North Vietnam Wildlife & Primate Discovery: Cuc Phuong & Van Long Wetlands

North Vietnam Wildlife & Primate Discovery: Cuc Phuong & Van Long Wetlands

Embark on a fascinating 3-day journey through the natural wonders of North Vietnam, exploring two of the region’s most important conservation areas: Cuc Phuong National Park and Van Long Wetlands. This tour is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and eco-travelers looking to discover rare species in their natural habitats. Trek through ancient forests to spot colorful and endemic birds like the Tonkin Partridge and Blue-rumped Pitta, and observe nocturnal wildlife on guided night walks. Visit renowned conservation centers, and witness the critically endangered Delacour’s Langur in the limestone karsts of Van Long. With expert guides and meaningful encounters, this tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into Vietnam’s diverse and endangered wildlife.

Tour Highlights

• Discover the rich biodiversity of Cuc Phuong, Vietnam’s oldest national park.
• Spot rare and endemic birds such as the Tonkin Partridge and Blue-rumped Pitta.
• Take a night walk through the forest to observe owls and other nocturnal species.
• Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and Turtle Conservation Center.
• Explore the peaceful Van Long Wetlands, home to the critically endangered Delacour’s Langur.
• Enjoy guided nature walks, bird hides, and forest trails with expert wildlife guides.
• Travel comfortably with private transfers from Hanoi and stay in simple but scenic park accommodations.

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Day 1: Hanoi – Cuc Phuong National Park

Your journey begins with a pick-up from Hanoi, followed by a scenic drive to Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s oldest national park known for its rich biodiversity. Upon arrival, you’ll check in and take a gentle walk around the park headquarters, where you may spot vibrant birdlife including sunbirds, flowerpeckers, tits, white-eyes, and barbets among the tree canopies.

After lunch, transfer into the central forest zone. Here, you’ll explore the shaded forest trails in search of elusive bird species. As night falls, enjoy dinner at the central restaurant, then join a guided nocturnal walk to observe and photograph forest owls and other night-active species. Overnight at the guest house near the park headquarters.
Day 2: Full Day in Cuc Phuong National Park

Wake up early for a full day of birding. After breakfast, you’ll head deeper into the park’s interior by vehicle, stopping along the way to spot thrushes and the elusive Malaysian Night Heron. Continue to a hidden birding hide, a perfect location for viewing and photographing rare species such as:

Tonkin Partridge (endemic)

Bar-bellied Pitta

Blue-rumped Pitta

Various babblers, thrushes, and flycatchers

After a picnic lunch, set off along another trail in search of woodpeckers, rock babblers, and other forest-dwelling birds. Return to the headquarters in the late afternoon for rest and dinner.
Day 3: Cuc Phuong – Van Long Nature Reserve – Hanoi

In the morning, enjoy a relaxing stroll through the Botanical Garden, a hotspot for birdwatching and plant lovers. You’ll also have a chance to visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and Turtle Conservation Center, where conservationists work to protect Vietnam’s rarest species.

After lunch, travel to Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, a peaceful area of limestone peaks and tranquil marshes. Here, you can spot migratory and resident wetland birds like ducks, teals, and Asian Openbill storks. Most notably, Van Long is the last wild home of the critically endangered Delacour’s Langur, one of Vietnam’s most iconic endemic primates.

Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.