Khai Long Beach Travel Guide: Ca Mau’s Coastal Eco-Paradise

A Coastal Jewel of the Mekong Delta

Khai Long Beach, nestled in the southeastern corner of Ca Mau Province, is a pristine coastal gem where golden sands meet lush mangrove forests, offering a serene escape far beyond the outdated view of a simple “beautiful” beach. Located in Khai Long Hamlet, Dat Mui Commune, this 150-hectare beach stretches 3 km along the East Sea, just 16 km from Ca Mau Cape. Following Vietnam’s administrative reform, Ca Mau Province now includes the former Bac Lieu ward, enriching its cultural diversity with Kinh, Khmer (20%), and Hoa communities. Attracting 25,000 visitors annually, Khai Long offers eco-friendly activities like crab catching and mangrove canoeing, with costs ranging from $5–$50 (125,000–1,250,000 VND) 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).

Unlike older narratives emphasizing only its scenic beauty, Khai Long Beach is now a vibrant eco-tourism hub, harmonizing nature with sustainable development. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism since 2008, offers eco-friendly tours to Khai Long, using electric boats, bicycles, and local guides to immerse travelers in its coastal and cultural treasures while preserving the environment. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your adventure.

Administrative Note

Use “Khai Long Beach, Ca Mau Province” for navigation. Located 100 km from Ca Mau City, this beach is perfect for travelers seeking a blend of coastal relaxation and eco-adventures 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 Khai Long tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge, and partnerships with community-based providers to preserve Mekong Delta traditions. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours prior, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for a responsible, immersive journey aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.

A Modern Coastal Eco-Destination

Khai Long Beach has evolved from the simplistic “white sand, clear water” description into a dynamic eco-tourism destination within the Mui Ca Mau National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Unlike older guides focusing solely on its aesthetic appeal, Khai Long now offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from its 3 km golden sand shoreline to its vibrant mangrove ecosystems. The beach’s unique tidal accretion, expanding 50–80 meters annually with fine silt, supports a thriving habitat for crabs, snails, and fish, making it a hotspot for eco-activities like shrimp trapping and clam digging. The nearby Hon Khoai Island, 14 km offshore, adds to the scenic allure, visible from the beach’s edge.

The beach’s integration with Ca Mau’s mangrove forests creates a harmonious blend of sea and forest, far surpassing the outdated notion of an isolated shore. Visitors can now enjoy modern amenities like eco-homestays and community-run dining, with dishes like Cua Bien crab ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) and coconut-boiled clams ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND). Accessibility has improved with the Ho Chi Minh Trail, reducing travel time from Ca Mau City to 2.5 hours by car, though waterway journeys via electric boats remain a popular, immersive option.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The outdated legend of Khai Long’s formation tied to a dragon-shaped cloud has been enriched by its modern cultural narrative. Named “Khai Long” (Prosperous Dragon), the beach reflects Ca Mau’s history of reclamation by Central Vietnamese settlers, now celebrated through community-based tourism. The area’s cultural significance is amplified by its proximity to Khmer communities, with festivals like Ok Om Bok (October/November) featuring boat races and traditional music. Historical sites, such as the nearby Nguyen Long Phi Memorial, honor local folklore figures like Uncle Ba Phi, whose tales of Ca Mau’s pioneering spirit resonate with visitors.

Khai Long’s cultural vibrancy is further enhanced by eco-tourism initiatives like the Dat Mui Cultural Tourism Village, where travelers can engage with local fishers and learn traditional net-casting. These experiences, priced at $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND), offer a deeper connection to Ca Mau’s heritage, moving beyond the simplistic “romantic scenery” of past descriptions.

Ecological System of Khai Long

Khai Long Beach’s ecosystem is a living masterpiece, far beyond the outdated focus on its mangrove backdrop. Integrated into the Mui Ca Mau National Park, the beach supports a rich mangrove ecosystem with species like Rhizophora and Avicennia, fostering biodiversity with 93 bird species, 26 mammals, and abundant aquatic life, including crabs and clams. The tidal mudflats, expanding with silt accretion, create a unique habitat for marine species, while the adjacent forests provide shade and resources like U Minh honey ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

Modern eco-tourism activities have replaced the basic “wading for fish” of old guides. Visitors can join guided canoe tours ($15–$30 or 375,000–750,000 VND), catch shrimp, or participate in mangrove restoration projects, supporting local conservation efforts. The beach’s eco-friendly infrastructure, including hammock lounges and solar-powered facilities, ensures minimal environmental impact, making Khai Long a model for sustainable tourism in the Mekong Delta.

• November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Ideal for beach relaxation and eco-activities with clear skies and moderate crowds (100–300 daily visitors). Book tours 1–2 weeks ahead.

• May–October (Rainy Season, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F): Lush mangroves and fewer crowds (80–200 daily visitors). Bring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Last-minute bookings often available.

• Festival Seasons:

  • Ok Om Bok (October/November): Khmer festival with boat races and music, drawing 500+ visitors.

  • Chol Chnam Thmay (April): Khmer New Year with cultural feasts.

  • Lunar New Year (January/February): Vibrant local celebrations; book 2–4 weeks ahead.

• Timing Tip: Visit at sunrise (5:00–6:00 AM) for East Sea views or sunset (5:00–6:00 PM) for Gulf of Thailand vistas.

• From Ca Mau City (100 km, 2.5 hours): Bus ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxi ($35–$45 or 875,000–1,125,000 VND); private car ($30–$40 or 750,000–1,000,000 VND).

• From Ho Chi Minh City (450 km, 8–9 hours): Bus ($15–$30 or 375,000–750,000 VND) from Mien Tay Bus Station; Xanh SM electric taxi ($180–$250 or 4,500,000–6,250,000 VND); flight to Ca Mau Airport ($40–$80 or 1,000,000–2,000,000 VND) + taxi ($35–$45 or 875,000–1,125,000 VND).

• From Hanoi (2,000 km, 6–7 hours): Flight to Ca Mau Airport ($90–$160 or 2,250,000–4,000,000 VND) + taxi ($35–$45 or 875,000–1,125,000 VND); flight to Can Tho ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND) + bus ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND).

• Navigation Tip: Save “Khai Long Beach, Ca Mau Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for buses or Xanh SM taxis; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.

• Walking: Free, ideal for exploring the beach and nearby mangroves (1–2 km radius).

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), sustainable for local trails.

• Electric Boat: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND) for 1–2 hour mangrove tours.

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND) for nearby sites.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize bicycles or electric boats; book through Legend Travel Group.

• Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes at Dat Mui’s eco-tourism sites.

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; swimwear for beach activities.

• 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), reef-safe 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).

Activity Costs

• Mangrove Tours: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND).

• Eco-Activities (Crab Catching, Clam Digging): $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

• Local Dining: $3–$12 (75,000–300,000 VND).

• Cultural Experiences: $5–$25 (125,000–625,000 VND).

Transport Costs (Local)

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

• Electric Boat: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND).

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $25–$45 (self-guided biking, local snacks).

• Mid-range: $50–$80 (guided mangrove tour, homestay dining).

• Luxury: $100–$150 (premium tours, upscale lodging in Ca Mau City).

• Timing: Plan sunrise (5:00–6:00 AM) for East Sea views or sunset (5:00–6:00 PM) for Gulf of Thailand vistas. Expect 80–200 visitors on weekdays, 100–300 on weekends.

• Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead; book festival tours (January/February, October/November) 2–4 weeks ahead. Homestays require 1–2 days’ notice.

• Sustainability: Use reusable items; support local fishers with seafood purchases ($3–$12/kg or 75,000–300,000 VND). Choose eco-friendly transport like bicycles or electric boats.

• Navigation: Save “Khai Long Beach, Ca Mau Province” in offline maps; key sites are within 1–5 km of the beach.

• Safety: Secure valuables; wear life jackets on boats. Avoid heavy rain for outdoor activities.

• Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; respect local customs at community tourism sites.

Discover Khai Long Beach with our eco-friendly tour packages:

• Khai Long Beach Eco-Adventure ($90–$130/person, 1 day): Cruise mangroves, catch crabs, savor Cua Biencrab. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

• Khai Long & Ca Mau Cape Immersion ($170–$230/person, 2 days): Explore Khai Long Beach, visit Ca Mau Cape, stay at eco-homestays. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.

• Mekong Delta Coastal Explorer ($420–$580/person, 4 days): Visit Khai Long, U Minh Ha, and Hon Khoai Island 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.

Khai Long Beach, Ca Mau Province, is a coastal eco-paradise where golden sands, mangroves, and cultural heritage converge. Far from the outdated image of a mere scenic shore, it’s now a vibrant hub for sustainable tourism, offering activities like mangrove canoeing, seafood feasts, and cultural immersion. Legend Travel Group’s Ca Mau Tours guide you through Khai Long’s natural beauty, ensuring a sustainable Ca Mau Travel experience that supports local communities while preserving its environment. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-tour today to discover Ca Mau’s coastal gem in the Mekong Delta!
Ready to explore Khai Long Beach’s coastal and cultural wonders? 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, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 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