Bac Lieu Wind Farm

Bạc Liêu Wind Farm is both a pioneering renewable energy project and one of the most recognisable sights in the Mekong Delta. Rows of giant white turbines rise straight out of the sea, their blades turning slowly against the sky, linked by long concrete walkways that run far out from the shore. You can see them from more than ten kilometres away as you approach along the coast.

Construction began in September 2010, and the project joined the national grid in June 2013, becoming one of the largest wind power projects in the Mekong Delta. Its first phases installed 62 turbines, each about 80 m tall with 42 m blades, across around 1,300 hectares, with total investment of more than 5,200 billion VND. Today the wind farm also attracts thousands of visitors a year.

The wind farm is in Biển Đông A hamlet, nearly 20 km from central Bạc Liêu. By motorbike or car, follow the Cao Văn Lầu coastal road - easy to ride, with plenty of scenery. Some visitors prefer Hoàng Sa road (turn in at the petrol station on the corner), a new, quiet road along the coast. The road also passes Xiêm Cán Pagoda, an easy stop on the way.

From further away, fly to Cần Thơ or Cà Mau and continue by bus or taxi, or take a long-distance bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Bạc Liêu, then a taxi or motorbike to the wind farm.

Past the ticket gate, you walk out along concrete walkways between the turbines, with wide views of sea and sky. Up close, the scale of the turbines and the strength of the wind are the main experience. There are several photo spots, a gift shop, and small games such as archery and paint guns.

Opinions are mixed, and timing explains most of it. Visitors who came at sunrise or sunset describe a calm, breezy, beautiful place and a 'wow' sunset. Those who came at midday found it hot, exposed and tiring, with not much to do beyond looking at the turbines. Other common complaints are dirty toilets, few food or drink options, narrow walkways that feel a bit scary in strong wind, and muddy, murky water rather than a classic beach scene.

Plan 45-90 minutes here. Pair it with Xiêm Cán Pagoda in the morning, or come in the late afternoon for sunset and ride back before dark. Bring water, sun protection and something to hold your hat on, and follow the rules: no drones and no entering restricted areas.