Hanoi is an excellent gateway to several northern birding sites. With two to four days, we can build a private trip to Cuc Phuong, Tam Dao, Ba Vi or another suitable reserve based on your target species, season, and available time
There is no good birding site in Ha Noi city; however, if you can spend at least a one-night stay in a national park or reserve area nearby, we have many options:
1. Cuc Phuong National Park is one of the best choices in the north, and there are nice accommodations for 1 or 2 nights in Bong substation.
2. Tam Dao National Park is a hill resort just about 2 hours drive from Hanoi. You should stay here 2 nights to maximize your chances of seeing the most-wanted species, which are Grey Laughingthrush, Short-tailed Parrotbill, Collared Babbler and Blue-napped Pitta.
3. Ba Vi National Park, in another mountainous area near Ha Noi. This tour can be connected with Cuc Phuong for a 1-night stay. Here, the target bird is the Rufous-cheeked Laughingthrush, but also some other species like Collared Treepie, Green Cochoa, and Asian Stubtail.
Note: Tam Dao and Ba Vi are usually foggy or misty in winter (December - March), but are still good sometimes for birding... we never know future weather, and it is very unpredictable there. These parks are also very busy on the weekends, as lots of people from Ha Noi come here for their holiday or to visit the area's temples.
4. Ba Be National Park: This is the site for the keen birder who wants to see very rare birds; in this location, it is the White-eared Night-heron. We will need to drive a longish distance, about 7 hours from Ha Noi, but if you want to see this bird, it is worth the trip. As well as the White-eared Night-heron, the Pied Falconet, Limestone Warbler, and White-winged Magpie are also sought-after species here.
Comparison of some birding destinations around Hanoi
| Destination | Travel time (estimated) | Habitat | Key targets | Recommendation nights |
| Ba Vi | 1.5 - 2 hours | Montane evergreen forest | Rufous-cheeked Laughingthrush, Collared Treepie, Green Cochoa, Asian Stubtail | 1-2 nights |
| Cuc Phuong | 2.5 - 3 hours | Lowland limestone forest | Red-collared Woodpecker, Bar-bellied Pitta, Limestone Wren Babbler, White-winged Magpie | 1-2 nights |
| Tam Dao | hours | Montane forest & bamboo understory | Grey Laughingthrush, Short-tailed Parrotbill, Collared Babbler, Blue-napped Pitta. | 1-2 nights |
| Ba Be | 7 hours | Limestone karst and evergreen forest | White-eared Night Heron, Pied Falconet, Limestone Warbler, White-winged Magpie | 2 nights |
Itinerary: Please contact us for tailor-made tours or see our sample tours below:
Tell us your travel dates, target birds, group size and preferred pace. Wildtour will help design a realistic and rewarding itinerary.