About Xuan Thuy National Park
Xuan Thuy National Park is a coastal wetland national park at the Ba Lat estuary of the Red River in Giao Thuy District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Established on 2 January 1989 as Vietnam's first Ramsar site and designated a national park in 2003, it protects mangrove forests, tidal mudflats and estuarine islands. It is internationally important for migratory waterbirds, including the endangered black-faced spoonbill, and forms the core zone of the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a vast estuarine landscape of mangrove forests, tidal mudflats, sandy islands and waterways at the mouth of the Red River. The park is accessed by boat from Giao Thien and Giao Xuan communes with guided tours to bird hides and observation towers. Visitors can see large flocks of migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, traditional clam and shrimp farming areas, and small fishing villages. Facilities are basic and visits are tide-dependent.
Key highlights
- 01
Vietnam's first Ramsar site designated in 1989 and first Ramsar site in Southeast Asia
- 02
Core zone of the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO in 2004
- 03
Extensive mangrove forests and tidal mudflats at the Ba Lat mouth of the Red River
- 04
Internationally important wintering ground for migratory birds including black-faced spoonbill
- 05
Boat trips to Con Lu and Con Ngan islands for birdwatching and photography
- 06
Ecotourism and community-based tourism with local homestays in Giao Xuan
History of Xuan Thuy National Park
Established on 2 January 1989 as Xuan Thuy Natural Wetland Reserve, it became the first Ramsar site in Vietnam and Southeast Asia (Ramsar Site No. 409). It was upgraded to Xuan Thuy National Park in 2003 under Decision No. 01/2003/QD-TTg. In 2004 it became the core zone of the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO.
Culture & Context
The park supports traditional livelihoods of coastal communities in Giao Thuy, including clam farming, shrimp aquaculture, fishing and beekeeping in mangroves. It is a model for community-based ecotourism and environmental education, with local homestays and guided services managed in cooperation with park authorities.