Bach Ma Wildlife Tours
Birding — Mammal Watching — Herping — Butterflies & More
A fully private and customisable wildlife tour in one of Indochina’s premier national parks, tailored to your ideal length, pace and targets. Whether a quick 2-day adventure or an immersive week long experience, we craft the perfect itinerary to match your interests.
Details
Summary
– Flexible Tour Lengths: Short 2-4 day options or fully customised extended trips available
– Bookings Available Year-Round
– Includes all meals, accommodation, guide, driver and more
– Departs from Da Nang, Hoi An or Hue
– Private tours for individuals or small groups with options for larger groups available upon request
Prices (for standard 3-day tour):
Single Person: $740 per person
Group of 2: $468 per person
Group of 3: $390 per person
Group of 4: $342 per person
Bach Ma Wildlife Tours
Tour Code: TTH0201
Summary
Join us on our classic 3-day/2-night tour (other lengths on request) of the stunning Bach Ma National Park in Central Vietnam. Whether your interest lies in birds, mammals, herps, butterflies, plants, or a combination of these, this tour is perfect for experiencing the region’s wildlife in one of the last protected ecosystems of the globally unique Annamite Mountains. Tailored to your interests and specialties, you’ll spend your time alongside a dedicated private guide and driver, tracking down your target species.
The tour can begin from Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, or other locations upon request. Over three days, you’ll enjoy wildlife watching in diverse habitats, including montane and evergreen forests, lowland forests, paddy fields, and grasslands. Spotlighting sessions are included on the first and second nights as required. Our team provides red-light torches, headlamps, and uses thermal scopes for mammal-watching experiences. Those interested in moths and other nocturnal insect life, we can also provide a moth sheet and LepiLED Lamp on request.
Each experience is customised to meet your requirements, comfort and targets. If photography is your passion, we can provide portable bird blinds/hides (please note, we do not bait birds on our tours). This tour is perfect for general naturalists, hardcore twitchers, mammal watchers with specific targets and more.
Stay in charming French-styled villas near the summit, equipped with clean rooms and basic amenities. All meals and non-alcoholic drinks are included. This tour can be customised with additional days and/or linked with other Next Continent tours upon request. Experience the best of Bach Ma’s fauna and natural beauty in this expertly crafted and customised wildlife adventure.
Top Target Birds
Bach Ma has recorded over 350 different species of bird, living up to its reputation as one of Vietnam’s premiere birding locations. Some of the most frequently targeted and specialist species include: Rufous-throated Partridge, Silver Pheasant, Hodgson’s Frogmouth, Silver-backed Needletail, Mountain Scops Owl, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Red-headed Trogon, Brown Hornbill, Blue-rumped Pitta, Bar-bellied Pitta, Long-tailed Broadbill, Silver-breasted Broadbill, Ratchet-tailed Creepier, White-winged Magpie, Indochinese Green Magpie, Sultan Tit, Golden Babbler, Streaked Wren-babbler, Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush, Black-throated Laughingthrush, White-gorgeted Flycatcher, Mountain Fulvetta, and Red-flanked Bluetail. A comprehensive list can be viewed on eBird.
A typical 3-day tour (season depending) can see us target around 50-100 Annamite Range specialist species. More specialist targets can include Vietnamese Crested Argus (though we now recommend elsewhere for this species — contact us for more details) and Red-collared Woodpecker.
Top Target Mammals
Bach Ma is home to a diverse range of mammals, including some that are particularly difficult to find elsewhere, such as the Northern Yellow-cheeked Gibbon and Annamite Muntjac. For the best chances of observing a greater variety of species, we recommend a 3-day, 2-night itinerary, as many specialist targets require time and patience. Our mammal-focused tours primarily take place during early morning and late-night spotlighting sessions to maximise sightings.
Primates: Red-shanked Douc Langur, Northern Yellow-cheeked Gibbon, Stump-tailed Macaque, Southern Pygmy Slow Loris
Deer: Annamite Muntjac
Rodents: Maritime Striped Squirrel, Cambodian Striped Squirrel, Pallas’ Squirrel, Black Giant Squirrel, Asian Red-necked Squirrel, Common Giant Flying Squirrel, Lang Bian White-bellied Rat, Lesser Ricefield Rat
Mustelids: Yellow-throated Marten, Small-toothed Ferret Badger
Civets: Southeast Asian Palm Civet, Asian Palme Civet, Small-toothed Palm Civet
Bats: Intermediate Horseshoe Bat, Pearson’s Horseshoe Bat, Ratanaworabhan’s Fruit Bat
Shrews: Asian House Shrew
Top Target Herps
Herping in Bach Ma National Park can be an exceptionally rewarding experience, as the park is home to a rich diversity of remarkable species, including many endemics found only in the Annamite Mountains. As with most herping in Indochina, the majority of the tour takes place after dark when target species are most active, especially during the hotter months. Below are some of our more regularly encountered and requested target species.
Lizards: Gia Lai Pricklenape, South-East Asian Green Grass Lizard, Burmese False Bloodsucker, Thua Thien-Hue Bent-toed Gecko, Bronze Mabuya
Snakes: Big-eyed Bamboo Snake, Vogel’s Pit Viper, Collared Black-headed Snake, Oriental Whipsnake, Chinese Mountain Pit Viper, Red River Krait, Gonyosoma coeruleum, Painted Bronzeback, Golden Tree Snake, Collared Reed Snake, Common Mock Viper, Rendahl’s Wolf Snake, Calamaria concolor, Tai-yong Keelback
Tortoises: Impressed Tortoise, Elongated Tortoise, Big-headed Turtle
Frogs: Nanohyla marmorata, Kurixalus banaensis, Limnonectes kiziriani, Similar Frog, Ophryphryne hansi, Leptobrachium banae, Spot-legged Tree Frog, Quasipaa verrucospinosa, Tiny Bubble-nest Frog, Vietnamese Bug-eyed Frog
Other Notable Species
Like many national parks and wilderness areas in Vietnam, Bach Ma National Park boasts an extraordinary diversity of specialist wildlife groups, making it a prime destination for those with niche interests. The park is home to a remarkable array of butterflies, moths, spiders, beetles, gastropods, and exceptional plant species, many of which are found almost exclusively in the Annamite Mountains. We are the only organization currently operating in Vietnam that coordinates specialist tours for these taxa, though advance booking is highly recommended. Below are some of the key target species across different groups:
Lepidoptera: Common Earl, Common Mormon Swallowtail, Four-bar Swordtail, Grey Count, Jungle Glory, Laced Fritillary, Large Faun, Oriental Jungle Queen, Paris Peacock Swallowtail, Red-breast Jezebel, Red Helen Swallowtail, Spangle Swallowtail, Three-coloured Kaiser, Tropical Swallowtail Moth, Blue Admiral, Fascellina chromataria, Malaysian Moon Moth, Pogonopygia nigralbata, Psilalcis vietnamensis, Teulisna tumida, Urapteroides astheniata, White Dragontail Butterfly, Yam Hawkmoth, Arna bipunctapex
Odonata: Common Picture Wing, Crimson-tailed Marsh Hawk, Euphaea masoni, Saddlebag Glider, Slender Skimmer
Spiders: Asian Hermit Spider, Cyriopagopus (Bach Ma), Giant Golden Orbweaver, Pantropical Huntsman Spider
Other Bugs & Insects: Armed Spiny Ant, Becquartina electa, Formotosena maculata, Iridescent Tiger Beetle, Red Palm Weevil, Scolopendra hainanum, Spinohirasea bengalensis, Vietnamese Centipede
Worms: Shovel-headed Garden Worm
Plants: Appleton’s Paphiopedilum, Bamboo Orchid, Cerulean Flax-Lily, Creeping Psychotria, Doederlein’s Spikemoss, False Staghorn Fern, Giant Fishtail Palm, Golden Trumpet, Hanging Bell Enkianthus, Inchplant, Jungle Flame, Lilac Tasselflower, Platanthera angustata, Red Azalea, Rhaphidophora decursiva, Staghorn Clubmoss, Tropical Sundew, Turkey Berry
Tour Pace
Conditions in Bach Ma are typically Easy to Moderate with nice, well-maintained paths and roads for easy walking. However, it should be noted that there are some optional steep climbs and more-demanding tracks.
Group Size
Private tours for individuals or small groups with options for larger groups available upon request
Habitats
Bach Ma National Park encompasses a diverse range of habitats, with our tours primarily focusing on the higher elevations, where montane and evergreen forests dominate. However, in the southern areas and near the park entrance, we may also explore lowland forests, paddy fields and cultivated land
Climate & Weather Conditions
Cool and temperate year-round. Misty mornings with frequent fog in the highlands. Humid conditions with regular rain showers, especially from October to December.
Tour Inclusions
- Private guide specialising in wildlife and natural history
- Dedicated driver for convenience
- All accommodation whilst on tour
- Pickup and drop-off from your accommodation
- All meals (B, L, D)
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Water bottles and snacks available in the vehicle
- All necessary entrance tickets and permits
- Comprehensive insurance coverage
- First aid and a COVID-safe environment
Other Attractions
Five Lakes Trail, Đỗ Quyên Waterfall, Hai Vong Dai Peak
Photography Opportunites & Notes
Superb opportunities, though with moderate difficulty with standard forest conditions. As photography opportunity is highly variably depending on target species and time of year, this is best discussed with the Next Continent team directly
Related Tours & Experiences
If you’re interested in other natural history tours around the Central Vietnam area, we suggest exploring the options below to complement your trip to Bach Ma. Let us know if you’re considering multiple tours, as we may be able to create a tailored package for you.
Adventure through Son Tra to see and photograph the endangered Red-shanked Douc Langur with options for half-day, full-day and motorbike tours.
Explore the diverse birding opportunities of Central Vietnam’s coastal regions, mountain forests and expansive wetlands. Choose from Half-Day, Full-Day, Spotlighting or Custom Tours.
Embark on a journey to the heart of Son Tra Peninsula with our full-day nature expedition. Experience spectacular wildlife and Vietnam’s stunning rainforest against the azure backdrop of Da Nang Bay
Why Choose Us?
Our Bach Ma Wildlife Tours offer an immersive and comprehensive wildlife experience in one of Indochina’s most breathtaking landscapes. Led by expert guides with extensive specialist training, this tour is ideal for passionate wildlife enthusiasts and specialists eager to explore the rich biodiversity of the Annamite Range. We cater to birders, mammal watchers, herpers, butterfly enthusiasts, botanists, wildlife photographers, and all naturalists in between.
With in-depth knowledge of the park’s trails, conditions, and ecosystems, our guides ensure you encounter the best that Bach Ma has to offer. Before your tour, you’re welcome to consult with your guide to discuss target species, tour conditions, or any other aspect to personalise your experience.
Whether you’re capturing stunning wildlife photos or aiming to add new species to your list, our team is committed to providing a seamless experience, with tailored service and 24/7 support. We’re dedicated to making your journey as enjoyable as it is memorable.
Beyond Bach Ma, we offer a range of custom eco-tours throughout Vietnam, designed to help you discover the country’s natural wonders and wildlife. From trekking to birdwatching, our tours are crafted with the same expertise and attention to detail, ensuring unforgettable adventures aligned with your interests.
Tailor Your Experience
Looking to enhance your experience? Whether it’s adding an extra day, making an additional stop, arranging pick-up from a distant location, hiring a camera, or combining your tour with another one of our amazing experiences, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch today, and let our experts craft a private, customised itinerary with dates and prices tailored to your needs
Tour Reviews
Still have questions? Get in touch with us directly
- [email protected]
- WhatsApp / Zalo: (+84) 328 955 019
- Frequently Asked Questions
