Discover Thi Tuong Lagoon, Ca Mau’s largest natural lagoon, with vibrant aquatic life and cultural heritage. Book sustainable tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic Mekong Delta adventure.
Thi Tuong Lagoon, often called Ba Tuong Lagoon, is Ca Mau’s largest natural lagoon, a breathtaking 700-hectare expanse known as the “lake in the middle of the plains.” Located across Tran Van Thoi, Cai Nuoc, and Phu Tan wards in Ca Mau Province, this eco-tourism hotspot attracts 20,000 visitors annually with its serene waterways, rich biodiversity, and vibrant fishing communities. Following Vietnam’s administrative reform, Ca Mau Province now includes the former Bac Lieu ward, enhancing its cultural diversity with Kinh, Khmer (20%), and Hoa communities. 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 dynamic ecosystem, offering eco-friendly activities like crab catching and boat tours, with costs ranging from $5–$50 (125,000–1,250,000 VND).
Far from the outdated view of a simple water body, Thi Tuong Lagoon is now a thriving hub for sustainable tourism, blending natural beauty with cultural experiences. Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly tours to Thi Tuong, using electric boats, bicycles, and local guides to immerse travelers in its aquatic and cultural wonders while preserving the environment. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your journey.
Use “Thi Tuong Lagoon, Ca Mau Province” for navigation. Located 40 km from Ca Mau City, this lagoon is ideal for travelers seeking authentic eco-adventures and cultural immersion 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 Thi Tuong tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge, and partnerships with community-based providers to preserve Mekong Delta ecosystems and traditions. 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.
Capture the serene beauty of Ca Mau’s eco-tourism gem (Source: Internet)Thi Tuong Lagoon has transformed from the outdated portrayal of a mere breeding ground into a vibrant eco-tourism destination in the heart of Ca Mau Province. Spanning 700 hectares and stretching 12 km, the lagoon is formed by alluvial deposits from the My Binh, Ong Doc, and Phu Tan estuaries, creating three distinct zones: Dam Tren (Upper Lagoon), Dam Giua (Middle Lagoon, the largest), and Dam Duoi (Lower Lagoon). Unlike older narratives focusing solely on its size, Thi Tuong now thrives as a hub for sustainable aquaculture and tourism, with stilt houses and fishing boats dotting its surface, offering a glimpse into the lives of local fishermen.
The lagoon’s brackish waters, connected to the Gulf of Thailand via the Ba Keo Canal, support a rich ecosystem of black tiger shrimp, crabs, and blood cockles, driving Ca Mau’s seafood industry. Modern eco-tourism initiatives, like the “One Day as a Ca Mau Local” tour, allow visitors to engage in activities such as setting shrimp traps ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND) and harvesting bon bon (pickleweed, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND), fostering sustainable livelihoods. The lagoon’s scenic beauty, with nipa palm forests and stilt houses illuminated by thousands of fishing lights at night, creates a magical, lantern-like spectacle, far beyond the simplistic “water well” description of the past.
The outdated legend of Ms. Tuong protecting villagers from tigers has been enriched by Thi Tuong Lagoon’s modern cultural narrative. As a historical hub during the anti-American resistance (1960–1975), the nearby Xeo Duoc Revolutionary Base, recognized as a provincial historical relic, served as a strategic center for the Ca Mau Provincial Party Committee due to its remote location and dense nipa palm cover. Visitors can explore restored relics like meeting halls and canteens at the Xeo Duoc Historical Site ($2–$5 entry or 50,000–125,000 VND), learning about the region’s revolutionary past.
Culturally, Thi Tuong is a living tapestry of Ca Mau’s fishing communities, with stilt houses hosting community-based tourism. Visitors can join locals in fishing, enjoy Vong Co folk songs, or savor dishes like Cua Bien crab ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) at the Thi Tuong Lagoon Cooperative. The lagoon’s proximity to Khmer communities adds vibrancy, with festivals like Ok Om Bok (October/November) featuring boat races and cultural performances, making it a cultural cornerstone of the Mekong Delta.
Thi Tuong Lagoon’s ecosystem is a biodiversity powerhouse, far beyond the outdated focus on its aquatic resources. The lagoon’s brackish waters and nipa palm forests support a thriving habitat for shrimp, crabs, and fish, with sustainable aquaculture practices ensuring economic and environmental balance. Conservation efforts, including water quality monitoring and mangrove restoration, protect this delicate ecosystem, which is influenced by tidal fluctuations (0.7–1.5 meters). Eco-tourism activities, such as boat tours ($15–$30 or 375,000–750,000 VND) and fishing experiences, promote environmental awareness while supporting local fishers. The lagoon’s role as a “sea and lake in the middle of the plains” makes it a unique ecological marvel in the Mekong Delta.
November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Ideal for boat tours and fishing with clear skies and moderate crowds (100–250 daily visitors). Book tours 1–2 weeks ahead. Perfect for exploring the lagoon’s stilt houses and enjoying sunrise views.
May–October (Rainy Season, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F): Lush nipa palm forests and vibrant aquatic life, with fewer crowds (80–200 daily visitors). Night tours reveal sparkling fishing lights, resembling a lantern festival. 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. Book 2–4 weeks ahead.
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: Early mornings (6:00–8:00 AM) for fishing and sunrise views; evenings (5:00–7:00 PM) for night tours and cultural experiences.
Dive into the authentic charm of Ca Mau Travel (Source: Internet)From Ca Mau City (40 km, 1 hour): Follow National Highway 1A to Rau Dua Market, turn right across Cai Ban Bridge, and travel 12 km along rural roads to Thi Tuong Hamlet, Hoa My Commune. 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). Alternatively, from Rau Dua Market, travel 2 km to Cong Da Canal 4 and follow signs to Xeo Duoc Base for Dam Giua.
From Ho Chi Minh City (390 km, 7–8 hours): Bus ($12–$25 or 300,000–625,000 VND) from Mien Tay Bus Station; 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) + taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND).
From Hanoi (1,940 km, 6–7 hours): Flight to Ca Mau Airport ($90–$160 or 2,250,000–4,000,000 VND) + taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 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 “Thi Tuong Lagoon, 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 stilt houses and the Xeo Duoc Historical Site (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 tours through the lagoon.
Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize bicycles or electric boats; book through Legend Travel Group.
Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes at Thi Tuong Lagoon Cooperative.
Photograph the historic allure of Ca Mau’s heritage (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; long sleeves for fishing 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), 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).
Boat Tours: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND).
Fishing/Crab Catching: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).
Historical Site Entry: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Local Dining: $3–$12 (75,000–300,000 VND).
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).
Budget: $20–$40 (self-guided biking, local snacks).
Mid-range: $50–$80 (guided boat tour, homestay dining).
Luxury: $100–$150 (premium tours, upscale lodging in Ca Mau City).
Experience Ca Mau Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)Timing: Plan early morning tours (6:00–8:00 AM) for fishing and sunrise views; evenings (5:00–7:00 PM) for night tours with fishing lights. Expect 80–200 visitors on weekdays, 100–250 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 “Thi Tuong Lagoon, Ca Mau Province” in offline maps; key sites are within 1–5 km of Thi Tuong Hamlet.
Safety: Secure valuables; wear life jackets on boats. Avoid heavy rain for outdoor activities; check weather forecasts for potential typhoons (June–December).
Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; respect local fishing practices and historical sites.
Discover Thi Tuong Lagoon with our eco-friendly tour packages:
Thi Tuong Lagoon Eco-Adventure ($90–$130/person, 1 day): Cruise the lagoon, catch shrimp, savor Cua Biencrab. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.
Thi Tuong & Ca Mau Cultural Immersion ($170–$230/person, 2 days): Explore the lagoon, visit Xeo Duoc Historical Site, stay at eco-homestays. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.
Mekong Delta Eco-Explorer ($420–$580/person, 4 days): Visit Thi Tuong, U Minh Ha, and Ca Mau Cape 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.
Thi Tuong Lagoon, Ca Mau Province, is a captivating eco-tourism oasis, far beyond its outdated image as a simple aquatic hub. With its vast waterways, vibrant fishing communities, and rich cultural heritage, it offers an immersive blend of nature and history. From sustainable fishing experiences to exploring revolutionary relics, Thi Tuong enchants travelers seeking authentic Mekong Delta adventures. Legend Travel Group’s Ca Mau Tours guide you through this natural gem, 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 discover Ca Mau’s largest natural lagoon!
Ready to explore Thi Tuong Lagoon’s natural 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.
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