Ca Mau City Bird Sanctuary Travel Guide: A Haven for Nature Lovers

A Biodiversity Treasure in the Mekong Delta

Ca Mau City Bird Sanctuary, previously known as Lam Vien Bird Garden or 19/5 Bird Garden, is a vibrant eco-tourism destination in the heart of Ca Mau City, Ca Mau Province. Far from the outdated portrayal of a simple bird park, this 18.2-hectare sanctuary within the Ca Mau Cultural Park attracts 15,000 visitors annually, offering a serene escape amidst mangroves, ponds, and diverse wildlife. 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 a thriving ecosystem, with eco-friendly activities like birdwatching and nature walks 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 City Bird Sanctuary, using bicycles, electric taxis, and local guides to immerse travelers in its natural and cultural wonders while preserving the environment. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your journey.

Administrative Note

Use “Ca Mau City Bird Sanctuary, Ca Mau Province” for navigation. Located 2 km west of Ca Mau City center in Ward 1, this sanctuary is ideal for nature lovers seeking authentic eco-experiences in the Mekong Delta.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 20,000 travelers yearly across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Ca Mau City Bird Sanctuary tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge, and partnerships with community-based providers to preserve Mekong Delta ecosystems and cultural heritage. 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 Modern Eco-Tourism Hub

Ca Mau City Bird Sanctuary, located within the Ca Mau Cultural Park at 19/5 Ly Van Lam Street, Ward 1, has evolved from its outdated 1995 origins into a premier eco-tourism destination. Spanning 18.2 hectares, with an 8-hectare core bird sanctuary, it is managed by the Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, not the Forestry Department as previously noted. The sanctuary hosts over 10,000 birds during peak seasons, including rare species like white storks, herons, and cormorants, but not cranes, as older guides incorrectly claimed due to their preference for natural ecological balance found elsewhere, like Tam Nong in Dong Thap.

The sanctuary’s lush mangroves, Ho Chi Minh fish ponds, and stilt houses create a harmonious natural setting, far beyond the simplistic “bird garden” description. Recent upgrades, including elevated walkways and eco-friendly facilities, enhance accessibility while protecting the habitat. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND), nature walks, or cultural experiences like Don Ca Tai Tu performances during festivals. Unlike the outdated mention of Trau Cau restaurant, which is no longer a primary attraction, nearby eateries offer local dishes like Cua Bien crab ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) and Banh Xeo ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND), supporting sustainable community livelihoods.

Ecological Significance

Ca Mau City Bird Sanctuary is a biodiversity hotspot, hosting 50–60 bird species, reptiles like pythons and turtles, and mammals like monkeys, alongside mangrove ecosystems. Conservation efforts, including tree planting and habitat restoration, protect rare species listed in Vietnam’s Red Book, countering the exaggerated claim of 10,000 species. The sanctuary’s ponds and forests attract migratory birds, making it a key site for eco-tourism and environmental education. Activities like guided nature tours ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND) and mangrove workshops promote sustainable practices, aligning with Ca Mau’s UNESCO-recognized World Biosphere Reserve status.

Activities at Ca Mau City Bird Sanctuary

The sanctuary offers immersive experiences, moving beyond the outdated focus on bird sightings:

• Birdwatching: Observe storks, herons, and cormorants with guided tours ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND), best at dawn (6:00–8:00 AM) or dusk (5:00–6:00 PM).

• Nature Walks: Stroll through mangrove trails and ponds ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND), guided or self-guided, to explore the sanctuary’s ecosystems.

• Cultural Experiences: Enjoy Don Ca Tai Tu performances during festivals like Lunar New Year (January/February) or savor Goi Du Du ($2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND) at nearby eateries.

• Nearby Attractions: Visit Ca Mau Night Market (2 km) for street foods ($1–$6 or 25,000–150,000 VND) or Quan Am Co Tu Pagoda (1.5 km) for cultural exploration (free entry).

• November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Ideal for birdwatching and nature walks with clear skies and moderate crowds (80–200 daily visitors). Book tours 1–2 weeks ahead. Perfect for spotting migratory birds.

• May–October (Rainy Season, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F): Lush greenery and peak breeding season for resident birds, with fewer crowds (50–150 daily visitors). Bring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Last-minute bookings often available.

• Festival Seasons:

  • Lunar New Year (January/February): Vibrant celebrations with cultural performances, drawing 500+ visitors. Book 2–4 weeks ahead.

  • Ok Om Bok (October/November): Khmer festival with boat races, 1,000+ visitors.

  • Chol Chnam Thmay (April): Khmer New Year with communal feasts.

• 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 (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). Follow Ly Van Lam Street west from the city center.

• 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).

• From Hanoi (1,940 km, 6–7 hours): Flight to Ca Mau Airport ($90–$160 or 2,250,000–4,000,000 VND); 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 “Ca Mau City Bird Sanctuary, Ca Mau Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for walking, cyclos, or Xanh SM taxis; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.

• Walking: Free, ideal for exploring trails and ponds (1–2 km radius).

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), sustainable for nearby sites like Ca Mau Night Market.

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND) for longer trips.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize walking or bicycles; book through Legend Travel Group.

• Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes at Ca Mau Market (2 km away).

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).

Activity Costs

• Birdwatching Tours: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Nature Walks: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

• Local Dining: $1–$12 (25,000–300,000 VND).

• Nearby Attractions: $2–$25 (50,000–625,000 VND).

Transport Costs (Local)

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Cyclo: $1–$4/hour (25,000–100,000 VND).

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $15–$30 (self-guided exploration, 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 festival tours (January/February, October/November) 2–4 weeks ahead.

• Sustainability: Use reusable items; support local vendors with purchases like Mat woven crafts ($3–$10 or 75,000–250,000 VND). Choose eco-friendly transport like bicycles or cyclos.

• Navigation: Save “Ca Mau City Bird Sanctuary, Ca Mau Province” in offline maps; key sites are within 1–5 km of the sanctuary.

• Safety: Secure valuables; 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 City Bird Sanctuary with our eco-friendly tour packages:

• Ca Mau City Bird Sanctuary Eco-Tour ($80–$110/person, 1 day): Enjoy birdwatching, explore mangrove trails, savor Cua Bien crab. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

• Ca Mau Eco & Cultural Immersion ($150–$200/person, 2 days): Visit the sanctuary, Ca Mau Floating Market, and eco-homestays. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.

• Mekong Delta Eco-Explorer ($350–$500/person, 4 days): Explore the sanctuary, 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 City Bird Sanctuary, Ca Mau Province, is a vibrant eco-haven that blends rich biodiversity with sustainable tourism, far beyond its outdated image as a modest bird garden. With its mangrove ecosystems, rare bird species, and proximity to cultural attractions, it offers an immersive adventure in the Mekong Delta. Legend Travel Group’s Ca Mau Tours guide you through this natural sanctuary, ensuring a sustainable Ca Mau Travel experience that supports local communities and preserves the environment. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-tour today to discover Ca Mau’s premier wildlife sanctuary!
Ready to explore Ca Mau City Bird Sanctuary’s natural wonders? 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.

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group