Vietnam Grand Bird Watching Tour 22 Days

Embark on the Vietnam Grand Bird Watching Tour 22 Days with Golden Trail Travel, the most comprehensive and immersive avian expedition available, traversing the full length of Vietnam from North to South. This meticulously crafted itinerary offers unparalleled opportunities to discover the nation's incredible birdlife, from the ancient limestone karsts and wetlands of the north to the montane forests of the Central Highlands and the biodiverse lowlands of the south. Designed for serious birders and nature photographers, this journey aims to maximize your sightings of Vietnam's most sought-after endemic, near-endemic, and rare species, promising an extensive bird list and a lifetime of unforgettable memories.

Our epic adventure commences on Day 1 from Hanoi, heading directly to the tranquil Van Long Nature Reserve for initial wetland birding, setting the 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 journey to the internationally recognized Xuan Thuy Ramsar Area, a vital coastal wetland in the Red River Delta. Day 5 is dedicated to exploring Xuan Thuy's vast mudflats and mangrove forests, a crucial stopover for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl during the winter months. Here, we'll look for species like the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Black-faced Spoonbill, and various terns and gulls, offering unique wetland birding opportunities.

From the coastal plains, we ascend to the cooler, misty mountains of Tam Dao National Park on Day 6. Day 7 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 8 marks a significant transition as we fly from Tam Dao (via Hanoi) to Da Nang, preparing for the Central Highlands leg of our tour. On Day 9, we drive into the remote and pristine forests of Tu Mo Rong. Day 10 is a full day exploring Tu Mo Rong, a relatively new but incredibly promising birding destination within the Kon Tum Plateau EBA, home to unique highland species.

The journey continues to Mang Den on Day 11. For two full days (Days 12 & 13), we will intensively bird the rich forests around Mang Den and Mang Canh, a critical area for Vietnam's most iconic endemic and near-endemic species, including the highly sought-after Chestnut-eared Laughingthrush, along with Blue Pitta, Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler, and Yellow-billed Nuthatch. This section of the tour is a major highlight for its incredible endemic potential.

On Day 14, we drive to the famous Da Lat Plateau. This region, including the adjacent Bi Doup-Nui Ba National Park, will be our focus for three extensive days (Days 15, 16 & 17). Da Lat is another crucial EBA, offering a wealth of endemics like the Grey-crowned Crocias, Collared Laughingthrush, Orange-breasted Laughingthrush, Vietnamese Greenfinch, and Black-crowned Fulvetta. We will explore various sites, from pine forests to broadleaf woodlands, ensuring comprehensive coverage of this incredibly rich area.

As we move south, Day 18 takes us from Da Lat to Di Linh, a strategic stopover offering excellent birding opportunities en route to Cat Tien. Day 19 culminates in our arrival at Cat Tien National Park, the final major destination on this grand tour. For two full days (Days 20 & 21), 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 22, we conclude our epic Vietnam Grand Bird Watching 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 22-day tour represents the ultimate commitment to exploring Vietnam's ornithological treasures, providing a truly unforgettable and extensive birding adventure

• Unparalleled Comprehensive Coverage: This 22-day itinerary offers the most extensive birding coverage of Vietnam, systematically exploring key Endemic Bird Areas (EBAs) and diverse habitats from North to Central and South, maximizing your chances of a truly exceptional species list.

• Northern Vietnam Birding Hotspots: Begin with in-depth exploration of Northern Vietnam's premier sites:

  • Cuc Phuong National Park (2.5 Days): Target lowland rainforest specialists like Bar-bellied Pitta, Blue-rumped Pitta, Silver-breasted Broadbill, Red-collared Woodpecker, and various partridges and pheasants. Utilize established hides for close photographic opportunities.

  • Xuan Thuy Ramsar Area (1.5 Days): Discover crucial coastal wetland and mangrove habitats, renowned for migratory shorebirds, waterfowl, and the possibility of critically endangered species like Spoon-billed Sandpiper (seasonal).

  • Tam Dao National Park (2 Days): Ascend to the montane forests of Tam Dao, seeking out highland specialties such as Rufous-throated Partridge, Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush, and Green Cochoa.

• Central Highlands Endemic Focus: Delve into the rich biodiversity of Vietnam's Central Highlands with extended stays at critical EBAs:

  • Tu Mo Rong (2 Days): Explore this emerging birding hotspot, an important site within the Kon Tum Plateau, for unique highland endemics.

  • Mang Den (3 Days): Dedicate ample time to search for the highly sought-after Chestnut-eared Laughingthrush, a key endemic, along with other Kon Tum Plateau specialties like Blue Pitta and Yellow-billed Nuthatch.

  • Da Lat Plateau & Bi Doup National Park (4 Days): Immerse yourself in this renowned EBA, targeting multiple Da Lat endemics including the iconic Grey-crowned Crocias, Collared Laughingthrush, Orange-breasted Laughingthrush, Vietnamese Greenfinch, and Black-crowned Fulvetta across diverse montane habitats.

• Southern Vietnam Lowland & Forest Birding: Conclude your journey in the vibrant south:

  • Di Linh (1 Day): A strategic stopover providing transitional habitat birding opportunities.

  • Cat Tien National Park (3 Days): Experience the incredible biodiversity of this lowland tropical forest, targeting flagship species such as Orange-necked Partridge, Germain's Peacock-Pheasant, Green Peafowl, Siamese Fireback, and a variety of woodpeckers, hornbills, and waterbirds around Crocodile Lake.

• Expert Local Bird Guides: Be accompanied by highly experienced and passionate Vietnamese bird guides throughout the tour, ensuring expert identification, optimal birding strategies, and a deeper understanding of local ecology.

• Strategic Logistics & Comfort: Enjoy seamless internal flights and comfortable ground transfers between regions, allowing for efficient travel while maximizing time in the field. Accommodations are carefully selected to provide comfort after long days of birding.

• Dedicated Birding Time: The itinerary is designed with multiple full days at each key location, allowing for thorough exploration of diverse habitats and increased chances of encountering elusive target species.

• 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.

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