Vietnam Biding North to Southern Tour 16 Days

Embark on an extraordinary 16-day Vietnam Birding North to Southern Tour with Golden Trail Travel, an immersive expedition meticulously designed to showcase the incredible avian diversity that spans the length of Vietnam. This comprehensive itinerary takes you through a remarkable range of ecosystems, from the ancient limestone karsts and high mountains of the North to the cooler montane plateaus of the Central Highlands and the biodiverse lowland forests of the South. Prepare for an unforgettable journey dedicated to spotting Vietnam's most sought-after endemic, near-endemic, and rare bird species, promising a substantial bird list and a lifetime of cherished memories.

Our grand birding adventure begins on Day 1 from Hanoi, heading directly to the tranquil Van Long Nature Reserve for initial wetland birding, setting a peaceful tone for the journey. Following this, we proceed to Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam's oldest and most renowned national park. For two full days (Days 2 & 3), we will immerse ourselves in Cuc Phuong's ancient rainforests, targeting a rich array of lowland forest birds, including various Pittas (Blue-rumped, Bar-bellied), broadbills (Silver-breasted, Long-tailed), pheasants (Red Junglefowl, Silver Pheasant, Grey Peacock-Pheasant), and a multitude of woodpeckers and babblers. Cuc Phuong is a crucial initial stop for its unique bird diversity and well-maintained bird hides.

On Day 4, we ascend to the cooler, misty mountains of Tam Dao National Park. Day 5 is a full day of birding in Tam Dao, a prime location for montane species such as Rufous-throated Partridge, White-crested, Black-throated, and Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrushes, Green Cochoa, and various Sibias and Yuhinas. This introduces us to the distinct avifauna of Vietnam's northern highlands.

Day 6 sees us venturing further north to the stunning Ba Be National Park, a truly unique destination featuring Vietnam's largest natural lake surrounded by limestone mountains and lush forests. Day 7 begins with morning birding around Ba Be, looking for species specific to this karst and lake habitat before we transfer back to Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport for a domestic flight to Da Lat, marking our transition to the Central Highlands.

Upon arrival in Da Lat, the "City of Eternal Spring," we will begin our exploration of this important Endemic Bird Area (EBA). For three extensive days (Days 8, 9 & 10), we will meticulously bird the Da Lat Plateau and Bi Dup-Nui Ba National Park. This region is a crucial habitat for several highly localized endemics, including the iconic Grey-crowned Crocias, Collared Laughingthrush, Orange-breasted Laughingthrush, Vietnamese Greenfinch, Black-crowned Fulvetta, and Vietnamese Cutia. We will explore various sites, from pine forests to broadleaf woodlands, ensuring comprehensive coverage of this incredibly rich area.

As we move further south, Day 11 takes us from Da Lat to Di Linh, a strategic stopover offering excellent birding opportunities along its forested roads and nearby coffee plantations, providing a chance to encounter a different set of species as we descend from the highlands. Day 12 culminates in our arrival at Cat Tien National Park, the final major destination on this grand tour. For three full days (Days 13, 14 & 15), we will delve deep into Cat Tien's lowland tropical forests, aiming for iconic species such as the Orange-necked Partridge, Germain's Peacock-Pheasant, Green Peafowl, Siamese Fireback, and a wide variety of woodpeckers, hornbills, and waterbirds around Crocodile Lake. This park provides a fitting climax to our comprehensive birding expedition.

Finally, on Day 16, we conclude our epic Vietnam Birding North to Southern Tour with a transfer from Cat Tien to Ho Chi Minh City, ensuring a comfortable departure after an unparalleled journey through Vietnam's diverse avian landscapes. This 16-day tour represents a truly extensive commitment to exploring Vietnam's ornithological treasures, providing an unforgettable and comprehensive birding adventure

• Comprehensive North to South Coverage: This 16-day itinerary offers a full spectrum of Vietnam's birding habitats, from the northern mountains and wetlands to the Central Highlands and southern lowlands, providing an extensive species list.

• Northern Vietnam Birding Gems: Begin your adventure exploring key northern sites:

  • Van Long Nature Reserve: A serene wetland start, offering opportunities for wetland birds and the critically endangered Delacour's Langur.

  • Cuc Phuong National Park (2.5 Days): Immerse yourself in Vietnam's oldest national park, targeting lowland rainforest specialties like Bar-bellied Pitta, Blue-rumped Pitta, Silver-breasted Broadbill, Red-collared Woodpecker, and various partridges and pheasants using dedicated hides.

  • Tam Dao National Park (2 Days): Ascend to the cool, misty montane forests, seeking out highland species such as Rufous-throated Partridge, Green Cochoa, and various Laughingthrushes and Sibias.

  • Ba Be National Park (1 Day): Experience the unique karst and lake ecosystem, with morning birding around Vietnam's largest natural lake.

• Da Lat Plateau Endemic Focus (Central Highlands): Dedicate three full days (Days 8-10) to the renowned Da Lat Plateau and Bi Dup-Nui Ba National Park, a critical Endemic Bird Area (EBA). Here, you'll target multiple highly sought-after endemics including the iconic Grey-crowned Crocias, Collared Laughingthrush, Orange-breasted Laughingthrush, Vietnamese Greenfinch, and Black-crowned Fulvetta across diverse montane habitats.

• Cat Tien National Park Immersion (Southern Lowlands): Conclude your tour with three extensive days (Days 13-15) in the biodiverse Cat Tien National Park. This flagship park is your prime location for observing lowland forest specialties such as Orange-necked Partridge, Germain's Peacock-Pheasant, Green Peafowl, Siamese Fireback, various woodpeckers, and waterbirds around Crocodile Lake.

• Expert Local Bird Guides: Be accompanied by highly experienced and passionate Vietnamese bird guides throughout the entire tour. Their intimate knowledge of Vietnam's avifauna, their habitats, and the best techniques for spotting and identifying target species will significantly enhance your birding success.

• Diverse Ecosystem Exploration: Witness a remarkable range of landscapes and ecosystems, from limestone forests and wetlands to montane plateaus and dry deciduous forests, providing varied photographic opportunities and a deeper understanding of Vietnam's ecological diversity.

• Seamless Logistics & Comfort: Enjoy efficient domestic flights and comfortable ground transfers between regions, minimizing travel time and maximizing your hours in the field. Accommodations are carefully selected to provide comfort after long days of birding.

• Exceptional Photographic Opportunities: With a focus on prime birding locations and ample time in the field, this tour offers unparalleled chances for wildlife and landscape photography across Vietnam's stunning natural backdrops

HOTELS
Economy 2*+ Hotels
Superior 3* Hotels
First Class 4* Hotels
Deluxe 5* Hotels
Luxury 5*++ Hotels

Notes:
*All prices are based on per adult, in Double/Twin sharing
Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request

Important Notes:
HOTELS, PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

GUIDE/LEADER:
English speaking guide. French , Germany , Spanish, Italian, Russian  speaking guide can be arranged with on request.

Your Dream Bird Watching Tours, Crafted Just for You Across Asia

At Golden Trail Travel, we believe every getaway should be as unique as the traveler. As Asia's premier Bird Watching Tours, we specialize in creating bespoke coastal experiences that perfectly match your desires and budget, wherever your wanderlust takes you.

Our dedicated team—comprising experienced local experts, reliable drivers, insightful tour consultants, and passionate travel specialists—is committed to ensuring your escape is seamless, relaxing, and truly unforgettable.

Whether you're exploring solo, enjoying a family getaway, or embarking on a group expedition, we're here to design a trip that's exclusively yours. The itineraries you see are just a starting point; consider them a canvas upon which we'll paint your ideal Asian Bird Watching Tours. We invite you to share your ideas, tell us your preferences, and let us know your budget. We'll meticulously customize an existing itinerary or craft a brand-new program from the ground up, adding or excluding elements until it's absolutely perfect for you.

Ready to start planning your dream Bird Watching Tours across Asia? Share your requirements with us today, and let's create memories that will last a lifetime.