The Ca Mau mangrove forest, the world’s second-largest, is a natural treasure in Vietnam’s southernmost province, drawing visitors with its rich biodiversity and unique products.

Ca Mau Province is home to around 90,000 hectares of mangrove forests stretching along the coast. 

The forests extend about 254 kilometers, from the East Vietnam Sea in Tan Thuan Commune, Dam Doi District, to the West Vietnam Sea in Khanh Tien Commune, U Minh District.

Ca Mau's mangrove forests, the world's second largest after the Amazon, support a rich and diverse ecosystem.

The forests are home to various mangrove species, including Indian mangrove, oriental mangrove, mangrove apple, and black mangrove.

Their waters teem with wildlife, including shrimp, crab, fish, clams, snails, three-striped crabs, and oysters.

There are two types of mangrove forests in Ca Mau: coastal mangrove forests and production forests. 

Coastal mangrove forests, where animals live under the canopy, are protected areas where exploitation and fishing are strictly prohibited to preserve aquatic species. 

Meanwhile, production forests are designated for shrimp and crab farming, helping boost both the local economy and tourism. 

In these areas, people are permitted to harvest products and cultivate aquatic species.

Ca Mau currently supports nearly 40,000 hectares of ecological shrimp and crab farming under the forest canopy.

In addition to their role in preventing erosion, Ca Mau’s mangrove forests contribute to land reclamation, with alluvial deposits expanding the coastal area by 50-80 meters each year. 

West of Ca Mau Cape, a 6,500-hectare alluvial plain has gradually extended into the sea.

For generations, the mangrove forests have acted as a vital conservation area, offering a sanctuary for rare wildlife.

The diverse ecosystem supports the livelihoods of many local households, who depend on the forests' resources, such as crabs and snails. 

These products have gained fame for their delicious taste and firm texture.

The districts of Nam Can and Ngoc Hien in Ca Mau are renowned for their crab dishes. 

Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the areas while enjoying local culinary specialties, including boiled crab, shrimp paste, snails with coconut sauce, and spotted scat stewed with bush grapes.

One must-try specialty is the salted three-striped crab, which thrives in the mangrove environment and is known for its firm, flavorful meat. 

Another local delicacy, the mud creeper snail, climbs trees at high tide and descends at low tide.

Stir-fried with coconut milk, it delivers a rich blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Shrimp paste, a rustic dish from the region, combines the rich taste of shrimp with chili, ginger, crispy papaya, and a tangy fish sauce, making for an irresistible and authentic flavor.

With its unique dishes and rich natural beauty, Ca Mau offers visitors unforgettable experiences and a true taste of southern Vietnam.

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