The inaugural Vietnam Salt Industry Festival will be held in Bac Lieu Province, a Mekong Delta province known for its salt production, from December 26 to 28, 2024. The first edition of Bac Lieu 2024 festival aims to celebrate Vietnam’s long history of salt-making and promote the unique qualities of Bac Lieu salt.
Organized by the Bac Lieu Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the festival will showcase traditional salt-making practices through field trips to Bac Lieu’s salt fields and exhibitions on salt production techniques. Additionally, a trade fair will be a part of this salt festival to feature various salt products from across Vietnam, highlighting the diversity of the industry.
Activities and Events at the Salt Festival Bac Lieu 2024
The Vietnam Salt Industry Festival serves not only to celebrate tradition but also to propel the industry forward. Organizers hope to attract domestic and foreign investors to Bac Lieu’s salt production sector. The festival is a testament to Bac Lieu’s commitment to preserving its salt-making heritage while promoting its growth and development. The salt is also known to be a key ingredient in the Korean delicacy Kimchi.
The festival promises a variety of activities for attendees. The theme of the festival is “The one hundredth year old journey of salt making – A person’s life”; with topic “Enhancing the value of Vietnamese salt”. Several events will be held on the First Salt Festival in Vietnam from 26 to 28/12/2024.
A special highlight will be the inauguration ceremony for the upgraded infrastructure at Dong Hai salt field. Visitors can enjoy traditional music performances, explore historical sites, and participate in conferences on developing salt tourism and attracting investment in the agricultural sector.
Bac Lieu Province: A Salt-Making Hub
Vietnam’s long coastline and sunny climate create ideal conditions for salt production. Bac Lieu, a southern province, stands out as a major player in the industry.
Boasting a rich history of over 100 years, salt-making has become a traditional craft for Bac Lieu’s farmers. The province is known for its “Ba Thac salt,” a unique pinkish-white variety flavored by the surrounding sea.
With nearly 1,500 hectares dedicated to salt production, Bac Lieu yields over 27,000 tons annually. Traditional methods average nearly 17 tons per hectare, while sun-dried techniques reach over 37 tons. This thriving industry employs over 1,500 workers across 767 households.
The importance of Bac Lieu’s salt-making tradition was recognized in late 2020 when it was designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Bac Lieu Method of Salt Making
Despite modernization, Bac Lieu’s salt villages retain their charm and unique practices. Here, salt production is a demanding craft that requires dedication, knowledge passed down through generations, and a deep connection to nature. The season typically runs from November to March, following the lunar calendar.
The process begins by compacting the earth in the salt fields to minimize seawater seepage. Layers of seawater are then added to evaporate and solidify the ground further. Once the field is ready, a larger volume of seawater is introduced.
These initial seawater pools are called “ruong phoi.” Under the sun’s heat, the water gradually evaporates, concentrating the salt content. This brine is then transferred to lower fields called “ruong an,” specially prepared with a smooth, compacted surface.
The traditional evaporation method remains dominant in Bac Lieu, making the industry highly dependent on weather conditions. Sunny days are crucial for optimal production and high-quality salt.
Plan Your Travels for the Bac Lieu Salt Festival 2024
Bac Lieu Province is easily reachable from Ca Mau and Ho Chi Minh city as per your preferred mode of transport. The province is about 280 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City and 67 kilometers from Ca Mau. Bac Lieu doesn’t have its own airport, so to get there you’ll need to fly into a nearby airport for luxury travel. If you are traveling on a budget, you can opt for bus travel from Ca Mau or Ho Chi Minh City as well.
Flight
- Ca Mau Airport (CAU): This is the closest domestic airport to Bac Lieu, located about 67 kilometers away. From Ca Mau, you can take a taxi or bus to Bac Lieu.
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN): This is a major international airport located in Ho Chi Minh City, approximately 280 kilometers from Bac Lieu. There are more frequent flights available into Ho Chi Minh City, and from there you can take a bus or train to Bac Lieu.
Bus
- This is the most economical option. There are frequent buses running from Vung Tau, Ca Mau and Hồ Chí Minh to Bạc Liêu. The journey from Ho Chi Minh City takes around 6 hours, while the trip from Ca Mau to Bac Lieu is about an hour. You can book bus tickets online or from any of the bus stations. Online bus booking will help you with discounted bus ticket prices and lower your cost of travel.
- Taxi: Once you have reached Ca Mau, you can hail a taxi to the destination. This is a more convenient option, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with a group. However, it will also be the most expensive option. You can hail a taxi at the airport or book one in advance.