“…Đau troi ngat dinh Ha Giang
Ca Mau dat mui mo mang phu sa
Truong Son: chi lon ong cha
Cuu Long: long me bao la song trao…”
(Viet Nam, Le Anh Xuan)
If the Mekong Delta is known as the southernmost land of Vietnam, then Ca Mau Province holds a unique position as both the southernmost and the westernmost point of the region. This land is not only significant in terms of history, culture, and geography, but more importantly, it serves as the shared home of various distinctive ecosystems such as mangrove forests, peat swamp melaleuca forests, and marine environments. Since 2009, UNESCO has recognized Cape Ca Mau as one of the 11 World Biosphere Reserves in Vietnam.
On this meaningful journey to the sacred southern tip of the country, participants won’t just connect with nature and local culture—they’ll also have the opportunity to contribute directly to conservation efforts. By planting a single tree—specifically mangrove seedlings like mắm trees—they will be helping restore and protect coastal mangrove ecosystems. These trees serve as natural barriers against storms, prevent land erosion, and act as massive carbon sinks through their dense biomass, producing oxygen and helping purify the atmosphere of this beloved land.
Are you ready to pack your backpack and head to the southernmost point of Vietnam? Let’s go!
DAY 1: CA MAU - U MINH HA'S NATIONAL PARK
9:00 HaiAu Educursions’ vehicle and tour guide pick up the group and take them to visit Monivongsa Bopharam Pagoda—the largest and most beautiful pagoda in Ca Mau, known for its unique architecture and strong Khmer cultural influence.
11:30 Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, travel to one of the three core zones of the Cape Ca Mau World Biosphere Reserve — U Minh Ha National Park, the main setting of the 1997 film “Dat Phuong Nam” (Southern Land). Check in and relax at Hoa Rung U Minh Farmstay.
14:45 Travel to the center of U Minh Ha National Park.
15:00 Upon arrival at the center of U Minh Ha National Park, the group will meet and interact with forest experts, and watch a documentary about the park’s unique ecosystem—featuring the distinctive flora and fauna of the wetland forests, which grow on a thick layer of peat formed from long-accumulated plant matter. Endemic plant species in this area include melaleuca (tram), palm grass (mop), sedge (nan), reeds (say), and ferns (choai).
Afterward, enjoy a panoramic view of the national park from the high observation tower, then embark on a “vo lai” boat ride (a local term for motorized canoe) through the melaleuca forest. The journey includes a stop at a forest ranger station, where participants will transfer to small paddle boats to quietly glide through narrow waterways, surrounded by lush green duckweed and flocks of cohabiting birds.
17:30 Return to the farmstay to rest and have dinner.
18:30 Night wildlife watching. Typical animals include: smooth-coated otters, pangolins, deer, long-tailed monkeys, wild boars, turtles, snakes, pythons, various freshwater fish, birds, insects, and more.
22:00 Return to the farmstay for free time to relax.
Overnight stay at U Minh Ha.
DAY 3: A DAY AS A RESIDENT OF THE CAPE MAU LAND
07:00 Breakfast featuring local specialties.
08:00 Experience traditional fishing activities such as water draining in fish ponds, net casting, digging for clams, and oyster harvesting—daily livelihoods closely connected to the local community.
11:30 Enjoy lunch at a local family’s home.
13:00 Continuing the journey to explore the mangrove ecosystem on the eastern shore, families will participate in the activity “Plant a Tree, Sow Hope,” joining hands to help restore the green belt of the coastal protection forest.
16:30 Return to the homestay to rest.
18:00 Parents and students enjoy dinner.
19:00
Follow the local people to experience the traditional activity of “salting Ba Khia crabs” — a heritage craft of Ca Mau recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage for its unique qualities, using local ingredients and folk knowledge passed down through generations. Families will have the opportunity to:
See firsthand how locals catch Ba Khia crabs;
Get close to the Ba Khia crabs and personally try catching them;
Learn how to prepare the famous salted Ba Khia crab dish and take some home as a souvenir from the trip.
21:30 Free time to relax. Overnight stay at Dat Mui.
NGÀY 4: DAT MUI – CA MAU CITY
07:00 Have breakfast at Farmstay.
08:00
Visit the southernmost point of the country at the Mui Ca Mau National Tourist Site and witness firsthand:
The Hanoi milestone: a symbol of national unity and pride stretching along the beloved S-shaped land;
The Lac Long Quan Temple and Mother Statue: a complex embodying the gratitude of descendants to their ancestors who “ventured into the forests and seas,” reflecting the Vietnamese value of “Remembering the source when drinking water”;
Other attractions such as the National GPS coordinate marker 0001, the Ho Chi Minh Trail milestone, and the Mui Tau landmark.
10:00 Travel back to the center of Ca Mau City.
12:30 Lunch at the restaurant.
14:00 Return to the hotel, check in, and rest.
18:00 Participate in the Gathering Night themed “The Mark of the Southern Land” and experience the traditional entertainment game “Lôtô Show” — a beloved pastime passed down through generations of Southern Vietnamese people. This game is performed to the rhythmic beats of the song loan (wooden clappers), accompanied by folk songs, chants, proverbs, and Vietnamese idioms, blending into a lively and unique musical rhythm.
The group will have the opportunity to freely enjoy the authentic experience of playing the traditional Southern-style lô tô game.
20:00 Free time to explore Ca Mau City.
At the end of the program, HaiAu Educursions bids farewell to the parents and students.
After every journey comes a new lesson about the Forest. With each valuable lesson, the awareness to protect nature grows stronger within each individual. Greatness is built from small acts. Let’s join together to cherish and protect the Forest, a priceless treasure of humanity.
CONTACT US FOR DETAILED ADVICE!
Do not hesitate to give us a call to have a meaningful and memorable trip.
- info@haiaucantho.com.vn
- +84 911 206 338
- 5A, Hoang Van Thu Street, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City
