Nestled in the heart of Vietnam's Mekong Delta, Cai Be is a picturesque district that offers a genuine taste of rural Vietnamese life. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Cai Be stands out with its tranquil waterways, vibrant floating markets, and lush landscapes. It's an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic Mekong Delta experience, away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities.
Population: Approximately 293,000 in 2020.
Economy: Cai Be’s economy thrives on agriculture, particularly fruit cultivation and aquaculture. The energetic floating market and local craftsmanship also contribute to the district’s economic growth.
Landmarks: Famous for the Cai Be Floating Market, Cai Be Church, and many local Pagodas and Temples.
Vietnam
Cai Be has a rich history that dates back to the French colonial era. Founded as a small trading port, it became an essential hub for local commerce due to its strategic location along the Mekong River. The historical architecture in Cai Be reflects its past, with colonial-era buildings standing alongside traditional Vietnamese structures. Further, Cai Be holds an extensive amount of centuries-old customs and heritage. The influence of various dynasties, including the Nguyen Dynasty, is evident in the local customs and festivals. Traditional Vietnamese culture is prominent here, with local festivals, folk music, and ancient rituals being a part of daily life.
Check out our cultural exploration tours in Vietnam here.
Cai Be is home to a small, vibrant community of almost 300,000 residents. The majority of the people living there are ethnic Vietnamese, who are renowned for being hospitable and kind. Life in Cai Be is deeply rooted in traditional customs, with many locals engaged in agriculture, fishing, and small-scale trade. The close-knit community thrives on its rich cultural heritage and offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the rural lifestyle of the Mekong Delta.
Cai Be district, Tien Giang Province - © CafeBiz
No visit to Cai Be is complete without exploring its famous floating market. This bustling marketplace is a vibrant tapestry of colors, sounds, and smells. Early mornings are the best time to visit when the market is in full swing. Here, vendors sell everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to local snacks, all from their boats. It’s a lively and photogenic scene that captures the essence of life on the Mekong River.
The Cai Be Church, an impressive French colonial-era structure, stands as a testament to the area’s historical influences. Its distinctive architecture, featuring a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles, makes it a notable landmark. The church’s serene atmosphere provides a peaceful respite and a chance to admire its intricate design and historical significance.
Cai Be is home to several pagodas and temples that reflect the region’s spiritual heritage. These sacred sites are often adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colors. They offer visitors a glimpse into the local religious practices and provide a tranquil setting for reflection and exploration.
For those looking to escape the urban environment, Cai Be’s countryside tours offer a perfect retreat. Visitors can explore scenic rural landscapes, including verdant rice paddies and picturesque canals. These tours often include boat rides and visits to local farms, providing a serene and immersive experience of the Mekong Delta’s natural beauty.
Cai Be Church - © Vietnam Tourism
Cai Be’s culinary tradition is a delightful exploration of traditional Southern Vietnamese flavors. That being said, sampling local dishes when visiting this charming district is a must.
Craving Vietnamese cuisine? Check out one of the best place to explore Vietnamese food, Hue, here.
Goi Cuon (Vietnamese Spring Rolls) - © VnEconomy
Cai Be is alive with vibrant festivals and local celebrations that reflect the district’s cultural richness. Visitors can immerse themselves in these lively events, including:
This celebration, which falls between late January and early February, commemorates the start of the lunar calendar year. In Cai Be, families gather for grand feasts, offer gifts, and perform traditional rituals to honor ancestors and bring good fortune. Festivities include colorful parades, traditional music, and elaborate dragon dances, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. The streets are adorned with vibrant decorations, and local markets are filled with seasonal goods and sweets.
See how you can enjoy the Tet holiday in one of the most dynamic cities in Vietnam, Hanoi, here.
Also known as the Moon Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, usually in September. This festival pays gratitude to the harvest and the full moon, which represent harmony and quality family time. In Cai Be, the festival is marked by lantern processions, lion dances, and the sharing of mooncakes. Children carry brightly colored lanterns, and families gather to enjoy festive foods and admire the moon.
The festival is a seasonal celebration that highlights the region’s abundant fruit harvest. The event, which is usually held in the summer, features an extensive array of tropical fruits that are cultivated in the Mekong Delta. Visitors can sample fresh fruits, attend fruit-themed cooking demonstrations, and participate in fruit-related games and activities. The festival also features fruit carving exhibitions and traditional performances, offering a festive and educational experience centered around Cai Be and Tien Giang’s agricultural bounty.
Fruit carving at Tien Giang Fruit Festival - © Thanh Nien News
Cai Be offers a range of engaging activities that highlight its natural beauty and cultural heritage:
Cai Be’s shopping scene provides a delightful mix of local markets and unique finds:
Wander the Cai Be float market - © Vietnam Tourism
Cai Be’s climate is typical of the Mekong Delta region, characterized by a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Understanding the weather patterns can help you plan your visit for the most enjoyable experience.
The dry season is the most popular time to visit Cai Be due to its favorable weather conditions. However, the wet season offers its own charm with lush green landscapes and fewer tourists.
Boat Ride along Mekong River - © Vietnam Tourism
Handling your finances in Cai Be is stress-free, with ATMs conveniently located near markets and major streets, offering easy access to cash withdrawals. Currency exchange services are also available at banks and some hotels, though it’s often recommended to exchange currency in larger cities before arriving for the best rates. Basic banking services, including currency exchange and cash withdrawals, are readily accessible to meet your financial needs while exploring Cai Be.
Tucked away in Sri Lanka’s southeastern corner, Yala National Park is where wild nature meets deep tradition. Known worldwide for its leopard population, the park is also home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. Beyond wildlife, Yala opens doors to a cultural landscape dotted with ancient temples, Buddhist ruins, and coastal villages. For travelers seeking more than just a safari, Yala offers a chance to explore eco-tourism, local communities, and sacred heritage sites.
Population: The Yala National Park area doesn’t have a human population.
Economy: The economy around Yala National Park thrives on a blend of eco-tourism, agriculture, and local services. Safari tours, eco-lodges, and cultural experiences drive steady income for nearby towns like Tissamaharama and Kataragama, supporting thousands of families.
Landmarks: Famous for Block I of Yala and wildlife encounters, including elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and exotic bird species.
Nestled on Sri Lanka’s southern coastline, Galle is a vibrant city where history meets the sea. Its cobbled streets, colonial architecture, and serene beaches make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Galle captivates visitors with its Dutch Fort, bustling markets, and friendly locals. Whether you’re exploring the ramparts at sunset or savoring fresh seafood by the shore, Galle promises an unforgettable journey into Sri Lanka’s heritage.
Population: Approximately 113,000 in 2023.
Economy: Galle’s economy thrives on tourism, trade, and fisheries. The city’s historic fort, colonial architecture, and coastal charm draw thousands of international visitors each year, making tourism its main economic driver. Fishing remains vital for local livelihoods, supplying fresh seafood across the region.
Landmarks: Famous for the Galle Fort, Dutch Reformed Church & Maritime Museum, and Unawatuna Beach.
Nestled along Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast, Bentota is a tropical paradise that blends golden beaches, vibrant culture, and thrilling adventures. Famous for its calm waters, luxury resorts, and scenic river estuary, Bentota has become a top destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and authentic experiences. From serene beach walks at sunrise to adrenaline-pumping water sports, this coastal town offers a perfect balance of leisure and exploration. With its proximity to Colombo and Galle, Bentota is easy to reach, making it an ideal stop for both short escapes and extended holidays.
Population: Approximately 37,000 in 2023.
Economy: Bentota’s economy thrives mainly on tourism, which drives local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and wellness retreats. The town also benefits from fishing, coconut cultivation, and handicrafts like wood carving and batik textiles. Many residents rely on the growing demand for water sports and Ayurvedic treatments, making tourism the backbone of both income and employment in the area.
Landmarks: Famous for Bentota Beach, Bentota River Safari, and Kande Vihara Temple.
Mirissa is a charming coastal town on Sri Lanka’s southern shoreline. Known for its golden beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, it has become a must-visit stop for travelers exploring the island. Many come for whale watching, surfing, and sunset views at Coconut Tree Hill, but Mirissa offers much more than postcard beauty. The fishing boats you see anchored by the bay carry generations of stories. Local traditions, delicious cuisine, and a laid-back rhythm of life shape every visitor’s experience.
Population: Approximately 4,700 in 2023.
Economy: Mirissa’s economy is largely shaped by its coastal location. Fishing has long been the backbone of local livelihoods, with generations relying on the Indian Ocean for income. In recent decades, tourism has become the main driver of growth, thanks to whale watching, surfing, and beachside hospitality.
Landmarks: Famous for Mirissa Beach, Coconut Tree Hill, and Parrot Rock Bridge.
Tucked away in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya is often called “Little England”. With its rolling tea plantations, cool misty mornings, and colonial charm, this mountain town feels like a step into another world. Travelers come here to breathe fresh air, walk through flower gardens, sip the finest Ceylon Tea, and enjoy a pace of life far from the island’s busy cities. Whether you’re drawn by scenic landscapes, heritage architecture, or the warmth of its people, Nuwara Eliya is a destination that blends nature, culture, and history in perfect harmony.
Population: Approximately 781,000 in 2023.
Economy: Nuwara Eliya’s economy thrives mainly on tea production, as it sits in the heart of Sri Lanka’s central highlands, famous worldwide for Ceylon Tea. The city also benefits from a growing tourism industry, attracting visitors with its colonial charm, cool climate, and scenic landscapes.
Landmarks: Famous for Gregory Lake, Hakgala Botanical Garden, and Victoria Park.
Nestled on the banks of the Kinabatangan River in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, Sukau is a destination where wildlife, culture, and conservation come together. Known as one of Asia’s top spots for river safaris and eco-tourism, this quiet village offers a front-row seat to encounters with Bornean orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and exotic birdlife.
Population: Approximately 1,400 in 2019.
Economy: Sukau’s economy is shaped by its riverine location and natural resources. Traditionally, the Orang Sungai community relied on fishing, small-scale farming, and forest gathering for their livelihood. Today, the village has shifted toward eco-tourism, with river cruises, jungle trekking, and homestays providing income.
Landmarks: Famous for the Kinabatangan River cruises, Gomantong Caves, and Ox-bow lakes and wetlands.