Tan Phu Forest Birding Site | Orange-necked Partridge | Wildtour Vietnam

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Tan Phu Forest Birding Site | Orange-necked Partridge | Wildtour Vietnam

Summary

Tan Phu is a lowland evergreen forest site in Dong Nai Province, conveniently positioned between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Lat. Although less famous than nearby Cat Tien, it is highly valued by birders because it offers one of the best opportunities to search for Orange-necked Partridge, a Vietnamese endemic with a restricted southern distribution. The forest also supports a strong assemblage of other lowland specialities.

In addition to Orange-necked Partridge, key targets include Germain's Peacock-Pheasant, Siamese Fireback, Bar-bellied and Blue-rumped Pittas, Pale-headed Woodpecker and Black-and-buff Woodpecker. Specialist birding usually focuses on forest trails known for the partridge and pittas, together with the main forest road and areas around Bau Nuoc Soi and Thac Mai. Tan Phu is roughly two hours by road from Ho Chi Minh City and can be used as a short stand-alone trip or as a useful stop on the route to Da Lat. Simple accommodation is available in nearby Dinh Quan.

Click here to see the full bird checklist in Tan Phu Forest

Most highlights

Orange-necked Partridge, Bar-bellied and Blue-rumped Pitta, Black-and-buff, Pale-headed Woodpecker

Orange-necked Partridge

Orange-necked Partridge is an endemic species to Vietnam

Birding routes

"Orange-necked Partridge trail" is just on the leech hill, where only local people know can take you there. Bar-bellied and Blue-rumped Pittas, Pale-headed Woodpecker can be seen on the same trail.

Along the main road through the forest is good birding. "Bau Nuoc Soi" area and Thac Mai area are other spots where we can find many species

Transportation

Tan Phu is about 2 hours by car from Ho Chi Minh City (120 km) and 4 hours from Da Lat city. The site is situated off National Highway 20 between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Lat.