About Bac Lieu
Bac Lieu, located in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam, is a province with a rich cultural heritage and a unique blend of influences from its Khmer, Vietnamese, and Teochew Chinese communities. Historically prosperous, Bac Lieu thrived during the French colonial period as an agricultural hub, known for rice farming and salt production. This period left behind a legacy of grand villas and colonial architecture that still dot the landscape today.
Today, Bac Lieu is a destination known for its cultural diversity, traditional Khmer temples, and vibrant cuisine. While modern industries such as food processing and fishing are prominent, the province retains its local charm. For travelers, there are many interesting things to do in Bac Lieu, from exploring historical landmarks to tasting its flavorful dishes and experiencing the quieter side of the Mekong Delta.
Is Bac Lieu worth to visit?
Bac Lieu offers an off-the-beaten-path experience compared to more touristy parts of the Mekong Delta, such as Can Tho. While it lacks the famous floating markets and extensive canal tours that draw many visitors to the region, it compensates with a unique cultural and historical appeal. This makes it an excellent destination for travelers seeking a more authentic and less crowded experience.
However, its distance from major tourist hubs and limited infrastructure for visitors can be a drawback. For a balanced itinerary, consider combining Bac Lieu with a visit to Can Tho or other nearby Mekong Delta provinces to experience both the popular attractions and the quieter charm of Bac Lieu.
Best time to visit Bac Lieu
Bac Lieu is in southern Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, sharing the same tropical weather patterns as the rest of the region. The dry season, which runs from December to April, is the best time to visit, offering sunny days and ideal conditions for exploring the area.
The rainy season lasts from May to November, with short but heavy downpours. While travel during this time is still possible, it may limit outdoor activities and accessibility to some sites.
How to travel to Bac Lieu
The largest city in Bac Lieu Province is Bac Lieu City, but due to its relatively small size and limited tourist infrastructure, it does not have as many direct connections as larger Mekong Delta hubs. Can Tho, about 100 km (~62 miles) or a 2-2.5 hour drive away, serves as the primary transportation hub for the region and may be a more convenient starting point for reaching Bac Lieu.
Flights to Bac Lieu
Bac Lieu does not have its own airport. The nearest option is Ca Mau Airport, located about 1.5 hours from Bac Lieu City. However, this airport only operates one or two daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City.
A better alternative is Can Tho International Airport, which offers multiple flight connections, including routes to Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Hanoi, and Da Nang. From Can Tho Airport, Bac Lieu City is approximately a 2-hour drive.
Bus options
Bac Lieu has a few direct bus connections with Ho Chi Minh City, with travel times ranging from 5 to 6 hours depending on stops and traffic. For convenience, sleeper buses are available, allowing you to save daytime hours for exploring Bac Lieu. Prices start from around 7 USD.
Alternatively, you can travel to Can Tho, which offers more frequent and varied bus options, and then continue onward to Bac Lieu by local transport or private transfer.
Private car with driver
A private car with driver is the most flexible and comfortable option, offering direct, door-to-door service between Bac Lieu and your starting point. This option eliminates the need for transfers and allows for a customized itinerary. For instance, you can turn the journey into a road trip, stopping at sights along the way, such as pagodas or local villages, and tailoring the trip to your preferences. Prices are agreed upon in advance, ensuring transparency and peace of mind.
Bac Lieu Travel tips
How long to stay here?
If you have limited time, the highlights of Bac Lieu can be covered in a day trip from Can Tho, allowing you to experience the most notable attractions without an overnight stay. However, if you enjoy off-the-beaten-track experiences and want to explore the cultural and rural areas more deeply, 2 days in Bac Lieu is a good option. Beyond the main sights, the province’s quiet charm and local culture are best suited for those looking to escape tourist-heavy areas.
What to prepare
- Cash: Many local restaurants and shops do not accept credit cards, and ATMs may be scarce in rural areas. It’s best to carry enough cash for your trip.
- Mosquito repellent: Bac Lieu’s rural and coastal areas can have mosquitoes, especially in the evening.
- Weather-appropriate clothing: Lightweight clothes for the tropical heat and a light jacket for rainy season.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential for exploring the outdoors, especially around the salt fields and wind farms.
Getting around Bac Lieu
- Taxi: Taxis are available in Bac Lieu Town, suitable for getting around town but not ideal for exploring the wider region.
- Car with driver: A private car with a driver is a flexible option for exploring Bac Lieu, but it may be harder to arrange locally due to the limited tourist infrastructure. Booking a driver from Can Tho or Ho Chi Minh City is often a better choice, though the driver is unlikely to double as a knowledgeable guide.
- Motorbike or Scooter: Renting a motorbike or scooter is a cheap and adventurous way to explore Bac Lieu’s rural areas. The roads are relatively quiet, but navigation can be tricky, so download offline maps and ensure you’re comfortable with driving in Vietnam’s conditions.
Where to go next
- Ca Mau: For those seeking even more remote and off-the-beaten-track destinations, Ca Mau, the southernmost province of Vietnam, is a natural next stop. It offers unique experiences like visiting U Minh Ha National Park and exploring the iconic southern tip of Vietnam.
- Can Tho: If you’re looking for a livelier destination with more facilities and the iconic Mekong Delta experiences like floating markets and river cruises, head to Can Tho, which is just 2-2.5 hours away.
Things to do in Bac Lieu
Bac Lieu offers a mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions that give insight into the unique heritage and lifestyle of the Mekong Delta. From bird sanctuaries and salt farms to spiritual landmarks and colonial-era architecture, there are many things to do in Bac Lieu for those looking to explore this less-traveled province. Below, we categorize and highlight some of the top attractions that showcase Bac Lieu’s distinct character.
1. Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary
The Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary, located 6 km southwest of Bac Lieu City, is a 385-hectare wetland reserve that serves as a breeding ground for over 50 bird species, including storks, herons, and cormorants. The sanctuary is home to around 40,000 birds and 5,000 nests, offering a unique opportunity to observe the thriving avian ecosystem, particularly during nesting season from May to October. Visitors can explore the sanctuary via electric golf carts, stopping at observation towers and posts along the way for birdwatching.
Tips:
- Be prepared for some areas to feel less maintained and bring mosquito repellent.
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to witness the birds taking flight.
- Bring binoculars for a better view of the birds in their natural habitat.
2. Bac Lieu Salt Fields
The Bac Lieu Salt Fields, located in Hoa Binh and Dong Hai Districts, are a testament to the region’s historic salt production. As one of Vietnam’s leading sea salt producers, these fields showcase the labor-intensive process of drying seawater to extract salt crystals. The salt farming season runs from December to April, with workers meticulously raking and piling salt under the hot sun.
3. Buddha Temple Ba Nam Hai
Known as Quan Am Phat Dai, this temple is one of Bac Lieu’s most significant spiritual landmarks. Located about 8 km from the city center, it features an 11-meter statue of the Lady Buddha facing the East Sea, symbolizing peace and compassion. The temple is also the site of the Nam Hai Quan Am Festival, held annually in the third lunar month, which attracts thousands of visitors.
Tips:
- Dress modestly and respectfully as it is a sacred site.
- Combine your visit with other nearby attractions in Bac Lieu City.
4. Cong Tu Bac Lieu House
The Prince of Bac Lieu House offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of wealthy landlords during the French colonial period. Built in 1919, this mansion features French architectural influences, with ornate carvings, spacious rooms, and grand staircases. Today, it functions as both a cultural attraction and a hotel, allowing visitors to experience a piece of Bac Lieu’s history firsthand.
Tips:
- Room 101, once home to the famous “playboy prince,” is particularly popular, so book early.
- Consider staying overnight to fully immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere.
5. Xiem Can Pagoda
Located on the route between Bac Lieu City and the Bac Lieu Wind Farm, Xiem Can Pagoda is an important Khmer cultural and spiritual site. Built over a century ago, the pagoda follows the Hinayana Buddhist tradition and is celebrated for its intricate architectural details, including serpent-decorated walls and elaborate carvings. The pagoda is a vibrant testament to the Khmer community’s heritage in the region.
6. Cao Van Lau Theater & Hung Vuong Square
The Cao Van Lau Theater is an architectural highlight of Bac Lieu, with its iconic roof shaped like three conical hats symbolizing the unity of the Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa ethnic groups. The surrounding Hung Vuong Square features landscaped gardens and an artificial lake, creating a tranquil space for visitors. The theater is named after Cao Van Lau, a renowned composer who contributed significantly to the region’s musical heritage.
7. Bac Lieu Wind Farm
The Bac Lieu Wind Farm is an iconic renewable energy project located on a 500-hectare coastal area in Vinh Trach Dong Commune. Featuring 62 towering wind turbines, the farm is a striking symbol of modernity amidst the traditional backdrop of the Mekong Delta. The site is particularly popular at sunset, when the light creates a picturesque scene of spinning blades against the sea and sky.
8. Gositaram Temple
Known as Cu Lao Pagoda, the Gositaram Temple is one of the most exquisite Khmer temples in the Mekong Delta. Located in Cu Lao Hamlet, about 5 km from Bac Lieu City, the temple is an “art museum” showcasing the skills of Khmer artisans with intricate decorations and vibrant colors of red, pink, and yellow. Surrounded by green fields and tall sugar palm trees, it offers a peaceful and picturesque setting.
9. Guanyin Buddha Statue
Located in Nha Mat Ward, about 8 km from Bac Lieu City, the Nam Hai Buddhist Temple (Quan Âm Phật Đài) is home to the iconic 11-meter-tall Guanyin Buddha statue. Standing majestically and facing the East Sea, the statue symbolizes peace and compassion. The temple hosts the Nam Hai Quan Am Festival annually in the third lunar month, attracting both pilgrims and tourists.
10. Tac Say Church
Tac Say Church is a prominent spiritual site located 37 km from Bac Lieu City in Gia Rai District. Known for its striking architecture, the church features three floors with white walls and a distinctive red-tiled roof. It is closely associated with Father Truong Buu Diep, a revered figure in the local Catholic community. Visitors can explore the peaceful grounds and learn about the legacy of Father Diep.
11. Xiem Can Pagoda
As one of the largest Khmer temples in the Mekong Delta, Xiem Can Pagoda showcases stunning Angkor-inspired architecture. Located along the route to the Bac Lieu Wind Farm, the pagoda features intricate carvings, serpent motifs, and vibrant colors. The serene grounds and towering sala trees add to its allure, making it a must-visit for those interested in Khmer culture.
12. Vinh Hung Ancient Tower
The Vinh Hung Ancient Tower, located in Vinh Loi District, is an 8-meter-tall structure dating back to the Oc Eo culture (1st–7th centuries). It is the only remaining example of Oc Eo architecture in the Southwest. Excavations have uncovered artifacts such as Linga-Yoni statues, copper figurines, and intricate pottery, offering insights into the ancient history of the region.
Where to stay in Bac Lieu
If you’re considering Bac Lieu as a destination, there are options for staying both in the main town and in more rural or coastal settings.
As a Day Trip from Can Tho
You can opt to explore Bac Lieu as a day trip from Can Tho. With a drive of around 2.5 hours each way, it’s feasible to visit the major sights in a single day, especially if you plan your itinerary efficiently.
Staying in Bac Lieu
If you prefer to stay in Bac Lieu, most accommodations are concentrated in Bac Lieu town, the province’s main hub. This is an excellent base for exploring local attractions like the Cao Văn Lầu Theater, the Prince of Bac Lieu’s House, and the nearby Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary. Hotels range from budget-friendly options to mid-range properties catering mostly to domestic travelers.
For a more authentic rural experience, you can stay in homestays located in local villages. While charming, these accommodations are typically basic, and you should be prepared with essentials like mosquito repellent and cash for local purchases.
Along the coast, there are a few accommodations near the Bac Lieu Wind Farm and Quan Âm Phật Đài. While these offer a peaceful atmosphere, keep in mind that Bac Lieu is not a beach destination, so don’t plan a seaside holiday here.
Travel itinerary for Bac Lieu
Bac Lieu’s top attractions are conveniently located within a compact area, making it easy to explore even on a day trip. Starting from Can Tho, the first stop is around a 2.5-hour drive, depending on your starting point.
Itinerary
- Gôsitaram Temple (Chùa Ghositaram)
Begin your day just outside Bac Lieu town at this stunning Khmer temple. - Cao Văn Lầu Theater (Nhà hát Cao Văn Lầu)
Head into Bac Lieu town to visit the iconic theater with its three conical hat design, located in Hung Vuong Square. - Prince of Bac Lieu’s House (Nhà Công Tử Bạc Liêu)
Nearby in the town center, explore the luxurious mansion that reflects the province’s colonial-era affluence. - Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary (Vườn Chim Bạc Liêu)
Drive a short distance out of town to this wetland reserve, home to thousands of birds and a rich ecosystem. - Guanyin Buddha Statue (Quan Âm Phật Đài)
Continue toward the coast to visit this majestic statue, a significant spiritual landmark in Bac Lieu. - Bac Lieu Wind Farm (Cánh Đồng Quạt Gió Bạc Liêu)
Enjoy the scenic coastal views and modern wind turbines at this impressive renewable energy site. - Xiem Can Pagoda (Chùa Xiêm Cán)
Complete your journey with a visit to this Khmer pagoda, known for its intricate architecture and serene setting.
From here, you can either return to Can Tho or loop back to Bac Lieu town to conclude your trip.
