Giao Thuy

Giao Thuy is a coastal rural district in southeastern Nam Định province, bordering the Gulf of Tonkin. It is best known for Xuan Thuy National Park (Việt Nam's first Ramsar site), a vital wetland ecosystem that hosts hundreds of bird species including the endangered Black-faced Spoonbill and Spoon-billed Sandpiper. The district comprises 22 commune-level units and the town of Ngô Đồng. The local economy is driven by fishing, aquaculture, and eco-tourism centred on the national park.

The climate is tropical monsoon with a hot, rainy season from April to October and a cooler dry season from November to March. The best time to visit is between November and March for birdwatching, as migratory birds are present and the weather is milder.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, about 130 km northwest. A taxi from the airport to Giao Thuy costs 800,000–1,000,000 VND and takes about 2.5 hours.

By Car / Road

From Nam Định city, take National Highway 10 southeast then Provincial Road 490 for about 40 km (50 minutes). Buses run regularly from Nam Định's southern bus station to Ngô Đồng town and Giao Xuan commune.

The best way to explore Giao Thuy is by motorbike or bicycle, both available for rent in Ngô Đồng and Giao Xuan. Boat trips through the mangroves of Xuan Thuy National Park are highly recommended and can be arranged at the park office or through the Giao Xuan community eco-tourism programme. Local xe ôm (motorbike taxis) are available for short trips.

• Xuan Thuy National Park — Vietnam's first Ramsar wetland site, covering 15,000 hectares of mangroves, mudflats, and salt marshes. Home to over 250 bird species, including 150 migratory species. Best visited early morning for birdwatching.

• Giao Xuan Commune — A model eco-tourism village offering homestays and guided tours of the park. Experience daily rural life and local seafood cuisine.

• Coastal mangroves — Dense mangrove forests lining the Red River estuary, accessible by small boat.

• Ba Lạt Estuary — The main mouth of the Red River, where it meets the Gulf of Tonkin, offering dramatic coastal scenery.

• Birdwatching in Xuan Thuy National Park — The park is a premier birdwatching destination with viewing platforms and guided tours. Best from November to March.

• Boat tours through the mangroves — Navigate narrow waterways lined with mangrove trees and spot wildlife.

• Community-based eco-tourism in Giao Xuan — Stay with a local family, participate in fishing activities, and learn about wetland conservation.

• Cycling through rural villages — Explore the flat countryside dotted with churches, rice paddies, and fish ponds.

Seafood is the highlight of Giao Thuy cuisine. Try tôm sú (tiger prawns), cua (crab), and various grilled fish fresh from the Gulf of Tonkin. Local restaurants in Ngô Đồng serve seafood hotpot (lẩu hải sản) for 150,000–250,000 VND per person. Giao Xuan homestays offer family-style meals featuring freshly caught seafood, rice, and local vegetables.

Green tea and Vietnamese coffee are widely available. Bia hơi is served in Ngô Đồng town. Coconut water from local vendors makes a refreshing drink. Bottled water is recommended; tap water is not safe to drink.

• Budget: Giao Xuan Community Homestays — Shared accommodation in traditional village houses, from 150,000 VND/night including meals.
• Mid-range: Ngô Đồng Guesthouse — Simple private rooms in the district town, from 300,000 VND/night.

Local markets in Ngô Đồng and Giao Xuan sell fresh seafood (shrimp, crab, fish), dried seafood products, and locally harvested seaweed. Specialty products include nước mắm (fish sauce) produced by local cooperatives. Bargaining is expected at markets.

• Nam Định city (40 km northwest, 50 min) — Provincial capital with Trần Temple and the birthplace of phở.
• Hải Hậu (20 km north, 30 min) — Coastal district with beaches and seafood villages.
• Nghĩa Hưng (25 km west, 35 min) — District with Ninh Cơ River industrial port and coastal scenery.
• Ninh Bình (70 km southwest, 1.5 hours) — Famous for limestone karsts, Trang An, and Tam Coc.