Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary

Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary is a 52-hectare mangrove forest reserve in Tan My Commune, Ba Tri District, Vinh Long Province (formerly Ben Tre Province) near the Ba Lai River estuary. Established as a protected area in 1986, it shelters more than 100 bird species including storks, herons and egrets. Notable for dense mangroves, tidal creeks and seasonal nesting colonies, it is a key ecotourism and birdwatching destination in the Mekong Delta.

Visitors can expect a tranquil mangrove forest crisscrossed by tidal creeks and accessed by small rowing boats. The sanctuary features dense nipa palm and mangrove vegetation, observation towers and wooden paths. Large colonies of storks, herons, egrets and other waterbirds can be seen nesting in the canopy, especially during breeding season. The experience is primarily boat-based birdwatching and nature sightseeing in a quiet estuarine environment.

The mangrove area was heavily damaged during wartime and subsequently replanted and protected. It was established as a bird sanctuary in 1986 and has been managed as a protected mangrove forest reserve for conservation and ecotourism in Ben Tre (now Vinh Long Province).

The sanctuary is significant as a major biodiversity conservation area and ecotourism destination in the Mekong Delta, demonstrating local mangrove restoration and community-based nature tourism centered on bird protection.