s culinary heritage and are perfect for pairing with rice or as side dishes.

What attractions should I visit when I am in Bạc Liêu?

Key attractions in Bạc Liêu include the Bạc Liêu Bird Garden, Lord's House Bạc Liêu, and Nam Hải Lady Buddha. Each site offers a glimpse into the area's natural beauty and rich cultural history, making them essential stops for any traveler.

Are there any traditional festivals celebrated in Bạc Liêu that visitors should know about?

Yes, visitors can experience various traditional festivals in Bạc Liêu, including the Nghinh Ông Festival and the Dạ Cổ Hoài Lang Festival. These festivals feature cultural performances and community activities, providing insight into the local customs and traditions.