Yok Don National Park is a biodiversity hotspot of deciduous forests with seasonal pools, semi-evergreen forests along rivers, and low hills. The Srepok River, a key tributary of Mekong river, runs through the park into Cambodia. Along with dry dipterocarp forests, the park shares a unique habitat for birds found mostly in northwestern Cambodia, making it a rare and exciting place to spot unique species in Vietnam.
On the trekking trails, you may encounter a variety of bird species, including Yellow-footed Green-pigeon, Black-headed, Yellow-crowned, and Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers, White-rumped Pygmy-falcon, Blossom-headed and Alexandrine Parakeets, Small Minivet, Rufous Treepie, Burmese Nuthatch, Purple Sunbird, and Mekong Wagtail.
However, for a number of rare species, such as White-winged Duck, Masked Finfoot, Black-necked Stork, White-shouldered and Giant Ibises, and Red-headed and White-rumped Vultures, you may need a local guide with a little luck to spot them.
Biodiversity values
Yok Don is Vietnam’s largest national park, home to vast dipterocarp forests that shed their leaves in the dry season, creating a unique deciduous ecosystem nearly as rich as the African savanna. This habitat supports a variety of large mammals, including gaur, banteng, elephants, kouprey, water buffalo, tigers, Asian wild dogs, Eld’s deer, muntjacs, and wild boars. Birdlife of the park is also unique when they are rarely found in other habitats, such as the White-rumped Falcon, Collared Falconet, Rufous Treepie, and Black-headed Woodpecker.
Scattered wetlands play a vital role in boosting the park’s biodiversity when these small, shallow water bodies provide important habitats for large waterbirds, including the Sarus Crane, Lesser Adjutant, Black-necked and Woolly-necked Storks, as well as the rare Giant and White-shouldered Ibis.
What to see?
Bird fauna
In Yok Don’s dry dipterocarp forests, woodpeckers—especially the Black-hooded Woodpecker—flourish, their rhythmic drumming resonating through the quiet trees. Moving toward the Mekong River’s tranquil banks, the Mekong Wagtail can be seen gliding gracefully among the reeds and sandbanks. This blend of forest and river habitats makes the region a haven for diverse birdlife, offering birding enthusiasts a stunning contrast of environments to explore.
About 300 species have been recorded for the park, the high number of lowland birds, many widespread species are very common here such as Sooty-headed Bulbul, Indian Roller, Greater Flameback, Black-hooded Oriole. Beside those common species, many sought after species that are only can be seen here and no where else in Vietnam.
Most highlights Yok Don Np.
Mekong Wagtail, White-rumped Falcon, Collared Falconet, Black-hooded Woodpecker and other woodpeckers, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Alexandrine, Grey-headed, Blossom-headed Parrakeets, Yellow-footed Green Pigion, White-rumped and Red-headed Vultures
When is the best time for birding in Yok Don Np?
The best time for birding in Yok Don National Park is during the dry season, from December to April. The dry season offers less rainfall, making it easier to explore the forest and spot birds without disruptions. During this time, migratory birds arrive, adding diversity to the park’s already rich avian population. Additionally, shrinking water sources concentrate bird activity around remaining bodies of water, increasing the likelihood of spotting rare and vibrant species.
“The best time for birding in Yok Don is from Dec to Apr when the forest does not have many leaves and it’s dry.
Where birding in Yok Don Np.
Birding routes
The are many trails to birding when you access the national park, the main trail being conquered road, quite easy to drive in the forest, and birding by car.
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Transportation
Traveling to the Yok Don national park takes about an hour’s drive from Buon Ma Thuot city (40 km). There are flights from Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City to Ban Me Thuot airport every day. If traveling from Da Lat, you can take Route 27, though the road conditions are rough, and the journey takes about seven hours. However, this route offers a great connection to Da Lat’s excellent birdwatching sites.
Accommodations
Many hotels are available in Buon Ma Thuot, along with basic accommodation at the park headquarters and a comfortable lodge in the Ban Don tourism area. For those seeking a more immersive experience, staying within the park offers early access to wildlife hotspots, while accommodations in Buon Ma Thuot provide more amenities and dining options.
The best tour cover Birding in Yok Don Np.
Hot-spot for Birding in Vietnam
all birding in hot-spot informative info [updated Jan 2023]
Nr. Nature reserve; Np. National Park; mt. Mountain
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