Bạc Liêu is one of the unique destinations in the Mekong Delta and especially is blessed with outstanding things to explore. Bạc Liêu is quite far from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, so not many people choose it for their vacation. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean at all that what to experience in Bạc Liêu fails to satisfy you a lot. You can ramble in ecotourism destinations, get to know about the locals’ culture, and local heritage, and mellow out at untouched beaches. Take time to see the following top 8 places to visit in Bạc Liêu when you go on a trip to know more about this region.
Bạc Liêu Bird Sanctuary
Situated at Nhà Mát Ward, Bạc Liêu City, Bạc Liêu Province, this bird sanctuary is regarded as an indispensable part of your excursion to discover the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. It’s on the site of a littoral mangrove forest many years ago, so the most natural and primeval scenery is easily noticeable there. What could be more fantastic than moving around, dipping into the breezy vibe and learning how to appreciate the wildlife.
The bird sanctuary is not only the home of painted storks, Indian cormorants, Asian openbill storks, glossy ibis, spot-billed pelicans, and many other species of bird. Meanwhile, Asian openbill storks have been recorded in the Vietnam Red List of Threatened Species. Aside from a large number of birds, it’s easy to see a diversity of flora and fauna species there, some of which are rare and not familiar to many travelers and tourists. A few unique names are exotic reptiles, amphibians, dates, ambarella, and grey mangrove (Avicennia marina).
Address: Nhà Mát Ward, Bạc Liêu City, Bạc Liêu Province
Quan âm Phật Đài Pagoda (the pagoda of Guanyin)
Locally known as a religious site in Bạc Liêu, Quan Âm Phật Đài is based next to the sea and established on an area of 25,000 m2. The pagoda is the place where locals worship Guanyin – the goddess of mercy that is supposed to offer blessings for them when they sail the remote sea for work.
A visit to Quan Âm Phật Đài entitles you to contemplate the statue of Guanyin and the sophisticated architecture inside. Plus, you can take a leisure walk around the destination to immerse into the quiet and peace. This is a sanctified area, so it will not be noisy and crowded at all. Keep in mind that you should wear appropriately and modestly – wear pants at least knee-length shorts and shirt or t-shirts with elbow-length sleeves.
Address: Nhà Mát Ward, Bạc Liêu City, Bạc Liêu Province
Xiêm Cán Pagoda
Belonging to the list of top destinations to visit in Bạc Liêu, Xiêm Cán Pagoda shouldn’t be out of your excursion. Although it is called a pagoda, it is not only for spiritual activities, but also a significant hub for cultural traditions, and art of the Khmer community. Rambling around and being told about the spiritual life and community activities of local people there, you will have a different view of the remote region you have never landed before.
Xiêm Cán Pagoda dates back more than one century and was designed with exquisite details in terms of architecture. Surrounding the pagoda is a tall fence with patterns of serpent gods and other spectacular decorations. The orientation of the pagoda is following Theravada Buddhism. You will be astonished at those charming images and feel quite different from what you often see in your country while also learning more about Buddhism during the visit.
Address: ĐT31 Street, Vĩnh Trach Đông Commune, Bạc Liêu City, Bạc Liêu Province
Bạc Liêu Wind Farm
Another place to visit in Bạc Liêu, which numerous youngsters are fond of is an offshore wind farm, looking as if it appears in some European country, not Vietnam. It’s true to say that images about wind farms or windmills are not easily found in Vietnam – an Asian country; that’s why it has appealed to countless visitors to peer closely at.
Situated at Vĩnh Trạch Đông Commune, Bạc Liêu Wind Farm is, in fact, incredible, miraculous, and spectacular since it is the biggest wind power project in Vietnam as well as the first one in Southeast Asia, which was based on the continental shelf. 62 wind turbines on the coast unintentionally make up a picturesque scenery at sunset. No wonder many travelers have arrived to take mighty photos in which the background is the serene wind farm covered by sunset.
Address: Vĩnh Trạch Đông Commune, Bạc Liêu City, Bạc Liêu Province
House of Bac Lieu Duke
This mansion was constructed in 1919 and based at the most stunning street corner of Bạc Liêu. The first impressive thing about the site is its modern and elegant European architecture. Everything inside and outside reminds people of life and prospects decades ago. Additionally, while leisurely walking to perceive distinctive features of the mansion, you are also told about exhilarating stories about Bạc Liêu Duke Trần Trinh Huy.
The mansion was decorated with delicate furnishings and fittings, most of which cost a fortune, illustrating that his family was the richest in contemporary Bạc Liêu. That’s why Bạc Liêu Duke has been extremely well-known by Vietnamese people until now. One of the stories always referred to in gossip or daily conversations of Vietnamese is that Bạc Liêu once boasted of his wealth by burning his money to boil eggs.
Address: 13 Điện Biên Phủ Street, Ward 3, Bạc Liêu City, Bạc Liêu Province
Over 100 year-old Longan Orchard
Approximately 6 km from the center of Bạc Liêu City to the sea, this longan orchard is said by locals to be more than 100 years old and covers over 200 hectares. Bạc Liêu is a part of the Mekong Delta, where alluvial soil is brought from the river, ideal to cultivate various fruits trees. That’s why longan there grows well and that over 100 year-old longan orchard is lush, green, and appeals to many visitors out there.
A short trip to the over 100 year-old longan orchard offers you many different experiences, some of which are tasting sweet longan, and soaking up the cool fresh air, and listening to Đờn Ca Tài Tử (a kind of Vietnamese traditional folk music). After a walk around, you may sit under a longan tree and feel comfortable bird sounds and sunlight through dense green foliage.
Address: Hiệp Thành & Vĩnh Trạch Đông Communes, Bạc Liêu City, Bạc Liêu Province
Ghositaram Pagoda
Ghositaram Pagoda is a religious construction erected in 1860. Covering 4 ha, this is a Khmer pagoda with the biggest central chamber of Vietnam. Plus, the structure also comprises an auditorium, a vihara, a school, a tower, and the monks’ residence. The architecture outside the pagoda is outstanding by its red-yellow walls, patterns, and decoration. The roof has layers overlaying each other, making up a marvelous tower on it.
In addition to the exquisite details of Ghositaram Pagoda, its pillars are lacquered with delicate and eye-catching patterns, especially shapes of five-head snakes. There are also sophisticated statues of animals in front and inside the yard. Moreover, it’s fringed by a lush green flower garden, forming a tranquil and sacred atmosphere anyone wishes to immerse into. Therefore, this destination is labeled as a religious museum of fine arts boasting the brilliant skills of Khmer artists.
Address: Cù Lao Hamlet, Hưng Hội Commune, Vĩnh Lợi District, Bạc Liêu Province
Vĩnh Hưng Ancient Tower
Another attraction you shouldn’t miss as you take a chance to explore the Mekong Delta is Vĩnh Hưng Ancient Tower in Bạc Liêu, situated at Vĩnh Hưng A Commune, Vĩnh Lợi District, Bạc Liêu Province. The ancient tower dates from the 9th century and is the only ancient architecture vestige of Khmer people in the Mekong Delta.
Vĩnh Hưng Ancient Tower was erected on a hill and had a simple structure, but nowadays it embraces the architectural, artistic and cultural significance, so it was recognized as a national artistic and architectural heritage in 1992. The stele inside a temple next to the tower was carved with Sanskrit scripts on it, dated the Yacovar-Man dynasty, so people knew that the tower was for worshiping this ruler.
A visit to Vĩnh Hưng Ancient Tower is actually a way to get more understanding of Khmer culture and history in the Mekong Delta. If you are a history lover, just a small old tower as such in a remote area is enough to blow your mind and gain valuable things schools have never taught you before.
Address: Vĩnh Hưng A Commune, Vĩnh Lợi District, Bạc Liêu Province
8 places to visit Bạc Liêu, the Mekong Delta, listed here contain the most remarkable ones you are advised to experience if you are planning a journey of your lifetime to Asia, especially Vietnam. Some of those spots are selected to appear in dozens of tour programs called Mekong Delta Tours or Bạc Liêu Tours from different travel agents. Not all attractions in the Mekong Delta are put in an itinerary because of a variety of reasons, e.g. transport, advantages of location, or the country’s policies, but the ones mentioned above are completely appropriate for any international tourist and traveler. Hope those hints may help in some cases.
