Birdwatching and bird photography (also popularly known as "birding") is now a fast growing interest globally as more people are exposed to nature, especially wild birds. It has also expanded rapidly in Vietnam in recent years. Birdwatching and birdwatching-associated tourism has contributed much to increase public awareness of nature conservation and environmental protection here in Vietnam. There is also much potential for bird photographers and birdwatchers to showcase Vietnam’s majestic biodiversity, especially bird species to the international community, and undoubtedly, this has drawn many ecotourists to visit Vietnam to see its natural heritage.  

Currently, it is estimated that there are over 500 birdwatchers (birders) in Vietnam coming from all parts of the country, and this continues to increase steadily. To create a platform for nature lovers to interact and network among each other while enhancing awareness of nature conservation and promoting nature-based tourism in Vietnam, the Vietnam Bird Race and Photography Competition will be held with the following objectives:

• Strengthen networking among the nature and birdwatching community in Vietnam and globally.
• Encourage and promote awareness and interest in bird conservation.
• Strengthening sustainable tourism in protected areas such as national parks.

Venue: Tràm Chim National Park, WildBird Hotel

Date: 10-12 May 2024

Bird Race outline

• The opening reception and dinner will take place at 6:00 pm on May 10, 2024 at the Senta Restaurant in Wildbird hotel.
• Bird race rules

The race flag-off timing will be at 6:00 am on 11 May 2024 and will end at 9:00 am on 12 May 2024. Teams will compete to capture as many species as they possibly can with photographs (taken with your own camera) in Tram Chim National Park and the surrounding areas (details to be provided at reception). The winning team is the team that has observed or photographed the most species.

Prizes

- Champion: trophy, medal, 20 million VND and sponsored gifts

- Second prize: medal, 8 million VND and sponsored gifts

- Third prize: medal, 4 million VND and sponsored gifts

- Consolation prize: 2 million VND and sponsored gifts

Additionally, there will be prizes for categories for (1) best photography, (2) rare and threatened species and, (3) birds in action.

• Forming a team and registration

Each team should consist of three (3) to no more than four (4) members. Participants may register as a team using a team name of their choice, or as individuals. In the event that participants cannot find enough members to form teams, the organizers will support connection with other participants, after registration is completed.

To register, you will need to fill in the registration form and pay the registration fee to confirm your participation. If your registration is successful, a confirmation email will be sent to you.

• The registration fee is 500,000 VND/person. This includes the costs of the welcome dinner, a race t-shirt and assorted tokens from the organizers. Payment is by bank transfer only.
• Accommodation: race participants are expected to arrange their own accommodation in and around Tram Chim National Park. Some hotels in Tram Chim town and the surrounding areas including ‘Wildbird’, ‘Truong Hanh’, ‘Bao Linh’, ‘View’, ‘Hoang Gia’, ‘Anh Kiet’. Participants may also stay at homestays such as ‘VietMekong’, ‘Hoang Anh’, ‘Hoang Hao’ or camp at ‘Senta Farm’, ‘Wildbird hotel’ and the Tram Chim tourist area.
• Transportation to venue: participants are expected to arrange travel and transport to Tram Chim on their own costs. The organisers will arrange transportation from your hotel in Tram Chim town to the bird race venue. Depending on request, the organisers can arrange a shared car from Ho Chi Minh City at the cost of 500,000 VND/person for return journey (if you need arranged transport to HCMC, you will need to indicate this in your registration form and pay for the transport cost in advance.

Children Activities

Children may participate in the following activities for free. Parents and schools must register in advance with the organizers.

1. Birdwatching competition

Team birdwatching competition for children from 10-16 years of age. Each team will have about 5-7 members and must have one instructor/guardian (parent/teacher). From 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. on 12 May 2024, the children teams will compete to observe and identify bird species in Tram Chim National Park. The team that finds and observes the most species is the winner.

Prizes:

• Champion: medal and 5 million VND and sponsored gifts
• Second prize: 3 million VND and sponsored gifts
• Third prize: 2 million VND and sponsored gifts
• Consolation prize: 1 million VND and sponsored gifts

       2. Bird art competition

From 3:00-5:00 p.m. on 11 May 2024. The competition is open to participants of all ages and individuals. Participants will create artwork of birds found in Tram Chim National Park and the submitted artwork will be displayed at the event venue and be voted on by the audience.

      3. Melaleuca bark art, and other games and activities

From 3:00-5:00 p.m. on 11 May 2024 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. on 12 May 2024.