Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary, a hidden green gem in the heart of Ben Tre, has long been an attractive ecotourism destination for both domestic and international tourists. This place is not only home to hundreds of rare bird species but also a pristine and fascinating natural picture with a unique mangrove ecosystem. If you are looking for a peaceful space to immerse yourself in nature and discover new things, Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary is definitely a must-visit destination in your Ben Tre travel journey.
Discover Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary: Top Ecotourism Destination in Ben Tre
Overview of Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary
Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary is located in the territory of three communes: My Hoa, Tan My, and Tan Xuan, Ba Tri district, Ben Tre province. With a total area of up to 67ha, Vam Ho is known as the largest bird sanctuary in Ben Tre, attracting visitors with its wild natural beauty and diverse ecosystem. It is not only a residence for more than 120 different bird species but also an ideal habitat for many typical flora and fauna of the coastal mangrove area.
Vam Ho carries the typical beauty of a mangrove forest with rows of green mangrove and cajeput trees stretching, weaving through small winding canals. Coming here during the bird breeding season (from about October to April of the following year), you will admire the scene of thousands of storks and herons chirping to call each other back to their nests, creating a vivid and colorful natural picture. The sound of birds singing echoing in the quiet space of the cajeput forest, along with the cool breeze from the Ba Lai River blowing in, will bring you a strangely relaxing and peaceful feeling.
Besides its ecotourism value, Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary also has important historical significance. During the resistance war against France and the United States, this place was a solid revolutionary base, sheltering and nurturing many soldiers. Coming to Vam Ho, you will not only discover the beauty of nature but also have the opportunity to learn about the heroic pages of the nation’s history.
Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary in Ben Tre, a famous ecotourism destination with a diverse and rich ecosystem
Directions to Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary
To get to Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary, you can choose from many different means of transportation depending on your starting point and personal preferences.
From Ben Tre City:
- Motorbike or self-driving car: This is the most proactive and flexible means of transportation. From the center of Ben Tre city, follow Huynh Tan Phat street, then turn into DH173 street and continue in the direction of Tan My Market. The road is quite easy to travel and has clear signposts. Travel time is about 1 hour.
- Taxi or ride-hailing motorbike: If you do not want to drive yourself, taxi or ride-hailing motorbike is a convenient option. You can easily book a car through online booking applications or call a traditional taxi.
- Bus: Bus route No. 07 Ben Tre – Ba Tri has a stop near Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary. However, you need to walk or take a motorbike taxi for a short distance from the bus stop to the bird sanctuary gate.
From Ho Chi Minh City:
- Coach: Bus routes from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre are very popular. You can take a bus at Mien Tay bus station or reputable bus operators such as Kim Hoang bus, Thinh Phat bus… After arriving in Ben Tre city, continue to Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary according to the directions above.
- Limousine car: If you want to travel more comfortably and conveniently, you can choose a limousine car to Ben Tre. Limousine companies often have pick-up and drop-off services at your location or at meeting points in Ben Tre city.
No matter which means of transport you choose, remember to bring a map or use a navigation app to easily find Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary. The road to Vam Ho is quite beautiful with green coconut trees and peaceful countryside scenery, which will surely bring you interesting experiences along the way.
Unique and Fascinating Beauty of Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary
Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary is not only a shelter for birds but also a diverse and rich mangrove ecosystem. Coming here, you will admire the pristine and majestic beauty of nature with:
- Rich flora: Vam Ho is covered by mangrove forests with typical tree species such as mangrove trees, cajeput trees, Barringtonia trees, nipa palms, date palms… creating a year-round green vegetation carpet. The upper layer is home to large, wide-canopied trees, while the lower layer is a shelter and breeding ground for many bird and small animal species.
- Diverse birdlife: Vam Ho is home to more than 120 different bird species, from familiar birds such as storks, herons, egrets to rare birds such as cormorants, white-shouldered ibis, cotton pygmy goose… During the bird breeding season, you will witness thousands of birds gathering here, creating an extremely impressive and breathtaking scene.
- Mangrove ecosystem: Vam Ho is part of the coastal mangrove ecosystem, which plays an important role in protecting the coastline, regulating the climate, and providing seafood resources. The system of interlacing canals in the forest is home to many species of shrimp, fish, crabs, snails… contributing to the biodiversity of Vam Ho.
Explore the unique mangrove ecosystem at Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary, Ben Tre
Admire the pristine natural beauty and biodiversity at Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary
Must-Try Experiences at Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary
Coming to Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary, you will not only watch birds and explore nature but also have the opportunity to participate in many interesting experiential activities:
- Boating through the cajeput forest: Sitting on a small boat, gently gliding on small canals, weaving through the green cajeput forest is a wonderful experience. You will immerse yourself in the quiet space of the forest, listen to the birds singing and explore the mangrove ecosystem in the most intimate way.
- Visiting the resistance base area: Vam Ho used to be an important resistance base during the war. You can visit this relic area to learn about history and Vam Ho’s contributions to the national independence struggle.
- Having fun with folk games: Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary has many attractive folk games such as monkey bridge, mini cyclo riding, swing… This is a great opportunity for you to relax and have fun with friends and family after hours of exploring nature.
- Enjoying garden fruits: Vam Ho has lush fruit gardens with all kinds of specialty fruits of the Mekong Delta such as grapefruit, jackfruit, mango, rambutan, mangosteen… You can pick and enjoy fresh fruits right in the garden.
- Exploring local cuisine: After a long day exploring Vam Ho, enjoy Ben Tre specialties at the restaurant in the tourist area. Mudfish hotpot, braised fish in clay pot, spring rolls, banh xeo… are dishes you should not miss.
Experience boating to explore the cajeput forest at Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary
Participate in fun folk games at Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary
Enjoy fresh fruits at Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary's fruit garden
Explore the unique cuisine of Ben Tre at Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary restaurant
Notes for Traveling to Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary
To make your trip to Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary more complete and meaningful, you should note the following:
- Ideal time to visit: The bird breeding season (from October to April of the following year) is the best time to visit Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary. However, at other times of the year, you can still come here to explore nature and enjoy the peaceful space.
- Clothing: You should choose comfortable, cool, and sweat-absorbent clothes. Bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
- Footwear: You should wear sports shoes or low sandals for easy movement and participation in outdoor activities.
- Insect repellent: Mangrove forests have many mosquitoes and insects, you should bring insect repellent to avoid being bitten.
- Environmental protection awareness: When visiting Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary, please maintain general hygiene, do not litter indiscriminately, and do not make loud noises that affect birds and wildlife.
Conclusion
Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary is a unique and attractive ecotourism destination in Ben Tre. This place not only gives you the opportunity to discover the pristine and fascinating beauty of nature but also helps you learn about the mangrove ecosystem and the historical and cultural values of this land. Come to Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary to enjoy relaxing moments, immerse yourself in nature, and discover new things in your Ben Tre travel journey. Don’t forget to capture memorable moments at this wonderful ecotourism destination and share them with your friends and family!