Bạc Liêu A land with many famous legends. It was once known for the name of the Bac Lieu Prince who was familiar with “burning money to cook eggs” or the song Vọng Cổ Hoài Lang with a poignant opening line “From the rich noble, the sword shines brightly on the strings” has deeply engraved in the minds of music lovers.Bac Lieu is a place where many cultures of the Kinh – Chinese and Khmer people converge. Come here to witness the unique cultural features of this place.
I depart from Hai Phong, if you are traveling from elsewhere, you can also choose a similar flight.
Flight tickets to Bac Lieu:
Because Bac Lieu does not have direct flights, I will fly from Hai Phong at Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong) to Can Tho Airport. Then from Can Tho, take a Limousine to Soc Trang (about 2 hours)
Many of you may consider a trip covering Soc Trang – Bac Lieu – Ca Mau. But for me, I want to experience each place slowly, leisurely to truly feel the essence of each piece of land in our homeland.
Ticket price around 2 million VND (Book early 2 months in advance for the best tickets or hunt for 0 VND tickets from Vietjet. Check their Fanpage to see if there are any promotions for the Hai Phong – Can Tho route. The promotion hunting time is from 12pm to 2pm daily (But one thing to note is that you will have to depend on the flight date with the airline, not that 0 VND means you can fly anytime)
VietJet flights (There are flights every day of the week)
- Departure time: 8:50 – 10:55
- Return time: 6:15 – 8:00
Traveling from Can Tho to Bac Lieu:
We can travel from the airport to the Can Tho Bus Station (about 14 km away). Then buy tickets for around 100k-200k per ticket. Travel time: about 3 hours. Such as Phuong Trang, Tuan Hung, Tuan Hiep.
Or for more convenience, you can call Limousine Vu Linh to pick you up directly from the airport. (Phone number: 0299.3686.869 Ticket price: 160k – Travel time: about 2 hours 20 minutes)
Ideal time to visit Bac Lieu:
The weather in Bac Lieu is quite pleasant, so you can visit at any time of the year.
The climate in Bac Lieu is divided into 2 seasons:
- Rainy season (From May to October).
- Dry season (From November to April).
If you have the time, I think the best time to travel to Bac Lieu is from November onwards, with favorable weather conditions, no rain, and everywhere you go will be enjoyable.
Ideal time to stay here:
I only had 3 days to explore this place. Because of the flight and transportation. Those who are nearby probably can explore Bac Lieu in 1 or 2 days.
Hotels in Bac Lieu:
You can refer to many different hotels to choose from. Just search online for 3 seconds and you’ll find them. I prefer convenience so I booked a hotel right in the city center of Bac Lieu.
Transportation in Bac Lieu:
Renting a motorbike in Bac Lieu:
- Bac Lieu is small so you should ride a motorbike to have a great experience. Just ask the hotel to rent one for you to avoid the hassle of finding one. If not, there are phone numbers for renting bikes (Delivery service): 0906353152 – 0942904504 (Ms. Giau)
- The rental procedure is quite simple, just present identification documents such as ID card, passport, or driver’s license.
- Average price: 100k – 150k/day/manual bike, 200k – 250k/day/automatic bike. They also have bike rentals for half a day (6 hours).
Taxi rental in Bac Lieu
If you want to travel quickly and avoid rain or sun, just take a taxi. Since it’s a small place, taking a taxi won’t cost much. If 3 or 4 people share, it’s even cheaper than renting a motorbike.
What to eat in Bac Lieu:
Fermented fish hotpot
Fermented fish hotpot is eaten with typical Western vegetables such as bitter vegetables, water spinach, morning glory…
Address: Hong Gam Fermented Fish Hotpot No. 3/225B Provincial Road 38, Ward 5
Coconut duck tapioca cake
To enjoy the delicious and authentic coconut duck tapioca cake, you must visit Bac Lieu.Coconut duck tapioca cake, also known as pork skin tapioca cake, is a delicious breakfast dish in Bac Lieu, both refreshing and nutritious.To enjoy the best tapioca cake, just eat it with pork belly, meatballs, and a little minced pork liver. If you want to enhance the unique flavor, ingredients like garlic, fried shallots, sugar, and pepper are essential.
Address: Coconut Duck Tapioca Cake (Ms. Nhan) Le Duan, Ward 1
Radish cake
Thin layers of fragrant cake made from radish flour mixed with wheat flour.Inside the cake is a filling of shrimp, minced pork, and a little mung bean that is delicious.
When enjoying it, just eat it with a little lemon fish sauce, sweet and sour, to fully appreciate the unique flavor of this specialty dish.
Giant crispy pancake
Unlike the pancakes you usually see, Bac Lieu’s giant crispy pancake is several times larger than the usual pancakes.They are deep-fried so the crust is crispy.With ingredients like onions, shrimp, jicama, and green beans, it keeps you coming back for more. The filling of meat and shrimp is stir-fried before the pancake batter is added.
Address: A Mat Giant Pancake 182/2 Street 31, Giong Nhan Hamlet, Hiep Thanh
Ba khía
In essence, this creature has a shape quite similar to a field crab. Ba khía is abundant in Bac Lieu, so it has long been a common dish on the tables of families in this region.There are dishes like ba khía fish sauce, ba khía stir-fried with tamarind, or green papaya salad with ba khía that are very delicious.
Address: Ba Khía Restaurant, Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ward 7
Đuông chà là
The name may sound intriguing, but when the dish is served, many people are hesitant to try it. However, for those who are adventurous with food, enjoying đuông chà là is both rich and delicious, hard to resist.Dishes made from đuông chà là include grilling, butter-frying, or marinating in fish sauce.
Especially in the last months of the year, đuông chà là is in its prime season. It is a perfect time to indulge in this dish, leaving many people enchanted and unable to forget the experience.
Address: Bac Lieu Night Market Food Area, Ngo Gia Tu, Ward 3
Spicy beef vermicelli
The distinctive feature here is the super spicy vermicelli with satay sauce.The beef is tender while the beef tendons remain chewy.
Address: Anh Nguyet Restaurant, 119 Cao Van Lau, Ward 5
3-day 2-night self-sufficient travel itinerary to Bac Lieu
Day 1: TRAVEL (Hai Phong – Can Tho) and (Can Tho – Bac Lieu), MOTHER NAM HAI PAGODA, BAC LIEU BIRD GARDEN, IRIS SKY BAR BAC LIEU
Day 2: NHA MAT TOURIST AREA, BAC LIEU WINDMILL FIELD, XIEM CAN PAGODA, BAC LIEU CONG TU HOUSE, CAO VAN LAU OPERA HOUSE, GHOSITARAM PAGODA (CU LAO PAGODA), TRAVEL (Bac Lieu – Can Tho)
Day 3: RETURN TRAVEL (Can Tho – Hai Phong)
Detailed 3-day 2-night Bac Lieu itinerary
Day 1: TRAVEL (Hai Phong – Can Tho) and (Can Tho – Bac Lieu), MOTHER NAM HAI PAGODA, BAC LIEU BIRD GARDEN, IRIS SKY BAR BAC LIEU
MOTHER NAM HAI PAGODA
Located about 8km from Bac Lieu city is a famous pagoda in the province called Quan Am Phat Dai Me Nam Hai. When tourists visit Bac Lieu, no one can miss this place.Upon entering the pagoda gate, tourists are greeted by the 11m tall statue of Quan The Am Bodhisattva standing majestically in a spacious area overlooking the East Sea.
This is a prominent cultural and spiritual landmark of the local people. Tourists can come to pray for luck or enjoy the sacred value that this place brings.And it is said that when you travel to Bac Lieu, the first place you must visit is Mother Nam Hai Pagoda.
BAC LIEU BIRD GARDEN
Bac Lieu Bird Garden is a remaining part of the mangrove forest by the sea, gradually moving further away from the East Sea due to natural sedimentation.
Visitors will not be charged an entrance fee. However, there will be a fee of 360k/vehicle (7-8 people per vehicle) for a tour around the bird garden. Visitors will be taken to a tall hut to observe the birds every evening.
IRIS SKY BAR BAC LIEU
The bar is located on the top floor of the hotel, with a view overlooking one of the most beautiful main streets of Bac Lieu.Here, you can enjoy delicious drinks while admiring the panoramic view of Bac Lieu city from above and experiencing the sparkling beauty of Bac Lieu. Comfortable space, cool breeze, soothing music, and the stunning scenery are what Sky Bar Iris will offer you.
Day 2: NHA MAT TOURIST AREA, BAC LIEU WINDMILL FIELD, XIEM CAN PAGODA, BAC LIEU CONG TU HOUSE, CAO VAN LAU OPERA HOUSE, GHOSITARAM PAGODA (CU LAO PAGODA), TRAVEL (Bac Lieu – Can Tho)
NHA MAT TOURIST AREA
Nha Mat Tourist Area is considered one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Bac Lieu. The highlight of this entertainment area is the services for visiting the zoo, bird garden, crocodile fishing, thrilling games, a food area with hundreds of traditional Southern dishes and specialty seafood.
Upon arriving at Nha Mat Tourist Area, the first impressive sight is the image of an octopus lifting a boat at the entrance gate, which looks quite unique and interesting. Opposite the entrance gate is a high-end resort area offering modern relaxation services but close to nature. Inside are artificial mountain ranges and dragon caves integrated into Southern musical instruments lined up, creating a dreamy and magnificent natural landscape.
In terms of scale, Nha Mat Tourist Area is not inferior to large tourist areas such as Dam Sen, Suoi Tien (Ho Chi Minh City) because it has an artificial beach taken from a source of seawater 3km away from the mainland, with a modern wave system like real sea waves.
Ticket prices for visiting Nha Mat Tourist Area:
- Entrance ticket (without beach access): 30k/person
- Artificial beach access: 100k/adult, 80k/child
- Octopus swing ride: 30k/ticket
- Sky coaster ride: 30k/ticket
- Explore the mysterious cave: 30k/ticket
- Space flying: 30k/ticket
- Watch 6D movie: 30k/ticket
- Electric bumper car ride: 30k/ticket
- Visit the laughing house: 30k/ticket
- Karaoke singing: 50k/hour
BAC LIEU WIND FARM
Bac Lieu is where the wind farm is as beautiful as in Europe.
The best time to visit the wind farm is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to admire the sunrise or sunset. This is the only wind farm on the sea in Vietnam and the first wind power project in the Southeast Asia region built on the continental shelf.
Ticket price: 30k/person
XIEM CAN PAGODA
Although not the oldest pagoda, Xiem Can Pagoda can be considered one of the most magnificent and beautiful Khmer pagodas in the Southern region.
BAC LIEU PLAYBOY’S MANSION
Visitors to Bac Lieu must not miss the mansion of the most notorious playboy in the Southern region in the early 20th century, with famous legends such as burning a 100 dong bill to find the lost diamond ring of Miss Bay Phung Ha under the table.
Ticket price: 30k/person
CAO VAN LAU THEATER
Cao Van Lau Theater is an architectural landmark that holds the record for “The largest 3 conical hats-shaped theater in Vietnam,” considered the heart of Hung Vuong street where it is located.
The theater was built to express gratitude and respect for musician Cao Van Lau, hoping he will continue to inspire future generations with his artistic passion.
GHOSITARAM TEMPLE (CU LAO TEMPLE)
Heading further south, one cannot miss the serene Khmer temples, weathered by time, moss-covered or colorful. Particularly, Bac Lieu is home to a famous Khmer temple with the title of the largest Khmer temple in Vietnam.
Ghositaram Temple is only 6 km away from downtown Bac Lieu. It is the most unique Khmer temple in the Mekong Delta region as well as in Vietnam.
TRANSPORTATION (Bac Lieu – Can Tho)
This is very simple. You just stand on National Highway 1 and catch a ride from Ca Mau heading back to Can Tho.
It takes 2.5 hours to get there.
Choose a hotel near Can Tho Airport (on Vo Van Kiet Street) so you can wake up early the next day to fly back to Hai Phong.
Day 3: RETURN TRIP (Can Tho – Hai Phong)
Remember to arrive at the airport 1.5 hours before your flight to complete all the boarding procedures.
Bac Lieu Review
- Bac Lieu is home to various ethnic groups such as the Chinese, Vietnamese, Khmer, Chams…
- The people of Bac Lieu have a liberal style, typical of the Southern region.
- Bac Lieu is famous for its wealthy playboy, the Bac Lieu Young Master, and is also associated with the name of musician Cao Van Lau and the song “Dạ cổ hoài lang” which laid the foundation for the development of Southern traditional music.
Visit Bac Lieu and experience this peaceful land.
What to buy as gifts in Bac Lieu?
- Longan wine.
- Vinh Hung sour fermented fish.
- Bac Lieu three-crab fermented fish.
- Dried snakehead fish.
Above is the itinerary for a 3-day, 2-night trip to Bac Lieu with a detailed Bac Lieu review. Wishing you a joyful and meaningful trip to Bac Lieu.
