2 Best Sights in Long Xuyen, Mekong Delta

On the road to Can Tho, 15 km (9½ miles) from Long Xuyen, Bang Lang is home to an estimated 150,000 storks, which create an amazing spectacle at dawn and dusk. Eleven species of stork, egret, and heron have been identified in this 1.3-hectare sanctuary, which, sadly, isn't as well-kept as it should be. The sanctuary is named after the Queen’s Flower trees (bang lang) that used to line the road.

The 7,612-hectare (18,810-acre) park, famous for its rare wild birds, including the Sarus and red-headed crane, lies within the Plain of Reeds, which floods each year from July to December. Migratory birds, including the cranes, return to the area every year from late December to early May. The reserve lies 80 km (50 miles) from Long Xuyen and 110 km (68 miles) from Chau Doc and is accessible by taxi, private car, or xe om (motorbike taxi). Once inside the park, small boats, operated by guides, are available to take you to bird-viewing areas for 300,000d per person. There are a range of "eco" activites within the park, including fishing, harvesting rice, and hunting field mice. There's also a very basic hotel, with three-bed air-conditioned rooms starting from 200,000d/night.