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Khai Long Beach in Ca Mau, tucked away in Vietnam's southernmost province, is still largely unexplored on most Mekong Delta tours. While Ca Mau is best known for its winding rivers, vast mangrove forests, and rich seafood culture, it also hides lesser-known treasures waiting to be explored, and Khai Long is one of them.
Located in a region where the soil is naturally salty and acidic year-round, Ca Mau has developed one of Vietnam’s most distinctive mangrove ecosystems. Two of the most prominent examples are the U Minh Ha Forest and the expansive Ca Mau Mangrove Forest, which together cover a large stretch of the province’s coastal belt.
Khai Long Beach's distinct charm stems from its unusual landscape. More than just a beach, it is part of a thriving mangrove environment rich in biodiversity and natural beauty.
Khai Long Beach lies within Ca Mau’s thriving mangrove ecosystem
Khai Long Beach is perfect for swimming and relaxing beach visits because of its gently sloping sands and gentle waves. In addition to that, the natural process of land expansion is one of the beach's most fascinating features.
The shoreline gradually grows longer as the tide brings in fine silt and sand every day. On average, the beach grows by 50 to 80 meters annually.
Khai Long Beach is located within the Khai Long Tourist Area of Dat Mui Commune, Ca Mau Province. It’s about 97 kilometers from Ca Mau City, 15 kilometers from Dat Mui, the southernmost tip of Vietnam, and around 400 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City.
From Ho Chi Minh City, you can catch a bus to Ca Mau from either the Mien Tay or Mien Dong bus stations. Tickets typically cost between 6.86 and 7.63 USD per person. After that, you can take a motorbike taxi or a taxi from the Ca Mau bus station to the Khai Long Tourist Area.
Khai Long Beach lies within the Khai Long Tourist Area, about 400 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City
Depending on the vehicle, parking costs in the Khai Long Tourist Area range from 0.19 to 0.76 USD. Adult and child admission tickets cost 1.14 USD and 0.57 USD, respectively.
On the full moon day each month, Khai Long Tourist Area offers free entry to all visitors.
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As the story goes, many years ago, a group of migrants from central Vietnam, particularly from the old capital of Thuan Hoa, journeyed south in search of new land to settle.
One evening, they dropped anchor along this very stretch of coast. That night, a mysterious dragon-shaped cloud appeared, and a bolt of lightning flashed across the sky, gliding down over the calm sea where their boats were moored.
The settlers then lit incense to thank heaven and earth, taking it as a sign from the divine. They chose to remain in this place, and from that moment, the name “Khai Long,” meaning “The Founding Dragon,” was born.
For the best experience at Khai Long Beach and when exploring the Ca Mau region, it’s ideal to visit between December and April. You won't have to worry about unexpected downpours because this time of year falls during the dry season. Clear skies and dry weather will make it easier for you to travel to more places and engage in more outdoor activities.
The best time to visit Khai Long Beach is during the dry season
Khai Long Beach provides a great chance to experience the rhythms of local life and enjoy a connection with nature thanks to its thriving mangrove ecosystem. You can catch shrimp, snails, and other small sea creatures hiding in rocky crevices and tidal pools when the tide is out.
For a more immersive Mekong Delta itinerary, take a small boat and paddle through winding canals, putting yourself in the shoes of a local fisherman for a day, or go deeper into the mangrove forest to look for fish and crabs.
There are many immersive Mekong Delta tours operated by the locals. Under the shade of old mangrove trees, you can try fishing, catching shrimp and fish, digging for crabs, or rowing through the forest, with the support of friendly local guides.
And when you’re ready to unwind, there’s nothing better than lounging in a hammock beneath the casuarina trees, sipping fresh coconut water as the breeze drifts in from the sea.
No trip to the coast is complete without catching a sunrise or sunset over the water. To see the sunrise in all its glory, you’ll need to wake up early, while the sky is still pale and quiet. Take a refreshing swim in the crisp morning air, then return later in the day to soak in the soft and romantic glow of sunset.
"Khai Long" means "The Founding Dragon"
When the tide goes out, the beach reveals its true self. You’ll find small fish and shrimp left behind in shallow pools or tucked beneath rocks. Unlike many other places where spotting live shellfish is rare, at Khai Long Beach, it takes just a few flipped stones to uncover clams and snails.
This beach also offers a panoramic view of the Hon Khoai Islands, a place of historical significance, preserved proudly by locals as the site of the Hon Khoai uprising during Vietnam’s fight against colonial rule.
Local souvenir shopping is a must on Mekong Delta tours. Inside the Khai Long Tourist Area, you’ll find souvenir stalls offering a wide range of locally made products. Among them are the iconic khan ran scarves of Southern Vietnam and traditional handicrafts that are native to the Mekong Delta.
They also sell handcrafted mangrove wood items, especially the famous mangrove chopsticks of Ca Mau. This distinctive type of chopsticks has become a symbol of the Mekong Delta’s artisanal heritage.
As Ca Mau is where the river and sea meet, the area is rich in silt and has a uniquely abundant supply of aquatic and marine life
The southernmost part of Vietnam may not be a major beach tourism hub, but the unique blend of coastal beauty and mangrove forest ecology makes it truly special. If you’re looking to include Khai Long Beach in your Mekong Delta itinerary, just contact us, and our team at Asia King Travel is always happy to assist.
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