Savor Lau Mam, Bac Lieu’s famous fish sauce hotpot, with our culinary guide. Book eco-friendly foodie tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic Mekong Delta experience.
Capture the savory essence of Ca Mau’s culinary gemBac Lieu, now a vibrant ward of Ca Mau Province following Vietnam’s administrative reform, is a culinary gem in the Mekong Delta, renowned for its bold, umami-rich flavors. With a 56 km coastline and a population of 1.3 million, including 20% Khmer residents, Bac Lieu attracts 18,000 travelers annually. Lau Mam, a fish sauce hotpot made with fermented fish paste (mam ca sac), is a signature dish that defines Bac Lieu’s cuisine, blending seafood, vegetables, and aromatic broth. Dining costs range from $1–$10 (25,000–250,000 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). Bac Lieu’s culinary scene, influenced by Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa traditions, offers a vibrant taste of the Mekong Delta’s heritage.
Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly foodie tours to Bac Lieu, pairing Lau Mam with local experiences like market visits and cooking classes, using sustainable practices to support the community. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your Mekong Delta culinary adventure.
Use “Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” for navigation. Bac Lieu’s bustling markets, homestays, and eateries, within 1–15 km of the center, make it an ideal destination for food lovers exploring the Mekong Delta’s authentic flavors.
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 foodie tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides, and partnerships with local vendors to preserve Mekong Delta culinary traditions. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for an immersive, responsible culinary journey aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.
Photograph the colorful allure of Ca Mau’s cuisine (Source: Internet)Lau Mam is Bac Lieu’s iconic fish sauce hotpot, a communal dish celebrated for its rich, umami-packed broth made from fermented snakeskin gourami fish paste (mam ca sac), a local specialty. The broth, simmered with coconut water, lemongrass, and shallots, is layered with fresh seafood (shrimp, squid, fish), pork, tofu, and vegetables like water spinach, lotus stems, and eggplants. Served with rice vermicelli and a side of chili and lime, Lau Mam offers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors, making it a must-try for food lovers.
Cost: $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 VND) for 2–4 people.
Eco-Friendly Note: Seek vendors using locally sourced seafood and vegetables to support sustainable fisheries and farms.
The preparation of Lau Mam is a culinary art, showcasing Bac Lieu’s fresh ingredients and traditional techniques:
Broth: Fermented fish paste (mam ca sac) is simmered with coconut water, lemongrass, shallots, and chili for 2–3 hours, creating a fragrant, umami-rich base.
Ingredients: Fresh shrimp, squid, snakehead fish, pork, and tofu are added, along with vegetables like lotus stems, water spinach, and eggplants.
Serving: The hotpot is brought to a boil at the table, served with rice vermicelli, fresh herbs (mint, cilantro), and a dipping sauce of fish sauce, chili, and lime.
Dining Tip: Enjoy communally, adding ingredients gradually to the simmering pot. Customize with extra chili for heat or lime for tanginess. Pair with a cold coconut ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) for a refreshing contrast.
Eco-Friendly Note: Support eateries using biodegradable bowls; bring reusable cutlery ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) to reduce waste.
Bac Lieu’s vibrant food scene offers numerous spots to savor Lau Mam, updated to replace outdated venues like Hong Gam restaurant (closed or relocated) with current recommendations. Below are the top locations, all accessible and committed to local sourcing:
Description: A renowned eatery in Ward 1, celebrated for its authentic Lau Mam with a fragrant broth, fresh seafood, and a variety of vegetables. The communal dining setup is perfect for groups, reflecting Bac Lieu’s welcoming vibe.
Details:
Cost: $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 VND) for 2–4 people.
Location: 123 Tran Phu St., Ward 1, Bac Lieu center.
Access: Walk, cycle ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND), or take a Xanh SM electric taxi ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses locally sourced seafood and coconut water; minimizes plastic use.
Tip: Visit for lunch (11:00 AM–2:00 PM) or dinner (5:00–8:00 PM); customize with extra shrimp for a richer flavor.
Description: A sustainable homestay in Hiep Thanh Ward offering Lau Mam dining experiences, often paired with cooking classes to learn the dish’s preparation. The rustic setting enhances the Mekong Delta’s charm.
Details:
Cost: $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 VND) for dining; $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) with cooking class.
Location: Hiep Thanh Ward, 10 km from Bac Lieu center.
Access: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120) or Eco Adventure ($160–$220).
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses solar power and local ingredients; supports family-run businesses.
Tip: Book cooking classes in advance; combine with a Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary visit (12 km).
Description: A vibrant hub in Ward 1, open 5:00–9:00 PM, offering Lau Mam alongside street foods like Banh Cong ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND). Vendors serve steaming hotpots for communal dining under the stars.
Details:
Cost: $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND) per hotpot.
Location: Ward 1, Bac Lieu center, near Tran Phu St.
Access: Walk or cycle; book Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120) for a guided street food crawl.
Eco-Friendly Note: Support vendors using local seafood; bring reusable containers for takeout.
Tip: Visit evenings for lively vibes; try stalls near the market’s central area for the freshest Lau Mam.
Experience Ca Mau Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)Enhance your Lau Mam experience with these complementary dishes:
Bun Xao Nem Nuong: Stir-fried noodles with grilled sausage ($1.50–$3 or 37,500–75,000 VND) at Bac Lieu Night Market.
Banh Tam Bi: Thick noodles with coconut milk and pork ($2–$4 or 50,000–100,000 VND) at Quan An Ngon (45 Cao Van Lau St., Ward 2).
Ba Khia: Three-striped crab in tamarind sauce ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND) at coastal stalls in Vinh Trach Dong Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with sustainable sourcing; bring reusable containers for leftovers.
From Ho Chi Minh City (280 km, 5–6 hours): Bus ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND) from Mien Tay Bus Station; Xanh SM electric taxi ($150–$180 or 3,750,000–4,500,000 VND); private car ($100–$130 or 2,500,000–3,250,000 VND).
From Hanoi (1,800 km, 5–6 hours): Flight to Can Tho ($70–$150 or 1,750,000–3,750,000 VND) + taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND); flight to Ho Chi Minh City ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND) + bus ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND).
From Ca Mau City (60 km, 1–1.5 hours): Taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND); bus ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND).
Navigation Tip: Save “Bac Lieu, 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.
Learn Ca Mau’s coastal heritage with expert insights (Source: Internet)Bicycles: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), ideal for Ward 1 eateries.
Xanh SM Electric Taxis: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND), great for coastal stalls.
Motorbike Taxis (Xe Om): $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND) for 1–5 km; use Grab or Xanh SM apps.
Walking: Free, suitable for Bac Lieu Night Market.
Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize bicycles or electric taxis; book through Legend Travel Group.
Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes near Bac Lieu Market.
Best Time: November–April for dry weather and vibrant markets (100–250 daily visitors); May–October for fresh seafood but expect rain. Book festival dining (Ok Om Bok, October/November) 2–4 weeks ahead.
Budget: Meals $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 VND); daily costs $18–$35 (budget), $40–$70 (mid-range), $90–$130 (luxury).
Sustainability: Support vendors using local, sustainable seafood; carry reusable cutlery ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) and water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).
Safety: Check for fresh ingredients; avoid street food during heavy rain. Carry hand sanitizer ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).
Navigation: Eateries are within 1–20 km of Bac Lieu center; use a Vietnamese SIM ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) for apps like Vietmap.
Cultural Respect: Greet vendors with “xin chào”; tip 10% at sit-down restaurants for excellent service.
Capture the sustainable charm of Ca Mau’s ecotourism (Source: Internet)Discover Lau Mam and more with our sustainable tour packages:
Bac Lieu Foodie & Nature Tour ($80–$120/person, 1 day): Visit Bac Lieu Night Market for Lau Mam, cycle Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary, and taste Bun Xao Nem Nuong. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.
Bac Lieu Eco Adventure ($160–$220/person, 2 days): Savor Lau Mam at homestays, visit Quan Cong Pagoda, and explore coastal stalls for Ba Khia. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.
Mekong Delta Explorer ($360–$520/person, 4 days): Explore Bac Lieu, Ca Mau City, and U Minh Forest with foodie 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.
Lau Mam, Bac Lieu’s fish sauce hotpot, is a culinary masterpiece blending the umami of fermented fish paste with fresh seafood and vibrant vegetables, priced at $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND), served at bustling night markets or sustainable homestays in Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province, located 170 km from Can Tho. Legend Travel Group’s Ca Mau Tours guide you through this rich dining experience rooted in Mekong Delta traditions, ensuring a sustainable Ca Mau Travel adventure with eco-friendly practices like local sourcing and low-impact tours, paired with visits to Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary and Tac Say Floating Market. Don’t miss out—contact Legend Travel Group to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly culinary adventure today!
Ready to savor Lau Mam in Bac Lieu? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a flavorful 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:
Lau Mam Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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