Wildlife Photography Hides in Vietnam

Mekong Delta & Da Lat Plateau

An Bui is a Vietnamese professional travel and wildlife photographer who began leading bird photography tours in 2024 after years documenting Vietnam's nature. His Mekong Delta tours visit Tram Chim National Park on purpose-built photography boats accommodating up to 4 guests with tripods. Da Lat tours focus on endemic laughingthrushes and the Indochinese Wren-Babbler in private hides. Intimate private tours with personal photography coaching; equipment recommendations provided. Contact: victorbuian@gmail.com / WhatsApp +84 908 618 571.

Thua Thien Hue Province, Central Vietnam

Bach Ma National Park, 40 km south of Hue, protects over 330 bird species including the critically endangered Edwards's Pheasant — a species so closely tied to Bach Ma that scientists lobbied for the reserve's creation in 1925 specifically to protect it. The park's cool summit (1,450 m) features French-colonial villas for overnight stays, cloud forests harbouring Annam Partridge and Crested Argus, and cascading waterfalls. January–April offers the best birding; migratory birds arrive from December.

Lam Dong Province, Dalat Plateau, Southern Vietnam

Bidoup Nui Ba National Park occupies the heart of the Langbian Plateau (1,000–2,287 m), one of the five Endemic Bird Areas (EBAs) in Vietnam recognised by BirdLife International. The park supports 226 bird species including 19 species endemic to the Langbian Plateau. Key targets include the stunning Vietnamese Crossbill (a forest gem), the recently split Dalat Bush Warbler, Vietnamese Cutia, and the rarely seen Rusty-naped Pitta. The Centre for Ecotourism at Bidoup provides good-value guided walks and accommodation.

Ho Chi Minh City to Central Vietnam Multi-Site

Birding Ecotours' 16-day (15-night) small-group tour visits Cat Tien National Park, the Da Lat and Di Linh Plateaus, Mang Den, and Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve. Maximum 5 participants with an international expert guide and a local specialist. Departure March 2027 confirmed. Price: USD 8,120 per person (4–5 participants); single supplement USD 1,045. All ground transport, accommodation, meals, and park fees included. Tour report from 2026 available. Focuses on Vietnamese endemics and regional specialties with excellent photographic opportunities.

Vietnam North to South Multi-Site

Birdquest's Ultimate Vietnam tour is designed to be more comprehensive than any other Vietnam birding itinerary, targeting all 13 Vietnamese endemic species plus regional specialties and rare residents. The 2023 tour recorded 450 species. The itinerary begins in Ho Chi Minh City, sweeps north through Cat Tien, Da Lat, Mang Den, Central Highland reserves, and concludes with rarely-visited highland sites and the Fansipan cable car for summit species. Birdquest has led Vietnam tours since the early 1990s and maintains deep site knowledge.

Cat Ba Island, Ha Phong, Northern Vietnam

Cat Ba National Park protects the last remaining habitat of the Cat Ba Langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus), one of the world's rarest primates with fewer than 80 individuals surviving on Cat Ba Island within the Ha Long Bay UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project runs eco-tours where income supports the protection programme. Boat trips through limestone karst sea-stacks offer seabird photography. The park also has 78 bird species and diverse cave systems.

Dong Nai / Lam Dong Province, Southern Vietnam

Cat Tien National Park is Vietnam's premier wildlife destination, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve protecting over 71,000 hectares of lowland tropical forest in southern Vietnam. The park holds more than 350 bird species including critically endangered Germain's Peacock-Pheasant and Bar-bellied Pitta, alongside Yellow-cheeked Gibbons, Gaur, Black-shanked Douc Langur, and one of Vietnam's last Siamese Crocodile populations at Bau Sau (Crocodile Lake). Night jeep safaris with thermal imaging reveal civets, owls, and deer. Birdwatching is exceptional year-round, peaking October–April. Accommodation from budget guesthouses to park bungalows available inside the park.

Cat Tien National Park, Southern Vietnam

Next Continent Tours' signature 5-day Cat Tien expedition is Vietnam's most comprehensive single-park wildlife experience. Expert photography guides use private hides, thermal imaging night safaris by jeep, boat cruises on the Dong Nai River, and dawn forest walks to maximise encounters with the park's headline species. Dedicated pitta and pheasant photography hides allow frame-filling shots at distances of 4–8 metres. Pricing decreases for groups; private departures available year-round.

Con Dao Archipelago, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province

Con Dao National Park protects Vietnam's most important sea turtle breeding ground; 600+ female Green and Hawksbill Turtles nest annually on Bay Canh and other beaches, with over 150,000 hatchlings released each year. Guided night turtle-watching tours operate May–October when nesting is at its peak. The archipelago also hosts the Nicobar Pigeon — one of the closest living relatives of the extinct Dodo — along with outstanding snorkelling on coral reefs inhabited by Whale Sharks and Dugongs.

Ninh Binh Province, Northern Vietnam

Vietnam's oldest national park (1962) spans 22,000 hectares of subtropical evergreen forest on limestone karsts in Ninh Binh. Home to over 313 bird species and critically endangered Delacour's Langur. The Endangered Primate Rescue Centre shelters langurs, lorises, and pangolins. Best birding December–March for Bar-bellied Pitta, Blue-rumped Pitta, Eared Pitta, and rare limestone specialists. Combine with nearby Van Long Nature Reserve for Delacour's Langur boat photography.

Dong Nai Province, Southern Vietnam

Dong Nai Nature Reserve forms a continuous jungle corridor with Cat Tien National Park just 2 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. Two excellent bird photography hides yield around 30 species daily including broadbills, kingfishers, and magpies. Unlike Cat Tien, snakes are more frequently encountered — an ideal add-on for herpers. The reserve has historic interest as a former Viet Cong base, with preserved war tunnels open to visitors. Combine with Cat Tien NP for a comprehensive southern Vietnam bird photography expedition.

Vietnam Multi-Site (Cat Ba, Ninh Binh, Da Nang, Cat Tien)

EcoGuide Vietnam's 14-day primate photography expedition visits all of Vietnam's most critically endangered primate species in a single sweep from north to south. Led by Luc, a wildlife photographer and conservation researcher with over a decade of experience, the tour visits Cat Ba Island (<80 Cat Ba Langurs), Van Long reserve (Delacour's Langur), Son Tra peninsula (Red-shanked Douc), and Cat Tien NP (Yellow-cheeked Gibbon). All proceeds support local primate conservation programmes.

Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang

EcoGuide Vietnam's signature single-day Da Nang wildlife photography tour (also available 2–5 days) finds Red-shanked Douc Langur on Son Tra Peninsula. Guide Luc knows the langur troops' daily routines intimately. Encounters typically involve 30–80 individuals at close range. Tours begin at dawn for optimal light and to catch the langurs before the day heats up. Photography guidance provided for lens settings, ISO, and positioning. Contributions support the Douc Langur Foundation conservation work.

Da Lat / Lang Biang Plateau, Lam Dong Province

Da Lat is widely considered the single best bird photography location in Vietnam, sitting on the Langbian Plateau at 1,500 m and harbouring six species endemic to the plateau — found nowhere else on earth. This 4-day expert-guided tour visits pine forests, ta nung valley remnant evergreen forest, and the upper slopes of Lang Biang mountain for cryptic endemics. Endemic-focused hides allow stunning portrait shots. Combine with a night spotlight for owls and nightjars. Accommodation in comfortable Da Lat hotels.

Cat Ba Island, Ninh Binh & Da Nang

International fine-art photographer Erez Marom leads an intimate Vietnam wildlife photography workshop targeting the world's most critically endangered primates at exclusive access locations not available on public tours. The 11-day workshop visits Cat Ba Langur habitat (< 80 individuals globally), Van Long for Delacour's Langur boat photography at dawn, and Son Tra Peninsula for Red-shanked Douc Langurs. Very small group (typically 4–6 participants) allows personalised instruction. Photography education includes post-processing, portfolio review, and artistic direction.

Tien Giang Province, Southern Vietnam

The Go Cong tidal flats south of Ho Chi Minh City are the most reliable site in Vietnam for the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper — only about 400 exist worldwide. The shallow mudflats are an annual feeding ground November–March for this tiny wader with its uniquely spatula-shaped bill, alongside over 20 shorebird species including Nordmann's Greenshank and Asian Dowitcher. Access is straightforward: a 2-hour drive from HCMC followed by walking the shoreline at low tide. Specialist birding guides from Wildtour and VietBird offer day trips.

Vietnam Multi-Site (North to South)

HiVOOC (Wildlife Tourism for Conservation) operates conservation-linked primate photography tours in Vietnam, with revenue directly channelled into protection programmes. The 15-day itinerary is designed to encounter as many of Vietnam's seven primate species as possible, including the world's rarest langurs. Expert primatologist guides lead small groups through Cat Ba Island, Ninh Binh, central Vietnam forests, and Cat Tien NP. HiVOOC works closely with the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project and Endangered Primate Rescue Center.

Lao Cai Province, Northwest Vietnam

Hoang Lien National Park shelters the highest peak in Indochina — Fansipan (3,413 m) — and encompasses over 300 bird species, with 60 listed in Vietnam's Red Book. The park forms the Vietnamese section of the Himalayan flyway and hosts spectacular mountain species including Temminck's Tragopan and cryptic wren-babblers found only on the summit ridges. A cable car ascends to 2,800 m station for high-altitude birding. Best April–June when breeding plumage and mist-free skies combine. Combine with Sa Pa town for E.H. Wilson's legendary bird photography locations.

Southern & Central Vietnam Multi-Site

A specialist 7-day photography expedition focused entirely on Vietnam's extraordinary diversity of kingfisher species, using carefully positioned photography hides at rivers, forest streams, and coastal mangroves. Vietnam holds 13 kingfisher species, more than almost any other comparable landmass. Private ethics-focused hides allow frame-filling shots. An ideal tour for photographers seeking striking portfolio subjects; suitable for photographers of all levels. Led by Next Continent's expert photography guides.

Mekong Delta, Southern Vietnam

The Mekong Delta is a vast mosaic of rice paddies, cajuput forests, and wetland channels in southern Vietnam — one of Southeast Asia's richest waterbird habitats. Boat photography on narrow channels provides low-angle approaches to herons, storks, kingfishers, and waders in superb morning light. The dry season (November–April) concentrates birds on shrinking water bodies. Key sites include Tram Chim for Sarus Crane, Tra Su Forest for stork colonies, and numerous smaller seasonal wetlands. Yields of 100+ species per day are possible.

Vietnam North to South Multi-Site

Naturalist Journeys' 14-day 'Vibrant Vietnam: Birding & Nature from North to South' tour runs November–December and visits Cuc Phuong National Park, the Da Lat Plateau, and Cat Tien National Park — three of Vietnam's premier birding areas. Groups are limited to 8–13 participants and led by expert naturalist guides. The tour combines birdwatching with cultural experiences and Vietnamese cuisine. Well-suited for birders wanting a structured, fully-escorted introduction to Vietnam's remarkable avifauna without the extremes of specialist expeditions.

Quang Binh Province, Central Vietnam

A UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its spectacular cave systems, Phong Nha-Ke Bang also shelters a remarkable Annamite fauna. Over 200 bird species include rare limestone specialists and the endemic Sooty Babbler. The park is one of the last refuges for the critically endangered Hatinh Langur. Wildlife watching combines well with the spectacular cave tours (Son Doong, Phong Nha cave). Best December–April when the dry season allows forest access. Boat trips along the Son River afford excellent photography of cave entrances and limestone karst scenery.

Nghe An Province, North-Central Vietnam

Pu Mat National Park covers 94,804 hectares of the Annamite Range in Nghe An province — one of the last known habitats of the legendary Saola (Asian unicorn), discovered by science only in 1992 and never photographed in the wild by a researcher. Over 300 bird species and 370 animal species including gibbons, langurs, and possibly tigers make Pu Mat one of the most biodiverse and least-visited parks in Indochina. Boat trips on the Giang River offer jungle scenery and wildlife encounters. Only for adventurous visitors; limited infrastructure.

Ho Chi Minh City to Hue, Southern & Central Vietnam

Rockjumper Birding Tours' Vietnam itinerary departs Ho Chi Minh City and covers the magnificent lowland tropical forests of Cat Tien National Park before ascending to the Dalat Plateau for endemic montane species. Day trips from Da Lat visit Lang Biang, Bidoup Nui Ba National Park, and Ta Nung Valley. The central section covers dry woodlands of Yok Don and lush montane forests of Mang Den to Lo Xo Pass. Expert international leaders with intimate knowledge of Vietnamese birdlife. Small group maxima guarantee quality encounters.

Da Nang, Central Vietnam

Son Tra Peninsula ('Monkey Mountain') is a 6,400-acre nature reserve attached to Da Nang city and home to the densest known population of Red-shanked Douc Langur in the world — around 1,300 individuals, representing over 60% of the global population. These spectacularly coloured primates (dubbed 'queen of all primates') are easily seen in the early morning and late afternoon. Self-guided access by motorbike or car; specialist photography guides available. Best light 06:00–09:00 and 15:30–17:30. The dry season (February–August) is optimal when langurs feed on flowering trees.

Vinh Phuc Province, Northern Vietnam

Rising from the plains 85 km northwest of Hanoi, Tam Dao National Park (3,500 km²) is wrapped in subtropical cloud forest alive with birds and mammals. The park holds 280 bird species and is a good site for the stunning Blue-naped Pitta, various laughingthrushes, and rarities. Autumn brings clear skies and spectacular cloud inversions for landscape photography. Slow lorises, flying squirrels, and occasionally clouded leopards inhabit the upper forest. An accessible weekend destination from Hanoi with guesthouse accommodation in Tam Dao town.

An Giang Province, Mekong Delta

Tra Su Cajuput Forest is an 850-hectare flooded cajuput woodland in An Giang province near the Cambodian border — one of the most atmospheric photography destinations in the Mekong Delta. Narrow wooden boats pole silently through emerald duckweed canals beneath arching cajuput trees draped with nesting herons, storks, and cormorants. The Painted Stork and Oriental Darter are Red Book species found here. Observation towers overlook the forest canopy. Peak season is the flooding period September–November when water levels are highest and bird colonies most active.

Dong Thap Province, Mekong Delta

Tram Chim National Park in the Mekong Delta is the only site in Vietnam where Sarus Crane — the world's tallest flying bird — can be reliably seen. The 7,300-hectare Ramsar wetland hosts over 230 bird species including 32 rare ones. Boat tours navigate the flooded cajuput forests and open water channels. The Sarus Cranes congregate December–May, performing spectacular dances at sunset. Boat photography allows getting low and close to birds on the water surface. Best February–May when cranes are most numerous.

Southern & Central Vietnam Multi-Site

Tropical Birding's 'Birding with a Camera' (BwC) Vietnam programme combines birdwatching and field photography, targeting Vietnamese endemics and Indochinese specialties not easily found elsewhere in the region. Southern Vietnam's Cat Tien and the central highlands provide a powerful combination of lowland and montane forest photography. Expert local knowledge ensures encounters with the rarest species while photography coaching improves images throughout the tour. Suitable for intermediate to advanced photographers with 300mm+ telephoto lenses.

Ninh Binh Province, Northern Vietnam

Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve is the largest wetland protected area in northern Vietnam and the single most important site in the world for Delacour's Langur, sheltering around 120 individuals — roughly 40% of the global population. Flat-bottomed sampan boat tours glide silently beneath towering limestone karst towers where troops of the striking black-and-white langurs clamber. Sunrise and sunset light transforms the flooded ricefields and cave-pitted cliffs into magical photography subjects. Boat tickets available at the pier; Cuc Phuong NP offers guided wildlife tours with expert naturalists.

Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai Province, Southern Vietnam

VietBird Ltd operates dedicated bird photography hides inside Cat Tien National Park, targeting the park's headline species at frame-filling distances. Fifteen species are regularly photographed from these hides, including Bar-bellied and Blue-rumped Pittas in classic forest-floor settings. Hides are positioned using years of accumulated knowledge of bird territories and are refreshed seasonally. Combined with VietBird's Di Linh hides for a comprehensive southern Vietnam bird photography programme. Subject distances 4–10 metres; max 6 photographers.

Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh Province

VietBird Ltd's Cuc Phuong hides are set in the limestone karst forest of Vietnam's oldest national park and target the endemic Tonkin Partridge alongside stunning pittas and limestone specialists. Ten species regularly photographed. The hides are used as part of VietBird's multi-day northern Vietnam photography tours and provide consistent results even for species that are notoriously difficult to photograph in the open forest. Maximum 6 photographers per session; December–May season.

Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province

VietBird Ltd's Da Lat Plateau hides are positioned in prime endemic habitat above 1,400 m, targeting the six endemic species of the Langbian Plateau as well as the elusive Rusty-naped Pitta. Seventeen species are regularly photographed at these hides — the highest tally of any VietBird hide network. The Da Lat hides yield the best close-range photographs of Collared and Orange-breasted Laughingthrush available anywhere. Cool montane climate; pleasant photography conditions year-round within the December–May window.

Di Linh (Deo Nui San), Lam Dong Province, Southern Vietnam

VietBird Ltd's Di Linh bird hides at Deo Nui San on the Di Linh Plateau (700–1,200 m) are among the most productive hide photography sites in Southeast Asia, regularly yielding 20 species per session at distances of 4–10 metres. The plateau's agreeable climate and rich forest-edge habitats attract an extraordinary diversity of colourful species. Subject distances average 5.5 metres. Maximum 6 photographers per session. All hides are ethically maintained with natural vegetation. Best December–May; avoid June–October monsoon.

Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve, Kon Tum Province, Central Vietnam

The Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve hides (Kon Tum province) are positioned at altitude on Vietnam's second-highest mountain range (2,598 m) for the endemic Golden-winged Laughingthrush — one of two species discovered on Ngoc Linh in the 1990s by BirdLife expeditions. Nine species regularly photographed. The reserve is remote and access requires expert local logistics; VietBird's in-depth knowledge of the site makes this photography experience possible. Combined with Mang Den for a complete Kon Tum Plateau endemic coverage.

Phia Oac-Phia Den National Park, Cao Bang Province, Northern Vietnam

Phia Oac-Phia Den National Park in Cao Bang province hosts VietBird's most northerly hide network. The hides were established specifically to photograph the stunning Blue-naped Pitta — one of the most sought-after bird photography subjects in Indochina — and a suite of near-endemic wren-babblers and laughingthrushes. Subject distances 4–10 metres; main activity point at 5.5 m. The park was designated a national park only in 2018, keeping it relatively undiscovered. Combined with Cuc Phuong for a complete northern Vietnam photography programme.

Mang Den / Ngoc Linh, Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam's Kon Tum Plateau is the most recently identified Endemic Bird Area in Asia, with three bird species — Black-crowned Barwing, Golden-winged Laughingthrush, and Chestnut-eared Laughingthrush — found nowhere else. This 6-day VietBird photography tour visits the Mang Den forest and Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve to photograph these remarkable new-to-science discoveries alongside Blue Pitta and Vietnamese Cutia in carefully maintained photography hides.

Cuc Phuong, Phia Oac-Phia Den, Northern Vietnam

A 6-day hide-focused photography tour visiting Cuc Phuong National Park and Phia Oac-Phia Den National Park in northern Vietnam. The dedicated bird photography hides at these sites regularly yield 15–20 species per session at distances of 4–10 metres. The Phia Oac-Phia Den hides are the best site in northern Vietnam to photograph the stunning Blue-naped Pitta. Maximum 6 participants per hide session ensures an uncrowded, premium photography experience. All meals, accommodation, and park fees included.

North & South Vietnam Multi-Site

VietBird Ltd's flagship 14-day photography itinerary visits Hanoi, Cuc Phuong National Park, Phia Oac-Phia Den, Da Lat Plateau, Di Linh, and Cat Tien National Park — covering north to south with 80% of time spent in bird photography hides. Maximum 6 participants per hide. Subject distances of 4–10 metres. Five distinct pitta species targeted. Local professional guides team with an international leader for an unrivalled photographic encounter with Vietnam's most sought-after birds.

Da Lat Plateau & Cat Tien, Southern Vietnam

Vietnam Bird Shooting operates photography hides on the Da Lat Plateau and inside Cat Tien National Park, specialising in Red-shanked Douc Langur and endemic bird photography. Eight-day combined Cat Tien & Da Lat packages include pick-up from Ho Chi Minh City, private car, guide, accommodation, entrance fees, and jeep access. The Da Lat hides provide exceptional close-range shots of all six Langbian endemic species. Photography guidance and bird identification assistance provided. Cat Tien hides target pittas, pheasants, and broadbills.

Cat Tien & Da Lat, Southern Vietnam

Vietnam holds more breeding pitta species than almost any country in the world, and this 7-day specialist photography tour is designed to find as many as possible. Photography hides at 4–8 metre distances in prime habitats yield professional-quality images of these jewel-like birds. Species possible include Bar-bellied, Blue-rumped, Blue-winged, Rusty-naped, Eared, and Blue Pittas across two complementary ecosystems (lowland tropical forest and montane cloud forest). Small groups of 2–6, private departures available.

Cat Tien National Park, Southern Vietnam

WANEE Go-WILD offers private and small-group wildlife tours to Cat Tien combining birding, herping (reptiles and amphibians), and primate watching into a multi-day programme. Expert guides use thermal imaging cameras for night safaris and have extensive knowledge of key pitta and pheasant sites. Tours can be combined with the Mekong Delta for a comprehensive southern Vietnam wildlife expedition. WANEE prices start from USD 150 for day tours; multi-day packages quoted individually. Fully customisable itineraries.

Cat Tien National Park & Da Lat Plateau, Southern Vietnam

Wild Images Photography Tours — one of the world's leading nature photography tour companies — has run dedicated Vietnam bird photography expeditions since 2020 with a focus on pitta and pheasant photography from hides in Cat Tien National Park, combined with endemics on the Da Lat Plateau. Six nights in Cat Tien gives extended time at hides for Bar-bellied and Blue-rumped Pittas, while Siamese Fireback and Germain's Peacock-Pheasant are sought in the dawn forest. Tuition on camera settings, fieldcraft, and composition provided by professional photography tour leaders.

Tram Chim National Park, Mekong Delta

A private 3-day / 2-night expedition from Ho Chi Minh City into the heart of Tram Chim National Park, Vietnam's sole Sarus Crane site. Two private boat photography safaris are included, offering low-level shooting positions from purpose-built photography boats. Target list exceeds 150 species. The tour includes transport from HCMC, guesthouse accommodation in Cao Lanh, all meals, park fees, and an expert local guide. Pricing from USD 455 per person (group of 4) to USD 985 (single).

Mang Den (Kong Plong), Kon Tum Province, Central Highlands

Wildtour Co. Ltd. — Vietnam's first fully licensed international birding tour operator, established 2005 — offers a specialist tour to the Mang Den / Mang Canh forest in Kon Tum province, the heart of the Kon Tum Plateau Endemic Bird Area. The Mang Canh forest is the world's best site for Chestnut-eared Laughingthrush, described by science in 2001. Tour price approximately USD 500 per person including transport, accommodation, meals, and expert guides. Custom itineraries for photographers available.

Go Cong Coast, Tien Giang Province

Wildtour Co. Ltd. offers a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City (2 hours' drive) to the Go Cong tidal flats — the most reliable site in Vietnam for the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper (global pop. ~400). Expert ornithologist guides identify the spoon-shaped bill in mixed wader flocks of 20+ species. Best at low tide when birds feed on exposed mud. Visiting early morning ensures good light. Wildtour has been documenting the Spoon-billed Sandpiper at this site since 2005 and contributes to population monitoring.

Vietnam North to South Multi-Site

WINGS Birding's 23-day comprehensive Vietnam tour (USD 8,090 + USD 830 single supplement) traverses the country from the limestone forests of Cuc Phuong and Van Long in the north, through Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Sa Mu Pass, Da Lat Plateau, Yok Don National Park to Cat Tien in the south. Maximum 8 participants. The 2026 tour recorded over 300 species. Rated 'strenuous' for the pace. A thorough, expert-led search for all Vietnamese endemics and Indochinese specialties conducted by an international leader and resident local guide.

Nam Dinh Province, Red River Delta, Northern Vietnam

Xuan Thuy National Park was Southeast Asia's first Ramsar site (1989) and hosts one of the most important shorebird staging areas in Vietnam. The mangroves and intertidal mudflats of Con Ngan island hold the largest wintering population of the critically endangered Black-faced Spoonbill in Vietnam (~60 birds per winter) and a reliable site for the ultra-rare Spoon-billed Sandpiper (global population ~400). Charter boats access offshore mudflats at high tide for close approach to wader flocks. Peak birding October–April.

Dak Lak Province, Central Highlands

Vietnam's largest national park (115,545 ha) is dominated by semi-deciduous dipterocarp forests — open savanna-like ecosystems with a birdlife reminiscent of Southeast Asian 'African savanna'. Home to 300 bird species including spectacular waterbirds, peafowl, and hornbills. Vietnam's first ethical elephant tourism programme launched in 2018 (with Animals Asia); elephants roam freely and tours follow the animals rather than controlling them. Half-day and full-day walks available. Located 40 km from Buon Ma Thuot.