Explore the rich biodiversity of Northern Vietnam on this targeted 7-day birding and wildlife expedition. The tour begins with a scenic sampan ride through the dramatic limestone karst landscape of Van Long Nature Reserve – one of the last sanctuaries for the critically endangered Delacour’s Langur, before heading deep into Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam's oldest protected area. Across three days of lowland forest exploration, birders will search for key species including Bar-bellied and Eared Pittas, White-winged Magpie, Red-collared Woodpecker, and the endemic annamensis Limestone Wren-Babbler.

The journey then transitions to the cooler, montane habitats of Tam Dao National Park, where high-altitude trails yield prized targets such as the Blue-naped Pitta, Short-tailed Parrotbill, Grey Laughingthrush, and a diverse supporting cast of babblers, scimitar-babblers, and flycatchers. Round-trip transfers from Hanoi/Noi Bai Airport, full-board accommodation, and expert guiding make this an ideal itinerary for serious birders and nature enthusiasts looking to maximize target species in a week.

Itinerary:

• Day 1 (B, L, D): Transfer tp Cuc Phuong
  

Pick up from hotel in Ha Noi or Noi Bai airport, then drive to Cuc Phuong National Park (about 3 hours without traffic delays) and stop en route at Van Long Van Long Nature Reserve, 30km from Cuc Phuong. There we will take a sampan ride to look for birds and to visit some dramatic limestone cliffs that are one of the last haunts of the critically endangered Delacour’s Leaf-Monkey. Overnight at Cuc Phuong HQ (3 nights).

• Day 2 & 3 (B, L, D): Two full days birding in Cuc Phuong National Park
  

We will spend 2 full days exploring and birding in Vietnam’s oldest National Park, an area of lowland forest and lakes easily accessed by a paved road. It is rich in bird species and we have our last chances here for both Pitta species, Red-collared Woodpecker and White-winged Magpie as well as a supporting cast which includes Malayan Night-Heron, Pied Falconet, Eared Pitta, Silver-breasted Broadbill, White-tailed Flycatcher, Fujian Niltava and the annamensis subspecies of Limestone Wren-Babbler.

• Day 4 (B, L, D): Half-day birding in Cuc Phuong - Tranfser to Tam Dao

We will spend our last morning in Cuc Phuong looking for White-winged Magpie, and Rachet-tailed Treepie if we missed them earlier. This afternoon, we will drive to Tam Dao Mountain for 2 nights (Gia Le Hotel)

• Day 5 & 6 (B, L, D): Two full days exploring Tam Dao

Our targets in Tam Dao are the Blue-naped Pitta, Short-tailed Parrotbill, Grey Laughingthrush, and Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler. Seeing several other sought-after species will be the best way to finalise our trip, and here we may see Ashy Bulbul, Black-throated Laughingthrus, Chestnut Bulbul, Fujian Niltava, White-gorgeted Flycatcher, Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, Spot-necked Babbler, Chestnut-collared Yuhina (split from Striated), Greater Rufous-headed and Short-tailed Parrotbills, and Collared Treepie.

• Day 7 (B, L): Half-day birding in Tam Dao - Drive back to Ha Noi

We will spend this last morning seeking to see species what we haven't gotten on the mountain or to move a bit lower down the mountain for some other interesting species like Fork-tailed Sunbird, Red-billed Magpie, Grey Treepie and some wintering thrushes.

The trip ends with a transfer to your airport/hotel in Ha Noi.

Tour price:

• Single supplement: USD 180
• Includes: Birdguide, transportation by private car, accommodation (share twin room), daily meal and drinking water, entrance fees. Also provide birding spotting scope, bird ID manual.
• Excludes: Personal expense (e.g., beverage, laundry), tipping for guide and driver (optional but appreciated), single supplement.

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