18 Days / 17 Nights

This 18-day journey across Vietnam is designed for birding enthusiasts and nature lovers who also seek authentic cultural and soft adventure experiences. From the lush limestone forests of Ba Be and Cuc Phuong to the wetlands of Van Long, the caves of Phong Nha, and the highlands of Da Lat, you’ll explore Vietnam’s most biodiverse habitats.

Along the way, you’ll meet ethnic minority communities, experience local cuisine, and visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Hue Imperial City, and Hoi An Ancient Town.

This is the ultimate Vietnam nature journey—rich in birds, landscapes, and cultural encounters.

Highlights

Discover 7 of Vietnam’s top birding areas: Ba Be, Cuc Phuong, Van Long, Phong Nha, Bach Ma, Da Lat, and Cat Tien.
Spot endemic and rare species such as Vietnam Greenfinch, Collared Laughingthrush, Bar-bellied Pitta, Black-throated Laughingthrush, and Delacour’s Langur.
Explore UNESCO sites: Phong Nha caves, Hue Citadel, Hoi An Ancient Town.
Experience local culture with village visits, cycling, basket-boat rides, and home-hosted meals.
Enjoy soft adventures: hiking, caving, cycling, and kayaking.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Hanoi (D)

Meet your guide and transfer to hotel.

Orientation walk through the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.

Welcome dinner with Vietnamese cuisine.
Overnight: Hanoi

Day 02 :

Hanoi → Ba Be National Park (B)

Drive north (approx. 6 hours) to Ba Be National Park.
Afternoon boat ride on Ba Be Lake – spot herons, kingfishers, and raptors.
Evening village walk in Tay ethnic community.
Overnight: Ba Be homestay or lodge

Day 03 :

Birding in Ba Be National Park (B)

Full-day birdwatching along trails near Dau Dang Waterfall and Puong Cave.

Target species: White-browed Piculet, Blue-naped Pitta, Silver-breasted Broadbill.
Overnight: Ba Be

Day 04 :

Ba Be → Cuc Phuong National Park (B)

Scenic drive south (6–7 hours) to Cuc Phuong.

Stop in rural villages for cultural photography.

Evening walk for nocturnal birds and mammals.
Overnight: Cuc Phuong

Day 05 :

Birding in Cuc Phuong National Park (B)

Early morning trek through primary forest.
Visit Endangered Primate Rescue Center & Turtle Conservation Center.
Birding highlights: Red-collared Woodpecker, Bar-bellied Pitta, White-winged Magpie.
Overnight: Cuc Phuong

Day 06 :

Cuc Phuong → Van Long Wetland → Ninh Binh (B)

Drive to Van Long Nature Reserve (1.5 hrs).
Boat trip for Delacour’s Langur and waterbirds.
Afternoon rest or short hike in karst landscape.
Overnight: Ninh Binh

Day 07 :

Ninh Binh → Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (B)

Long drive (~7 hrs) or overnight train to Phong Nha.
Late afternoon village walk or cycling around Bong Lai Valley.
Overnight: Phong Nha

Day 08 :

Birding & Caving Adventure in Phong Nha (B)

Morning birdwatching in forest edge areas – Blue-rumped Pitta, Sultan Tit.

Explore Paradise Cave or Phong Nha Cave by boat and on foot.
Overnight: Phong Nha

Day 09 :

Phong Nha → Bach Ma National Park (B)

Drive south (5 hrs) to Bach Ma National Park.

Afternoon walk along the Five Lakes Trail.

Sunset from Hai Vong Dai viewpoint.
Overnight: Bach Ma

Day 10 :

Birding in Bach Ma National Park (B)

Early morning birding on mountain trails.

Target species: Annam Partridge, Rufous-throated Laughingthrush, Black-headed Sibia.
Overnight: Bach Ma

Day 11 :

Bach Ma → Hue → Hoi An (B)

Morning birding, then transfer to Hue.
Visit Imperial Citadel, then continue to Hoi An Ancient Town.
Overnight: Hoi An

Day 12 :

Cultural & Adventure Day in Hoi An (B)

Morning cycling to rural villages and rice paddies.

Join a basket-boat and fishing experience with locals.

Optional afternoon birding near Cua Dai Estuary.
Overnight: Hoi An

Day 13 :

Hoi An → Da Lat (Flight via Da Nang) (B)

Morning flight to Da Lat in the Central Highlands.
Afternoon birding at Tuyen Lam Lake.
Overnight: Da Lat

Day 14 :

Birding in Bidoup–Nui Ba National Park (B)

Full-day birdwatching at Bidoup–Nui Ba – Vietnam’s top highland birding site.

Spot endemics like Collared Laughingthrush, Grey-crowned Crocias, Vietnamese Cutia.
Overnight: Da Lat

Day 15 :

Ta Nung Valley Birding & Da Lat Culture (B)

Morning birding in Ta Nung Valley.

Afternoon visit local coffee farms and French colonial sites.
Overnight: Da Lat

Day 16 :

Da Lat → Cat Tien National Park (B)

Drive down to Cat Tien (5–6 hrs).
Late afternoon birding near park entrance.
Overnight: Cat Tien Lodge or park guesthouse

Day 17 :

Birding in Cat Tien National Park (B)

Full-day birdwatching in one of Vietnam’s richest lowland rainforests.

Target species: Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant, Siamese Fireback, Blue-rumped Pitta.
Overnight: Cat Tien

Day 18 :

Cat Tien → Ho Chi Minh City – Departure (B)

Morning birding or boat on the Dong Nai River.
Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City airport for departure.

Vietnam Birding, Culture & Adventure

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Highlights

Includes

Excludes

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Featured Trips

Indochina Essence: Vietnam & Cambodia Discovery

Discover Southern Vietnam in 5 Days

Discover Central Vietnam in 5 Days

Hanoi – Halong Bay – Sapa 6 Days 5 Nights Tour

Discover the Wonders of Northern Vietnam in 5 Days

Highlights

Includes

Excludes

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Featured Trips

Related trips you might interested in