Bac Lieu is a land of cultural convergence of 3 ethnic groups Kinh – Hoa – Khmer, shown through unique cultural works with very own beauty. This place is also known as the cradle of Southern Don Ca Tai Tu, famous for the song Da Co Hoai Lang by the musician Cao Van Lau – who was honored and memorialized through the Cao Van Lau theater.

By Thomas Vietnam at vemekong.com | Official Bac Lieu Visitor Guide

1. Better to Know as a Tourist

Ticket: 

Spend-time: One and a half hour (approx)

Hours: Dawn – dusk 

Food:          

Shop: 

Parking lot: Yes

Blog: https://vemekong.com/cao-van-lau-theater-conical-hat-non-la-theater-bac-lieu/

Address: Located at Hung Vuong Square in Ward 7, Bac Lieu City. 

Added values: Bac Lieu is known as the cradle of the form of Don Ca Tai Tu – Cai Luong. From ancient times to now, the people here have associated a happy and sad life with ancient songs.  However, nowadays many people, especially young people, have gradually forgotten that kind of tradition. The birth of Cao Van Lau theater not only expresses gratitude to him, but it also serves as a reminder for future generations to preserve and promote the precious values ​​that his father left behind.

Nearby attractions and hidden gems: Looking for places to stop on your way to and from Cao Van Lau Theater? Ghositaram pagoda (4 km), Xiem Can Pagoda (14 km), Cong Tu Bac Lieu House (5 minutes), Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary (7 km), Tac Say Church (38 km), Bac Lieu market (5 minutes)…

2. Travel Guide to Cao Van Lau Theater

The image of 3 hats is the main characteristic symbol of this unique theater and art and culture exhibition center.  The conical hat is associated with the Vietnamese people as well as the people of the South. The three hats clasped together demonstrate the solidarity of the Kinh, Khmer and Hoa ethnic groups in Bac Lieu.  Or is it also the attachment of the North, Central and South regions;  Iconic images have great meaning.

Not only forging and nurturing for the love of homeland and art. The Cao Van Lau theater project also shows Bac Lieu’s strong determination to rise up.  Not only because of the economy and society, but also a strong transformation thanks to the unique culture.  The theater is located next to the landscaped lake to create a cool space, the lake is divided into 2 parts, and the water lily is planted outside.  Separated by a winding walkway for tourists to go sightseeing.

3 conical hats, the largest one is up to 45 meters in diameter and the highest is more than 24 meters, representing 3 blocks:

House A: is the place for events, traditional art performances such as Cai luong singing, parachute singing, contemporary dance and music, etc. with a capacity of more than 850 seats.

Building B: area for regional conference and convention centers.

Building C: dedicated to organizing exhibitions, cultural and art displays to attract tourists to visit.

3. What to Do –See – Eat at Cao Van Lau Theater

Since its inception and put into operation Cao Van Lau theater has created a great attraction for people as well as tourists when coming to Hung Vuong Square, where there is also the famous symbol of the pliers.  The spiritual life of the people is enhanced, especially at night when the theater is illuminated with shimmering lights from 4 corners to illuminate the whole area.

People come to have fun, take pictures with the unique iconic work. This work not only contributes to beautifying the landscape of Bac Lieu, but also adds a new place to visit for tourists every time they have the opportunity to return to “the land of Ca Co Cai Luong”.  The 3 conical hat theater along with the name of the late musician Cao Van Lau is also the pride of this place as it is not only a cradle but also plays a big part in preserving the soul of the cai luong and the traditional music.

4. Free Itineraries from VeMekong

As a local travel expert, we have some ideas for you to think about.

From Bac Lieu city center:

Route 1:

Route 2:

Route 3:

If you do not have much time left, it is easy to check out spots in one full day by boat or with bike or with motorbike and car. But there are much more than tourist sites like these in Bac Lieu. Make sure you have more time to feel and explore more about the hidden gems and the culture, food, night life, wildlife and forest as well. Top tip: Stay in a homestay nearby, so you have more chances to visit it and surroundings. If you are looking for the package Bac Lieu daily tour with local, you can contact www.vemekong.com or Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559; email: hello@vemekong.com

5. Google Maps of Cao Van Lau Theater

Google Maps made a name for itself helping people travel from one place to another, avoid traffic (You probably know the route from your hotel to the gas station by heart, but what you can’t be sure about is gridlock), measure a distance, get back to the hotel on time, share the location… 

6. Visit Cao Van Lau Theater by yourself

Solo traveller? Travelling on your own means you will get out of any difficult situations by yourself. This, in turn, leads to more satisfying travel experiences and helps you improve your problem-solving skills. These days we rarely get the chance to sit with ourselves and simply be. That’s why you should consider the time you spend alone on your trip as a gift.

It is possible for solo travellers to use google maps and do it alone. But sometimes they need to update local maintained roads and bridges which close and lead you a longer road than the road from Google maps. It is just about the time. It takes more time to find the correct garden to come. Adventure is always fun. Wifi is strong in Bac Lieu village! The locals find it hard to speak English as well. Top tip: Sticking to one canal and keeping going along it which gives you more things to see and avoids getting lost. Contact vemekong.com to hire a car, scooter with English-speaking-guide or cycling tours in Bac Lieu.

7. Responsible Travel and Advice Cao Van Lau Theater

Don’t get us wrong. But we assure you that you totally agree with us. “Do not give candy and things to the children when you plan to visit any local villages”, the kids will leave the school and follow the sweets and later they find some things to give you or sell to you. The garden is a little forest, don’t pick and touch the flowers or fruits without the local’s smiles. We deal with traveling green and leaving green behind, not plastic. Top tip: Vemekong.com are some of the companies that care a lot about responsible travel and local respectation.

8. Amazing Video flycam/drone of Cao Van Lau Theater (4k) 

If a picture says a thousand words, it stands to reason that the video says many times more. 

9. Incredible Tips for Photography, Specialists, KOLs, Media and Influencers 

To get the best of the best for your unique writing, featuring, photo, video and insider’s stories. We do recommend you to have a local travel expert, the one who always gets more ground information and makes sure every single element is solved perfectly. The Vemekong (very exclusive Mekong) team is your priority choice. Email and have a private talk with them to customize your journey smoothly, personal and the most ultimately amazing. You can contact www.vemekong.com or Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559; email: hello@vemekong.com

10. Pro Tips 

You can stay in a homestay which is near the riverside, this will help you out the best option. Then you can hire a scooter, car or bike and explore it by yourself and I hope you have an amazing Mekong Delta river sunrise.

If you plan to extend your travel to Bac Lieu homestay, do not forget to bring mosquito repellent cream.

Visit Bac Lieu or do any customized tours, please choose reputable providers with boat trips equipped with lifebuoys, jackets, motorcycle and cycling tours with the helmets and. Safety is a priority! Choose Bac Lieu responsible tours which help you give back while traveling. It’s a cliché, but it’s true.

Bac Lieu food & drink guide ranges from street food, authentic, fancy to fusion foods. As a tropical land of many fresh vegetables and homegrown gardens, which always make Bac Lieu cuisines fresh, close to nature and very traditional. If you are a food lover, don’t hesitate to put other bites onto your food lists such as Bun bo cay (Spicy beef noodle soup), Three-striped crab (Freshwater crab in Bac Lieu), Banh cu cai (White radish pies), Banh tam bi Bac Lieu (Bac Lieu thick noodles & creamy coconut milk), Pho Ngheu, Bon Bon Pickles

Bring your hat, sunglasses, and sunblock, scarf to wear when visiting temples, pagodas, and the cathedral.

Bring the raincoat if you’re planning a trip to Bac Lieu in the rainy season, as Bac Lieu always looks fantastic in the full rain and full sun.

Bac Lieu tourist attractions are magnificent itself, but if you have enough time, don’t forget to put other places onto your bucket lists such as Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary, Bac Lieu Salt Farm, Buddha Temple Ba Nam Hai, Cong Tu Bac Lieu House, Ghositaram Pagoda in Bac Lieu, Bac Lieu Wind Farm, Ancient Longan Orchards, Vinh Hung Ancient Temple, Xiem Can Pagoda Bac Lieu, Cao Van Lau Theater (Conical Hat Non La Theater), Tac Say Church, Cao Van Lau Musician Memorial Site, Nha Mat amusement park, Bac Lieu Beach and mangrove forests, Phuoc Duc Ancient Temple and Dia Mau Cung (Ba Pagoda), Bac Lieu Market, Hung Vuong Square in Bac Lieu…

Hopefully, the above tips will help you to come up with a great plan for your adventure in Bac Lieu province, Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Have a safe trip!

“Sleep less, travel more, respect more” – Thomas Vietnam – Local travel expert.

Thank you