Discover Ca Mau’s bird sanctuaries, from Ngoc Hien to Ca Mau City, teeming with rare species and mangroves. Book sustainable tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic Mekong Delta adventure.
Ca Mau’s bird sanctuaries are premier eco-tourism destinations, transcending their outdated portrayal as simple bird gardens. Nestled in Vietnam’s southernmost province, these sanctuaries, including Ngoc Hien, Tu Na, and Ca Mau City Bird Sanctuary, attract 30,000 visitors annually with their vibrant ecosystems, rare bird species, and sustainable tourism initiatives. Following Vietnam’s administrative reform, Ca Mau Province now includes the former Bac Lieu ward, enriching its cultural diversity with Kinh, Khmer (20%), and Hoa communities. The tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F) fosters lush mangroves and waterways, offering eco-friendly activities like birdwatching and canoe tours costing $5–$50 (125,000–1,250,000 VND).
Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly tours to Ca Mau’s bird sanctuaries, using electric boats, bicycles, and local guides to immerse travelers in their natural splendor while preserving the environment. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your journey.
Use “Ca Mau, Ca Mau Province” for navigation. Key sanctuaries like Ngoc Hien (80 km from Ca Mau City), Tu Na (50 km), and Ca Mau City Bird Sanctuary (2 km) are easily accessible, ideal for nature lovers seeking authentic Mekong Delta eco-experiences.
With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 20,000 travelers yearly across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our bird sanctuary tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge, and partnerships with community-based providers to preserve Ca Mau’s ecosystems. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours prior, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for a responsible, immersive experience aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.
A Premier Wildlife Haven
Ngoc Hien Bird Sanctuary, located in Ngoc Hien Ward, 80 km from Ca Mau City, spans 130 hectares within the Mui Ca Mau National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Unlike outdated claims of hosting 100,000 species, it supports 93 bird species, including storks, herons, oriental darters, and rare red-crowned cranes, alongside mammals like long-tailed macaques. Its mangrove-lined Bay Hap River and canals create a vibrant ecosystem, with modern walkways and electric boat docks enhancing accessibility. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND) or eco-tours ($15–$30 or 375,000–750,000 VND), capturing stunning photography amidst the “red water” from peat-soil forests.
Activities: Guided birdwatching, canoe tours through mangroves, and sustainable fishing ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND).
Dining: Savor Cua Bien crab ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) at nearby Song Doc eateries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use electric boats and reusable gear to minimize impact.
Tip: Visit at dawn (6:00–8:00 AM) for peak bird activity; bring binoculars ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
A Hidden Eco-Gem
Tu Na Bird Sanctuary, also known as Tu Su Stork Garden, in Nam Can Ward, 50 km from Ca Mau City, spans 50 hectares within the Nam Can Mangrove Forest. Far from the exaggerated claim of 100,000 species, it hosts 30,000 birds, including white storks, red-crowned cranes, and black-crowned night herons, many listed in Vietnam’s Red Book. Its mangrove canals and melaleuca forests offer a serene setting, with eco-friendly infrastructure like elevated paths. Activities include canoe tours ($15–$30 or 375,000–750,000 VND) and crab-catching ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND), supporting local cooperatives.
Activities: Birdwatching, mangrove tours, and Don Ca Tai Tu performances during festivals like Ok Om Bok (October/November).
Dining: Enjoy Ca Loc Nuong ($3–$8 or 75,000–200,000 VND) at Nam Can community eateries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for bicycles ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND) for trails.
Tip: Visit at dusk (5:00–6:00 PM) for sunset flocks; wear neutral clothing to avoid startling birds.
An Urban Eco-Oasis
Ca Mau City Bird Sanctuary, previously Lam Vien Bird Garden, located at 19/5 Ly Van Lam Street, Ward 1, 2 km from Ca Mau City center, spans 18.2 hectares within the Ca Mau Cultural Park. Managed by the Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, it hosts over 10,000 birds during peak seasons, including herons, cormorants, and white storks, not cranes as previously misstated. Its mangroves, ponds, and stilt houses create a tranquil urban retreat, with modern walkways for accessibility. Birdwatching ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND) and nature walks ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND) are highlights, replacing outdated mentions of the Trau Cau restaurant.
Activities: Guided birdwatching, nature walks, and cultural performances during Lunar New Year (January/February).
Dining: Savor Banh Xeo ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) at nearby Ca Mau Night Market (2 km).
Eco-Friendly Note: Walk or cycle ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND) to nearby sites.
Tip: Visit early mornings (6:00–8:00 AM) for bird activity; avoid flash photography.
November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Ideal for birdwatching and canoe tours with clear skies and moderate crowds (80–200 daily visitors). Book tours 1–2 weeks ahead. Perfect for spotting migratory birds like storks and herons.
May–October (Rainy Season, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F): Peak breeding season with up to 30,000 birds, including red-crowned cranes (April–May). Lush mangroves and fewer crowds (50–150 daily visitors). Bring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Last-minute bookings often available.
Festival Seasons:
Ok Om Bok (October/November): Khmer festival with boat races, drawing 500+ visitors. Book 2–4 weeks ahead.
Chol Chnam Thmay (April): Khmer New Year with cultural feasts.
Lunar New Year (January/February): Vibrant celebrations; book 2–4 weeks ahead.
Timing Tip: Early mornings (6:00–8:00 AM) for peak bird activity; evenings (5:00–6:00 PM) for sunset views and cultural events.
From Ca Mau City:
Ngoc Hien (80 km, 2 hours): Bus ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxi ($30–$40 or 750,000–1,000,000 VND); private car ($25–$35 or 625,000–875,000 VND).
Tu Na (50 km, 1–1.5 hours): Bus ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxi ($18–$25 or 450,000–625,000 VND); private car ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND).
Ca Mau City Bird Sanctuary (2 km, 5–10 minutes): Walk (free), cyclo ($1–$4/hour or 25,000–100,000 VND), or Xanh SM electric taxi ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
From Ho Chi Minh City (350 km, 6–7 hours): Bus ($12–$25 or 300,000–625,000 VND) from Mien Tay Bus Station; Xanh SM electric taxi ($160–$220 or 4,000,000–5,500,000 VND); flight to Ca Mau Airport ($40–$80 or 1,000,000–2,000,000 VND) + taxi.
From Hanoi (1,940 km, 6–7 hours): Flight to Ca Mau Airport ($90–$160 or 2,250,000–4,000,000 VND) + taxi; flight to Can Tho ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND) + bus ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND).
Navigation Tip: Save “Ngoc Hien Bird Sanctuary, Ca Mau Province” or other sanctuary names in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for buses or Xanh SM taxis; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.
Walking: Free, ideal for walkways and observation points (1–2 km radius).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), sustainable for trails and nearby sites.
Electric Boat: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND) for 1–2 hour canal tours.
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND) for longer trips.
Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize bicycles or electric boats; book through Legend Travel Group.
Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes at sanctuary visitor centers or Ca Mau Market.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable trip:
Clothing: Lightweight attire, sturdy sandals, hat; waterproof poncho ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season; long sleeves for trails.
Gear: Reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND), biodegradable wipes.
Essentials: Compact umbrella ($3–$6), hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), sunscreen ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Tech: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND); binoculars ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND) for birdwatching.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Birdwatching Tours: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
Canoe Tours: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND).
Eco-Activities (Fishing/Crab Catching): $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).
Local Dining: $1–$12 (25,000–300,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND).
Electric Boat: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).
Budget: $15–$30 (self-guided biking, local snacks).
Mid-Range: $40–$60 (guided tours, homestay dining).
Luxury: $80–$120 (premium tours, upscale lodging like Muong Thanh Luxury Ca Mau, $50–$70/night or 1,250,000–1,750,000 VND).
Timing: Plan early morning visits (6:00–8:00 AM) for peak bird activity; evenings (5:00–6:00 PM) for sunset views. Expect 50–150 visitors on weekdays, 80–200 on weekends.
Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead; book rainy season tours (August–November) 1–2 weeks ahead for boat availability. Homestays require 1–2 days’ notice.
Sustainability: Use reusable items; support local fishers with seafood purchases ($3–$12/kg or 75,000–300,000 VND). Choose eco-friendly transport like bicycles or electric boats.
Navigation: Save sanctuary names in offline maps; key sites are within 2–80 km of Ca Mau City.
Safety: Secure valuables; wear life jackets on boats. Avoid contact with wildlife to prevent avian influenza risks; check weather for heavy rain (May–October).
Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; respect conservation efforts by avoiding littering or disturbing birds.
Discover Ca Mau’s bird sanctuaries with our eco-friendly tour packages:
Ca Mau Bird Sanctuary Eco-Tour ($90–$130/person, 1 day): Explore Ngoc Hien or Tu Na, join birdwatching, savor Cua Bien crab. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.
Ca Mau Eco & Wildlife Immersion ($170–$230/person, 2 days): Visit Ngoc Hien, Tu Na, and Ca Mau City sanctuaries, stay at eco-homestays. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.
Mekong Delta Wildlife Explorer ($420–$580/person, 4 days): Explore sanctuaries, U Minh Ha, and Ca Mau Cape with boat and bike tours. Includes meals, eco-transport.
Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now for an unforgettable journey.
Ca Mau’s bird sanctuaries—Ngoc Hien, Tu Na, and Ca Mau City—are vibrant eco-tourism havens that offer a rich blend of biodiversity, mangroves, and cultural experiences, far beyond their outdated “bird garden” label. With rare bird species, sustainable activities, and community-based tourism, they provide an authentic glimpse into the Mekong Delta’s natural wonders. Legend Travel Group’s Ca Mau Tours ensure a responsible, immersive Ca Mau Travel experience that supports conservation and local communities. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-tour today to explore Ca Mau’s premier wildlife sanctuaries!
Ready to discover Ca Mau’s bird sanctuaries? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an authentic Mekong Delta adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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