If you’ve got a layover in Ca Mau, don’t let it go to waste sitting at CAH. The city, in Vietnam, is within easy reach — roughly 35 minutes by Taxi. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Important Details Before You Go
A few things to sort out before you leave CAH:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Vietnam. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Ca Mau takes about 35 minutes by Taxi. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is VND. ATMs near the arrivals area typically offer better rates than the exchange counters.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From CAH, the Taxi gets you to Ca Mau in around 35 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 55 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Budget for Your Ca Mau Side Trip
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Ca Mau might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$4 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$19 USD
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Ca Mau.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at CAH can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Ca Mau for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Exploring Ca Mau on a Layover
If you head into Ca Mau, here are two things worth checking out:
Cà Mau Market (Chợ Cà Mau) is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s a good place to browse local goods and soak up the atmosphere.
Cà Mau City Park (Công viên Cà Mau) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Great for a short stroll — bring a coffee and take it easy.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at CAH, check out CÃ Mau Airport Departure Lounge or Airport Snack & Coffee Counter to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: Quán Hải Sản Kim Phụng and Lẩu Mắm Ãt Ngân are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Ca Mau.
- At the airport: CÃ Mau Airport Eatery and Airport Drink Kiosk will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at CAH, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at CAH for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Ca Mau or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Ca Mau genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.