Vietnam is a country known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but it is also a haven for birdwatchers and bird photographers. With a diverse range of ecosystems, including coastal wetlands, montane forests, and river deltas, Vietnam is home to over 900 species of birds, making it a prime destination for birding enthusiasts.
For those who are short on time but still want to experience the thrill of birding in Vietnam, a short tour is a perfect option. These tours typically last between three to five days, and they take you to some of the country’s most incredible birding hotspots.
One of the best things about short birding tours is that they allow you to focus your time and energy on a specific region, allowing you to maximize your chances of seeing as many bird species as possible. You can explore the remote forests of the Central Highlands, venture into the Red River Delta, or head to the Mekong Delta in search of some of Vietnam’s rarest bird species.
A typical short birding tour will include guided birding walks, early morning birding sessions, and boat trips to wetland areas where you can see migratory birds. In addition to birding, these tours also offer opportunities to experience local culture and cuisine, as well as some of Vietnam’s most stunning natural scenery
Birdwatching Adventure: Join Our 6 Short Birding Tours Expeditions Across Vietnam’s Avian Wonders.
[1 Day] Birding in Can Gio Mangrove
Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve is an excellent destination for birdwatching enthusiasts? Located just a short drive from Ho Chi Minh City, this unique mangrove forest is home to a variety of bird species, including the elusive Black-faced Spoonbill, Pacific reef egret, and the critically endangered white-shouldered ibis. Visitors can explore the reserve on foot, by boat, or by kayak to spot these beautiful birds and immerse themselves in the peaceful natural surroundings. Can Gio Mangrove be an essential stop for any birding tour in southern Vietnam?
Several bird highlights in Can Gio Mangrove
| Bird | Level |
| Black-faced Spoonbill | Hard |
| Painted Stork | Hard |
| Spoon-billed Sanpiper | Hard |
| Nordmann’s Greenshank | Hard |
| Bar-tailed Godwit | Medium |
| Black-tailed Godwit | Medium |
| Far Eastern Curlew | Medium |
| Eurasian Curlew | Medium |
| Red-necked Phalarope | Medium |
| Ruddy Turnstone | Medium |
| Black-browed Reed Warbler | Medium |
| Baya Weaver | Easy |
| Asian Golden Weaver | Easy |
| Ashy Tailorbird | Easy |
| Great Tit | Easy |
| Ruby-throated Sunbird | Easy |
| Chestnut-headed Bee-eater | Hard |
| Collared Scop Owl | Easy |
| Barn Owl | Easy |
| Laced Woodpecker | Easy |
| Red-breasted Parakeet | Easy |
[1 Day] Tan Thanh – Go Cong Mudflat
Tan Thanh – Go Cong mudflat is a fantastic birding location in Vietnam that attracts a diverse range of shorebirds and waterbirds. This mudflat is located at the mouth of the Mekong River, and it is home to several species of waders, gulls, and terns. Some of the bird species that can be spotted here include the Black-winged Stilt, Red-necked Stint, Asian Dowitcher, and many more. This is an ideal location for birding enthusiasts who are interested in capturing stunning photographs of birds in their natural habitat.
Several bird highlights in Tan Thanh – Go Cong Mudflat
| Bird | Level |
| Spoon-billed Sandpiper | Hard |
| Nordmann’s Greenshank | Hard |
| Bar-tailed Godwit | Medium |
| Black-tailed Godwit | Medium |
| Far Eastern Curlew | Medium |
| Eurasian Curlew | Medium |
| Red-necked Phalarope | Medium |
| Ruddy Turnstone | Medium |
| Black-browed Reed Warbler | Medium |
| Baya Weaver | Easy |
| Ashy Tailorbird | Easy |
| Pied Bushchat | Hard |
| Ruby-throated Sunbird | Easy |
| Chestnut-headed Bee-eater | Hard |
| Collared Scop Owl | Easy |
| Barn Owl | Easy |
| Laced Woodpecker | Easy |
| Red-breasted Parakeet | Easy |
[1 Day] Ma Da National Reserve
Ma Da National Reserve is an ideal destination for bird enthusiasts who want to explore the natural beauty of Vietnam. Located in Dong Nai province, this protected area is home to over 300 species of birds, including some rare and endemic species such as Germain’s peacock pheasant, blue-rumped pitta, and orange-necked partridge.
The reserve offers a diverse range of habitats, including evergreen and deciduous forests, bamboo groves, and grasslands, making it a haven for birdlife. Visitors can explore the reserve on foot or by boat to spot a variety of birds in their natural habitat. With its stunning scenery and rich birdlife, Ma Da National Reserve is a must-visit destination for any birdwatcher visiting Vietnam.
Several bird highlights in Ma Da National Reserve
| Bird | Level |
| Germain’s Peacock Pheasant | Hard |
| Orange-necked Partrigde | Hard |
| Siamese Fireback | Medium |
| Bar-bellied Pitta | Medium |
| Blue-rumped Pitta | Medium |
| Yellow-breasted Magpie | Medium |
| Great Slaty Woodpecker | Medium |
| Black-and-buff Woodpecker | Medium |
| Heart-spotted Woodpecker | Medium |
| Dusky Broadbill | Easy |
| Banded Broadbill | Easy |
| White-crested Laughingthrush | Hard |
| Ruby-throated Sunbird | Easy |
| Chestnut-headed Bee-eater | Hard |
| Collared Scop Owl | Easy |
| Barn Owl | Easy |
| Laced Woodpecker | Easy |
| Red-breasted Parakeet | Easy |
[2 Days 1 Night] Dinh Mt. & Takou National Reserve
Dinh Mountain and Takou Mountain, located in the South-East of Vietnam, are known for their rich biodiversity and unique bird species. Birdwatchers can spot a wide variety of birds in these areas, including the stunning Crested Treeswift, White-breasted Waterhen, Blue-throated Bee-eater, and Silver-backed Needletail. The forests and grasslands surrounding these mountains provide excellent habitats for many bird species, making it a popular birdwatching destination in Vietnam. With the help of experienced guides, bird enthusiasts can explore the trails and capture amazing photos of these magnificent birds in their natural habitat.
Several bird highlights in Dinh Mt. & Takou National Reserve
| Bird | Level |
| White-breasted Waterhen | Hard |
| Crested Treeswift | Hard |
| Silver-backed Needletail | Medium |
| Black-winged Stilt | Easy |
| Barred Buttonquail | Medium |
| Small Pratincole | Hard |
| Barn Owl | Medium |
| Black-headed Woodpecker | Medium |
| White-bellied Woodpecker | Medium |
| Collared Falconet | Hard |
| Blossom-headed Parakeet | Hard |
| Red-breasted Parakeet | Medium |
| Vernal Hanging-Parrot | Medium |
| Rufous Treepie | Hard |
| Oriental Skylark | Easy |
| Annam Prinia | Hard |
| Oriental Greenfinch | Medium |
| Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker | Easy |
[3 Days 2 Nights] Cat Tien National Park
Cat Tien National Park is a renowned birding destination in Vietnam, offering a diverse range of bird species to spot and photograph. During a 3-day 2-night tour, visitors can explore the park’s various habitats, including evergreen and deciduous forests, grasslands, and wetlands, which are home to a wide range of birdlife. Some of the bird species to look out for include Germain’s Peacock Pheasant, Orange-necked Partridge, Blue-rumped Pitta, and Black-and-red Broadbill. In addition to birding, visitors can also participate in other activities such as wildlife spotting, hiking, and night safaris. Cat Tien National Park is an ideal destination for birding enthusiasts looking for an immersive experience in the wild.
Several bird highlights in Cat Tien National Park
| Bird | Level |
| Germain’s Peacock Pheasant | Easy |
| Orange-necked Partridge | Hard |
| Blue-rumped Pitta | Medium |
| Bar-bellied Pitta | Easy |
| Green Peafowl | Easy |
| Chinese Francolin | Hard |
| Siamese Fireback | Medium |
| Lesser Adjutant Stork | Hard |
| Wolly-necked Stork | Hard |
| Asian Openbill Stork | Hard |
| Painted Stork | Hard |
| Banded Kingfisher | Hard |
| Ashy-headed Green Pigeon | Medium |
| Oriental Bay Owl | Medium |
| Collared Scop Owl | Medium |
| Barn Owl | Medium |
| Javan Frogmouth | Hard |
| Great-eared Nightjar | Medium |
| Orange-breasted Trogon | Hard |
| Great Hornbill | Hard |
| Oriental Pied Hornbill | Medium |
| Blue-eared Kingfisher | Medium |
| Black-backed Kingfisher | Medium |
| Banded Kingfisher | Medium |
| Stork-billed Kingfisher | Hard |
| Pied Kingfisher | Hard |
| White-bellied Woodpecker | Medium |
| Laced Woodpecker | Medium |
| Pale-headed Woodpecker | Hard |
| Black-headed Woodpecker | Hard |
| Black-and-buff Woodpecker | Medium |
| Heart-spotted Woodpecker | Hard |
| Great Slaty Woodpecker | Hard |
| Collared Falconet | Medium |
| Red-breasted Parakeet | Medium |
| Black-and-red Broadbill | Easy |
| Banded Broadbill | Medium |
| Dusky Broadbill | Hard |
| Asian Paradise Flycatcher | Hard |
| Purple-naped Sunbird | Medium |
[4 Days 3 Nights] Dalat Plateau
Dalat Plateau is a great destination for birding enthusiasts looking to explore Vietnam’s avian treasures. Located in the Central Highlands, the area is home to over 300 species of birds, including the Vietnamese Greenfinch, Bar-backed Parttrigde, and the Long-tailed Broadbill. During a 4-day 3-night birding tour, visitors can explore the natural beauty of the region, including the scenic landscapes of the Pongour Waterfall and the Lang Bian Mountain. With the help of experienced guides, birders can spot a variety of bird species while enjoying the fresh mountain air and beautiful surroundings.
Several bird highlights in Dalat Plateau
| Bird | Level |
| Germain’s Peacock Pheasant | Hard |
| Bar-backed Partridge | Hard |
| Mountain Imperial Pigeon | Hard |
| Asian Barred Owlet | Medium |
| Mountain Scops Owl | Medium |
| Collared Scops Owl | Medium |
| Oriental Scops Owl | Medium |
| Collared Owlet | Medium |
| Brown Hawk Owl (Brown Boobook) | Hard |
| Hodgson’s Frogmouth | Hard |
| Great-eared Nightjar | Medium |
| Red-headed Trogon | Hard |
| Orange-breasted Trogon | Medium |
| Blyth’s Kingfisher | Hard |
| Banded Kingfisher | Medium |
| Golden-throated Barbet | Medium |
| Indochinese Barbet | Medium |
| Blue-eared Barbet | Medium |
| Great Slaty Woodpecker | Hard |
| White-bellied Woodpecker | Hard |
| Long-tailed Broadbill | Medium |
| Silver-breasted Broadbill | Medium |
| Rusty-naped Pitta | Hard |
| Blue-rumped Pitta | Hard |
| Blue Pitta | Hard |
| White-browed Shrike Babbler | Hard |
| Chestnut-fronted Shrike Babbler | Hard |
| Maroon Oriole | Medium |
| Asian Paradise Flycatcher | Hard |
| Common Green Magpie | Hard |
| Yellow-breasted Magpie | Hard |
| Sultan Tit | Medium |
| Green-backed Tit | Medium |
| Yellow-cheeked Tit | Medium |
| Black-throated Tit | Easy |
| Chestnut-vented Nuthatch | Easy |
| Yellow-bellied Nuthatch | Easy |
| Brown-throated Treecreeper | Hard |
| Pygmy Cupwing | Hard |
| Grey-bellied Tesia | Medium |
| Moutain Tailorbird | Medium |
| Chestnut-crowed Warbler | Medium |
| Dalat Bush Warbler | Medium |
| Annam Prinia | Hard |
| Black-headed Parrotbill | Hard |
| Red-billed Scimitar Babbler | Hard |
| White-browed Scimitar Babbler | Hard |
| Collared Babbler | Hard |
| Black-crowned Fulvetta | Easy |
| Eye-browed Wren Babbler | Hard |
| Indochinese Wren Babbler | Hard |
| Streak Wren Babbler | Hard |
| Vietnamese Cutia | Hard |
| Black-hooded Laughingthrush | Medium |
| Orange-breasted Laughingthrush | Hard |
| White-cheeked Laughingthrush | Easy |
| Collared Laughingthrush | Easy |
| Black-headed Sibia | Easy |
| Silver-eared Mesia | Medium |
| Grey-crowned Crocias | Hard |
| Blue-winged Minla | Hard |
| Spotted Forktail | Hard |
| Grey Bushchat | Easy |
| Black-throated Sunbird | Easy |
| Mrs Gould’s Sunbird | Easy |
| Streak Spiderhunter | Easy |
| Vietnamese Greenfinch | Easy |
| Red Crossbill | Medium |
Conclusion
Vietnam is home to over 900 species of birds, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers and photographers. Short birding tours lasting 3-5 days are perfect for those short on time, allowing visitors to focus on a specific region and maximize their chances of seeing as many bird species as possible. Tours include guided birding walks, early morning birding sessions, and boat trips to wetland areas. Several birding destinations include Can Gio Mangrove, Tan Thanh – Go Cong Mudflat, Ma Da National Reserve, and Dinh Mt. & Takou National Reserve, each offering unique bird species and habitats to explore.
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