Summary

Sa Mu Pass is a little-known birding area in north-western Quang Tri Province, within Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve and close to the Lao border. Its lowland and mid-montane evergreen forests form part of the Annamese Lowlands bird region and support a rich central Vietnamese avifauna, including a number of range-restricted and conservation-priority species. The pass rises to around 1,100 m and offers convenient roadside access to forest at several elevations, making it possible to combine montane and lower-elevation birding in a relatively compact area.

Birders come primarily for Annamite specialities such as Rufous-cheeked Laughingthrush, Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler, Red-collared Woodpecker, hornbills and pheasants, while streams and mature forest may also produce difficult species such as Blyth's Kingfisher. Khe Sanh is the most practical base, with the upper pass reached by road in about an hour. A full morning at the higher elevations is worthwhile, but two days allow time to explore additional forest trails and lower slopes. Sa Mu is particularly valuable for experienced birders looking to add a less-visited Annamite site to a longer central Vietnam itinerary.

Click here to see the full bird checklist in Sa Mu – Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve

Most highlights

Edwards’s Pheasant, Siamese Fireback, Crested Argus, Coral-billed Ground Cuckoo, Blyth’s Kingfisher, Crested Kingfisher, Austen’s Brown Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Red-collared Woodpecker, Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler, White-cheeked Laughingthrush, Rufous-cheeked Laughingthrush.

How to get there and birding?

From Khe Sanh town, you follow Ho Chi Minh Tay road for about 50km in an hour by car to reach the highest point of the pass (1,100 meters above sea level). It is worth spending at least a full morning birding around this point where the Rufous-cheeked Laughingthrush is commonly seen. If you have more time, explore several trails hoping to see the mystery Edwards’s Pheasant... who knows? Find a good stream habitat for the shy Blyth's Kingfisher. Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler is fairly common at lower altitude (600-800m).

Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve

Where to stay

Many mini hotels are available in Khe Sanh town and Lao Bao town; one of the best choices is Thai Ninh Hotel, which is the closest and biggest one.

Relevant tour

• Comprehensive Vietnam Birding Tour: South to North
• Bach Ma National Park Birding Tour
• Central Highlands Vietnam Birding Tour

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