Ngoc Hien

Ngoc Hien (Ngọc Hiển) is a former rural district located at the southernmost tip of Cà Mau Province in the Mekong Delta. Before its reorganisation in 2025, the district covered an area of 743 km² with a population of approximately 66,874 (as of 2019). The district capital was at Viên An Đông. Ngoc Hien was the southernmost district of Vietnam and included Đất Mũi (Land's End), the southernmost point of the country. In 2025, the area was rearranged into three communes: Phan Ngọc Hiển, Tân Ân, and Đất Mũi.

The climate is tropical monsoon, with a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. The area is low-lying, with extensive mangrove forests along the coast and peat-swamp forests inland.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Ca Mau Airport (CAH), about 80 km north. From Ca Mau, buses and taxis head south towards the Ngoc Hien area.

By Car / Road

From Ca Mau City, follow the road south through Nam Can towards Đất Mũi. The journey takes about 2 hours. Buses from Ca Mau run to the main settlements in the area. The road ends at Đất Mũi, the southernmost point.

Motorbikes are the most practical way to get around Ngoc Hien. Boats are essential for reaching coastal areas and the national park. Local ferries connect the main land to smaller islands and settlements.

• Cape Ca Mau (Đất Mũi) — the southernmost point of Vietnam, marked by a distinctive tower and observation platform.

• Mui Ca Mau National Park — a Ramsar-listed mangrove forest protecting 41,862 hectares of coastal and inland wetlands.

• Mangrove forests — the area is covered in dense mangroves that are home to abundant birdlife and aquatic species.

• Visit the southernmost point of Vietnam — a bucket-list experience, with a monument marking the tip of the country.

• Boat tours in Mui Ca Mau National Park — explore the mangrove channels and spot birds, monkeys and reptiles.

• Walking trails in the national park — elevated walkways allow visitors to explore the mangroves without disturbing the ecosystem.

• Birdwatching — the park hosts 93 species of birds, 26 species of mammals and 43 species of reptiles.

Small eateries near Đất Mũi serve fresh seafood, particularly crab, shrimp and fish caught in the surrounding waters. Local specialities include grilled mangrove crab and seafood hotpot.

Coconut water and Vietnamese coffee are widely available. Bottled water is recommended.

Accommodation in the Ngoc Hien area is very limited. Basic guesthouses (nhà nghỉ) are available near Đất Mũi village and the national park entrance, with simple rooms from 200,000–400,000 dong per night. For more options, stay in Nam Can (20 km north) or Ca Mau City (80 km north), both of which have budget and mid-range hotels.

Local products include dried seafood, fish sauce, honey from the U Minh forest, and handicrafts made from mangrove wood. The Đất Mũi area has small souvenir shops near the cape monument.

• Mui Ca Mau National Park — in the heart of the Ngoc Hien area, accessible by boat or road.
• Nam Can — 20 km north, a river-port town with markets.
• Ca Mau — 80 km north, the provincial capital.
• U Minh Ha National Park — about 100 km northwest, a protected peat-swamp forest.