Xuan Thuy National Park

Xuan Thuy National Park (Vườn quốc gia Xuân Thủy) is a coastal wetland reserve in Giao Thuy district, Nam Định province. Declared Vietnam's first Ramsar site in 1989 and upgraded to a national park in 2003, it covers 15,000 hectares of mangroves, mudflats, salt marshes, and shallow coastal waters. The park is also part of the UNESCO Red River Delta World Biosphere Heritage Site (designated 2004). It is one of the most important birdwatching sites in Vietnam, hosting over 250 bird species, including 150 migratory species and endangered species such as the Black-faced Spoonbill, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, and Spotted Greenshank.

The park has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: hot and wet from April to October, and cold and dry from November to March. The best time for birdwatching is during the migratory season from November to March.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, about 140 km northwest. A taxi costs 900,000–1,100,000 VND and takes about 2.5–3 hours.

By Car / Road

From Nam Định city, take National Highway 10 southeast for about 40 km to Ngô Đồng, then follow signs to Giao Xuan commune (the park's gateway community). Total drive time about 1 hour. Buses from Nam Định's southern bus terminal serve Giao Xuan and surrounding communes.

The park is best explored by boat or on foot with a local guide. Boat trips through the mangrove channels can be arranged at the park office or through homestays in Giao Xuan. Bicycles and motorbikes can be rented in Giao Xuan for exploring the surrounding area.

• Mangrove forests — Dense coastal mangroves lining the waterways, home to aquatic species including shrimp, crabs, and fish.

• Birdlife — Over 250 identified bird species including 100 full-time residents and 150 migratory species. The park is especially important for waders and waterfowl.

• Mudflats and salt marshes — Extensive tidal areas exposed at low tide, attracting feeding shorebirds.

• Giao Xuan Eco-tourism Village — The gateway community offering an insight into rural coastal life in the Red River Delta.

• Ba Lạt Estuary — The main mouth of the Red River where it meets the Gulf of Tonkin, visible from the park's coastal edge.

• Birdwatching — The park's main attraction. Bring binoculars and visit early morning or late afternoon. The park has viewing platforms and guided tours. Best season: November to March.

• Boat trips through the mangroves — Navigate the narrow waterways to see the wetland ecosystem up close. Book through Giao Xuan homestays or the park office.

• Homestay in Giao Xuan — Experience daily life in a rural Vietnamese fishing/farming village. Includes local meals and guided activities.

• Photography — The stark beauty of the wetlands, especially at sunrise and sunset, and the abundant birdlife offer excellent photography opportunities.

• Cycling around Giao Xuan — Explore the flat countryside of the buffer zone, with its fish ponds, vegetable gardens, and village churches.

Seafood is the highlight, freshly caught from the park's waters. Giao Xuan homestays serve family-style meals featuring steamed crab, grilled fish, shrimp, and locally grown vegetables. Typical dishes include tôm rang (stir-fried shrimp), cua hấp (steamed crab), and canh chua cá (sour fish soup). Local restaurants in Ngô Đồng also serve seafood meals from 100,000–200,000 VND.

Green tea is served with meals at homestays. Vietnamese coffee available in Ngô Đồng. Bottled water is essential; the park's coastal location means tap water is not drinkable.

• Budget: Giao Xuan community homestays — Traditional village houses with basic amenities. From 150,000 VND/night including meals. Highly recommended for the authentic experience.
• Mid-range: Guesthouses in Ngô Đồng town — Simple private rooms from 300,000 VND/night.

• Local seafood products — Dried shrimp, fish, and squid available from Giao Xuan village.
• Handicrafts — Simple woven goods made by local families.

• Nam Định city (50 km northwest, 1 hour) — Provincial capital with Trần Temple and birthplace of phở.
• Hải Hậu (20 km north, 30 min) — Coastal district with beaches and Catholic churches.
• Ninh Bình (70 km southwest, 1.5 hours) — Trang An grottoes, Tam Coc boat tours, and limestone karsts.
• Hanoi (140 km northwest, 2.5 hours) — Vietnam's capital with the Old Quarter and cultural attractions.