Bac Lieu, a land at the edge of the Fatherland, is not only famous for its sweet “đờn ca tài tử” melodies and the story of the elegant and generous Bac Lieu Mandarin, but also captivates visitors with its unique natural beauty and impressive architectural works. Among them, the Bac Lieu wind farm, standing tall amidst the vast sea and sky, has become a new tourist symbol, attracting crowds of visitors from all directions. Let’s explore Bac Lieu, where the magnificent wind farm harmonizes with the golden imprint of the Mandarin’s house, to fully experience the beauty and charm of this land.
Discover Bac Lieu: Journey from the Majestic Wind Farm to the Luxurious Mandarin’s Residence
Bac Lieu, a hidden gem in the Mekong Delta, has long been known through historical records and word-of-mouth stories about the wealth and liberal lifestyle of the Bac Lieu Mandarin. However, Bac Lieu today not only captivates visitors with its historical sites and unique culture, but also with its diverse natural landscapes and rich cuisine. On your journey to discover Bac Lieu, you will have the opportunity to admire the Bac Lieu wind farm – a massive clean energy project, and also a must-visit check-in destination. In addition, the magnificent mansion of the Bac Lieu Mandarin still stands proudly in the heart of the city, recounting the story of a bygone golden age. A trip to Bac Lieu will take you from the awe of the modern beauty of the wind farm to the admiration of the ancient architecture and fascinating legends of the Mandarin’s house, promising unforgettable experiences.
Bac Lieu Wind Farm: A New Tourist Symbol of the Mekong Delta
The Bac Lieu wind farm, located in Bien Dong A hamlet, Vinh Trach Dong commune, about 20km from the center of Bac Lieu city, is one of the largest onshore wind power projects in Vietnam. Construction began in 2010, and this project is not only economically significant in providing clean energy to the region, but also creates a unique tourist highlight, attracting visitors with its majestic and modern beauty.
With 62 giant wind turbine pillars, each nearly 80 meters high, with a pillar body diameter of 4 meters and blades up to 42 meters long, the Bac Lieu wind farm appears like a “forest” of white windmills amidst the vast sea and sky. When you set foot here, you will be amazed by the massive scale of the project and feel the power of nature, of the sea breeze. Especially on clear blue sky days, the wind turbines spinning against the clear blue sky create a beautiful landscape picture, both majestic and romantic.
Panoramic view of the Bac Lieu wind farm from afar, with towering wind turbines against a blue sky
Directions to Bac Lieu Wind Farm:
To get to the Bac Lieu wind farm, you can choose from several means of transportation depending on your starting point and personal preferences:
- Coach: From Ho Chi Minh City, you can easily find high-quality coach routes to Bac Lieu from reputable bus operators such as Phuong Trang, Hoang Yen, and Kim Yen. Travel time is about 5-6 hours and fares range from 190,000 – 250,000 VND/person/one way. If you depart from Hanoi or northern provinces, you can fly to Can Tho airport, then take a coach for about 2-3 hours to Bac Lieu with fares ranging from 80,000 – 120,000 VND/person/one way.
- Personal vehicles (motorbike, car): For travelers who love freedom and exploration, motorbikes or cars are ideal choices. From the city center of Bac Lieu, follow Cao Van Lau street along the coast, then turn into DT978 road to Vinh Trach Dong commune. The road is quite easy to travel, paved with smooth asphalt, with green trees lining both sides and peaceful countryside scenery.
Ideal Time to Visit the Wind Farm:
The best time to visit the Bac Lieu wind farm is in the early morning or late afternoon. At this time, the sunlight is gentle, the air is cool, very suitable for walking, sightseeing, and taking photos. Especially at dawn or dusk, the entire wind farm seems to be gilded by the sunlight, creating an extremely magnificent and romantic scene. You should avoid visiting at noon when the sun is harsh to avoid fatigue and affecting your sightseeing experience.
Romantic sunset at the Bac Lieu wind farm, with golden sunlight illuminating the white wind turbines
Entrance Fee and Visiting Experience:
Currently, the Bac Lieu wind farm has become an official tourist attraction, open to visitors daily. The entrance fee is quite cheap, only about 20,000 VND/person. With this price, you can freely explore the entire wind farm area, freely take photos, and enjoy the unique space here. Besides sightseeing and taking photos, you can also experience walking along the concrete path between the turbine pillars, feeling the cool sea breeze and listening to the sound of the turbine blades turning like a symphony of nature and technology.
Bac Lieu Mandarin’s House: Golden Imprint of a Bygone Era
Leaving the modern wind farm, let’s travel back in time to another symbol of Bac Lieu – the Bac Lieu Mandarin’s House. Located at 13 Dien Bien Phu Street, Ward 3, Bac Lieu City, this ancient house is the former residence of Tran Trinh Huy, also known as the Bac Lieu Mandarin, a famous figure in Vietnamese history in the early 20th century known for his lavish lifestyle and generous anecdotes.
Built in 1919, the Bac Lieu Mandarin’s House features classic French architecture, with delicate, luxurious, and imposing lines. The house was built by engineers and materials brought from France, reflecting the wealth and class of the owner. To this day, after more than 100 years, the mansion still retains its original beauty, becoming an attractive tourist destination, attracting visitors with its unique architecture and legendary stories about the Bac Lieu Mandarin.
Ancient and luxurious architecture of the Bac Lieu Mandarin's House, a must-visit destination in Bac Lieu
Stepping into the Bac Lieu Mandarin’s House, you will feel like you are lost in an old space, where the imprints of a golden era are preserved. Inside the house, you can admire ancient artifacts such as Louis XV furniture sets, crystal chandeliers, intricately carved beds, and many other personal items of the Bac Lieu Mandarin’s family. Each item carries a story, a legend about the life and lifestyle of this famous Mandarin.
Visiting the Bac Lieu Mandarin’s House is not only an opportunity to admire ancient architecture, but also an opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and people of old Bac Lieu. You will hear fascinating stories about the Bac Lieu Mandarin, about his extravagant parties, romantic relationships, and chivalrous actions. These stories have become an indispensable part of Bac Lieu’s folk culture, contributing to the special attraction of this land.
Suggested 2-Day 1-Night Bac Lieu Itinerary
To fully explore the beauty of Bac Lieu, you can refer to the following 2-day 1-night itinerary:
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrive in Bac Lieu, check into your hotel and rest.
- Afternoon: Visit the Bac Lieu wind farm, admire the majestic beauty of the project and take souvenir photos.
- Evening: Enjoy Bac Lieu specialty cuisine at local restaurants and stroll around Bac Lieu night market.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit the Bac Lieu Mandarin’s House, learn about the history and legends of this famous figure.
- Noon: Have lunch at a restaurant near the Bac Lieu Mandarin’s House.
- Afternoon: Explore Siem Can Pagoda, an ancient Khmer pagoda with unique architecture, or Nha Mat tourist area for fun and entertainment.
- Evening: End your journey and travel back to your departure point.
In addition, if you have more time, you can explore other attractive destinations in Bac Lieu such as:
- Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary: A nature reserve with thousands of rare bird species.
- Hung Vuong Square: The cultural and entertainment center of Bac Lieu city.
- Bac Lieu Market: Where you can find local products and experience the atmosphere of a Mekong Delta countryside market.
Bac Lieu Cuisine: Distinctive Flavors of the Mekong Delta
A trip to Bac Lieu is incomplete without experiencing the unique cuisine of this land. Bac Lieu is famous for many delicious and unique dishes, imbued with the flavors of the Mekong Delta. Some dishes you must try when you come to Bac Lieu:
- Bun Bo Cay (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup): A signature noodle dish with rich, spicy broth and tender beef.
- Banh Xeo (Crispy Pancake): Bac Lieu-style banh xeo is large in size, with crispy crust, filled with shrimp and meat, served with raw vegetables and sweet and sour fish sauce.
- Lau Mam (Fermented Fish Hotpot): A typical hotpot of the Mekong Delta, with the rich flavor of fermented fish, combined with many types of seafood, meat and vegetables.
- Ba Khia (Three-striped Crab): A famous specialty of Bac Lieu, which can be processed into many delicious dishes such as tamarind-roasted ba khia, ba khia salad.
- Goi Ca Trich (Herring Salad): A fresh and refreshing salad, with raw herring mixed with herbs, onions, peanuts and spicy and sour fish sauce.
You can enjoy these specialty dishes at local restaurants and eateries in Bac Lieu. Don’t forget to ask locals to recommend the best and most quality dining spots.
Important Notes When Traveling to Bac Lieu
To make your trip to Bac Lieu complete and meaningful, you need to note the following:
- Weather: Bac Lieu has a tropical monsoon climate, with quite hot and humid weather all year round. You should prepare comfortable, cool clothes, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses when traveling.
- Transportation: Popular means of transport in Bac Lieu are motorbikes, cars and taxis. You can rent a motorbike or car for self-drive if you want to be proactive in moving around.
- Accommodation: Bac Lieu has many hotels, guesthouses and homestays with different prices and quality. You should book your room in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
- Culture: Bac Lieu is a land rich in cultural traditions, you should respect local customs and habits when visiting and communicating with local people.
- Safety: When visiting the wind farm, you should comply with safety regulations, do not climb on the turbine pillars and keep a safe distance.
Essential tips for a smooth and memorable trip to Bac Lieu
Conclusion
Bac Lieu, with its harmonious combination of the modern natural beauty of the wind farm and the historical and cultural imprint of the Bac Lieu Mandarin’s House, is an attractive and worthwhile destination to explore in the Mekong Delta. Hopefully, with the information and suggestions in this article, you will have a truly complete and meaningful trip to Bac Lieu. Come and feel the unique beauty and charm of Bac Lieu, a land where unique cultural and natural values converge.