Wildlife photographer Nguyen Truong Sinh speaks during the opening ceremony of Vietnam Bird Race 2026 at Cat Tien National Park in southern Vietnam, May 8, 2026. Photo: Supplied
The event, organized from Friday to Sunday by the Vietnam Wildlife Photography Club (VWPC), Wildtour, BirdLife International, and Cat Tien National Park, has drawn 32 teams with 114 participants, which organizers said was the largest turnout since the competition began.
The field includes 25 Vietnamese teams from localities including Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang and Nha Trang, alongside seven international teams and participants from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Cambodia, Russia, Britain, and India.
Organizers introduce prizes for Vietnam Bird Race 2026 at Cat Tien National Park in southern Vietnam, May 8, 2026. Photo: Supplied
Teams will observe, record, and photograph bird species in their natural habitats under ecosystem protection rules set by organizers.
Nguyen Truong Sinh, a representative of the organizing committee, said the event promoted responsible wildlife photography and conservation awareness.
Competitors gather during Vietnam Bird Race 2026 at Cat Tien National Park in southern Vietnam, May 8, 2026. Photo: Supplied
Organizers are also running BirdRace for Kids 2026, a parallel program for 100 children aged eight to 14 that includes drawing activities and nature exploration challenges.
Vietnam Bird Race 2026 offers team and individual prizes for bird observation, documentation, and photography, as well as awards for notable bird discoveries with scientific or conservation value, with total prize money of VND250 million (US$9,500).
