Endemics and specialties of South & Central Vietnam

You will be met and warmly welcomed upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and transferred directly to your hotel. The remainder of the day is left at leisure for you to rest or begin acquainting yourself with the city. In the evening, a welcome dinner will be arranged.

Night at Ho Chi Minh City. The Majestic Hotel. (D)

Today we make an early departure for Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap Province, at the heart of the Mekong Delta. Here you will experience the peaceful rhythms of the wetlands while discovering the park’s remarkable birdlife. Recognized as Vietnam’s fourth Ramsar site, and the 2,000th in the world, Tram Chim protects vast expanses of seasonally flooded grasslands and Melaleuca forest. These habitats support large populations of waterbirds, especially during winter when thousands of migratory species arrive.

Among the highlights are Glossy Ibis, Painted Stork, Stork-billed and Black-capped Kingfishers, Lesser Adjutant, Oriental Darter, Bronze-winged Jacana, and Cinnamon and Yellow Bitterns, along with many other specialties.

Overnight in Tram Chim National Park. Truong Hanh Hotel. (B, L, D)

We will embark on a boat trip designed for birdwatching, gliding through lotus ponds and tranquil waterways aboard a traditional wooden sampan. The serene setting, enhanced by the fragrance of lotus flowers, offers an unforgettable way to experience the park’s beauty. As we move quietly through the wetlands, flocks of birds flying gracefully overhead add to the sense of wonder.

In the afternoon, we return by road to Ho Chi Minh City.

Expected bird species at Tram Chim National Park include Sarus Crane, Lesser Adjutant, Painted Stork, Oriental Darter, Spot-billed Pelican, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Bronze-winged Jacana, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Black-capped Kingfisher, among others.

Overnight at Ho Chi Minh City. The Majestic Hotel. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for the drive to Ma Da Forest, located about 2.5 hours away between Ho Chi Minh City and Cat Tien National Park.

At the bird hides, our main targets include Indochinese Green Magpie (Near Endemic), Blue-rumped Pitta (Near Endemic), Silver-breasted Broadbill, Indochinese Babbler, Laced Woodpecker, Puff-throated Babbler, Buff-breasted Babbler, Abbott’s Babbler, Black-crested Bulbul, Stripe-throated Bulbul, Gray-eyed Bulbul, Ochraceous Bulbul, White-rumped Shama, Hainan Blue Flycatcher, Indochinese Blue Flycatcher, among others.

We then continue to Cat Tien National Park, the largest remaining lowland rainforest in Vietnam and one of the country’s premier birding destinations. Home to over 350 recorded bird species and an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, Cat Tien offers outstanding opportunities for exploration. We will arrive in time to begin our first walk in this remarkable park.

Overnight at Cat Tien National Park Guesthouse. (B, L, D)

We will spend two full days immersing ourselves in the unique landscapes and birding wonders of the Da Lat Plateau. At the bird hides, we will quietly await some of the region’s most captivating residents, including the striking endemic Collared Laughingthrush, the elegant Silver Pheasant, and the elusive Rusty-naped Pitta. As we watch these birds emerge through the foliage, the morning mist and the gentle sounds of the forest create an unforgettable atmosphere. Other species to look for include the Indochinese Wren Babbler, White-cheeked Laughingthrush, Langbian Lesser Shortwing, Gray-bellied Tesia, White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Rufous-browed Flycatcher, Large Niltava, White-tailed Robin, and Snowy-browed Flycatcher, among many others.

Beyond the hides, we will explore the plateau’s trails and forested slopes, seeking additional treasures such as Grey-crowned Crocias, Dalat Shrike-Babbler, Vietnamese Cutia, Black-crowned Fulvetta, Vietnamese Greenfinch, Dalat Bush Warbler, Indochinese Barbet, Annam Minivet, Langbian Tit, White-spectacled Sibia, Plain Minla, and Annam Sunbird. Every step through this highland paradise offers the possibility of new discoveries, set against the backdrop of pine-clad hills, cool mountain air, and the serene beauty that makes Da Lat a true haven for both birds and nature enthusiasts.

Overnight in Da Lat City. Du Parc Hotel Dalat. (B, L, D)

We will spend our final morning birding around the Da Lat area before driving to Nui San Pass (Deo Suoi Lanh), a scenic forested mountain pass along the road between Di Linh and Phan Thiet. As we explore this lush highland habitat, the misty slopes and dense canopy create a magical setting for encountering some of the region’s most striking birds. Among the highlights are the brilliant Indochinese Green Magpie, the endemic Annam Prinia, and the near-endemic Black-headed Parrotbill, each a treasure of these montane forests.

The area also offers opportunities to spot other remarkable species, including the Silver-breasted Broadbill, Long-tailed Broadbill, Red-vented Barbet, and Black-chinned Yuhina. With every step along the trails and forest edges, there is a sense of anticipation and discovery, making Nui San Pass a fitting finale to our highland birding adventures.

Overnight in Di Linh Town. Ivory Falls Villa Resort. (B, L, D)

After enjoying some final birding in the tranquil forests of Nui San Pass, we will journey back to Ho Chi Minh City, taking in the changing landscapes as we descend from the highlands. In the evening, we will board our flight to Da Nang, marking the transition to the next stage of our Vietnamese adventure.

Overnight in Da Nang City. Chicland Danang Beach Hotel. (B, L, D)

Today, we will spend the entire morning exploring the Son Tra Nature Reserve, a remarkable peninsula where Vietnam’s lush forest meets the sea. This unique ecosystem is renowned as the “kingdom” of the Red-shanked Douc Langur, an endemic primate of Indochina currently threatened with extinction. Son Tra is widely considered the best and most accessible place in the world to observe this magnificent species in its natural habitat.

In the afternoon, we will visit Hoi An Ancient Town, a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site that thrived as a major Southeast Asian trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries. Hoi An captivates visitors with its exceptionally well-preserved architecture, reflecting a unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along narrow streets, past colorful old houses, traditional shops, and the scenic riverside, before returning to Da Nang City.

Overnight in Da Nang City. Chicland Danang Beach Hotel. (B, L, D)

This morning, we will set off early for Bach Ma National Park, a scenic two-hour drive from Da Nang City. Nestled among majestic mountain ranges, the park is a haven of lush tropical forests, sparkling waterfalls, and a remarkable variety of ecosystems. Once a French hill station, Bach Ma also preserves intriguing remnants of colonial-era architecture, offering a fascinating glimpse into history amid its natural splendor. As we explore its trails and birding hides, we will seek out some of the park’s most sought-after species, including Annam Sultan Tit, Indochinese Yuhina, Blyth’s Shrike-Babbler, and the rare Ratchet-tailed Treepie, while enjoying the sights and sounds of this vibrant forest.

In the late afternoon, we will transfer to Da Nang Airport for our domestic flight back to Ho Chi Minh City, bringing this unforgettable journey through Vietnam’s diverse landscapes and wildlife to a close.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. Holiday Inn & Suites Saigon Airport. (B, L, D)

Today is a non-birding day, marking the conclusion of our journey. You will depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City, at a time that suits your travel plans.

Breakfast is included, while other meals are not provided. Hotel check-out is at noon, but if you wish to extend your stay, arrangements can be made subject to availability, with any additional charges applied by the hotel.

As you bid farewell to Vietnam, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and rich cultural experiences you have enjoyed throughout this journey. (B)