Yok Đôn National Park is dominated by deciduous forests with seasonal pools, semi-evergreen forests along rivers, and low hills. The Srepok River, a major Mekong tributary, runs through the park into Cambodia. Its dry dipterocarp forest shares a unique birdlife with northwestern Cambodia, offering a rare chance to spot species rarely seen elsewhere in Vietnam.
These include 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.
A lot of luck however would be needed to see some of the rarer species that have been recorded here such as White-winged Duck, Masked Finfoot, Black-necked Stork, White-shouldered and Giant Ibises, and Red-headed and White-rumped Vultures.
Biodiversity values
Yok Don is the largest national park in Vietnam, it holds a forest dominated by dipterocarps which are open in the dry season or called a deciduous forest, the ecosystem that is almost as productive as the African savanna. Gaur, Banteng, Elephant, Kouprey, Water Buffalo, Tiger, Asian Wild Dog, Eld’s Deer, Muntjac, and Wild Boar are some of the large mammals who inhabit this ecosystem. The Birdlife of this park is also different which not found in other types of habitats such as White-rumped Falcon, Collared Falconet, Rufous Treepie, Black-headed Woodpecker…
One of the important factors that greatly increase the biological diversity of the park is the presence of scattered wetlands. These relatively small, shallow wetlands support habitats for large waterbirds such as Sarus Crane, Lesser Adjutant, Black-necked and Woolly-necked Storks, 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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Tips for birding in Yok Don Np.
Transportation
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. From Da Lat, you can travel on relatively bad road 27, it takes about 7 hours however this is a good way to connect to the excellent birding site of Da Lat
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
How to Identify the Greater Sand Plover, Tibetan Sand Plover and Siberian Sand Plover
ContentsBiodiversity valuesWhat to see?Bird faunaMost highlights Yok Don Np.When is the best time for birding [...]
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