Vietnam has rapidly emerged as one of Asia’s most exciting birding destinations, offering a remarkable mix of Indochinese endemics, localized specialties, and charismatic mammals set against a backdrop of lush tropical forests, scenic highlands, and dramatic limestone landscapes.

We begin in Ho Chi Minh City, traveling to the superb Cat Tien National Park, one of Southeast Asia’s most biodiverse reserves. Here, we’ll explore lowland tropical forest and riverine habitats for a dazzling array of species, including Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant, Green Peafowl, Siamese Fireback, Bar-bellied and Blue-rumped Pittas, and the localized, Orange-necked Partridge. Other highlights may include Orange-breasted Trogon, Black-and-buff Woodpecker, and a wide variety of broadbills and bulbuls. Night excursions offer chances for Great Eared Nightjar, Collared Scops Owl, and possibly Blyth’s Frogmouth. Mammals are a real draw here too - Southern Yellow-cheeked Crested Gibbon and the critically endangered, Black-shanked Douc are both possible, along with macaques, civets, and even Pygmy Slow Loris.

From Cat Tien, we ascend into the cooler highlands, visiting Di Linh and the charming hill town of Da Lat. These areas are home to Vietnam’s most sought-after endemics and near-endemics, such as Collared Laughingthrush, Grey-crowned Crocias, Black-crowned Fulvetta, Vietnamese Cutia, Vietnamese Greenfinch, and Black-headed Parrotbill. We’ll explore a mix of pine forest and montane evergreen habitats where mixed flocks and colourful sunbirds, laughingthrushes, and minivets abound.

Continuing north, we fly to Da Nang to spend time birding in Bach Ma National Park, where specialties like Annam Partridge, Short-tailed Scimitar-Babbler, and Black-browed Fulvetta await, alongside the striking Silver Pheasant. A highlight here is the chance to see primates such as Red-shanked Douc and Northern Yellow-cheeked Gibbon in their natural habitat.

Our journey concludes in the dramatic karst landscapes of Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, home to some of Vietnam’s most restricted-range species, including the near-endemic Sooty Babbler and the recently described Limestone Leaf Warbler. This park also holds Austen’s Brown Hornbill, White-winged Magpie, and rare primates like Hatinh Langur.

With its combination of spectacular scenery, comfortable accommodations, and an outstanding suite of birds and mammals, this Relaxed tour is the perfect way to discover the natural wonders of Vietnam at a measured pace.