Vietnam South to Central Highlands Birding Tour 16 Days

Embark on the ultimate 16-day Vietnam South to Central Highlands Birding Tour with Golden Trail Travel, an extensive and unparalleled expedition designed for serious birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts seeking to explore the incredible avian diversity of Southern and Central Vietnam. This comprehensive itinerary traverses a remarkable range of ecosystems, from the lowland tropical forests of Cat Tien to the cooler montane plateaus of Da Lat and Mang Den, and the unique dry deciduous forests of Yok Don National Park, culminating in the strategic birding location of Lo Xo Pass. Prepare for an immersive journey dedicated to spotting Vietnam's most sought-after endemic and rare bird species.

Your grand birding adventure begins on Day 1 with your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, followed by a transfer to the renowned Cat Tien National Park. For the next two full days (Days 2 & 3), Cat Tien will be our primary focus. As one of Vietnam's most important protected areas, this lowland tropical forest is a haven for an impressive array of birdlife, including such iconic species as the Orange-necked Partridge, Germain's Peacock-Pheasant, Green Peafowl, and numerous woodpeckers, pittas, and broadbills. Our expert local guides will lead you through prime birding trails and to well-known hides, maximizing your opportunities for close encounters and photographic moments with these elusive forest inhabitants.

On Day 4, we journey from Cat Tien to Di Linh, a strategic stopover en route to the Central Highlands. Di Linh offers excellent birding along its forested roads and nearby coffee plantations, providing a chance to encounter a different set of species as we ascend into higher elevations. Day 5 takes us further into the highlands, arriving in the charming city of Da Lat. This plateau, often called the "City of Eternal Spring," is a designated Endemic Bird Area (EBA) and will be our base for three dedicated days of birding (Days 6, 7 & 8). Here, we will meticulously search for several highly localized endemics, including the Grey-crowned Crocias, Collared Laughingthrush, Orange-breasted Laughingthrush, Vietnamese Greenfinch, and Black-crowned Fulvetta, among many other montane specialties found in the pine forests and broadleaf woodlands surrounding Da Lat.

The expedition then ventures into the unique landscapes of Yok Don National Park on Day 9. This park is distinctive for its vast dry deciduous dipterocarp forests, a habitat unlike any other in Vietnam. For two full days (Days 10 & 11), we will explore Yok Don, targeting species adapted to this drier environment, such as White-rumped Pygmy Falcon, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, and Annam Prinia, alongside various raptors, hornbills, and waterbirds along the Srepok River. Yok Don offers a fascinating contrast to the lush rainforests, providing a broader spectrum of Vietnam's avifauna.

On Day 12, we drive north to Mang Den, located in the Kon Tum Plateau Endemic Bird Area. This highland region is crucial for finding another set of highly localized species. Days 13 & 14 will be spent intensively birding around Mang Den and Mang Canh Forest, focusing on the enigmatic Chestnut-eared Laughingthrush, along with other regional endemics and specialties like Blue Pitta, Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler, and Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler. The montane evergreen forests here offer some of the most rewarding birding in Central Vietnam.

The grand tour culminates on Day 15 at Lo Xo Pass, a renowned birding locality on the Ho Chi Minh Highway that offers access to remnant primary forest. This area is famous for potential sightings of the enigmatic Black-crowned Barwing, among other montane and sub-montane species. This 16-day expedition with Golden Trail Travel provides an unparalleled, in-depth Vietnam bird watching tour, from the bustling south to the tranquil, biodiverse Central Highlands, promising an extensive species list and a lifetime of cherished birding memories

• Comprehensive Endemic Birding: This extended tour is specifically designed to maximize sightings of Vietnam's most important and highly sought-after endemic and near-endemic bird species across multiple distinct EBAs (Endemic Bird Areas), including Cat Tien, Da Lat, Kon Tum Plateau (Mang Den, Lo Xo Pass).

• Cat Tien National Park Immersion (Lowland Rainforest): Spend three dedicated days in Cat Tien, a flagship national park, targeting lowland forest specialties such as Orange-necked Partridge, Germain's Peacock-Pheasant, Green Peafowl, pittas (e.g., Blue-rumped, Bar-bellied), and a wide variety of woodpeckers and broadbills, often utilizing established bird hides.

• Da Lat Plateau Endemics (Montane Forests): Explore the cool, pine-clad highlands of Da Lat for three full days, focusing on the Da Lat Plateau's unique avian treasures like Grey-crowned Crocias, Collared Laughingthrush, Orange-breasted Laughingthrush, Vietnamese Greenfinch, and Black-crowned Fulvetta.

• Yok Don National Park (Dry Deciduous Forest): Discover the distinct birdlife of Vietnam's only dry deciduous dipterocarp forest. Target species adapted to this unique habitat, including White-rumped Pygmy Falcon, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Annam Prinia, and various raptors, offering a crucial contrast to other sites.

• Mang Den & Kon Tum Plateau (Central Highlands Specialities): Dedicate two full days to the remote and biodiverse Mang Den region within the Kon Tum Plateau EBA. This is your prime opportunity to find the elusive Chestnut-eared Laughingthrush and other significant Central Highlands species.

• Lo Xo Pass Birding: Conclude your journey at Lo Xo Pass, a renowned birding location, providing a final chance to discover montane species, potentially including the enigmatic Black-crowned Barwing.

• Expert Local Guides: Travel with highly experienced and passionate local bird guides who possess an intimate knowledge of Vietnam's avifauna, their habitats, and the best techniques for spotting and identifying target species.

• Diverse Ecosystem Exploration: Experience a remarkable cross-section of Vietnam's natural landscapes, from the humid lowlands to the cool highlands, offering varied photographic opportunities and a deeper understanding of the country's ecological diversity.

• Comfortable Logistics: Enjoy seamless transfers between destinations, well-arranged accommodation, and a carefully paced itinerary designed to maximize birding time while ensuring comfort throughout this extensive tour.

• Comprehensive Species List Potential: This 16-day tour provides one of the most comprehensive birding experiences in Vietnam, significantly increasing your chances of compiling a substantial list of both common and rare species

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.