Bạc Liêu is a Mekong Delta province that has the normal tropical attractions and more,including a bird sanctuary, a monument to ostentatious living, Khmer culture, boat trips, popular places of worship, orchards and flower gardens. Minh Thu  and Như Bình report.

Nguyễn Long from HCM City thought one day would be enough to explore the Mekong Delta province of Bạc Liêu, but when he arrived, he realised he was wrong.

So he booked into a hotel and decided to experience the unique cuisine, beautiful landscapes and the culture of the province.

“I had believed that the Mansion of the Bạc Liêu ’Playboy’ was the only place to visit and that the sea in the province was muddied by rivers,” said Long. “But the facts proved that I was wrong.”

Bạc Liêu is located to the south of the Mekong’s main outflow. The province shares borders with Hậu Giang in the north, Sóc Trăng in the northeast, Kiên Giang in the northwest -- and Cà Mau in the west and southwest. The sea is on the southeast. 

Bạc Liêu has more than 5,500ha of forests, mostly mangroves, and offers boat tours along canals and rivers, swimming in the sea, tours to learn about the diversified culture of different ethnic groups and extraordinary food with local specialities.

Worship: Pilgrims flock to the festival dedicated to the Bodhisattva of Limitless Compassion. VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Liêm

In the past, Bạc Liêu was known for its rich landlords, whose sons extravagantly spent money and time enjoying themselves. They built luxurious homes that tourists still gape at today, even though they are 100 or more years old. 

One of the best known buildings in the region is the mansion of "Công tử Bạc Liêu’, who was a famous playboy of his time. 

“If you don’t visit the mansion,  you haven’t been to Bạc Liêu,” said Long.

“Those who visit the province generally like to stop at the mansion, now Bạc Liêu Dude Hotel, either for an overnight stay or a quick look. The residence, located at 13 Điện Biên Phủ Street, was built in 1919 and designed by a French architect with many materials and furniture imported from France. Many valuable objects are still housed in the building."

It is a two-storey building with spacious bedrooms and splendid halls. The mansion belonged to Trần Trinh Huy (1900-1973).

In 2003 the mansion became a hotel and a tourist site.

Palatial: One of the best-known buildings in the region is the mansion of ’Công tử Bạc Liêu’. VNA/VNS Photo Văn Khánh

Tourists also visit the Bird Reserve covering 160ha. It is home to more than 40 bird species. Many endanged species have been born and bred there.

Located at Hiệp Thành Commune, the sanctuary is considered one of the most attractive eco-tourism spots in the Mekong Delta. It was recognised as a Nature Reserve in 1984.

Tourists can also see rich flora and fauna. In August and September, flocks of birds gather at the sanctuary to build nests and breed. The forest comes alive with their songs and trees overflow with hundreds of birds’ nests. 

The best time for tourists to visit the Bird Sanctuary is in the early morning, when most birds leave their nests to begin a day of feeding. Alternatively, at sunset the birds can be seen easily flock after flock returning to their nests.

“This is the most spectacular sight at the sanctuary,” said tourist Long. “Photographers wait to capture breathtakingly beautiful birds.”

Heavenly: A flower garden in Vĩnh Trạch Đông Commune. VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Thanh Liêm

Long and his friends also spent a day on an ecological tour to longan orchards covering 230ha. 

The orchards were planted 200 years ago by the first migrants to wild land along the coast. Their age and unique location lends the fruit a distinctive sweetness.

The gardens sit atop an underground stream. Local people say the water source has kept the trees alive for centuries despite encroaching saltwater.

Locals dry the fruit and also brew the fresh fruit into wine. Producing dried fruit and wine to sell for tourists and export has become a good job for many.

Other cultural and religious destinations are worth a visit, such as Phước Đức Pagoda built in the 18th century by Chinese immigrants, Xiêm Cán Pagoda built in  the 19th century by the ethnic Khmer people inspired by Angkor architecture.

There is also the ancient Vĩnh Hưng Temple which houses many items belonging to Óc Eo Culture (from the first to seventh centuries), the conical hat-shaped Cao Văn Lầu Theatre and Nhà Mát ecotourism and cultural site with 11m-high statue of  the Bodhisattva of Mercy.

In recent years, tourists can visit a wind farm with hundreds of turbines. The long bridge leading to the wind turbines in the sea is an ideal place to enjoy spectacular views and brisk wind.

The provincial People’s Committee and related agencies have strived to make tourism a key economic sector.

Before 2016, Bạc Liêu welcomed 600,000-650,000 tourists a year, according to Thái Quốc Lưu, vice director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. But when authorities began to promote the attractions, numbers increased rapidly.

“We plan to attract 1.4 million tourists to the province this year,” he said.

“There are now about 50 hotels and guest houses with a total of 1,200 rooms. We are calling for investment to upgrade the infrastructure and services to meet increasing demand.”

“We also focus on preserving traditional performing arts, such as đờn ca tài tử (southern music and songs), and Khmer ethnic drama and dance.”