The Mekong Delta region of Vietnam captivates visitors not only with its lush fruit orchards, intricate canal systems, and bustling floating markets, but also with its hidden pristine nature reserves. Among these, the Bac Lieu Bird Garden stands out as a green gem, a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those eager to explore the diverse world of birds. Join “Discovery Around The World” as we delve into this unique bird garden and equip you with the most useful travel tips!
Bac Lieu Bird Garden – A Symphony of Nature and Birds
Bac Lieu Bird Garden, also known as the Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary Nature Reserve, is a remnant of the coastal mangrove forest, formed by the natural accretion of alluvium from the East Sea. Spanning an area of 385 hectares, including 19 hectares of primary forest, Bac Lieu Bird Garden is truly a precious “green lung” of Bac Lieu province and the entire Mekong Delta region.
This place is not only an ideal habitat for hundreds of plant species but also a common home for countless animal species, especially birds. According to statistics, Bac Lieu Bird Garden is currently home to about 46 different bird species, including many rare species listed in the Vietnam Red Book, such as the painted stork and lesser adjutant stork. In addition, the fauna here is also extremely rich with 150 species, including fish, amphibians, mammals, reptiles, and many other invertebrate species.
Bac Lieu Bird Garden – Exploring the diverse and rich ecosystem
Bac Lieu Bird Garden is not only valuable in terms of biology but also of great significance in biodiversity conservation and environmental education. Visiting the bird garden, tourists will immerse themselves in wild nature, listen to the vibrant sounds of birds, and discover the wonders of the natural world.
The Unique Ecosystem of Bac Lieu Bird Garden
Bac Lieu Bird Garden boasts a typical mangrove forest ecosystem with diverse flora. The flora here consists of 181 species, mainly natural forest trees such as date palms, mangroves, tea plants, Giao trees, and Avicennia trees. These tree species play an important role in creating habitats, providing shelter, nesting sites, and breeding grounds for wild birds.
Each tree species is suitable for different groups of birds. Date palm trees are ideal for herons and egrets to build nests. Tea plants and Tra lam bon trees attract grey herons and darters. Giao and mangrove trees are preferred habitats for purple herons during the breeding season. The diversity of the flora has created an ideal living environment, attracting many bird species to inhabit and nest, turning Bac Lieu Bird Garden into a true bird paradise.
Bac Lieu Bird Garden – Diverse flora creating an ideal habitat for birds
Standing on the high observation tower, visitors can admire the panoramic view of Bac Lieu Bird Garden like a fascinating natural painting. The diverse plant community with mangrove trees, tea plants, date palms, Tra lam don trees, and other tropical trees interspersed creates a vast green expanse. The birds also live in harmony, with clearly divided areas. The highest layers are inhabited by cormorants, while white storks and black-headed ibis nest in the lower tree layers.
If you venture deep into the forest, you will easily encounter images of heron and ibis nests laden on tree branches. Whenever there is a noise, mother birds will fly up, filling the sky, calling out alarmingly, while young birds look around in confusion. All of this creates a lively and fascinating natural scene.
Bac Lieu Bird Garden – Exploring the vibrant life of bird species
Directions to Bac Lieu Bird Garden
To get to Bac Lieu Bird Garden, visitors can choose from various means of transportation depending on their starting point and personal preferences.
For visitors from distant provinces (Hanoi and Northern provinces):
- Airplane: The fastest and most convenient way is to travel by plane to Can Tho Airport or Ca Mau Airport. From the airport, visitors can take a bus or taxi to Bac Lieu city.
- Bus: Visitors can also take a bus from Hanoi or Northern provinces to Bac Lieu. However, the travel time will be quite long, about 30-40 hours.
For visitors from Ho Chi Minh City and Southeastern provinces:
- Bus: Bus is the most popular and convenient means of transportation from Ho Chi Minh City to Bac Lieu. Visitors can go to Mien Dong or Mien Tay bus station to catch a bus to Bac Lieu operated by reputable bus companies such as Phuong Trang, Lien Hung, Kim Hoang, etc. Travel time is about 5-6 hours.
- Self-driving car/motorbike: If you want to be proactive about time and schedule, visitors can drive a car or motorbike from Ho Chi Minh City to Bac Lieu along National Highway 1A. The route is quite easy and there are many signposts.
Detailed directions to Bac Lieu Bird Garden:
From the center of Bac Lieu city, follow Cao Van Lau street towards Nha Mat for about 6km. Bac Lieu Bird Garden is located on Cao Van Lau street, in Hiep Thanh commune, Bac Lieu city. Visitors can easily find the bird garden using online maps or asking local people.
Bac Lieu Bird Garden Gate – A must-visit destination
Tips for Visiting Bac Lieu Bird Garden
To have a complete and meaningful visit to Bac Lieu Bird Garden, visitors should note the following tips:
Ideal time to visit:
The bird breeding and nesting season usually takes place from May to October every year. This is when the bird garden becomes the busiest and most vibrant, with thousands of birds gathering. However, visitors can come to the bird garden at any time of the year, each season will bring different experiences.
Means of transportation for sightseeing:
Visitors can choose to walk or rent an electric car to explore the bird garden. Walking allows visitors to slowly discover the beauty of the Melaleuca forest and listen to the sounds of nature. Renting an electric car will save time and effort, especially suitable for families with young children or the elderly.
Sightseeing activities and experiences:
- Bird watching from the observation tower: The observation tower is an ideal location for visitors to admire the panoramic view of the bird garden and observe bird species from a distance.
- Forest walking: Wandering on the trails in the Melaleuca forest, visitors will immerse themselves in wild nature and explore the diverse ecosystem of the bird garden.
- Boat trip on the canal: Boating on the canals surrounding the bird garden is an interesting experience, helping visitors get closer to the birds and admire the peaceful river scenery.
- Visiting the semi-wildlife area: The semi-wildlife area is home to some animal species such as monkeys, pythons, turtles, crocodiles, wild boars, etc. Visitors can observe these animals up close.
Electric car rental for Bac Lieu Bird Garden tour – Convenient and comfortable
Visiting duration:
Visitors should spend at least 2-3 hours visiting Bac Lieu Bird Garden to have enough time to explore all areas and experience interesting activities. The best time to watch birds is in the early morning or late afternoon, when flocks of birds fly out to forage or return to their nests.
Other notes:
- Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and drinking water when visiting the bird garden.
- Wear comfortable, discreet clothing and suitable shoes for easy movement in the forest.
- Maintain general hygiene, do not litter in the bird garden area.
- Do not make loud noises to avoid affecting the birds.
Sunset bird watching at Bac Lieu Bird Garden – Unforgettable beautiful moment
Dining and Accommodation near Bac Lieu Bird Garden
After visiting the bird garden, visitors can enjoy Bac Lieu specialties at nearby restaurants and eateries. Some famous dishes that visitors should not miss include:
- Spicy beef noodle soup (Bun bo cay): Beef noodle soup with a rich, spicy flavor typical of the Mekong Delta.
- Grilled fermented pork sausage (Nem nuong): Delicious grilled fermented pork sausage served with fresh vegetables and rice paper.
- Crispy pancake (Banh xeo): Crispy pancake with shrimp and meat filling.
- Seafood dishes: Bac Lieu is famous for fresh seafood dishes such as shrimp, crab, clam, fish, etc.
For accommodation, visitors can choose hotels and guesthouses in the city center of Bac Lieu or Nha Mat tourist area. Nha Mat tourist area is about 5-8km from the bird garden, an ideal choice for visitors to both relax and have fun.
Bac Lieu Grilled Fermented Pork Sausage – Irresistible delicacy
Essential Information Before Exploring Bac Lieu Bird Garden
- Address: Cao Van Lau Street, Nha Mat Ward, Bac Lieu City, Bac Lieu Province
- Phone: 0291 3835 991
- Entrance fee: Approximately VND 30,000/person
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Entrance to Bac Lieu Bird Garden Nature Reserve
Bac Lieu Bird Garden is not only an attractive ecotourism destination but also a precious symbol of the Mekong Delta’s nature. Hopefully, with the detailed guide above, visitors will have a truly complete and memorable trip to explore Bac Lieu Bird Garden. Wishing you a happy Mekong Delta travel journey filled with fun and interesting experiences!