Summary

Phong Nha-Ke Bang combines spectacular limestone karst with extensive forest and is one of north-central Vietnam's most distinctive birding landscapes. The park lies within the Annamese Lowlands Endemic Bird Area and supports more than 200 recorded bird species, including several range-restricted and conservation-priority forest birds. For visiting birders, the limestone specialists are the strongest reason to include Phong Nha on an itinerary.

Sooty Babbler is the signature target and can be searched for around limestone cliffs and forests near the cave systems. Other important species include Chestnut-necklaced Partridge, Red-collared Woodpecker, Brown Hornbill, Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler and Limestone Warbler. Birding routes include forest around the Thien Duong Cave area and, when access permission is available, deeper park roads and trails around Tra Ang. Phong Nha is easily reached from Dong Hoi and can also be linked by road with Hue and Bach Ma, making it a logical stop on a north-central birding circuit.

Click here to see the full bird checklist in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park

Most highlights

Chestnut-necklaced Partridge, Red-collared Woodpecker, Brown Hornbill, Sooty Babbler and Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler.

Sooty Babbler is a restricted-range species in Vietnam

Birding routes

Visitors can get to the trail up to the grotto by boat to see the Sooty Babbler. The new trail to Thien Duong cave is the best route to see many species, including Sooty Babbler, Limestone Warbler, Silver-breasted Broadbill, and Red-headed Trogon.

There are several forest trails in the park for birding; however, foreigners need to have permission to enter. When you get a permit, go to the Tra Ang Bridge area where the Ratchet-tailed Treepie, Sooty Babbler, White-winged Magpie, Red-collared Woodpecker, and many more are available.

Transportation

You can easily travel by car or motorbike from nearby Dong Hoi or Hue. Additionally, Dong Hoi Airport operates flights to and from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City every two days, making air travel a convenient option.

Accomodation

There are several guesthouses and hotels around the park, and also restaurants. The best quality so far is Sai Gon - Phong Nha hotel, other private hotels such as Thien Thanh, Song Son, etc are good enough to stay.

Relevant tour

• Tam Dao & Cuc Phuong Bird Photography Tour
• Fansipan Birding Expedition
• 2-4 Day Birding Tour from Hanoi
• 7-Day North Vietnam Birding Tour from Hanoi

More information about the birding sites in Vietnam

• Mang Den - Kon Plong Birding Site
• Da Lat Plateau Birding Site
• Cat Tien National Park Birding Site
• Yok Don National Park Birding Site
• Tam Dao National Park Birding Site
• Sa Pa - Fansipan Mt Birding Site
• Cuc Phuong National Park Birding Site
• Lo Xo Pass Birding Site
• Bach Ma National Park Birding Site
• Sa Mu & Bac Huong Hoa Birding Site
• Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Birding Site
• Tan Phu Forest (Thac Mai) Birding Site
• Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve Birding Site
• Mekong Delta Birding Site