Ca Mau, Vietnam

Capital City

Living in Vietnam's southernmost mainland city means dealing with oppressive tropical heat and monsoon rains for most of the year. Ca Mau, with its 315,270 residents, operates more like a Venice of the Mekong Delta - goods move primarily by boat through a maze of canals rather than roads. The stifling humidity and 8-month wet season from April to December make this a challenging posting for Westerners used to air conditioning.

This working port city runs on shrimp exports, moving over $500 million worth annually. A massive $1.4 billion gas-power-fertilizer complex opened in 2008, including two thermal power plants and an industrial fertilizer facility processing 800,000 metric tonnes of urea yearly. The local economy depends heavily on seafood processing, energy infrastructure, and growing domestic tourism focused on mangrove forests and regional cuisine. Basic amenities exist but don't expect luxury - accommodations top out at 3-star hotels.