Vietnam

Vietnam is attracting more and more attention as a birding destination, and its unique and exotic avifauna of over 850 species make it an enticing destination. The country boasts many endemics and near-endemics, and on this tour we concentrate on key birding sites in the southern and central parts of the country to see around 350 species with 9 possible endemics and 25+ near endemics and endemic subspecies.

In the south there are important areas of lowland evergreen and semi-evergreen forest at Cát Tiên National Park, and we enjoy three days here to see pheasants, pittas, woodpeckers, broadbills, babblers and much more. Montane evergreen forests on the Dalat Plateau are home to several endemics and many distinctive local subspecies, and we also enjoy three full days here. In central Vietnam there are more opportunities for endemic and near-endemic species, including recently discovered Chestnut-eared Laughing-thrush. Other uncommon birds include Rufous-faced Warbler, Pale Blue Flycatcher, Grey-headed Parrotbill and Black-crowned Barwing, only discovered in 1996.

We begin, and end with a little orientation and sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) though exceptional birding is of course the key focus of the tour!

Enjoy your complimentary pre-flight overnight hotel before your holiday begins. Full details from our office! Read more about our Pre-flight Service here!

Day 1: Sat 21 November 2026 - London Heathrow - Ho Chi Minh City
After relaxing in our complimentary VIP Airport Lounge, we fly on an overnight flight. Your pre-flight hotel at Heathrow gives additional opportunity to relax before your long journey.

Day 2: Sun 22 November - Arrive Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
We arrive at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport and transfer to our downtown hotel to drop luggage. We then take a guided tour of downtown Ho Chi Minh City visiting the former Presidential Palace, the French colonial Notre-Dame Cathedral and the old Saigon Post Office. Our guide will point out any birds we see, including common species of the region and perhaps some wintering flycatchers and thrushes. After lunch we enjoy birding at the Botanical Garden, where more common species might include Eastern Spotted Dove, Zebra Dove, Plaintive Cuckoo, Coppersmith Barbet, Eastern Black-naped Oriole, Scarlet Minivet, Brown Shrike, Black and Ashy Drongo, Sunda Pied Fantail, Common Iora, Common Tailorbird, Sunda Yellow-vented and Streak-eared Bulbul, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Ornate Sunbird and Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker. Overnight Ho Chi Minh City.  

Day 3: Mon 23 November - Ho Chi Minh City to Cát Tiên National Park
We depart Ho Chi Minh City after breakfast for Cát Tiên National Park, 150 km to the north. The largest remaining area of lowland tropical forest in southern Vietnam, Cát Tiên National Park contains a mix of primary and secondary evergreen and semi-evergreen forest with large areas dominated by grassland and bamboo, a result of wartime defoliation and post-war logging. The park is accessed via the Đồng Nai River and on arrival we take a ferry across the river to the park HQ accommodation area. Cát Tiên boasts an incredible diversity of birds and mammals. Endangered birds include Germain’s Peacock-pheasant, Green Peafowl and elusive Orange-necked Partridge while the mammal list includes Leopard Cat, Lesser Mousedeer, Gaur and three beautiful primates - Black-shanked Douc Langur, Silvered Langur and Buff-cheeked Gibbon. Overnight for four nights at Cát Tiên National Park HQ Guest House.

Days 4 - 6: Tues 24 - Thurs 26 November- Cát Tiên National Park
We have three full days to enjoy some wonderful birding at Cát Tiên National Park. There are excellent trails starting right at the park headquarters, and with no outside vehicles permitted in the park we will use jeeps to access areas further afield such as Crocodile Lake and the Ta Lai grasslands. The 5 km walk through semi-evergreen forest to Crocodile Lake can be an excellent place to look for Germain’s Peacock-pheasant as well as two of the park's other star birds, near-endemic Blue-rumped and Bar-bellied Pitta, while the beautiful Siamese Fireback can often be seen on an early morning drive. Among the many other avian treats to be found at Cát Tiên are Indochinese Frogmouth, Great-eared Nightjar, Grey-headed and Lesser Fish-eagle, Great and Wreathed Hornbill, Banded and Stork-billed Kingfisher, Red-vented Barbet, Heart-spotted, Pale-headed, Black-and-buff, Great Slaty and White-bellied Woodpecker, Collared Falconet, Dusky, Black-and-red and Banded Broadbill, Golden-crested Myna and Grey-faced Tit-babbler. Large waterbirds including Lesser Adjutant and Asian Woollyneck are commonly seen in more open areas, particularly in the vicinity of Crocodile Lake, where Asian Golden Weaver can also be found breeding in lakeside reeds. Large flocks of doves, pigeons and parakeets of various species can often be seen in the grassland areas in the late afternoon.

Day 7: Fri 27 November - Cát Tiên National Park to Di Linh
There is time for some final early morning birding at Cát Tiên National Park before heading up Highway 20 to Di Linh. A short drive from the town we visit Deo Suoi Lanh, exploring an excellent area for Black-hooded, White-cheeked & Orange-breasted Laughing-thrushes and the near-endemic Black-headed Parrotbill. After an afternoon of birding, we return to Di Linh town where we stay for one night.

Day 8: Sat 28 November - Di Linh to Dalat
A second, this time early morning visit to Deo Suoi Lanh could give us other exciting Dalat Plateau specialities including Blue Pitta, Indochinese Green Magpie, Spotted Forktail and Green Cochoa. Later we continue along Highway 20 to the cooler climes of Dalat itself. Situated at an elevation of 1,500 m, the former French hill station and honeymoon capital of Vietnam, Dalat, will be our base for exploring the high ground. The Dalat Plateau is one of Vietnam’s five Endemic Bird Areas (EBAs) as defined by BirdLife International and is home to several endemic and near-endemic bird as well as some very distinct and endemic subspecies. As well as being a popular tourist destination Dalat’s temperate climate makes it one of the major vegetable and flower growing areas in the country and the city boasts some wonderful restaurants. Overnight for three nights, Dalat

Days 9 & 10: Sun 29 & Mon 30 November - Dalat Plateau
The habitat on the Dalat Plateau is a mix of coniferous (dominated by Benguet Pine), montane evergreen and secondary forest. The montane evergreen forest extends up to 2,287 m on Mount Bi Doup and 2,167 m on nearby Mount Langbiang, the second and third highest peaks on the plateau respectively. The long list of endemic and near-endemic species and subspecies found in this area includes Lowe’s Green-pigeon, Red-vented, Necklaced and Annam Barbet, Dalat Shrike-babbler, Annam Minivet, Yellow-crowned Green Magpie, Langbiang Tit, Annam Grasshopper-warbler, Brown-backed Bulbul, Grey-crowned Tit, Indochinese Fulvetta, Black-headed Parrotbill, Black-crowned Fulvetta, Annam Streaked and Indochinese Wren-babbler, Vietnamese Cutia, Orange-breasted, Black-hooded, White-cheeked and beautiful and skulking Collared Laughing-thrush, White-spectacled Sibia, Plain Minla, Grey-crowned Crocia, Yellow-billed Nuthatch, Langbiang Lesser Shortwing, Langbian and Annam Sunbird and Vietnamese Greenfinch.

Other specialities of the Dalat area include Bar-backed Partridge, Silver Pheasant, Yellow-vented Green-pigeon, Hodgson’s Frogmouth, Spot-bellied Eagle-owl, Rusty-naped and Blue Pitta, Maroon and Slender-billed Oriole, Indochinese Cuckoo-shrike, Burmese Shrike, White-faced Jay, Manipur Treecreeper, Dark-sided Thrush, Green Cochoa, Large Niltava, Rufous-browed Flycatcher and Spotted Forktail and Red Crossbill. There are several excellent birding sites all within a short drive of Dalat including Mount Langbiang and Tuyền Lâm Lake, both of which have a mix of coniferous forest at lower elevations with montane evergreen at higher elevations. Other areas to explore in the vicinity include the forested valley en-route to the village of Tà Nung, and some of the more accessible areas of Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park.

Day 11:Tues 1 December - Dalat to Yok Đôn National Park
We leave Dalat and drive north to Yok Đôn National Park, arriving around lunchtime. We will have time to explore the banks of the Srêpôk River and the dry deciduous forests of the National Park. Several of Yok Đôn specialities are not easily seen elsewhere in Vietnam, and we spend the afternoon looking for Fulvous-breasted, Rufous-bellied & Black-headed Woodpecker, Alexandrine & Blossom-headed Parakeet, White-rumped Pygmy-falcon, Rufous Treepie, Small Minivet and Burmese Nuthatch. Overnight at Yok Đôn National Park for one night.

Day 12: Wed 2 December - Yok Đôn – Măng Đen
After some early morning birding at Yok Đôn, we continue driving north, ascending up to the newly established hill resort town of Măng Đen, on the Kontum Plateau. Măng Đen is the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding areas of montane evergreen forest. The number one target for birders here is the recently-discovered and near-endemic Chestnut-eared Laughing-thrush which despite uncontrolled logging in the area is thankfully still fairly common. The Kontum Plateau shares several specialities with the Dalat Plateau to the south including near-endemic Indochinese Wren-babbler, Black-hooded Laughing-thrush and Yellow-billed Nuthatch. Vietnamese endemic Grey-crowned Crocias, once thought to be restricted to the Dalat Plateau, was also recently discovered here. Overnight at Măng Đen for two nights.

Days 13 & 14: Thurs 3 & Fri 4 December - Măng Đen
We have two further days exploring the birding delights around Măng Đen. As well devoting time searching for and hopefully obtaining good views of Chestnut-eared Laughing-thrush, other interesting species that may be encountered include Pale-capped Pigeon, Austen’s Brown Hornbill, Stripe-breasted Woodpecker, Rusty-naped Pitta, Ratchet-tailed Treepie, White-winged Magpie, Rufous-faced Warbler, Yellow-billed Nuthatch, Black-hooded Laughing-thrush, Indochinese Wren-babbler, Grey-crowned Tit, Grey-headed Parrotbill, and Pale Blue-flycatcher.

Day 15: Sat 5 December - Măng Đen to Bach Ma National Park
​​​​​​​Today we depart Mang Den after some final early morning birding for the long drive north to Bach Ma National Park with a lunch break along the way. We expect to arrive at Bach Mã in the afternoon with time for some birding once checked into our accommodation, which boasts spectacular views of Mount Bach Mã towering above the forests! Overnight at Bach Ma National Park.

Day 16: Sun 6 December -  Bach Mã National Park
A full day birding at Bach Ma National Park where specialities include Silver Pheasant, Blue-rumped & Bar-bellied Pittas, Indochinese Green Magpie, Lesser-necklaced, Masked & Black-throated Laughingthrushes and the near-endemic Indochinese Wren-babbler. Bach Ma is also one of the best places in Vietnam to see Red-shanked Douc Langur, one of the most beautiful primates in the world. Overnight at Bach Ma National Park. Overnight Bach Mã National Park.

Day 17: Mon 7 December - Bach Mã National Park to Phong Nha-Kẻ Bang National Park
Encompassing a range of habitats including cultivation, secondary, scrub, lowland evergreen forest and above 900 m, spectacular montane evergreen forest, Bach Mã National Park supports a wide variety of birdlife. We have a full morning to search for key species including Rufous-throated and Green-legged Partridge, Silver Pheasant, Hodgson’s Frogmouth, Austen’s Brown Hornbill, Blue-rumped and Bar-bellied Pitta, Long-tailed and Silver-breasted Broadbill, Ratchet-tailed Treepie, White-winged Magpie, Indochinese Green Magpie, Annam Sultan Tit, Indochinese Wren-babbler, Lesser Necklaced, Masked and Black-throated Laughing-thrush and White-gorgeted Flycatcher. In the afternoon we depart north to Phong Nha-Kẻ Bang National Park, where we stay for two nights at Saigon Phong Nha Hotel.

Day 18: Tues 8 December - Phong Nha-Kẻ Bang National Park
The habitat at Phong Nha-Kẻ Bang is a mix of limestone forest, remnant lowland evergreen forest and areas of cultivation. Species we look for here includes two near-endemic limestone specialists - Sooty Babbler and the recently described Limestone Leaf-warbler. Other interesting birds at the park include Tonkin Partridge, White-bellied Green-pigeon, Brown Fish-owl, Austen’s Brown Hornbill, Red-collared Woodpecker, Blue-rumped and Bar-bellied Pitta, Ratchet-tailed Treepie, White-winged Magpie and Indochinese Wren-babbler. In addition to some unique bird species Phong Nha-Kẻ Bang is also home to two very rare primates, beautiful Red-shanked Douc Langur and the range-restricted Ha Tinh Langur and there is a fairly good chance of coming across both these species while birding here.

Day 19: Wed 9 December - Phong Nha-Kẻ Bang National Park to Hue
We leave Phong Nha-Kẻ Bang National Park after breakfast and drive to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. After checking in at our centrally located hotel we will take in the some of the cultural highlights of Hue with visits to the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen Dynasty of emperors ruled Vietnam between 1802 and 1945, followed by the impressive mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc with its landscaped gardens and lakes. Birds that could be seen during the afternoon’s sightseeing at this time of the year may include wintering warblers, thrushes and flycatchers as well as the more common resident species. Overnight at Midtown Hotel, Hue. 

Day 20: Thurs 10 December – Hue – Ho Chi Minh City - UK
After breakfast there will be further time to explore the city or local birding options, before we transfer to Hue Airport for the short flight back to Ho Chi Minh City, in good time for our flight back to the UK. This will be overnight and we arrive on Day 21: Fri 11 December.

What's included in your holiday price:

• return scheduled flight from London Heathrow – Ho Chi Minh City, internal flight, airport taxes, baggage and hand luggage up to airline included limit.
• airport transfers, ground transportation, entrance fees, accommodation and meals as specified.
• the services of Heatherlea leaders.
• The Heatherlea Pre-Flight Service offers everything you need at the airport, including hotels, car parking, airport lounges, regional flights, and upgrades. Let Heatherlea take the strain! Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge included free of charge subject to terms and conditions. Read More...

Free Field Guide! - 'Birds of Vietnam' by Richard C Craik and Le Quy Minh is included in your holiday price. One copy per room booked.

What's not included in your holiday price:

• travel to and from departure airport before and after holiday, baggage above airline included limit
• incidental tips, expenses of a personal nature including drinks and personal insurance.
• Entry Visa

Your Leader:

Le Quy Minh A well-known figure in the conservation community in Vietnam and one of the most experienced birding guides in the region, Minh has been head guide at Vietnam Birding since 2007. He previously worked at Bach Ma National Park in central Vietnam for 12 years, heading the ecotourism and environmental education departments. Minh is the co-author with Richard of the first comprehensive field guide to birds of Vietnam. Minh’s extensive knowledge of Vietnam’s birds, his charming manner and wicked sense humour ensure that he is always in demand to guide Vietnam Birding clients.

More holiday information:

Accommodation: We stay at smaller hotels and guest houses. There is some variation in standard, and accommodation at national parks tend to be more basic, though all rooms have air-con or a fan and en-suite bathroom facilities. Wifi is available at all accommodations with the exception of Bach Ma National Park summit which is without wifi and mobile phone coverage. Not all our hotels have websites.
Food: Expect generous portions of typical everyday Vietnamese dishes at national parks and a wider range of both local and international dishes at Hue, Ho Chi Minh City and Dalat. Chicken, beef, pork, seafood, tofu and other vegetarian options should be available everywhere. Vietnamese cuisine comes as a very pleasant surprise to many visitors and is definitely a part of the experience not to be missed. One of the characteristics of Vietnamese food is that it is always fresh, being bought the same morning straight from the market. Food is usually prepared with a minimum of oil and served with the ubiquitous fish sauce called nuoc mam. Typical Vietnamese dishes you can expect to try include pho, a type of rice noodle soup eaten for breakfast, cha gio, deep-fried spring rolls and goi ngo sen, a delicious salad made with lotus stems, shrimps and peanuts. Due to the strong Buddhist influence in Vietnam, vegetarian food is widely available.
Walking: Generally easy/moderate. There will be some long walks along roads, tracks and forest trails over generally flat terrain with some steeper sections particularly in the Dalat area, and generally an average level of fitness is required. We take advantage of the cooler mornings and late afternoons to see birds at their most active, usually returning to our hotel for lunch and a midday break.
Weather: Midday temperatures in December are usually around 25-30 C in the south though cooler in central regions. In the mountains of the Dalat Plateau it can be considerably cooler in the evenings and a sweater or fleece may be needed. The weather in the south is generally dry and pleasant at this time of the year while there may be some rain further north in central Vietnam.
Insects: There are biting insects including mosquitoes. Before travelling consult your doctor about suitable anti-malarial medication, and on arrival take adequate precautions against mosquito bites. You may encounter leeches on forest trails especially after rain or in damp areas but a good spray with insect repellent on your boots and socks should keep them at bay.
Travel: Driving distances between various locations on the tour are mostly between 3 – 5 hours. Although distances are not so great, driving on the crowded Vietnamese roads takes far longer than in the UK.
Visa: United Kingdom citizens will need a passport valid for at least six months from date of departure and a visa to enter Vietnam. Visas are available from your nearest Vietnam embassy or consulate or on arrival with prior arrangement through https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/en_US/web/guest/trang-chu-ttdt
Flights:  Flights from London Heathrow.
Photos: Excellent photographic opportunities. 

 

Photo credits; our thanks go to Vietnam Birding and photographers whose images are used on this page;

Lowland semi-evergreen forest at Cát Tiên National Park (Richard Craik)
Bar-bellied Pitta (Niall Perrins)
Grey-crowned Crocias (Chris Bradshaw)
Vietnamese Greenfinch (John Barkla)
Montane evergreen forest in Central Vietnam, Black-crowned Barwing, Sooty Babbler (Le Quy Minh)
Chestnut-eared Laughingthrush (Brian Lloyd)
Langbian Sunbird, Indochinese Green Magpie, Collared Laughingthrush, Dalat Shrike-babbler, Black-throated Sunbird (Luyen Nguyen)
Blue-rumped Pitta, OB Trogon (David Bowman)