Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), transfer to
Royal Park
Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), transfer to Park Royal. If
time permits Go Cong beach, a river mouth in Mekong delta,
this mudflat is home for some interested targets such as
“White-faced” Plover, Nordmann’s Greenshank, other
common shorebirds and especially Spoon-billed Sandpiper.
Welcome dinner and briefing.
Overnight Park Royal Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2: Birding en Route to and at Cat Tien National Park
After an early start we will drive northwards towards the
renowned Cat Tien National Park for first exploration of this
superb National Park in the afternoon.
Overnight at the Cat Tien National Park HQ guesthouse (3
nights)
Days 3 and 4: Birding Cat Tien National Park
The premier National Park in South Vietnam, Cat Tien is
located in Cochinchina in the Da Lat foothills and boasts an
impressive mosaic of forest and seasonal wetlands which
largely escaped the defoliants used in the Vietnam War. We
will bird by jeep track and forest trails to seek out the
endemic Germain’s Peackock-Pheasant, other spectacular
birds such as Siamese Fireback, Green Peafowl and Scaly-
breasted Partridge, endemic Pittas, the endemic Grey-faced
Tit-Babbler and a host of other species also known from
Malaysia and Thailand.
Key species
Orange-necked Partridge, Germain's Peacock Pheasant,
Siamese Fireback, Green Peafowl, Wreathed Hornbill, Blue-
rumped and Bar-bellied Pittas, Pale-headed and Black-and-
buff Woodpeckers, Black-and-red, Banded, Dusky Broadbill,
Blyth’s Frogmouth, Grey-faced Tit Babbler.
Overnights: Cat Tien National Park
Day 5: Tranfer to and Birding in Di Linh and Nui San
Pass
We leave Cat Tien for the relatively short drive to Di Linh.
Certain birds can be easier to locate here at the Nui San
Pass than in Da Lat including Blue and Rusty-naped Pittas,
Spotted Forktail, White-cheeked, Black-hooded and Orange-
breasted Laughing-Thrushes, Vietnamese Cutia and Black-
crowned Parrotbill, split from the more widespread Grey-
headed.
Overnight Bao Phu hotel, Di Linh
Day 6: Birding Nui San Pass and en route to Da Lat
After an early morning return to the Nui San pass (which will
give us our first chance for the elusive Green Cochoa) we will
drive up to the Langbian Plateau and the evocative hill resort
of Da Lat. We will stop at any interesting patches of habitat
en route and also see several attractive waterfalls. Da Lat is
situated at a delightfully cool 1475 metres asl in a temperate
region dotted with lakes and waterfalls and surrounded by
forest including various native pine woodlands.
Overnight Hoang Anh Gia Lai Resort, Da Lat (3 nights)
Days 7 and 8: Birding Da Lat Plateau
We will explore the Da Lat Plateau including the 2169 metre
Mt Langbian, cloaked with evergreen forest right up to its
peak and accessed by a progressively steeper footpath. Our
efforts should be rewarded however as this is the home of
the spectacular endemic Collared Laughing-Thrush, as well
as Yellow-billed Nuthatch and the Vietnamese Cutia, Black-
crowned Fulvetta ( split from Rufous-winged ) and Grey-
crowned Tit ( split from Black-throated ). The elusive and
handsome Green Cochoa is also here and should be vocal
at this time of year and a number of other Asian and
wintering birds will also be encountered.
Nearer to Da Lat itself is Ta Nung Valley, famous for the
relatively recently re-discovered Grey-crowned Crocias which
is regularly encountered here. Other endemics such as Black-
hooded and Orange-breasted Laughingthrushes and
Vietnamese Greenfinch are also possible.
Key species
Bar-backed Partridge, Silver Pheasant, Red-vented Barbet,
Annam Barbet, Red-headed Trogon, Long-tailed Broadbill,
Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Mountain Imperial Pigeon,
Rufous-bellied Eagle, Jerdon’s Baza, Rusty-naped Pitta, Blue
Pitta, Burmese Shrike, Indochinese Green Magpie, Eurasian
Jay, Slender-billed Oriole, Maroon Oriole, White-throated
Rock Thrush, Green Cochoa, Rufous-browed Flycatcher,
Blue-and-White Flycatcher, Mugimaki Flycatcher, Snowy-
browed Flycatcher, Little Pied Flycatcher, Large Niltava,
Lesser Shortwing, White-tailed Robin, Spotted Forktail,
Yellow-billed Nuthatch, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Grey-crowned Tit,
Humes’s Treecreeper ( split from Brown-throated ) , Grey-
bellied Tesia, White-spectacled Warbler, Chestnut-crowned
Warbler, Black-hooded Laughingthrush, White-cheeked
Laughingthrush, Orange-breasted Laughingthrush, Collared
Laughingthrush, White-browed Scimitar Babbler, Streaked
Wren Babbler, Eyebrowed Wren Babbler, Pygmy Wren
Babbler, Rufous-capped Babbler, Vietnamese Cutia,
Chestnut-fronted Shrike-Babbler, Da Lat Shrike-Babbler
(split from White-browed), Blue-winged Minla, Black-crowned
Fulvetta, Grey-crowned Crocias, Rufous-backed Sibia, Black-
headed Sibia, Black-crowned Parrotbill, Mrs Gould’s Sunbird,
Streaked Spiderhunter, Vietnamese Greenfinch, Red
Crossbill, Brown Bullfinch.
Day 9: Birding at Lak Lake and Yok Don National Park
An early morning departure for Ban Me Thuot and a stop at
Lak lake for some waterbirds and wintering warblers en
route. Later on we reach Yok Don national park for 1 night
stay at Ban Don Tourism area. Our main target here is
Mekong Wagtail but other species such as Black-headed
Woodpecker, Collared Falconet, White-rumped Falcon,
Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch are among the specialities.
Overnight Dakruco resort, Ban Don
Day 10: AM Birding at Serepok river. Mang Canh Forest
After our morning birding at Serepok river bank for Mekong
Wagtail, we will head for the rarely visited Mang Canh Forest
which is in the central highlands.
Overnight Hoa Sim hotel (2 nights)
Day 11: Mang Canh Forest
Our main target for full day birding at Mang Canh in the
montane forest is Chestnut-eared Laughingthrush but we will
also be on the lookout for Black-hooded Laughingthrush,
Pale-capped Pigeon, the endemic Ratchet-tailed Treepie and
we have another chance for Yellow-billed Nuthatch as well as
the first chance for Brown Hornbill.
Key species
Pale-capped Pigeon, Northern Brown Hornbill, Stripe-
breasted Woodpecker, White-winged Magpie, Ratchet-tailed
Treepie, Pale Blue Flycatcher, Grey-crowned Tit, Rufous-
faced Warbler, Grey-headed Parrotbill, Indochinese Wren-
babbler, Chestnut-eared Laughingthrush, Black-hooded
Laughingthrush, Grey-crowned Crocias (rare), Rufous-
backed Sibia, Grey-faced Warbler, Blue-rumped, Blue and
Rusty-naped Pittas.
Day 12: AM Birding at Mang Den. Continue on to Lo Xo
Pass
In the morning, we will finalise our bird seen nearby Mang
Den then we will drive north for about 4 hours to the Lox Xo
pass which has reached recent birding fame as the site to
see the endemic Black-crowned Barwing. Here, at the forest
edge, we have a great chance of finding this recently
described species and others to look for include Brown
Hornbill, Indochinese Wren-Babbler (formerly known as Short-
tailed Scimitar-Babbler), White-winged Magpie, Coral-billed
Scimitar-Babbler , Red-tailed Laughingthrush and another
chance for Yellow-billed Nuthatch.
Overnight Kham Duc Hotel (1 night)
Day 13: AM Birding at Lo Xo. Bach Ma National Park
Early this morning we will return with about an hour driving to
Lo Xo for searching our main target, Black-crowned Barwing.
Later we will return to the hotel, check out and have lunch
before drive to Bach Ma national park.
Bach Ma NP is located where the Annamite Mountains meets
the sea and comprises of lowland and montane evergreen
forest. Evening looking for Hodgson‘s Frogmouth.
Overnight Bach Ma National park’s Summit guesthouse (2
nights)
Day 14: Bach Ma National Park
A full day on Bach Ma mountain (1400m asl), this park is just
opening after 3 years closed for road construction, we will
have our best chance for Indochinese Wren-Babbler,
Chestnut-collared (Indochinese) Yuhina, Black-throated
Laughingthrush, Rufous-throated Partridge.
Day 15: Bach Ma National Park. PM Transfer to Ke Bang
National Park
This day we will access the mid ranges of Bach Ma where we
will search in particular for the endemic but elusive Annam
Partridge. Later we do some foothill birding to look for the
Masked Laughingthrush.
Late afternoon we drive to Phong Nha – Ke Bang national
park.
Overnight at Sai Gon-Phong Nha hotel (2 nights)
Day 16: Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha – Ke Bang NP protects a giant cave system
surrounded by forested limestone hills .Two major targets will
occupy our time in Phong Nha, the near endemic Sooty
Babbler (also found in similar habitat in adjacent Laos) and
the Limestone Warbler ( split from Sulpur-breasted ). Here
we also have further chances for a range of birds including
Siamese Fireback, Red-collared Woodpecker and Brown
Hornbill . Other birds that we might see are Japanese
Thrush, Chestnut-collared Yuhina ( split from Striated ), Fork-
tailed and Crimson Sunbirds, Chestnut-eared Partridge and
the rare Rufous-cheeked Laughingthrush.
Day 17: Transfer to Cuc Phong National Park
A pre-dawn search for two endangered primates - Black and
Ha Tinh Leaf Monkeys as well as the beautiful Red-shanked
Duoc langur before the drive north to Cuc Phong National
Park, but we might cut our long driving by a stay overnight at
Thanh hoa city.
Hotel is flexible arranging on the way.
Day 18: Van Long Nature Reserve en Route to Cuc
Phong National Park
Early leaving for Cuc Phuong and stop en route at Van Long
Van Long Nature Reserve, 30km from Cuc Phong, we will
take a sampan ride to some dramatic limestone cliffs that are
one of the last haunts of the critically endangered Delacour’s
Leaf-Monkey.
Cuc Phong is Vietnam’s oldest National Park and an area of
lowland forest and lakes easily accessed by a paved road. It
is rich in birdlife and we have our last chances here for both
Pittas, Red-collared Woodpecker and White-winged Magpie
as well as a supporting cast which includes Malayan Night-
Heron, Pied Falconet, Eared Pitta, Silver-breasted Broadbill,
White-tailed Flycatcher, Fujian Niltava and the annamensis
form of Limestone Wren-Babbler.
Overnight at Bong substation, Cuc Phuong national park (1
night).
Day 19: Cuc Phong National Park
After morning birding at the Bong area, we drive back to
park's gate for afternoon birding around botanical garden as
well as visiting Primates center. Other species that we may
find today include White-bellied Green Pigeon, Rufous-
throated Fulvetta, Ratchet-tailed Treepie, White-tailed Robin
and Large Scimitar Babbler. Some northern winter visitors
will still be present and can include Rufous-tailed Robin,
Northern Red-flanked Bluetail, Black-breasted, White’s,
Japanese and Gray-backed Thrushes and Asian Stubtail.
Overnight at Cuc Phuong Park entrance guesthouse ( 1
night ).
Day 20: AM Birding then Transfer to Ba Be National Park
We have a couple hours birding in the early morning before
breakfast then check-out as we need time for a longish
driving to Ba Be National Park in the north of Vietnam is
where the rare and little known White-eared Night-Heron has
recently been found to breed. This day, we will drive further
north to Bac Kan province, Ba Be lake national park. Late
afternoon, we will look for White-eared Night-Heron when
they leave their roost site in the evening.
Overnight Ba Be national park’s guesthouse
Day 21: AM Birding at Ba Be National Park. PM Birding
at Tam Dao National Park
Morning at Ba Be to track down the White-eared Night-Heron
and others in this little known area. We also can see White-
winged Magpie, and Pied Falconet easily.
Afternoon, we will drive to Tam Dao NP for 2 nights; our
targets here are Blue-naped Pitta, Short-tailed Parrotbill and
Grey Laughingthrush. Tam Dao is an old French hill station ,
heavily forested to an altitude of 1350m , and hosts a
number of new species of Himalayan or Southern China
affiliation.
Overnight at Green World hotel (2 nights)
Day 22: Tam Dao National Park
Full day birding in Tam Dao to look for our targets listed
above. Other species that we will search for are Black-winged
Cuckooshrike, Chestnut Bulbul, Scimitar Babblers (Streak-
breasted and Red-billed), Collared Babbler (split from White-
hooded) Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill, Schaeffer’s
Fulvetta (split from Gray-cheeked) and Collared Treepie.
Day 23: AM Birding at Tam Dao. PM Departure or Start
of Cambodia Extension
We have a full morning birding in Tam Dao summit, later we
spend a bit of time in the mid-range of the mountain. A
number of trails go the forest at the various altitudes and we
should add some more species such as Bush Warblers (Pale-
footed, Brownish-flanked and Russett), Gray-backed Shrike,
Golden Babbler and White-gorgeted Flycatcher . We also
have a chance for rarities such as Green and Purple
Cochoas, Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler.
After lunch, we will take a short 3 hour drive to Noi Bai airport
for evening flight to Siem Reap for those doing the extension
to Cambodia or to take an evening flight home.
Royal Park
Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), transfer to Park Royal. If
time permits Go Cong beach, a river mouth in Mekong delta,
this mudflat is home for some interested targets such as
“White-faced” Plover, Nordmann’s Greenshank, other
common shorebirds and especially Spoon-billed Sandpiper.
Welcome dinner and briefing.
Overnight Park Royal Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2: Birding en Route to and at Cat Tien National Park
After an early start we will drive northwards towards the
renowned Cat Tien National Park for first exploration of this
superb National Park in the afternoon.
Overnight at the Cat Tien National Park HQ guesthouse (3
nights)
Days 3 and 4: Birding Cat Tien National Park
The premier National Park in South Vietnam, Cat Tien is
located in Cochinchina in the Da Lat foothills and boasts an
impressive mosaic of forest and seasonal wetlands which
largely escaped the defoliants used in the Vietnam War. We
will bird by jeep track and forest trails to seek out the
endemic Germain’s Peackock-Pheasant, other spectacular
birds such as Siamese Fireback, Green Peafowl and Scaly-
breasted Partridge, endemic Pittas, the endemic Grey-faced
Tit-Babbler and a host of other species also known from
Malaysia and Thailand.
Key species
Orange-necked Partridge, Germain's Peacock Pheasant,
Siamese Fireback, Green Peafowl, Wreathed Hornbill, Blue-
rumped and Bar-bellied Pittas, Pale-headed and Black-and-
buff Woodpeckers, Black-and-red, Banded, Dusky Broadbill,
Blyth’s Frogmouth, Grey-faced Tit Babbler.
Overnights: Cat Tien National Park
Day 5: Tranfer to and Birding in Di Linh and Nui San
Pass
We leave Cat Tien for the relatively short drive to Di Linh.
Certain birds can be easier to locate here at the Nui San
Pass than in Da Lat including Blue and Rusty-naped Pittas,
Spotted Forktail, White-cheeked, Black-hooded and Orange-
breasted Laughing-Thrushes, Vietnamese Cutia and Black-
crowned Parrotbill, split from the more widespread Grey-
headed.
Overnight Bao Phu hotel, Di Linh
Day 6: Birding Nui San Pass and en route to Da Lat
After an early morning return to the Nui San pass (which will
give us our first chance for the elusive Green Cochoa) we will
drive up to the Langbian Plateau and the evocative hill resort
of Da Lat. We will stop at any interesting patches of habitat
en route and also see several attractive waterfalls. Da Lat is
situated at a delightfully cool 1475 metres asl in a temperate
region dotted with lakes and waterfalls and surrounded by
forest including various native pine woodlands.
Overnight Hoang Anh Gia Lai Resort, Da Lat (3 nights)
Days 7 and 8: Birding Da Lat Plateau
We will explore the Da Lat Plateau including the 2169 metre
Mt Langbian, cloaked with evergreen forest right up to its
peak and accessed by a progressively steeper footpath. Our
efforts should be rewarded however as this is the home of
the spectacular endemic Collared Laughing-Thrush, as well
as Yellow-billed Nuthatch and the Vietnamese Cutia, Black-
crowned Fulvetta ( split from Rufous-winged ) and Grey-
crowned Tit ( split from Black-throated ). The elusive and
handsome Green Cochoa is also here and should be vocal
at this time of year and a number of other Asian and
wintering birds will also be encountered.
Nearer to Da Lat itself is Ta Nung Valley, famous for the
relatively recently re-discovered Grey-crowned Crocias which
is regularly encountered here. Other endemics such as Black-
hooded and Orange-breasted Laughingthrushes and
Vietnamese Greenfinch are also possible.
Key species
Bar-backed Partridge, Silver Pheasant, Red-vented Barbet,
Annam Barbet, Red-headed Trogon, Long-tailed Broadbill,
Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Mountain Imperial Pigeon,
Rufous-bellied Eagle, Jerdon’s Baza, Rusty-naped Pitta, Blue
Pitta, Burmese Shrike, Indochinese Green Magpie, Eurasian
Jay, Slender-billed Oriole, Maroon Oriole, White-throated
Rock Thrush, Green Cochoa, Rufous-browed Flycatcher,
Blue-and-White Flycatcher, Mugimaki Flycatcher, Snowy-
browed Flycatcher, Little Pied Flycatcher, Large Niltava,
Lesser Shortwing, White-tailed Robin, Spotted Forktail,
Yellow-billed Nuthatch, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Grey-crowned Tit,
Humes’s Treecreeper ( split from Brown-throated ) , Grey-
bellied Tesia, White-spectacled Warbler, Chestnut-crowned
Warbler, Black-hooded Laughingthrush, White-cheeked
Laughingthrush, Orange-breasted Laughingthrush, Collared
Laughingthrush, White-browed Scimitar Babbler, Streaked
Wren Babbler, Eyebrowed Wren Babbler, Pygmy Wren
Babbler, Rufous-capped Babbler, Vietnamese Cutia,
Chestnut-fronted Shrike-Babbler, Da Lat Shrike-Babbler
(split from White-browed), Blue-winged Minla, Black-crowned
Fulvetta, Grey-crowned Crocias, Rufous-backed Sibia, Black-
headed Sibia, Black-crowned Parrotbill, Mrs Gould’s Sunbird,
Streaked Spiderhunter, Vietnamese Greenfinch, Red
Crossbill, Brown Bullfinch.
Day 9: Birding at Lak Lake and Yok Don National Park
An early morning departure for Ban Me Thuot and a stop at
Lak lake for some waterbirds and wintering warblers en
route. Later on we reach Yok Don national park for 1 night
stay at Ban Don Tourism area. Our main target here is
Mekong Wagtail but other species such as Black-headed
Woodpecker, Collared Falconet, White-rumped Falcon,
Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch are among the specialities.
Overnight Dakruco resort, Ban Don
Day 10: AM Birding at Serepok river. Mang Canh Forest
After our morning birding at Serepok river bank for Mekong
Wagtail, we will head for the rarely visited Mang Canh Forest
which is in the central highlands.
Overnight Hoa Sim hotel (2 nights)
Day 11: Mang Canh Forest
Our main target for full day birding at Mang Canh in the
montane forest is Chestnut-eared Laughingthrush but we will
also be on the lookout for Black-hooded Laughingthrush,
Pale-capped Pigeon, the endemic Ratchet-tailed Treepie and
we have another chance for Yellow-billed Nuthatch as well as
the first chance for Brown Hornbill.
Key species
Pale-capped Pigeon, Northern Brown Hornbill, Stripe-
breasted Woodpecker, White-winged Magpie, Ratchet-tailed
Treepie, Pale Blue Flycatcher, Grey-crowned Tit, Rufous-
faced Warbler, Grey-headed Parrotbill, Indochinese Wren-
babbler, Chestnut-eared Laughingthrush, Black-hooded
Laughingthrush, Grey-crowned Crocias (rare), Rufous-
backed Sibia, Grey-faced Warbler, Blue-rumped, Blue and
Rusty-naped Pittas.
Day 12: AM Birding at Mang Den. Continue on to Lo Xo
Pass
In the morning, we will finalise our bird seen nearby Mang
Den then we will drive north for about 4 hours to the Lox Xo
pass which has reached recent birding fame as the site to
see the endemic Black-crowned Barwing. Here, at the forest
edge, we have a great chance of finding this recently
described species and others to look for include Brown
Hornbill, Indochinese Wren-Babbler (formerly known as Short-
tailed Scimitar-Babbler), White-winged Magpie, Coral-billed
Scimitar-Babbler , Red-tailed Laughingthrush and another
chance for Yellow-billed Nuthatch.
Overnight Kham Duc Hotel (1 night)
Day 13: AM Birding at Lo Xo. Bach Ma National Park
Early this morning we will return with about an hour driving to
Lo Xo for searching our main target, Black-crowned Barwing.
Later we will return to the hotel, check out and have lunch
before drive to Bach Ma national park.
Bach Ma NP is located where the Annamite Mountains meets
the sea and comprises of lowland and montane evergreen
forest. Evening looking for Hodgson‘s Frogmouth.
Overnight Bach Ma National park’s Summit guesthouse (2
nights)
Day 14: Bach Ma National Park
A full day on Bach Ma mountain (1400m asl), this park is just
opening after 3 years closed for road construction, we will
have our best chance for Indochinese Wren-Babbler,
Chestnut-collared (Indochinese) Yuhina, Black-throated
Laughingthrush, Rufous-throated Partridge.
Day 15: Bach Ma National Park. PM Transfer to Ke Bang
National Park
This day we will access the mid ranges of Bach Ma where we
will search in particular for the endemic but elusive Annam
Partridge. Later we do some foothill birding to look for the
Masked Laughingthrush.
Late afternoon we drive to Phong Nha – Ke Bang national
park.
Overnight at Sai Gon-Phong Nha hotel (2 nights)
Day 16: Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha – Ke Bang NP protects a giant cave system
surrounded by forested limestone hills .Two major targets will
occupy our time in Phong Nha, the near endemic Sooty
Babbler (also found in similar habitat in adjacent Laos) and
the Limestone Warbler ( split from Sulpur-breasted ). Here
we also have further chances for a range of birds including
Siamese Fireback, Red-collared Woodpecker and Brown
Hornbill . Other birds that we might see are Japanese
Thrush, Chestnut-collared Yuhina ( split from Striated ), Fork-
tailed and Crimson Sunbirds, Chestnut-eared Partridge and
the rare Rufous-cheeked Laughingthrush.
Day 17: Transfer to Cuc Phong National Park
A pre-dawn search for two endangered primates - Black and
Ha Tinh Leaf Monkeys as well as the beautiful Red-shanked
Duoc langur before the drive north to Cuc Phong National
Park, but we might cut our long driving by a stay overnight at
Thanh hoa city.
Hotel is flexible arranging on the way.
Day 18: Van Long Nature Reserve en Route to Cuc
Phong National Park
Early leaving for Cuc Phuong and stop en route at Van Long
Van Long Nature Reserve, 30km from Cuc Phong, we will
take a sampan ride to some dramatic limestone cliffs that are
one of the last haunts of the critically endangered Delacour’s
Leaf-Monkey.
Cuc Phong is Vietnam’s oldest National Park and an area of
lowland forest and lakes easily accessed by a paved road. It
is rich in birdlife and we have our last chances here for both
Pittas, Red-collared Woodpecker and White-winged Magpie
as well as a supporting cast which includes Malayan Night-
Heron, Pied Falconet, Eared Pitta, Silver-breasted Broadbill,
White-tailed Flycatcher, Fujian Niltava and the annamensis
form of Limestone Wren-Babbler.
Overnight at Bong substation, Cuc Phuong national park (1
night).
Day 19: Cuc Phong National Park
After morning birding at the Bong area, we drive back to
park's gate for afternoon birding around botanical garden as
well as visiting Primates center. Other species that we may
find today include White-bellied Green Pigeon, Rufous-
throated Fulvetta, Ratchet-tailed Treepie, White-tailed Robin
and Large Scimitar Babbler. Some northern winter visitors
will still be present and can include Rufous-tailed Robin,
Northern Red-flanked Bluetail, Black-breasted, White’s,
Japanese and Gray-backed Thrushes and Asian Stubtail.
Overnight at Cuc Phuong Park entrance guesthouse ( 1
night ).
Day 20: AM Birding then Transfer to Ba Be National Park
We have a couple hours birding in the early morning before
breakfast then check-out as we need time for a longish
driving to Ba Be National Park in the north of Vietnam is
where the rare and little known White-eared Night-Heron has
recently been found to breed. This day, we will drive further
north to Bac Kan province, Ba Be lake national park. Late
afternoon, we will look for White-eared Night-Heron when
they leave their roost site in the evening.
Overnight Ba Be national park’s guesthouse
Day 21: AM Birding at Ba Be National Park. PM Birding
at Tam Dao National Park
Morning at Ba Be to track down the White-eared Night-Heron
and others in this little known area. We also can see White-
winged Magpie, and Pied Falconet easily.
Afternoon, we will drive to Tam Dao NP for 2 nights; our
targets here are Blue-naped Pitta, Short-tailed Parrotbill and
Grey Laughingthrush. Tam Dao is an old French hill station ,
heavily forested to an altitude of 1350m , and hosts a
number of new species of Himalayan or Southern China
affiliation.
Overnight at Green World hotel (2 nights)
Day 22: Tam Dao National Park
Full day birding in Tam Dao to look for our targets listed
above. Other species that we will search for are Black-winged
Cuckooshrike, Chestnut Bulbul, Scimitar Babblers (Streak-
breasted and Red-billed), Collared Babbler (split from White-
hooded) Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill, Schaeffer’s
Fulvetta (split from Gray-cheeked) and Collared Treepie.
Day 23: AM Birding at Tam Dao. PM Departure or Start
of Cambodia Extension
We have a full morning birding in Tam Dao summit, later we
spend a bit of time in the mid-range of the mountain. A
number of trails go the forest at the various altitudes and we
should add some more species such as Bush Warblers (Pale-
footed, Brownish-flanked and Russett), Gray-backed Shrike,
Golden Babbler and White-gorgeted Flycatcher . We also
have a chance for rarities such as Green and Purple
Cochoas, Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler.
After lunch, we will take a short 3 hour drive to Noi Bai airport
for evening flight to Siem Reap for those doing the extension
to Cambodia or to take an evening flight home.
Orange-necked Partidge.
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
| Siamese Fireback Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao |
| Vietnamese Cutia Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao |
Grey-crowned Crocia
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
Black-hooded Laughingthrush
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
| Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao |
| Ratchet-tailed Treepie Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao |
Red-billed Scimitar Babbler
Photo by Tang A Pau
Photo by Tang A Pau
| Common Greenshank Photo by Tang A Pau |
Spoon-billed Sandpiper
Photo by Kevin Elsby
Photo by Kevin Elsby
| Black-winged Stilt Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao |
Mountain Tailorbird
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
| Sooty Babbler Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao |
Limestone Leaf-Warbler
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
Silver-breasted Broadbill
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
| Malayan Night-Heron Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao |
| Black-crowned Barwing Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao |
Great Hornbill
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
| Detailed Itinerary |
| Comprehensive Vietnam Birding |
| Comprehensive Vietnam Birding |
Orange-necked Partidge.
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
| Siamese Fireback Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao |
| Vietnamese Cutia Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao |
Grey-crowned Crocia
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
Black-hooded Laughingthrush
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
| Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao |
Day 1: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom
Full day for Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom. This day we will
spend our time for a must visited historical site, the largest
first Hindu, and then Buddhist temple complex and the largest
religious monument in the world.
Overnight at Apsara holiday hotel
Day 2: AM and Afternoon Birding
We will start our birding in the country by early morning
visiting to the grasslands that run alongside the perimeter of
the huge Tonle Sap in search of Bengal Florican. Large
numbers of wintering migrants make these grasslands their
home, especially large numbers of Eastern Marsh and Pied
Harriers, we could even come across some water-birds
including Sarus Crane, Lesser Adjutant and Painted Stork.
Mid-morning will see us heading north into the remote Preah
Vihear province. This province is home to some of the rarest
species in south-east Asia. The landscape is dominated by
open, dry savannah interspersed with extensive tracts of
deciduous forest along the waterways. We shall arrive into
our comfortable guesthouse in the mid-afternoon in time for
some late afternoon birding.
Night at Tmatboey Ecolodge (2 nights)
Day 3: Birding at Tmatboey
During our two full days exploring the area surrounding
Tmatboey we can hope to see most of our target species.
We will walk through the open forest in search of small
waterholes, or ‘trapeangs’, which offer us the best chance of
locating the near-mythical Giant and White-shouldered
Ibises, which use these trapeangs to feed. In between visiting
these waterholes good numbers of other species will be
encountered, including an array of wintering passerines
found in large feeding flocks. Up to sixteen species of
woodpecker make this forest their home, including the
spectacular Black-headed, gigantic Great Slaty and striking
White-bellied. Other localised species here include Burmese
Shrike, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Rufous-winged Buzzard,
4 species of prinia including the localised Brown Prinia,
Blossom-headed, Red-breasted and Alexandrine Parakeets,
Indochinese Cuckooshrike, Indochinese Bushlark, Golden-
fronted Leafbird, Black-hooded Oriole and White-rumped
Falcon. Night-birding is often productive; Spotted and Brown
Wood Owls, Collared and Oriental Scops Owl, Brown Fish
Owl and Spotted Owlet all being possible along with
Savannah and Large-tailed Nightjars.
Day 4: Birding at Tmatboey
After a final morning’s birding in the area searching for any
missing species, we will head back to Siem Reap
Overnight at Apsara holiday hotel
Day 5: Birding at Peak Toal Sanctuary
This day we leave early in the morning for a full day birding
at Tonle sap by visiting Peak Toal sanctuary where we look
for Greater Adjutant, Milky Stork and lot of other waterbirds
Return Siem Reap in the afternoon for another night at
Apsara holiday hotel
Day 6: Birding at Ang Trapeang Thmor Nature Reserve.
Leave Siem Reap after breakfast for a full day trip to Ang
Trapeang Thmor, a nature reserve based around a reservoir
dating from the Khmer Rouges era. The reserve now
harbours a unique wetland set amongst grasslands,
dipterocarp forest and rice fields. Ang Trapeang Thmor is an
important wintering site for the endangered Eastern Sarus
Crane between February and March. Other highlights of Ang
Trapeang Thmor are the breeding colonies of Spot-billed
Pelican and Painted Stork and often large numbers of
waterfowl including Spot-billed Duck, Cotton Pygmy Goose,
Garganey, Black-backed Swamphen, Pheasant-tailed and
Bronze-winged Jacanas.
Return to Siem Reap for tour conclusion
Full day for Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom. This day we will
spend our time for a must visited historical site, the largest
first Hindu, and then Buddhist temple complex and the largest
religious monument in the world.
Overnight at Apsara holiday hotel
Day 2: AM and Afternoon Birding
We will start our birding in the country by early morning
visiting to the grasslands that run alongside the perimeter of
the huge Tonle Sap in search of Bengal Florican. Large
numbers of wintering migrants make these grasslands their
home, especially large numbers of Eastern Marsh and Pied
Harriers, we could even come across some water-birds
including Sarus Crane, Lesser Adjutant and Painted Stork.
Mid-morning will see us heading north into the remote Preah
Vihear province. This province is home to some of the rarest
species in south-east Asia. The landscape is dominated by
open, dry savannah interspersed with extensive tracts of
deciduous forest along the waterways. We shall arrive into
our comfortable guesthouse in the mid-afternoon in time for
some late afternoon birding.
Night at Tmatboey Ecolodge (2 nights)
Day 3: Birding at Tmatboey
During our two full days exploring the area surrounding
Tmatboey we can hope to see most of our target species.
We will walk through the open forest in search of small
waterholes, or ‘trapeangs’, which offer us the best chance of
locating the near-mythical Giant and White-shouldered
Ibises, which use these trapeangs to feed. In between visiting
these waterholes good numbers of other species will be
encountered, including an array of wintering passerines
found in large feeding flocks. Up to sixteen species of
woodpecker make this forest their home, including the
spectacular Black-headed, gigantic Great Slaty and striking
White-bellied. Other localised species here include Burmese
Shrike, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Rufous-winged Buzzard,
4 species of prinia including the localised Brown Prinia,
Blossom-headed, Red-breasted and Alexandrine Parakeets,
Indochinese Cuckooshrike, Indochinese Bushlark, Golden-
fronted Leafbird, Black-hooded Oriole and White-rumped
Falcon. Night-birding is often productive; Spotted and Brown
Wood Owls, Collared and Oriental Scops Owl, Brown Fish
Owl and Spotted Owlet all being possible along with
Savannah and Large-tailed Nightjars.
Day 4: Birding at Tmatboey
After a final morning’s birding in the area searching for any
missing species, we will head back to Siem Reap
Overnight at Apsara holiday hotel
Day 5: Birding at Peak Toal Sanctuary
This day we leave early in the morning for a full day birding
at Tonle sap by visiting Peak Toal sanctuary where we look
for Greater Adjutant, Milky Stork and lot of other waterbirds
Return Siem Reap in the afternoon for another night at
Apsara holiday hotel
Day 6: Birding at Ang Trapeang Thmor Nature Reserve.
Leave Siem Reap after breakfast for a full day trip to Ang
Trapeang Thmor, a nature reserve based around a reservoir
dating from the Khmer Rouges era. The reserve now
harbours a unique wetland set amongst grasslands,
dipterocarp forest and rice fields. Ang Trapeang Thmor is an
important wintering site for the endangered Eastern Sarus
Crane between February and March. Other highlights of Ang
Trapeang Thmor are the breeding colonies of Spot-billed
Pelican and Painted Stork and often large numbers of
waterfowl including Spot-billed Duck, Cotton Pygmy Goose,
Garganey, Black-backed Swamphen, Pheasant-tailed and
Bronze-winged Jacanas.
Return to Siem Reap for tour conclusion
| Lesser Adjutant Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao |
Burmese Shrike
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
Black-headed Woodpecker
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao
| Redbreasted Parakeet Photo By Phung Ba Thinh |
| Oriental Skylark Photo by Nguyen Hoai Bao |
Large-tailed Nightjar
Photo By Phung Ba Thinh
Photo By Phung Ba Thinh
| Cambodia Extension |
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