Phu Tan

Phu Tan (Phú Tân) is a commune (xã) in Cà Mau Province, located on the western coast of the Cà Mau Peninsula in the Mekong Delta. Established in June 2025 through a reorganisation of commune-level administrative units, Phú Tân Commune covers an area of approximately 101.7 km² with a population of around 33,381 people, formed by merging Tân Hải Commune and the former Phú Tân Commune. The area lies along the Gulf of Thailand and is known for its fishing industry and aquaculture. The district capital was formerly at Cái Đôi Vàm.

Phu Tan has a tropical monsoon climate with a dry season (November–April) and a rainy season (May–October). Temperatures average 26–33°C year-round.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Ca Mau Airport (CAH), about 50 km southeast. Taxis and xe om are available from the airport.

By Car / Road

Phu Tan is about 45 km west of Ca Mau City. Buses from Ca Mau run to the Cái Đôi Vàm area. The journey takes about 1 hour by road.

Motorbikes are the main form of transport. Boats are used for coastal travel and to access fishing villages along the shore. Xe om are available in the central areas.

• Cái Đôi Vàm — the former district capital, a fishing port town on the coast.

• Gulf of Thailand coastline — the western coast offers views of the Gulf with traditional fishing boats.

• Local fishing villages — observe the daily life of coastal fishing communities.

• Deep-sea fishing — Phu Tan is well-known for its fishing industry; arrange a trip with local fishermen.

• Visit aquaculture farms — see shrimp and fish farming operations typical of the Mekong Delta coast.

• Sunset on the Gulf of Thailand — the coast faces west, offering sunset views over the Gulf.

Seafood is the highlight here, with freshly caught fish, crab, shrimp and squid prepared simply — grilled, steamed or in sour soups. Local eateries in Cái Đôi Vàm serve the best options.

Fresh coconut water and Vietnamese coffee are the main drinks. Bottled water is recommended.

Accommodation in Phu Tan is limited to basic guesthouses (nhà nghỉ) in the Cái Đôi Vàm area, with simple air-conditioned rooms from 200,000–350,000 dong per night. Sông Đốc town in neighbouring Trần Văn Thới district (20 km north) has slightly more options. For a wider selection of hotels and restaurants, stay in Ca Mau City (45 km southeast).

The area is famous for seafood. Dried fish, shrimp paste, fish sauce and fresh catch are available at local markets. Bargaining is expected.

• Trần Văn Thời — about 20 km north, a coastal district with the town of Sông Đốc.
• Ca Mau — 45 km southeast, the provincial capital.
• Cai Nuoc — about 30 km east.
• Mui Ca Mau National Park — about 100 km south.