Vietnam Wildlife Through the Lens

A 14-Day Wildlife & Photography Expedition Across Vietnam

Venture deep into Vietnam’s most biodiverse landscapes on a journey crafted for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts. From the dense lowland rainforests of Nam Cat Tien to the misty pine forests of Dalat and the dramatic limestone karsts of Ninh Binh, this 14-day expedition takes you through habitats teeming with rare birds, elusive primates, and nocturnal mammals.

Guided by expert trackers and local naturalists, you’ll capture iconic species like the Red-shanked Douc Langur, Blue-rumped Pitta, Delacour’s Langur, and Collared Laughingthrush all in their natural environments. Days are filled with birding, trekking, and photography in national parks and protected reserves, while nights offer opportunities for photographing civets, lorises, flying squirrels, and tree frogs.

Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife photographer or passionate about conservation, this journey offers unforgettable encounters and powerful images – framed by Vietnam’s diverse ecosystems and stunning scenery.

Tour Highlights

  • Photograph Vietnam’s rarest primates, including the striking Red-shanked Douc Langur and critically endangered Delacour’s Langur
  • Explore six key biodiversity hotspots: Nam Cat Tien, Dalat, Bidoup Nui Ba, Di Linh, Son Tra Peninsula, and Phong Nha-Ke Bang
  • Track colorful and elusive birds such as Blue-rumped Pitta, Collared Laughingthrush, Vietnamese Cutia, and Siamese Fireback
  • Night walks and safaris to capture nocturnal species like slow lorises, civets, flying squirrels, and tree frogs
  • Boat ride in Van Long Nature Reserve for unique limestone landscape photography and langur sightings
  • Guided by expert local trackers and birding specialists with deep knowledge of each ecosystem
  • Stay in eco-lodges and nature-friendly accommodations, close to wildlife-rich areas
  • Photograph Vietnam’s diverse ecosystems, from lowland rainforest and highland pine forests to karst mountains and wetlands
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Highlights

  • Visit the beautiful Ba Na Hills, ride through the Vietnamese mountains, and see the famous Golden Bridge.
  • Explore Cham Island, snorkel in the protected waters, and relax on Bai Chong beach.
  • Walk through the lovely Ninh Binh area, climb to the top of Mua Cave, and take a traditional boat to see the Thien Ha Cave.
  • Hike to Ban Cong village in Pu Luong to learn about the local culture and daily life.
  • Trek to the stunning Hieu waterfall in Pu Luong and kayak in the peaceful Mai Chau Valley.
  • Enjoy the real tastes of Vietnamese food and learn why it’s loved around the world.

Whats Included:

  • Stay for 7 nights in a deluxe hotel
  • Enjoy all meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
  • Snacks, local treats, drinks, fruit, and water during the tour
  • Use of a high-quality bike and helmet
  • Guided by an expert local guide
  • Full vehicle support provided
  • All tickets, activities, and entry costs covered
  • Receive a t-shirt of Amazing Bike Tours and a water bottle as souvenirs

Itinerary ideas

  • 1

    Depart Ho Chi Minh City and travel around 4 hours to Nam Cat Tien National Park, a haven of lowland tropical forest teeming with biodiversity. After checking in, begin your photography journey with target species such as the Blue-rumped Pitta, Bar-bellied Pitta, and Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant.

    In the evening, join a guided night walk to search for slow lorises, civets, and owls.

  • 2

    Start early with a birding walk near the park headquarters. Key species include:

    • Black-and-red Broadbill
    • Silver-breasted Broadbill
    • Banded Kingfisher
    • Great and Wreathed Hornbills

    After breakfast, take a boat ride on the Dong Nai River, scanning for kingfishers, bee-eaters, and riverside raptors.

    In the afternoon, explore the Botanical Garden Trail and Heaven Rapids for primates such as gibbons and pig-tailed macaques, along with butterflies and reptiles.

    After dinner, join a jeep safari to photograph slow lorises, muntjacs, Asian palm civets, and night birds.

  • 3

    Photography

    Depart early for a hike to Crocodile Lake (10 km round-trip). Along the trail and lake area, expect sightings of:

    • Siamese Fireback
    • Orange-breasted Trogon
    • Woodpeckers, broadbills, and drongos
    • Lesser Adjutant Stork, Green Peafowl

    Return mid-day for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, focus on photographing Black-shanked Douc Langurs, Stump-tailed Macaques, and giant squirrels.

    At night, walk forest trails with expert guides to spot flying squirrels, frogs, tokay geckos, and insects.

  • 4

    Enjoy a final morning birding walk, then drive to Dalat in the Central Highlands (approx. 6–7 hours).

    Dalat’s cool climate and pine forests offer a new ecosystem. Afternoon session targets highland species like:

    • Himalayan Cutia
    • Orange-breasted Laughingthrush
    • Various sunbirds and bush warblers
  • 5

    Full-day expedition to Bidoup Nui Ba National Park, home to some of Vietnam’s most elusive endemics. Target species include:

    • Collared Laughingthrush
    • Vietnamese Cutia
    • Grey-crowned Crocias

    The forest here also hosts Hoang Lien frogs, tree frogs, and rare amphibians. After dark, night photography focuses on reptiles and nocturnal mammals.

  • 6

    Morning shoot around Dalat’s forest trails and gardens. After lunch, transfer to Di Linh, a lesser-known birding hotspot in southern Lam Dong.

    Target species:

    • Blue Pitta
    • Black-headed Parrotbill
    • Bar-backed Partridge
    • After dinner, a night walk may reveal the pygmy slow loris.
  • 7

    Early morning session for Blue Pitta and other forest birds. After breakfast, return to Ho Chi Minh City for your domestic flight to Da Nang on Vietnam’s central coast. Check in and rest.

  • 8

    Photography

    Drive to Son Tra Nature Reserve, also called Monkey Mountain, one of the last refuges for the critically endangered Red-shanked Douc Langur.

    In the early morning, capture them feeding, grooming, or resting in tree canopies. Other highlights include:

    Rhesus macaques

    Long-tailed macaques

    Green-eared Barbet, sunbirds, and drongos

    Afternoon break or optional visit to Linh Ung Pagoda for scenic and cultural photography. Evening at leisure.

  • 9

    Photography

    Start before dawn for better lighting and animal activity. Drive higher up the mountain to capture:

    • Greater Racket-tailed Drongo
    • White-throated Kingfisher
    • Ashy Drongo, bulbuls, and leafbirds

    Enjoy panoramic views of Da Nang Bay – ideal for wide-angle landscape photography.

    Return to Douc Langur observation sites in the late afternoon for backlit portraits. Evening at leisure or optional night photography.

  • 10

    Travel by road to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (approx. 6-7 hours). A UNESCO-listed area, it’s known for limestone karst mountains and cave ecosystems.

    Check in at an eco-lodge near the park and rest.

  • 11

    Trek through limestone forest to photograph the Hatinh Langur, a critically endangered primate. Look out for:

    • Northern pig-tailed macaque
    • Stump-tailed macaque
    • Leaf monkeys and forest birds

    Optional visit to Paradise Cave for dramatic cave and landscape photography.

  • 12

    Depart for Van Long Nature Reserve, a tranquil wetland in Ninh Binh Province. Surrounded by limestone cliffs, it is the last stronghold of the Delacour’s Langur.

  • 13

    Photography

    Take a small boat through the wetlands at sunrise to photograph Delacour’s Langurs in their natural habitat — often seen perched on rocky cliffs. Also spot:

    • Purple Heron
    • Kingfishers
    • Storks and wetland birds
    • Sunrise and sunset offer stunning light for landscape compositions as well.
  • 14

    Enjoy a final morning of photography, then transfer to Hanoi. Depending on your schedule, a short city tour or airport drop-off will be arranged.

Accommodation options

The price in the itinerary includes the suggested accommodation, but Vietnam Private Tours can be customized to fit your preferences and budget. A specialist can help you choose the best accommodation option for you.

What our clients say about us

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John

20 December 2024 ★★★★★

The guide was extremely knowledgeable about the Battle, had heaps of actual photos. Was very passionate about it, and extremely grateful for the help given by Australia to the local communities at the time.

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Jeremy

19 December 2024 ★★★★★

Stephen arranged a private tour to non-tourist locations that i wished to see. It included guides, drivers, air transportation, airport pickup and dropoff and hotel accommodations. The service was excellent and everything went extremely smooth. I was completely satisfied with the service he provided and I highly recommend him.

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Steven

21 November 2024 ★★★★★

Alex was an incredible tour guide for the Cu Chi tunnels trip myself and my friends took. He brought the good vibes and had excellent English. He taught us so much about the history of Saigon / Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnam War. 100% recommend this tour.

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Naad

26 December 2024 ★★★★★

Our group of 6 couples traveled from North to South Vietnam through many cities in 18- days tour. Stephen, from My Way Travel, provided quality service in the planning and organizing our trip, and he was very patient with our changes. The hotels were great; especially in Hoi An, Hanoi and Saigon, as we were within walking distance of the restaurants, shops, and markets. Our personal tour guides in every city were respectful, knowledgeable, and ensured our safety. They guided us through many beautiful places from caves in Halong Bay in the North, to the historical city of Hoi An in central Vietnam, to the picturesque Mekong Delta in the South. Furthermore, every guide recommended fantastic places for regional food specialties. This was a great and memorable experience! We highly recommend their service and will definitely contact Stephen for our next tour.

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Alex Boshoff

19 April 2024 ★★★★★

Our Thailand Vietnam Bike Tour was very well managed. The teams took great care of us, they support van was always available when needed. The food was excellent. We loved all the restaurent. The accommodations were great, offering a variety of options from resorts to boutique hotels to city hotels, all of which were comfortable. Biking on and off-road was enjoyable. The people in both countries are warm, welcoming & kind. The experience in the Mekong Delta was fantasic. We definitely recommend this trip.

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Erik

19 December 2024 ★★★★★

Absolutely amazing service that made our trip amazing. We traveled in Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. At all destinations we had amazing tour guides and plans for full days of fun and traveling. Every tour guide was nice, informative, and made our time in each destination amazing. Using Steven is a must if you plan to go to asia

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Scott

26 December 2024 ★★★★★

The host of our hotel in Saigon (Stephen from the My Way hotel) booked us a tailor-made stay in the Mekong Delta. We didn't worry about anything and the stay met our expectations. The first day we visited the Mekong Delta by boat (Ben Tre and Can Tho) with many tastings. We spent the night in a 4 star hotel with swimming pool in Can Tho. The next day we visited the floating market on the Mekong (coffee on a shopping boat and breakfast at the hotel). In the afternoon we were taken by taxi to a port near Soc Trang which allowed us to take the boat early the next day to go to the island of Con Dao. It is a magnificent island where we were able to hike and enjoy the beautiful views. A great stay, thank you Stephen

Explore Vietnam & Indochina with our multi-day adventures, perfect for riders of any skill level. Trust in our quality bikes, expert guides, and exceptional support for an amazing experience.

100% Tailor-made

Your entire vacation is designed around your requirements. Explore your interests at your own speed. Select your preferred style of accommodations. Create the perfect trip with the help of our specialists.

Expert knowledge

All our specialists have traveled extensively or lived in their specialist regions. The same specialist will handle your trip from start to finish. Make the most of your time and budget.

The best guides

Make the difference between a good trip and an outstanding one. Hand-picked by us or our local partners as the best available. Offering more than just dates and names, they strive to offer real insight into their country.

Connect with a certified specialist to begin planning your trip.

Feel free to call one of our experts or schedule a video appointment for personalized ideas and advice.

    • Sothy
    • Asia Specialist
    • Emily
    • Thailand and Asia Specialist
    • Stephen
    • Vietnam Specialist

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