Vietnam Tonkin Birding Tour 7 Days

Embark on an exhilarating 7-day Vietnam Tonkin Birding Tour with Golden Trail Travel, an expertly crafted expedition designed to showcase the rich and diverse avian life of Northern Vietnam's most significant birding destinations. This immersive journey takes you through a fascinating array of habitats, from ancient limestone karsts and lush lowland rainforests to the cooler, misty montane forests and serene lakes, promising an unforgettable experience for both avid birdwatchers and nature photographers. Prepare to encounter a remarkable selection of Vietnam's most sought-after endemic, near-endemic, and rare bird species, all set against a backdrop of stunning natural landscapes and vibrant local culture.

Your exciting birding adventure begins on Day 1 with a direct transfer from Hanoi to the tranquil Van Long Nature Reserve. This serene wetlands area, often dubbed "Halong Bay on land" due to its stunning limestone karsts rising from the water, provides an excellent initial opportunity for wetland birding. Here, you might spot species like the Cotton Pygmy-goose, various egrets, and kingfishers, while also keeping an eye out for the critically endangered Delacour's Langur. Following this, we proceed to Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam's oldest and most renowned national park, setting the stage for deeper exploration.

For two full days (Days 2 & 3), we will immerse ourselves in the biodiverse ancient rainforests of Cuc Phuong. This park is a true gem for birders, offering an incredible opportunity to seek out iconic lowland forest species such as the vibrant Bar-bellied Pitta and Blue-rumped Pitta, the striking Silver-breasted Broadbill and Long-tailed Broadbill, along with various woodpeckers (including the Red-collared Woodpecker), babblers, and pheasants (like the Silver Pheasant). Our expert local guides will lead you through prime birding trails and to strategically located hides, maximizing your chances for close encounters and stunning photographic opportunities with these elusive forest inhabitants.

On Day 4, we ascend from the lowlands of Cuc Phuong to the cooler, misty mountains of Tam Dao National Park. This picturesque mountain resort town, nestled amidst lush forests, offers a unique microclimate and diverse montane bird species. Day 5 is a dedicated full day of intensive birding in Tam Dao. This is a prime location for encountering species often found at higher altitudes, such as the Rufous-throated Partridge, Green Cochoa, Black-hooded Laughingthrush, White-crested Laughingthrush, Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush, and various Sibias and Yuhinas. The diverse terrain provides varied photographic subjects and breathtaking panoramic views, offering a different ecological and birding experience compared to Cuc Phuong.

Day 6 sees us venturing further north to the stunning Ba Be National Park, a truly unique destination featuring Vietnam's largest natural freshwater lake surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains and lush primary forests. This transition offers a change in scenery and birding opportunities. We'll spend the afternoon exploring the park's fringes, focusing on species found in its unique karst and lake habitat.

Finally, on Day 7, we conclude our remarkable Vietnam Tonkin Birding Tour. After some final morning birding opportunities around Ba Be Lake, we transfer back to Hanoi, ensuring a comfortable connection for your onward travel. This 7-day expedition with Golden Trail Travel provides an action-packed and highly rewarding journey through the most significant birding sites of Northern Vietnam, promising an excellent species list and a wealth of cherished memories for every passionate birder.

• Diverse Northern Habitats: Experience a wide array of ecosystems within Northern Vietnam, from the stunning limestone karsts and wetlands of Van Long, to the dense lowland rainforests of Cuc Phuong, the misty montane forests of Tam Dao, and the unique lake and mountain environment of Ba Be.

• Cuc Phuong National Park Immersion (2.5 Days): Dedicate extensive time to Vietnam's oldest national park. This is your premier opportunity to target key lowland forest species, including the vibrant Bar-bellied Pitta and Blue-rumped Pitta, the stunning Silver-breasted Broadbill, the iconic Red-collared Woodpecker, and various pheasants and babblers. Strategic bird hides will maximize close-up photographic chances.

• Tam Dao National Park Specialties (2 Days): Ascend to the cool, montane forests of Tam Dao. Here, focus on highland species such as the Rufous-throated Partridge, the elusive Green Cochoa, and a variety of sought-after Laughingthrushes including the Black-hooded Laughingthrush. The unique climate provides a distinct birding experience.

• Van Long Nature Reserve: Begin your tour with a serene boat ride through this picturesque wetlands area. Beyond its stunning scenery, it offers initial opportunities for wetland bird species and a chance to spot the critically endangered Delacour's Langur.

• Ba Be National Park Exploration: Discover the unique avifauna around Vietnam's largest natural lake, nestled amidst dramatic limestone mountains. This site provides a different habitat, adding to the tour's species diversity.

• Expert Local Bird Guides: Benefit from the profound knowledge and tracking skills of our experienced local bird guides. They are intimately familiar with Northern Vietnam's avifauna, their habitats, and the best techniques for spotting and identifying target species, ensuring a highly productive and enriching experience.

• Optimal Birding Time: The itinerary is carefully designed to maximize your time in the field at each key location, allowing for thorough exploration and increased chances of encountering elusive target species.

• Seamless Logistics: Enjoy comfortable transfers between all destinations, allowing you to focus purely on the birding and the stunning natural surroundings.

• Exceptional Photographic Opportunities: With a focus on prime birding locations and ample time in the field, this tour offers superb chances for wildlife and landscape photography across Northern Vietnam's beautiful and varied 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.