[7-Day] Herping Tour from Cat Tien to Dalat: Exploring the hidden reptiles & amphibians of Cat Tien & Dalat

About the herping tour from Cat Tien to Dalat

Join us on a 7-Day Herping Tour From Cat Tien to Dalat to explore the hidden reptiles and amphibians under the dense rainforests of Cat Tien National Park to the misty highlands of the Dalat Plateau—two of the most diverse herpetofauna hotspots in Vietnam.

The journey starts in Cat Tien National Park, a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO. As night falls, it’s time for the world of herpetofauna to wake up. You’ll hear frogs calling from hidden ponds, geckos climbing tree trunks, and snakes moving quietly through the leaves. With our expert guides, you’ll step into this nighttime world and see creatures most people never get to find.

From Cat Tien’s warm lowland forests, the journey continues to the Dalat Plateau, where cooler air and mist create a whole new landscape. Here, in the misty forests, you’ll find colorful frogs, rare lizards, and gliding geckos hiding among mossy trees and trickling streams.

Guided by our experts during the peak rainy season, every night brings something new to discover. Whether spotting a camouflaged snake or watching a tiny frog balance on a leaf, this 7-day herping tour from Cat Tien to Da Lat promises to take you deep into Vietnam’s wildlife, revealing the incredible reptiles and amphibians that call these forests home.

Best time for the 7-Day herping tour from Cat Tien to Dalat

The best time for going on this 7-Day herping tour from Cat Tien to Dalat is during the rainy season, which typically runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is warm and humid, providing ideal conditions for amphibians and reptiles to be active and visible.

Additionally, the increased rainfall during this time leads to more vegetation growth, which in turn attracts more insects and other prey species for the herps to feed on. It’s important to note that while the rainy season is the best time for herping, it’s also the time of year when the trails and roads in these areas can be more difficult to navigate due to the wet conditions.

Itinerary of the herping tour from Cat Tien to Dalat

Here follows the itinerary of our herping tours in Vietnam with Southern Park

Day 1 (9:00 to ± midnight): Ho Chi Minh city – Nui Dinh

Pỉck up you at Ho Chi Minh city or Tan San Nhat Airport then we take 1.5 hours drive to Nui Dinh for a bit of wildlife and prepare for Herping with our expert guide.

Day 2 (9:00 to ± midnight): Nui Dinh – Ma Da

During our expedition, we will visit various locations, each with its own unique and diverse herpetofauna. The journey will begin at the Dinh mountain range where we will explore the forested hillsides to find some of the rarest reptiles and amphibians in the country.

Day 3 (9:00 to ± midnight): Ma Da

Next, we will travel to Ma Da Nature Reserve which is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including numerous endemic species of reptiles and amphibians. Here, we will embark on a herping expedition to observe various reptiles and amphibians, including some of the rarest and most sought-after species.

Day 4 (9:00 to ± midnight): Cat Tien

The tour will then take us to the well-known Cat Tien National Park, which is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including reptiles and amphibians. We will explore the lush forests, streams, and wetlands to observe the region’s unique and fascinating herpetofauna.

Day 5 (9:00 to ± midnight): Di Linh

Day 6 (9:00 to ± midnight): Di Linh

Afterward, we will visit the Di Linh – San pass, an area that is not only famous for its stunning views but also for its rich diversity of reptiles and amphibians. We will explore the area’s streams, ponds, and wetlands in search of rare and endemic species.

Day 7 (9:00 to ± afternoon): Dalat

Finally, our expedition will conclude Dalat Plateau. The area is known for its high diversity of reptiles and amphibians, including many endemic and rare species. We will explore the nearby forests and wetlands to observe some of the most fascinating species of reptiles and amphibians in the country.

End tour at Lien Khuong Airport

How much does the 7-day herping tour from Cat Tien to Dalat cost?

These are the rates (per person, per day) for our herping tour package based on your group size. Followed by a list of what is included. And feel free to check out our other packages in Ma Da, below.