Bau Da wetland in Vietnam’s Dak Lak emerges as new eco-tourism destination

The Bau Da wetland tour begins with a slow boat ride through clusters of lotus flowers and beneath intertwined tree canopies that form a cool green archway, allowing visitors to reach down and touch the cool water below.

Covering more than 30 hectares, Bau Da is a wetland with a diverse ecosystem that plays an important role in conserving biodiversity, regulating water resources and maintaining ecological balance.

As the boat ventures deeper into the wetland, trees including nipa palms, staff trees, wild grapes, and jambolan trees cast shadows over the clear water.

Flocks of egrets and other birds can be seen nesting in the treetops and filling the area with their chirping.

Dao Kim, a local resident, said the wetland is at its most beautiful from December to around October of the following year.

Local residents often fish in the area, which is home to abundant fish and shrimp.

Visiting Bau Da for the first time, Truong Nguyet Truc, a tourist from Tuy Hoa Ward in Dak Lak, said she was impressed by the scenery.

“The landscape here is beautiful and peaceful. What I like most is when the boat winds through the tree canopies, making me feel as if I am entering a maze.

I also enjoyed watching local residents cast their fishing nets. If I have the chance to return, I will come with friends to go stand-up paddleboarding here and watch the sunset,” she said.

Phuong Van Lanh, secretary of the Hoa Thinh Commune Party Committee, said the local authorities are studying a plan to develop community-based tourism at Bau Da, including the establishment of a community tourism cooperative.

Once the plan is implemented, local residents will directly row boats to transport visitors and introduce them to the wetland’s ecosystem, culture, cuisine and local heritage.

“We want local residents to become guides who accompany visitors in exploring the wetland. Tourism development must go hand in hand with nature conservation and create sustainable livelihoods for the community,” Lanh said.

The pilot tour marks an initial step in assessing Bau Da’s potential for eco-tourism development. The area previously hosted a car caravan and is now developing tours connecting various destinations in the area.

Once fully developed, Bau Da is expected to become a new destination offering visitors a range of attractive experiences while preserving its pristine natural character.