Birdwatching and Nature Walks in Vietnam’s Protected Areas

Birdwatching and Nature Walks in Vietnam’s Protected Areas: A Hidden Paradise for Aussie Explorers

G’day, fellow nature lovers! Aussie Mates here, coming to you from the lush landscapes of Vietnam, my home for nearly two decades now. Tracy and I have spent countless weekends traipsing through this country’s magnificent protected areas, binoculars in hand, eyes peeled for a flash of exotic feathers in the canopy. Whether you’re a dedicated twitcher or just enjoy a peaceful bushwalk surrounded by nature’s symphony, Vietnam offers some absolute ripper experiences that’ll knock your socks off.

Back in Australia, many of us grew up with kookaburras cackling at dawn and rainbow lorikeets squawking in the backyard. But mate, until you’ve heard the morning chorus in a Vietnamese rainforest or spotted a Red-headed Trogon flashing through the trees, you haven’t experienced the full glory of Southeast Asian birdlife. Tracy still talks about the day we spotted our first Siamese Fireback pheasant – she nearly dropped her camera in excitement!

Vietnam might not be the first destination that springs to mind for birdwatching, but with over 900 species (more than Australia, mind you) and an impressive network of national parks and nature reserves, it’s an absolute goldmine for nature enthusiasts. So grab your hat, slap on some sunscreen, and join me as we explore the best spots for birdwatching and nature walks in Vietnam’s protected areas.

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Why Vietnam Should Be on Every Aussie Birdwatcher’s Bucket List

Before we dive into specific locations, let’s chat about why Vietnam deserves a spot on your birding bucket list. This narrow strip of land hosts an impressive range of habitats – from the mountainous regions bordering China in the north to the Mekong Delta wetlands in the south. This incredible diversity of ecosystems results in an equally impressive variety of bird species.

Vietnam is home to 30 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and numerous endemic species you simply can’t spot anywhere else on the planet. We’re talking about remarkable birds like the Vietnamese Cutia, Grey-crowned Crocias, and the endangered Edwards’s Pheasant. For us Aussies used to our unique birdlife back home, Vietnam offers an entirely different but equally fascinating avian world.

Tracy and I have found that the best time for birdwatching in Vietnam is during the dry season (November to April), particularly in the northern and central regions. The southern regions are more accessible year-round, though December to March tends to offer the most comfortable conditions. Unlike the scorching heat we’re used to back in Queensland, Vietnam’s humidity can take a toll, so early morning or late afternoon excursions are your best bet.

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Cuc Phuong National Park: Vietnam’s Birdwatching Heartland

Let me tell you about Cuc Phuong, Vietnam’s oldest national park and a true birder’s paradise just a few hours’ drive from Hanoi. Established in 1962, this ancient rainforest spans over 22,000 hectares and hosts more than 300 bird species. Tracy and I have visited at least a dozen times over the years, and we still discover new species with each visit.

The limestone karst landscape creates diverse microhabitats, making Cuc Phuong particularly rich in bird diversity. Early mornings at Cuc Phuong are magical – the forest comes alive with the calls of Bar-bellied Pittas, Red-collared Woodpeckers, and Silver Pheasants. If you’re lucky (and patient), you might even spot the elusive Limestone Wren-Babbler, a species that’s endemic to Vietnam and Laos.

The park offers well-maintained trails suitable for all fitness levels. My personal favorite is the Loop Trail, a 5km circuit that winds through ancient trees, some over 1,000 years old. For serious twitchers, I’d recommend hiring a local guide – their knowledge of bird calls and hiding spots is absolutely worth the modest fee.

A memory that stands out is when Tracy and I were walking the forest trail just after dawn. We’d been standing motionless for nearly 20 minutes, waiting beside a small clearing. Just as Tracy whispered that we should move on, a male Silver Pheasant strutted into view, his white back and tail contrasting dramatically with the forest floor. Moments like these make every leech bite and early morning alarm worth it!

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Cat Tien National Park: Southern Vietnam’s Biodiversity Hotspot

If you’re exploring the southern regions of Vietnam, Cat Tien National Park is an absolute must-visit. Located about 150km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, this 72,000-hectare park protects one of the largest areas of lowland tropical rainforests left in Vietnam.

Cat Tien’s bird list boasts over 350 species, including several endangered beauties like the Orange-necked Partridge and Germain’s Peacock Pheasant. The wetland areas are particularly productive for birdwatching, with storks, herons, and kingfishers abundant throughout the year.

One of our most memorable experiences in Cat Tien was joining the early morning gibbon-watching tour. While the main attraction was supposed to be the endangered golden-cheeked gibbons, we were equally thrilled by the birdlife we encountered along the way – Banded Broadbills, Great Hornbills, and even a pair of Siamese Firebacks!

For comfortable exploration, Tracy and I recommend staying right in the park at the Forest Floor Lodge. Nothing beats rolling out of bed at dawn and immediately being in prime birdwatching territory. And after a long day of walking, their cold beers are just what you need – reminds me of knocking back a cold one after a day in the Aussie bush, though swapping the flies for mosquitoes!

Cat Tien offers various walking trails, but my tip is to take the Lagerstroemia Trail or Heaven Rapids Trail for the best bird spotting opportunities. The park’s extensive network of paths means you can tailor your walks to your fitness level and interests.

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Bach Ma National Park: Where Mountains Meet the Sea

For something a bit different, head to Bach Ma National Park in central Vietnam. Straddling the Annamite Mountains between Hue and Da Nang, Bach Ma offers a unique combination of landscapes and elevations that support an impressive diversity of bird species.

The park’s location creates a remarkable meeting point of northern and southern species, making it one of Vietnam’s bird watching hotspots with over 330 species recorded. The summit area, sitting at 1,450 meters above sea level, often shrouded in mist, feels like stepping into another world.

Tracy still laughs about our first visit to Bach Ma. We’d driven up the winding 19km road to the summit in clear weather, only to be enveloped in thick cloud at the top. “Just like home in the Blue Mountains,” she joked, as visibility dropped to mere meters. But the next morning, we woke to clear skies and spectacular views across to the East Sea, with Crested Argus calling in the valleys below.

The Five Lakes Trail is particularly rewarding for both birds and scenery, though the steep sections and sometimes slippery conditions mean you’ll want proper hiking boots. The effort is well rewarded – we’ve spotted Crested Argus, Silver Pheasant, and the spectacular Red-headed Trogon along this trail.

A word of warning though, mates – Bach Ma gets serious rainfall (up to 8,000mm annually!), earning it the nickname “the place where rain is born.” Pack accordingly, especially during the wet season from September to December.

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Xuan Thuy National Park: Wader Wonderland

Now, if waterbirds are more your thing, you can’t go past Xuan Thuy National Park in the Red River Delta. This RAMSAR wetland site is Vietnam’s premier location for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, particularly during the northern winter months.

Located about 150km southeast of Hanoi, Xuan Thuy consists of mudflats, mangrove forests, and sandbanks that provide critical habitat for thousands of migratory birds. During peak season (October to March), you can observe large flocks of Black-faced Spoonbills, Nordmann’s Greenshanks, and Saunders’s Gulls – all globally threatened species.

Tracy and I visited during February a few years back and were gobsmacked by the sheer numbers of birds. It reminded us of Kakadu during the wet season – birds everywhere you look! The local guides took us by boat through the mangrove channels, getting us close enough for brilliant photos without disturbing the feeding flocks.

Unlike the forest trails of Cuc Phuong or Cat Tien, birdwatching in Xuan Thuy is often done by boat or from hides overlooking the mudflats. It’s less physically demanding but requires more patience. Bring a good scope if you have one – some of the feeding areas are quite distant.

The nearby communities offer simple homestay accommodations, providing an authentic glimpse into rural Vietnamese life along with your birdwatching adventure. Nothing beats returning from a morning boat trip to a home-cooked Vietnamese breakfast!

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Practical Tips for Aussie Birdwatchers in Vietnam

After nearly two decades of exploring Vietnam’s natural areas, Tracy and I have picked up a few tips and tricks that might help fellow Aussies planning their own birdwatching adventure:

• Pack for the conditions – lightweight, quick-dry clothing, leech socks (yes, really!), a good hat, and rain protection are essential.
• Bring binoculars for each person – 8×42 or 10×42 are ideal for forest birding in Vietnam.
• Invest in a good field guide. We recommend “Birds of Southeast Asia” by Craig Robson or the more Vietnam-specific “Birds of Vietnam” by Richard Craik and Le Quy Minh.
• Consider hiring local guides – their knowledge of bird calls and habitat is invaluable, plus you’re supporting conservation through eco-tourism.
• Start early! Many birds are most active at dawn, and early starts also mean you’ll avoid the worst of the day’s heat.
• Stay hydrated and protect against insects – the Vietnamese forests have plenty of mosquitoes, and dengue fever is present in some areas.
• Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases – a little linguistic effort goes a long way in rural areas.

Most national parks charge modest entrance fees (typically 40,000-60,000 VND, or about $2-3 AUD). Some protected areas require permits arranged in advance, so do your homework before setting out.

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Conservation Challenges and How Visitors Can Help

It would be remiss of me not to mention the conservation challenges facing Vietnam’s natural areas. Despite having an impressive network of protected areas, Vietnam continues to battle issues like habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, and the lingering effects of Agent Orange from the American War (as it’s known here).

Many of the birds you’ll hope to see are under threat. The Edwards’s Pheasant is critically endangered and possibly extinct in the wild, while species like the White-winged Duck and Vietnamese Cutia face serious habitat loss. Even once-common species are declining due to the persistent wildlife trade – songbirds are particularly vulnerable as they’re prized as pets.

As visitors, we can help by supporting legitimate ecotourism operations, hiring official guides, and reporting any wildlife crime we may witness. Tracy and I have found that showing genuine interest in conservation issues often leads to meaningful conversations with local rangers and guides about the challenges they face.

Several organizations, including BirdLife International and Viet Nature Conservation Centre, are working to protect Vietnam’s avian treasures. Consider supporting their work or even timing your visit to coincide with citizen science projects like bird surveys.

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Beyond Birding: Expanding Your Nature Experience

While birds might be the main attraction for many of us, Vietnam’s protected areas offer plenty of other natural wonders. Cat Tien is home to several primate species, including yellow-cheeked gibbons and black-shanked douc langurs. Cuc Phuong hosts the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, where you can learn about conservation efforts for langurs and gibbons.

Butterfly enthusiasts will be in heaven throughout Vietnam’s forests – we’ve seen spectacular specimens including the giant atlas moth (with a wingspan up to 30cm!) and numerous swallowtail species. Tracy has filled countless memory cards with butterfly photos over the years.

Many parks also offer night walks, revealing a whole different side of the forest. The first time we spotted a slow loris in the wild was during a night walk in Cat Tien – those huge eyes peering down at us from the canopy is something we’ll never forget.

For the botanically inclined, Vietnam’s forests host remarkable diversity, from towering dipterocarp trees to delicate orchids. Cuc Phuong even offers a “Botanical Garden Trail” highlighting some of its 2,000+ plant species.

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Conclusion: Vietnam’s Natural Treasures Await

From the mist-shrouded mountains of Bach Ma to the teeming wetlands of Xuan Thuy, Vietnam offers natural experiences that rival anything we have back in Australia – just with a distinctly Southeast Asian flavor. After nearly 20 years of exploration, Tracy and I continue to discover new species and hidden corners of this remarkable country.

For fellow Aussie Boomers looking to combine their love of nature with an adventure in a culturally rich destination, Vietnam ticks all the boxes. The infrastructure for ecotourism has improved dramatically over the two decades we’ve been here, making even remote areas increasingly accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities.

So pack those binoculars, brush up on your bird identification skills, and consider Vietnam for your next nature-focused getaway. The Red-headed Trogons, Silver Pheasants, and Germain’s Peacock-Pheasants will be waiting for you – along with warm Vietnamese hospitality and natural landscapes that will take your breath away.

Until next time, happy birding!

– Aussie Mates (with plenty of input from Tracy, my ever-patient birdwatching companion)