Referred to as the "lake-sea in the middle of the plain" of the Mekong Delta, Đầm Thị Tường is one of the largest natural brackish water lagoons in Vietnam. It features a vast, peaceful landscape alongside a highly unique aquaculture lifestyle practiced by the locals. Here is the ultimate travel guide to help you plan your visit to Đầm Thị Tường.
Lagoon Area
Approx. 700 ha,
over 10km long
Landscape
Stilt houses,
wooden fence columns
Specialties
Fresh catfish, mullet,
brackish water shrimp
Distance
40km from Cà Mau
city center
1. Where is Đầm Thị Tường Located?
Đầm Thị Tường lies on the boundary of three districts: Tran Van Thoi, Cai Nuoc, and Phu Tan in Cà Mau Province. This giant lagoon connects directly to the Gulf of Thailand via the My Binh River, dividing into Upper, Middle, and Lower Lagoons (with the Middle Lagoon being the widest and busiest zone).
The lagoon's depth ranges from 1 to 1.5 meters depending on the daily tides. Thanks to a rich brackish water ecosystem, the lagoon is home to numerous natural fish, shrimp, and mud crab species thriving around bamboo shelters scattered across the water.
2. How to Travel to Đầm Thị Tường?
From Cà Mau city center, follow National Highway 1A south toward Cai Nuoc District for 30km, reach the Cai Nuoc intersection, and turn right. Drive 10km along a paved country road to reach the pier. From there, hire a local motorized boat (vỏ lãi) to head out into the heart of the lagoon. The boat ride across the windy expanse of water is incredibly refreshing.
3. Dining on Fresh Specialties at Unique Stilt Houses
A highlight of any visit is dining at rustic wooden stilt houses thatched with coconut leaves, standing right in the middle of the lagoon. These platforms are connected by simple bamboo walkways and supported by heavy wooden piles.
At these eco-restaurants, you can enjoy seafood freshly harvested from the water: savory catfish hotpot, grilled grey mullet wrapped in rice paper, crispy fried mullet with tamarind sauce, and sweet steamed river shrimp. The ingredients are incredibly fresh, retaining a firm texture and rich natural sweetness.
4. Suggested Itinerary for the Lagoon
You should plan a half-day trip to visit the lagoon during your Cà Mau exploration. This is best integrated into our Tour Cà Mau 2 Days 1 Night or custom itineraries arranged by Bà Ngoại Homestay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book a table at the stilt houses in advance?
Yes, if you visit on weekends or public holidays, it is highly recommended to ask your homestay or contact the lagoon restaurant in advance to secure a prime spot and ensure the freshest catch is reserved for you.
What makes the sunset here so special?
The sunset is highly photogenic. Around 5:30 PM, the calm lagoon reflects brilliant orange and red hues, with the silhouettes of bamboo huts and fish traps providing a stunning backdrop for landscape photography.
Reference Sources
To guarantee ecological and geographical accuracy, the environmental facts in this article have been cross-checked with the following official resources:
- Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism: Development plans for conserving brackish wetland biodiversity and ecotourism promotion at Đầm Thị Tường.
- Southern Institute of Water Resources Research (Vietnam): Technical survey reports on hydrology, tidal regimes, and siltation dynamics of the Thi Tuong brackish lagoon.
- Official Portals of Tran Van Thoi, Phu Tan, and Cai Nuoc District People's Committees: Administrative division mapping and local fishery management records.
Experience the Mekong Delta's Largest Lagoon
Book a combined tour of Đầm Thị Tường, Mũi Cà Mau, and U Minh Hạ forest at Bà Ngoại Homestay for the best rates.
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Written by
Tran Bi (Founder of Ba Ngoai Homestay)
Tran Bi is a local tourism expert with over 10 years of experience guiding visitors through Cape Ca Mau and the U Minh mangrove forests.
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