Ca Mau province is the southernmost of Vietnamese provinces. Nestled in the Mekong Delta, between the Gulf of Thailand to the west and the South China Sea to the south and east, Ca Mau province’s name means ‘the black land’. Fishing is one of the province’s main resources, and barges and boats find their way through the numerous canals.
Ca Mau city is the capital of the province and has a selection of mid-range hotels and restaurants. It is a small town that received a pleasant amount of waterway traffic. It is better to travel here during the dry season (November to April) to avoid mosquitoes and associated diseases. Favorite dishs to taste in Ca Mau are turtle meat and fish hot pots.
Attractions in the province include the U Minh biosphere reserve with its mangrove forest, the Mui Ca Mau (the southernmost point of Vietnam) and the Mui Ca Mau National Park (established in 2003). Bird sanctuaries welcome visitors at Ngoc Hien and Dau Roi. To fully enjoy this coastal province, time needs to be spent on the islands (Hon Khoai, Hon Chuoi and Hon Da Bac) and on Khai Long beach.
Reaching this province is easiest by road or by plane (there is an airport in Ca Mau city), while ferry services and speed boats ply the route to Ho Chi Minh City. Bus is another option.