Lung Ngoc Hoang: Mekong Delta Bird Sanctuary & Private Day Trip

Summary

Birdsong boat rides and rice field air in lung ngoc hoang

You’ll drift through Lung Ngoc Hoang’s bird sanctuary by boat, watch rare birds with your guide’s help, breathe in fresh Mekong Delta air among endless rice fields, and hear local stories along the way. Expect quiet moments broken by laughter or birdsong — and leave with muddy shoes and new memories.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect from Lung Ngoc Hoang — just heard it called the “green lung” of the Mekong Delta, which sounded a bit dramatic. But as soon as we left Can Tho behind and the city noise faded, I caught this earthy smell coming off the rice fields. Our guide, Minh, grinned at my face when I tried to describe it — apparently “like wet tea leaves” isn’t how locals say it. The drive’s about an hour or so (depends on traffic), but you start feeling far away much sooner.

We reached the nature reserve just as the sun was getting a little fierce. There’s no big entrance or anything fancy — just a simple gate and then suddenly you’re surrounded by water and reeds. Minh pointed out some birds right away; honestly, I couldn’t name half of them, but he seemed to know every call. There was this one flash of blue — kingfisher maybe? — that zipped past so fast I almost doubted I’d seen it. The air felt heavy with that kind of green silence you only get in places like this.

The boat ride through Lung Ngoc Hoang was quieter than I thought it’d be — except for the hum of the motor and all those bird calls layered over each other. Sometimes Minh would cut the engine so we could just drift. At one point he tried teaching me a bird name in Vietnamese; Li laughed when I butchered it, but honestly, who can pronounce “chim le le” on their first try? My shirt stuck to my back from the humidity but I didn’t really care. It felt good to just sit there and listen.

Afterwards we walked a bit along these narrow paths between rice paddies. Some farmers waved as they passed on bikes — nobody seemed in a hurry here. By then my shoes were muddy and my phone almost out of battery from taking too many photos (none of which really captured that weirdly peaceful feeling). On the way back toward Can Tho, Minh told us stories about growing up nearby and how he used to skip school to fish here as a kid. Not sure why but that stuck with me more than any bird fact.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve

• Travel to Lung Ngoc Hoang Reserve
• Visit the nature reserve's lush landscapes
• Observe diverse bird species
• Explore unique flora and fauna
• Enjoy boat ride through forest
• Birdwatch and learn about habitats

Top questions

How far is Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve from Can Tho?

It’s about 40km from Vi Thanh city in Hau Giang Province; roughly an hour’s drive from Can Tho depending on traffic.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip?

The tour includes private transportation with pickup arranged for your group.

What wildlife can I see at Lung Ngoc Hoang?

You’ll likely spot diverse bird species unique to the Mekong Delta region; guides help identify them during your visit.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but infants must sit on an adult’s lap; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

How long does the day trip take including travel time?

Total duration is about 5 hours including travel from Can Tho.

Are guides available in languages other than English?

Tours are offered with English or French-speaking guides (French may cost extra).

Does the tour include lunch or meals?

No meals are included; you’ll have time after to explore local food options if you wish.

What should I bring for this Mekong Delta day trip?

Bring sun protection, water, comfortable shoes (they might get muddy), and your camera or phone for photos.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with pickup from Can Tho, entry fees to Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve, an English or French-speaking guide (French at extra cost), all taxes covered, and travel by air-conditioned vehicle throughout your Mekong Delta adventure.