Vietnam Birding Tour

Vietnam Birding Tour

16-day North & South Highlights

Discover Vietnam’s rich birdlife across two distinct regions on this expertly guided birding tour. From the limestone forests of the north to the lowland rainforests of the south, this 16-day journey takes you through some of the country’s most rewarding birding hotspots.

Begin in the misty forests of Cuc Phuong National Park and the montane trails of Tam Dao, home to regional endemics and migratory thrushes. Then fly south to the highland plateau of Dalat, a haven for Vietnam’s endemic species, before ending in the lush tropical ecosystem of Cat Tien National Park, where broadbills, pittas, and peafowl await.

This tour offers an exceptional mix of habitats, target species, and photography opportunities-ideal for birders and nature lovers eager to explore Vietnam from top to tail.

Tour Highlights:

• Spot Tonkin Partridge, Eared Pitta, and Fujian Niltava in the limestone forests of Cuc Phuong
• Glide through Van Long Nature Reserve to see Delacour’s Langur and wetland birdlife
• Explore Tam Dao’s montane forests for Chestnut Bulbul, Grey Laughingthrush, and parrotbills
• Discover highland endemics in Dalat, including Collared Laughingthrush, Vietnamese Cutia, and Langbian Tit
• Track broadbills, Blue-rumped Pitta, and Green Peafowl in Cat Tien National Park
• Night walks for slow lorises, civets, and macro wildlife photography
• Led by expert birding guides across diverse ecosystems from north to south

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi – Transfer to Cuc Phuong National Park

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, meet your guide and transfer 3 hours south to Cuc Phuong National Park. As Vietnam’s oldest national park, it features limestone karsts and primary rainforest teeming with wildlife. Afternoon birding along the main road and Loop Trail, targeting thrushes, woodpeckers, and flycatchers. Overnight at Cuc Phuong.

Day 2: Cuc Phuong – Forest Trails & Specialty Birding

Explore the Valley Trail and dense interior forest for sightings of Tonkin Partridge, Red-collared Woodpecker, Bar-bellied, Blue-rumped and Eared Pittas. Other highlights include Silver-breasted Broadbill, White-winged Magpie, and Fujian Niltava. Optional visit to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. Overnight at Cuc Phuong.

Day 3: Cuc Phuong – Full Day Birding & Night Session

Start early along the Ancient Tree Trail. Look for Limestone Warbler, White-tailed Flycatcher, and babbler flocks. Afternoon visit to the Cave of Prehistoric Man area. After dinner, join a guided night walk to photograph civets, Tokay geckos, and frogs. Overnight at Cuc Phuong.

Day 4: Cuc Phuong – Van Long – Tam Dao

Depart Cuc Phuong and stop at Van Long Nature Reserve. Take a sampan boat ride to photograph the endangered Delacour’s Langur and seasonal waterfowl. Continue to Tam Dao, a cool hill station known for montane bird species. Overnight at Tam Dao.

Day 5: Tam Dao – Montane Forest Birding

Explore bamboo and evergreen forest for Red-billed Blue Magpie, Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, Rufous-headed Parrotbill, and Chestnut Bulbul. Visit the road to Tam Dao Radar Station for higher elevation species. Overnight at Tam Dao.

Day 6: Tam Dao – Deeper Trails & Hidden Habitats

Head deeper into the forest for Chestnut Bulbul, Green-tailed Sunbird, and Grey Laughingthrush. Visit botanical gardens and hidden trails for great lighting conditions and rarities like White-throated Scimitar-Babbler. Optional evening walk for nightjars and frogs. Overnight at Tam Dao.

Day 7: Tam Dao – Hanoi – Flight to Dalat

Early morning birding around Tam Dao, then return to Hanoi for your flight to Dalat. On arrival, transfer to hotel and begin exploring Dalat’s forest edge habitats, home to bush warblers, sunbirds, and laughingthrushes. Overnight in Dalat.

Day 8: Dalat – Mount Lang Bian & Forest Photography

Morning hike to Mount Lang Bian for Grey-crowned Crocias, Langbian Tit, and Vietnamese Greenfinch. In the afternoon, macro photography session around flower gardens or wetlands. Optional night walk for flying squirrels and lorises. Overnight in Dalat.

Day 9: Dalat – Ta Nung Valley & Wetlands

Early visit to Ta Nung Valley for Rusty-naped Pitta, Collared Laughingthrush, and White-cheeked Laughingthrush. Afternoon birding around Tuyen Lam Lake. Look for Red-vented Barbet, Annam Sunbird, and fork-tailed drongos. Optional visit to minority village. Overnight in Dalat.

Day 10: Dalat – Forest Edges & Lowland Trails

Spend the morning exploring pine and mixed forest for Annam Prinia, Manipur Treecreeper, and Yellow-billed Nuthatch. Afternoon at leisure or additional birding near Bidoup Nui Ba base areas. Evening for sunset photography. Overnight in Dalat.

Day 11: Dalat – Di Linh (Deo Suoi Lanh)

Transfer 2 hours to Di Linh, stopping for birding at Deo Suoi Lanh Pass. Target Maroon Oriole, Black-headed Parrotbill, and White-cheeked Laughingthrush. Afternoon session focuses on mixed feeding flocks. Overnight at Di Linh.

Day 12: Di Linh – Cat Tien National Park

Morning birding at Deo Suoi Lanh for Blue Pitta, Bar-backed Partridge, Green Cochoa, and Indochinese Green Magpie. Continue to Cat Tien National Park and enjoy a relaxed afternoon session near the park headquarters. Overnight at Cat Tien.

Day 13: Cat Tien – Lowland Forest Birding

Begin with trails near the HQ for Siamese Fireback, Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant, and Broadbills. Jeep transfer to remote trails in the afternoon. After dark, spotlighting for lorises, civets, and amphibians. Overnight at Cat Tien.

Day 14: Cat Tien – Crocodile Lake Expedition

Take a full-day trip to Bau Sau (Crocodile Lake) via forest trail. Spot Orange-breasted Trogon, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Lesser Adjutant, and Purple Heron. Lunch at the ranger station and return for evening macro session. Overnight at Cat Tien.

Day 15: Cat Tien – Flexible Birding & Photography

Final full day at Cat Tien. Visit Heaven Rapids or Dao Tien Endangered Primate Center for gibbons and doucs. Photograph kingfishers, butterflies, and riverside forest scenes. Farewell dinner. Overnight at Cat Tien.

Day 16: Cat Tien – Ho Chi Minh City – Departure

Enjoy a short morning walk before departing Cat Tien. Drive to Ho Chi Minh City (approx. 4.5 hrs) for your international flight or onward connections.

Tour ends.