Best Time to Visit Xiem Can Pagoda: Bac Lieu’s Khmer Cultural Gem in the Mekong Delta

A Khmer Cultural Treasure in the Mekong Delta

Bac Lieu, now a vibrant ward of Ca Mau Province following Vietnam’s administrative reform, is a cultural highlight in the Mekong Delta, renowned for its rich heritage and natural beauty. With a 56 km coastline and a population of 1.3 million, including 20% Khmer residents, Bac Lieu attracts 18,000 travelers annually. Xiem Can Pagoda, one of the largest and most splendid Khmer pagodas in southern Vietnam, captivates with its Angkor-inspired architecture and vibrant cultural significance. Recognized as a National Historical Relic, it hosts key Khmer festivals like Ok Om Bok and Chol Chnam Thmay, drawing 400+ visitors during peak events. Visiting costs range from free to $45 (0–1,125,000 VND) for activities in a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F). Timing your visit enhances the cultural and spiritual experience at this Mekong Delta gem.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly tours to Xiem Can Pagoda, integrating cultural experiences with sustainable practices like electric transport to support local communities. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your Mekong Delta adventure.

Administrative Note

Use “Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” for navigation. Xiem Can Pagoda, located in Vinh Thanh Dong Ward, is 15 km from Bac Lieu’s center, easily accessible for cultural exploration.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 15,000 travelers annually across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Bac Lieu tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides, and partnerships with local Khmer communities to preserve cultural traditions, aligning with Vietnam’s goal to contribute 8–9% to GDP through sustainable tourism. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for a responsible, immersive journey aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.

Xiem Can Pagoda’s allure is enhanced by Bac Lieu’s tropical monsoon climate and vibrant Khmer festivals. Below are the optimal times to visit, updated to replace outdated references to March–April as the primary festival period and the Don Ta festival (less prominent in recent years).

Dry Season (November–April)

• Why Visit: Clear skies and cooler temperatures (24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F) make it ideal for exploring the pagoda’s intricate architecture and serene gardens. Expect 100–250 daily visitors, with minimal rainfall (~100–200 mm, 10% of annual precipitation).

• Key Event: Chol Chnam Thmay (Khmer New Year, April) features traditional music, dance, and rice offerings, with the pagoda adorned in vibrant decorations. Draws 300–400 visitors for its cultural vibrancy.

• Activities:

  • Guided tours of the pagoda’s murals and carvings ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND).

  • Photography in the lush gardens (free with entry).

  • Khmer cultural workshops, including Nhac Dan Toc music ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND) or Xanh SM electric taxis ($0.50–$1/km or 12,500–25,000 VND) to reduce emissions.

• Tip: Visit mornings (8:00 AM–11:00 AM) for cooler weather and fewer crowds; book festival tours 2–4 weeks ahead.

Rainy Season (May–October)

• Why Visit: Lush greenery enhances the pagoda’s serene ambiance, with fewer crowds (70–180 daily visitors). Short showers (1–2 hours daily) allow ample exploration time, despite high rainfall (~1,800–2,000 mm, 90% of annual precipitation).

• Key Event: Ok Om Bok (October/November, lunar 10th month) celebrates the harvest with boat races, Nhac Dan Toc music, and lantern releases, drawing 400+ visitors. The pagoda is festooned with colorful decorations, creating a lively atmosphere.

• Activities:

  • Participate in festival events like Apsara dance performances (free entry, activities $2–$10 or 50,000–250,000 VND).

  • Explore the pagoda’s Nirvana Buddha statue and main hall (free entry, donations $1–$5 or 25,000–125,000 VND).

  • Join Khmer language or craft workshops ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use solar-powered boats for nearby canal tours; carry reusable rain gear ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) to minimize waste.

• Tip: Plan festival visits for evenings; book tours 2–4 weeks ahead due to high demand.

• Dress Code: Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees); remove hats and shoes before entering the main hall or Sala subdivision to respect Theravada Buddhist practices.

• Photography: Allowed but avoid flash near sacred areas; respect monks and worshippers.

• Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; avoid touching sacred objects like the ancient Khmer leaf manuscripts or Nagar statues. Offer donations ($1–$5 or 25,000–125,000 VND) to support maintenance.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use reusable water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND); avoid littering to preserve the pagoda’s sanctity.

• Tip: Engage with monks for insights into Khmer culture; visit during prayer times (6:00 AM or 5:00 PM) for a spiritual experience.

Xiem Can Pagoda is 15 km from Bac Lieu’s center in Vinh Thanh Dong Ward, accessible via updated routes.

From Bac Lieu Center (15 km, 20–30 minutes)

• Bicycle: Rent for $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND) from Bac Lieu Market. Follow Tran Phu St. to Vinh Trach Coastal Rd., then signs to Vinh Thanh Dong Ward. Ideal for eco-conscious travelers.

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND) via app or hotline. A sustainable, low-emission option.

• Motorbike Taxi (Xe Om): $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) via Grab or Xanh SM apps.

• Navigation Tip: Save “Xiem Can Pagoda, Vinh Thanh Dong Ward, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Limited signage may require asking locals.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize bicycles or electric taxis.

From Ho Chi Minh City (280 km, 5–6 hours)

• Bus: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND) from Mien Tay Bus Station to Bac Lieu Bus Station (Ward 7), then a taxi ($6–$10 or 150,000–250,000 VND). Operators: Phuong Trang, Mai Linh.

• Private Car: $100–$130 (2,500,000–3,250,000 VND) for 4–7 seaters; $150–$180 (3,750,000–4,500,000 VND) for minivans via Legend Travel Group’s Eco Tour ($85–$130).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose buses or electric vehicles.

From Hanoi (1,800 km, 5–6 hours)

• Flight to Can Tho + Transfer: Fly to Can Tho International Airport ($70–$150 or 1,750,000–3,750,000 VND, 2–2.5 hours) via Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, or Bamboo Airways, then a taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND) or bus ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) to Bac Lieu, plus a local taxi ($6–$10 or 150,000–250,000 VND).

• Flight to Ho Chi Minh City + Transfer: Fly to Tan Son Nhat Airport ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND), then a bus ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND) or taxi ($150–$180 or 3,750,000–4,500,000 VND) to Bac Lieu.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose fuel-efficient flights and electric taxis.

From Ca Mau City (60 km, 1–1.5 hours)

• Taxi: Xanh SM electric taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND).

• Bus: $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND) from Ca Mau Bus Station to Bac Lieu, then a local taxi ($6–$10 or 150,000–250,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for electric taxis or buses.

• Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary (12 km): A 40 km² haven for over 50 bird species ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND).

• Tac Say Floating Market (15 km): Vibrant river market with boat tours ($12–$22 or 300,000–550,000 VND).

• Bac Lieu Salt Fields (Vinh Trach Ward, 10–20 km): Eco-tours of shimmering fields ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Nha Cong Tu Mansion (Ward 3, 1.5 km): Historic 1919 French-colonial estate ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Quan Cong Pagoda (Tac Say Ward, 15 km): 19th-century Chinese temple, free entry.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or electric taxis; support conservation with entry fees.

• Accommodations:

  • Mekong Breeze Homestay (Hiep Thanh Ward, 10 km): $18–$40/night (450,000–1,000,000 VND), eco-friendly with solar power.

  • Royal Bac Lieu Hotel (Ward 2): $50–$150/night (1,250,000–3,750,000 VND), modern amenities.

  • Muong Thanh Luxury Ca Mau Hotel (Ca Mau City, 60 km): $60–$200/night (1,500,000–5,000,000 VND), upscale with pool.

• Dining:

  • Bac Lieu Night Market (Ward 1): Offers Banh Xeo ($1.50–$3 or 37,500–75,000 VND) and Lau Mam ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND).

  • Quan An Ngon (45 Cao Van Lau St., Ward 2): Serves Bon Bon salad ($2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND).

  • Lau Mam Thanh Tam (123 Tran Phu St., Ward 1): Specializes in Lau Mam ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose accommodations and eateries using local, sustainable ingredients; bring reusable cutlery ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).

Activity Costs

• Pagoda Entry: Free; donations $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Guided Tours/Workshops: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

• Nearby Attractions: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Boat Tours (Tac Say): $12–$22 (300,000–550,000 VND).

Transport Costs

• Local Bicycle: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND) for 15 km.

• Motorbike Taxi: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) for 15 km.

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $18–$35 (self-guided visits, cycling, market dining).

• Mid-range: $40–$70 (guided tours, homestay stays).

• Luxury: $90–$130 (premium tours, upscale accommodations).

• Best Time: November–April for dry weather and clear access; October/November for Ok Om Bok; April for Chol Chnam Thmay. Book festival tours 2–4 weeks ahead.

• Sustainability: Use reusable water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND); support local artisans with craft purchases ($2–$10 or 50,000–250,000 VND).

• Safety: Remove hats and shoes before entering the main hall; dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees). Secure valuables; carry travel insurance ($5–$10/day or 125,000–250,000 VND).

• Navigation: 15 km from Bac Lieu center; use a Vietnamese SIM ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) for apps like Vietmap. Have the address in Vietnamese.

• Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; avoid touching sacred objects like the ancient Khmer leaf manuscripts.

Explore Xiem Can Pagoda with our sustainable tour packages:

• Bac Lieu Foodie & Nature Tour ($80–$120/person, 1 day): Visit Xiem Can Pagoda, cruise Tac Say Floating Market, taste Lau Mam. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

• Bac Lieu Eco Adventure ($160–$220/person, 2 days): Explore Xiem Can Pagoda, salt fields, and homestays with Nhac Dan Toc. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.

• Mekong Delta Explorer ($360–$520/person, 4 days): Visit Bac Lieu, Ca Mau City, and U Minh Forest with cultural and eco-tours. Includes meals, eco-transports.

• Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now for an unforgettable journey.

Xiem Can Pagoda in Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province, shines as a Khmer cultural gem, with its vibrant festivals and stunning architecture making it a must-visit in the Mekong Delta. The dry season (November–April) offers clear skies for exploring, while the rainy season (May–October) brings lush beauty and events like Ok Om Bok. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly Bac Lieu Tours ensure a sustainable, immersive experience, supporting local communities for a sustainable Bac Lieu Travel adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-tour today!
Ready to experience Xiem Can Pagoda’s festivals? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse in a sustainable Mekong Delta adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group