Discover Ca Mau’s vibrant festivals, from Nghinh Ong’s whale worship to Ky Yen’s agricultural rituals. Book sustainable tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic Mekong Delta experience.
Capture the vibrant energy of Ca Mau’s cultural gem (Source: Internet)Ca Mau, Vietnam’s southernmost province, is a cultural melting pot where Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa traditions converge, hosting vibrant festivals that celebrate its rich heritage. Far beyond the outdated view of mere folk events, Ca Mau’s festivals, including Nghinh Ong, Ky Yen, and the Southern Traditional Cake Festival, draw over 20,000 visitors annually, showcasing spiritual rituals, traditional music, and community bonding. Following Vietnam’s administrative reform, Ca Mau Province now includes the former Bac Lieu ward, enhancing its cultural diversity across a 307 km coastline. The 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) creates a lush backdrop for these events, with activities like boat processions and culinary experiences costing $5–$50 (125,000–1,250,000 VND).
Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly tours to Ca Mau’s festivals, using bicycles, electric boats, and local guides to immerse travelers in their cultural and spiritual essence while preserving the environment. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your journey.
Use “Ca Mau, Ca Mau Province” for navigation. Key festival sites like Song Doc (Nghinh Ong), Tan Loc, and An Xuyen (Ky Yen) are within 15–40 km of Ca Mau City, making them accessible for cultural explorers in the Mekong Delta.
With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 20,000 travelers yearly across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Ca Mau festival tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge, and partnerships with community-based providers to preserve cultural heritage. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours prior, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for a responsible, immersive experience aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.
Dive into the spiritual charm of Ca Mau Travel (Source: Internet)A Vibrant Whale Worship Celebration
The Nghinh Ong Festival, Ca Mau’s largest folk event, honors the whale god, Nam Hai, revered as the protector of fishermen. Held on the 14th–16th days of the second lunar month (typically March or April) in Song Doc Town, Tran Van Thoi Ward, 40 km from Ca Mau City, it attracts 10,000–15,000 visitors. Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, the festival features a colorful boat procession along the Ong Doc River, with decorated fishing boats carrying the sacred incensory of Nam Hai Dai Tuong Quan. Unlike outdated claims of Cham origins, it reflects a blend of Kinh and Hoa traditions, with the Nam Hai Temple housing whale relics.
Activities: Join the boat procession ($15–$30 or 375,000–750,000 VND), enjoy Don Ca Tai Tu music, lion dances, and folk games like tug-of-war (free or $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Savor Cua Bien crab ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) at Song Doc eateries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use electric boats for river tours to minimize impact.
Tip: Arrive by 6:00 AM for the procession; book 2–4 weeks ahead for peak crowds.
A Tribute to Agricultural Heritage
The Ky Yen Festival, held in the second lunar month (typically March or April) at Tan Loc Dinh (Tan Loc Commune, 25 km from Ca Mau City) and An Xuyen Dinh (An Xuyen Commune, 15 km), celebrates the God of Agriculture, Than Nong, with outdoor rituals for bountiful harvests. Recognized as a provincial intangible cultural heritage, it draws 8,000 visitors for ceremonies, Don Ca Tai Tu performances, and community exchanges among farmers. Unlike older descriptions listing multiple rituals, it’s a standalone event fostering village unity.
Activities: Witness prayer ceremonies (free), join lion dances and folk games ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND), or cycle through rice fields ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND). Enjoy Lau Mam ($4–$9 or 100,000–225,000 VND) at local eateries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles for rural exploration to reduce emissions.
Tip: Visit early mornings (6:00–8:00 AM) for rituals; book 2–4 weeks ahead.
A Culinary Cultural Showcase
The Southern Traditional Cake Festival, held annually in April in Ca Mau City, celebrates the Mekong Delta’s culinary heritage, showcasing over 100 sweet and savory cakes like Banh Xeo and Banh Bot Loc. Attracting 5,000 visitors, it features artisan demonstrations, Don Ca Tai Tu performances, and OCOP (One Commune One Product) trade fairs. Unlike older guides omitting this event, it’s a key cultural highlight, promoting local specialties and sustainable crafts.
Activities: Join cake-making workshops ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND), enjoy folk performances (free), or shop for OCOP products like Mat woven crafts ($3–$10 or 75,000–250,000 VND). Savor Banh Xeo ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) at festival stalls.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use reusable utensils to support zero-waste initiatives.
Tip: Visit evenings (5:00–9:00 PM) for performances; book 1–2 weeks ahead.
A Tribute to Ancestral Heritage
Held on the 9th–10th days of the third lunar month (typically April) at the Hung Kings’ Temple in Thoi Binh Commune, 30 km from Ca Mau City, this ceremony honors Vietnam’s legendary founders, drawing 3,000 visitors. It features incense offerings, traditional music, and communal prayers for prosperity. A modern addition to Ca Mau’s festival calendar, it connects cultural heritage with eco-tourism, offering cycling tours to nearby farms ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND).
Activities: Join prayer rituals (free), explore temple grounds ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND for guided tours), or taste Com Am Phu rice ($2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Cycle to minimize environmental impact.
Tip: Arrive by 7:00 AM for ceremonies; book 2–4 weeks ahead.
Celebrating Ca Mau’s Liberation
The Huong Rung U Minh Festival, held in late April at U Minh Ha National Park, 30 km from Ca Mau City, celebrates the 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Reunification. It features Cai Luong opera, Don Ca Tai Tumusic, and unique activities like beekeeping and fishing, drawing 4,000 visitors. Recognized for its cultural and ecological significance, it promotes sustainable tourism and OCOP products.
Activities: Enjoy opera performances (free), try beekeeping ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND), or purchase U Minh honey ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Dine on Ca Loc Nuong ($3–$8 or 75,000–200,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Use electric boats ($15–$30 or 375,000–750,000 VND) for park tours.
Tip: Visit evenings (5:00–9:00 PM) for performances; book 2–4 weeks ahead.
Dry Season (November–April, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Ideal for outdoor festivals like Nghinh Ong and Ky Yen with clear skies and moderate crowds (100–300 daily visitors outside festival peaks). Book 1–2 weeks ahead.
Rainy Season (May–October, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F): Lush scenery and fewer crowds (80–200 daily visitors). Ok Om Bok thrives in this season. Bring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Last-minute bookings often available.
Festival Seasons:
Nghinh Ong (March/April): Boat processions, 10,000+ visitors. Book 2–4 weeks ahead.
Ky Yen (March/April): Agricultural rituals, 8,000 visitors. Book 2–4 weeks ahead.
Southern Traditional Cake Festival (April): Culinary showcase, 5,000 visitors. Book 1–2 weeks ahead.
Hung Kings’ Ceremony (April): Ancestral worship, 3,000 visitors. Book 2–4 weeks ahead.
Huong Rung U Minh (April): Liberation celebration, 4,000 visitors. Book 2–4 weeks ahead.
Ok Om Bok (October/November): Khmer festival, 1,500+ visitors. Book 2–4 weeks ahead.
Timing Tip: Mornings (6:00–10:00 AM) for rituals and boat processions; evenings (5:00–9:00 PM) for performances and feasts.
Photograph the culinary allure of Ca Mau’s heritage (Source: Internet)From Ca Mau City:
Song Doc (Nghinh Ong, 40 km, 45–60 minutes): Bus ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND); private car ($12–$18 or 300,000–450,000 VND).
Tan Loc (Ky Yen, 25 km, 40–50 minutes): Bus ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxi ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND); bicycle ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND).
An Xuyen (Ky Yen, 15 km, 20–30 minutes): Cyclo ($1–$4/hour or 25,000–100,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxi ($5–$8 or 125,000–200,000 VND).
Ca Mau City (Cake Festival, 0 km): Walk (free); cyclo ($1–$4/hour or 25,000–100,000 VND).
Thoi Binh (Hung Kings, 30 km, 45 minutes): Bus ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxi ($12–$18 or 300,000–450,000 VND).
U Minh Ha (Huong Rung, 30 km, 45 minutes): Bus ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxi ($12–$18 or 300,000–450,000 VND).
From Ho Chi Minh City (350 km, 6–7 hours): Bus ($12–$25 or 300,000–625,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxi ($160–$220 or 4,000,000–5,500,000 VND); flight to Ca Mau Airport ($40–$80 or 1,000,000–2,000,000 VND).
From Hanoi (1,940 km, 6–7 hours): Flight to Ca Mau Airport ($90–$160 or 2,250,000–4,000,000 VND); flight to Can Tho ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND) + bus ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND).
Navigation Tip: Save festival site names (e.g., “Song Doc, Ca Mau Province”) in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for bicycles, cyclos, or Xanh SM taxis; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.
Walking: Free, ideal for festival grounds and nearby stalls (1–2 km radius).
Cyclo: $1–$4/hour (25,000–100,000 VND), eco-friendly for short distances.
Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), sustainable for rural sites.
Electric Boat: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND) for Nghinh Ong river tours.
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND) for longer trips.
Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize bicycles or electric boats; book through Legend Travel Group.
Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes at festival venues or Ca Mau Market.
Experience Ca Mau Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable trip:
Clothing: Lightweight attire, sturdy sandals, hat; waterproof poncho ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season; modest clothing for temple visits.
Gear: Reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND), biodegradable wipes.
Essentials: Compact umbrella ($3–$6), hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), sunscreen ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Tech: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND).
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Festival Tours: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND).
Performances/Feasts: Free or $2–$15 (50,000–375,000 VND).
Local Dining: $1–$12 (25,000–300,000 VND).
Nearby Attractions: $2–$30 (50,000–750,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND).
Cyclo: $1–$4/hour (25,000–100,000 VND).
Electric Boat: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).
Budget: $15–$30 (self-guided exploration, local snacks).
Mid-Range: $40–$60 (guided festival tour, homestay dining).
Luxury: $80–$120 (premium tours, upscale lodging like Muong Thanh Luxury Ca Mau, $50–$70/night or 1,250,000–1,750,000 VND).
Start your Ca Mau Travel with festive vistas (Source: Internet)Timing: Arrive by 6:00 AM for morning rituals; evenings (5:00–9:00 PM) for performances and feasts. Expect 3,000–15,000 visitors during festivals.
Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 2–4 weeks ahead for festival dates; homestays require 1–2 days’ notice.
Sustainability: Use reusable items; support local vendors with OCOP purchases ($3–$10 or 75,000–250,000 VND). Choose eco-friendly transport like bicycles or electric boats.
Navigation: Save festival site names in offline maps; sites are within 15–40 km of Ca Mau City.
Safety: Secure valuables; respect temple etiquette during rituals. Avoid heavy rain for outdoor events (May–October).
Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; dress modestly and avoid disrupting ceremonies.
Discover Ca Mau’s festivals with our eco-friendly tour packages:
Ca Mau Festival Cultural Tour ($90–$130/person, 1 day): Join Nghinh Ong or Ky Yen, enjoy Don Ca Tai Tuperformances, savor local seafood. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.
Ca Mau Festival & Eco-Immersion ($170–$230/person, 2 days): Experience a festival, explore U Minh Ha, stay at eco-homestays. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.
Mekong Delta Cultural Explorer ($420–$580/person, 4 days): Visit festivals, Ca Mau Cape, and Thi Tuong Lagoon with boat and bike tours. Includes meals, eco-transport.
Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now for an unforgettable journey.
Ca Mau’s festivals, from Nghinh Ong’s vibrant boat processions to Ky Yen’s agricultural rituals and the Southern Traditional Cake Festival’s culinary delights, offer an authentic celebration of the Mekong Delta’s cultural richness. Far beyond their outdated image as folk events, these festivals blend spirituality, community, and sustainable tourism. Legend Travel Group’s Ca Mau Tours guide you through this cultural vibrancy, ensuring a sustainable Ca Mau Travel experience that supports local communities and preserves the environment. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-tour today to dive into Ca Mau’s festive spirit!
Ready to experience Ca Mau’s festive spirit? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an authentic 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:
Ca Mau Festival Information: vietnamonline.com, english.camau.gov.vn, fme.travel, dulichtpcamau.camau.gov.vn
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