Through the Clouds: 2-Day Tam Dao Birding Tour

Join us on a two-day birding journey into the spectacular misty highlands of Tam Dao National Park, a montane and bamboo forest home to some of northern Vietnam’s most elusive and sought-after species. Perched high above the Red River Delta, Tam Dao’s evergreen forests host a unique mix of subtropical and temperate birds, many of which are seldom seen elsewhere in the country.

This tour begins with an early departure from Hanoi, reaching Tam Dao a bit after dawn. The first day focuses on the low and mid-elevation trails, where cool air and frequent low clouds create an ethereal backdrop for birding. Here, we search for targets such as Golden-throated Barbet, Black-throated Laughingthrush, Blue-throated Barbet, Asian Emerald Dove and more. 

In the later morning, we transfer up to the summit of the morning, where we begin searching for regional specialties such as Chestnut Bulbul, Collared Babbler, Rufous-headed Parrotbill, and the highly prized Blue-naped Pitta, along with Short-tailed Parrotbill and Grey Laughingthrush in dense forest understorey. While conditions can be challenging for photography, the rewards can be exceptional for those with patience and persistence.

After a full day, we settle in for the night at a mountaintop lodge in Tam Dao town. The evening offers time to relax, enjoy cool mountain air and watch the horizon for migrating raptors and swifts. 

Day two begins with an early breakfast, followed by one of the more challenging hikes in Vietnam’s birding scene, the ascent toward the summit. This rewarding climb leads into quieter, less-disturbed habitats where birders may encounter rarities such as Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, David’s Fulvetta, Black-throated Sunbird, Purple Cochoa, Green Cochoa, and winter visitors like Tristram’s Bunting, along with the key species targeted the previous day.

By late afternoon, we descend from the clouds and return to Hanoi, completing a demanding but solid highland birding expedition through one of northern Vietnam’s most species-rich forests.

Featuring our expert bird guide, private transport, overnight accommodation, all meals, spotting scope, and detailed eBird checklist, this is a signature highland birding tour, challenging, rewarding, and filled with the magic of Tam Dao’s cloud forests.