BAC LIEU

Tel: 0781 + Pop 129.300

Bac Lieu, the capital of southern Bac Lieu province, is 280km from HCMC. Of the 800,000 people living in the province, about 8% are of Chinese or Cambidian origin.

The town has a few elegant but forlarn French colonial buildings, like the impressive Fop House, but not much else.

Farming is a difficult occupation here because of saltwater intrusion, which means that the town has remained fairly poor. The province is, however, known for its healthy longan orchards, In addition to this, the enterprising locals eke out a living from fishing, oyster collection and shrimp farming, as well as salt production.

For the Vietnamese people, Bac Lieu’s main claim to fame is the grave site of Cau Van Lau ( 1892-1976), famed compser of “Dai Coa Hoai Long” (“Night Song of the Missing Husband”)...

Most foreigners give the tomb a miss and instead use Bac Lieu as a springboard to reach the outstanding bird sanctry out of town. however if you’re keen on seeing it, head out on Cao Van Lau str towards the bird sanctuary for about 1km, turn right and follow the dirt road for 150m to the grave.

Place to Stay & Eat.

Most hotels in town are near the roundabout where ther roads fork off to Soc Trang and Camau.

Bac Lieu Gust House ( Tl: 823815, 8 Ly Tu Trong str. doubles with fan & shared toilet US$8, with air-con & Toilet US$10-15) is a real buget special.

Bac Lieu Hotel ( Tel: 822437, fax 823655, No 4-6 Hoang Van Thu str, air-con rooms US$20-25) is a fancier place.

Hoang Cung Hotel ( Tel: 823362, 1B/5 Tran Phu str. Fan rooms 200000d, air-con: 250000d-300000d), about 1km from the roundabout has clean rooms/
There is an OK restaurant in  the Bac Lieu Hotel, but you are better off looking outside for local seafood restaurants.