Tra Su Bird Sanctuary
The 2,088-acre Tra Su bird sanctuary, 25 km (15½ miles) southwest of Chau Doc, is home to more than 70 species of birds, including storks, egrets, ibis, and herons. It's possible to see birds year round but the best time to visit is when the cajeput (paperbark) forest is flooded and brilliantly green with duckweed, from July to December; water levels are driest April and May. Pick and pay for individual experiences: A noisy motorboat ride that includes a stop at a 23-meter (75 feet) observation tower or a peaceful cruise by rowboat through the wetlands, the best chance of observing the hundreds of birds nesting in the trees. For most of the year, the sanctuary's narrow 12-km (7½-mile) track can also be explored by bicycle, with rusty rentals available. Unfortunately, like many nature tourist sights in Vietnam, the sanctuary is overrun with food and souvenir vendors, animal statues, and litter. From Chau Doc, private tours offered by hotels or travel agents start for around 1,410,000d, and much cheaper if transportation is by motorbike.
