Ca Mau remains one of the lesser-known gems of Vietnam, offering an authentic and enriching experience for adventurous travelers. As one of the country’s most recently developed regions, it presents a rare opportunity to explore untouched landscapes and engage with locals—many of whom have only ever seen Westerners on television.

Today’s cycling journey leads us through an extraordinary mix of natural and rural scenes: vast salt fields, active shrimp farms, and simple thatch houses nestled along the forest edge. Our morning ride concludes in Ganh Hao, where we pause for a delicious local lunch.

In the afternoon, we delve deeper into life on the waterways—an essential part of daily living in this region. Due to the limitations of narrow and muddy country roads, residents rely heavily on long, slender composite boats powered by long-tail engines. These agile boats are perfect for navigating the shallow rivers and canals that crisscross the province.

Our ride continues at a relaxed pace, following narrow paths that wind through mangrove forests and alongside irrigation systems. Along the way, we encounter local farmers fishing from the banks of rivers and canals, and we pass modest roadside shelters built for ducks, cows, and buffaloes. These unique rural scenes offer plenty of photo opportunities.

We conclude our ride on the outskirts of Ca Mau City, where we board an air-conditioned van or bus for the short transfer into the city center.