Vietnam Birding Tours

Expert Birding Tours for Endemics, Rarities, Photography & More

Experience the best of birding in Vietnam with Next Continent, a leading provider of world-class birdwatching tours. With over 60 expertly crafted itineraries, ranging from short day outings and multi-day experiences to extensive country-wide expeditions, we offer the widest selection and greatest diversity of birding opportunities in the region. Vietnam is home to over 900 bird species, including a remarkable number of endemics and near-endemics. Whether you’re chasing lifers, focused on photography, or looking for a custom or specialist trips, our expert-guided tours are designed to help you experience the best of Southeast Asia’s premier birding destination. 

Details

Summary:
— Vietnam’s Largest Selection of Birding Tours: 60+ expertly crafted itineraries for every interest and level
— Year-Round Departures: Flexible scheduling across all seasons
— All-Inclusive Trips: Meals, transport, accommodation, permits — all covered
— Tours Across Vietnam: From north to south, we cover all birding regions with departures from all major cities
— Expert Guides: Professionally trained and conservation-minded
— Private & Small Group Options: Personalised attention for individuals, pairs, and custom groups
— Tailored Experiences: Specialist tours for photographers, lifers, and first-time birders alike

Vietnam Birding Tours

Code: VNAC01 | Categories: Birding | Locations: Vietnam

Summary

Welcome to Vietnam – Southeast Asia’s Premier Birding Destination

Endemic-rich, welcoming, and one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, Vietnam is home to over 900 bird species, including more than 40 species/subspecies endemics, with new discoveries and taxonomic updates emerging each year. From its misty northern mountains to lowland forests and the expansive wetlands of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam offers some of the most exciting and rewarding birding opportunities in Asia.

Once an under-the-radar location, Vietnam has quickly become one of the globe’s top birding & wildlife watching destinations, drawing attention from birders, photographers, and naturalists alike. With an incredible diversity of landscapes and a growing reputation for lifer-rich expeditions, it’s a must-visit for anyone serious about birding in Southeast Asia.

This page is your gateway to birding in Vietnam with Next Continent — a top-rated, award-winning birding and wildlife tour operator delivering world-class birdwatching experiences across the country. Drawing on years of experience and extensive field expertise, we’ve curated Vietnam’s largest and most diverse collection of birding tours and itineraries. From single-day outings to cross-country expeditions, private photography tours to endemic-focused adventures, we offer expert-led, conservation-minded experiences tailored to every level of interest, from passionate birders to wildlife-loving travellers. 

Join us and experience Vietnam at its wildest and most extraordinary — with Next Continent, you’re in expert hands.

By far one of the most sought-after and iconic species of Vietnam, the stunning Green Peafowl. A truly spectacular species that features as a signature target on several of our tours.

Find Your Perfect Vietnam Birding Tour

This page offers a comprehensive overview of the extraordinary birding opportunities Vietnam has to offer, Below, you’ll find our tours organised by region, as well as by category (including extended journeys, group tours, and photography expeditions) making it easy to find options that align with your interests and travel plans.

With over 60~ unique tour options and countless ways to customise or combine them with our mammal watching, primate spotting, herping, cultural experiences, and more, it’s impossible to capture everything in just one summary. We encourage you to explore the detailed pages and when you’re ready, reach out so we can assist in crafting the perfect itinerary tailored specifically to your goals and interests. To see our entire catalogue, simply visit our main tour page. 

For guests seeking a more personalised experience, whether combining birding with mammals or focusing on photography, we’re happy to design a custom tour that suits your pace and preferences. All our tours are built on years of field expertise and crafted to connect you with Vietnam’s incredible biodiversity, including regional endemics and other priority species.

If you have any questions or need advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you create an unforgettable birding adventure.

Major Destinations & Cities

Discover the extraordinary biodiversity of Cát Tiên National Park, Vietnam’s premier destination for birding and wildlife watching. We offer a range of expertly guided tours that showcase the park’s birding highlights, with a special focus on regional endemics, elusive forest species, and unbeatable opportunities for wildlife photography. Our most popular option is the all-inclusive 3-Day Birding Tour, though we also offer a variety of shorter, customisable experiences, including combination tours that feature primates, herps, and other fascinating wildlife.

Explore the diverse and spectacular birding opportunities of Vietnam’s endemic-rich hotspot, the Da Lat Plateau. This highland region is a must-visit for birders seeking rare and localised species in stunning montane habitats. We offer a wide range of exclusive single & multi-day tours, including endemic-focused itineraries, custom target trips, wildlife photography experiences, and night spotlighting adventures. Whether you’re chasing lifers, building your photo portfolio, or after a tailored experience, Da Lat delivers world-class birding. Our most popular experiences include The Endemic Birds of Da Lat: Comprehensive 4-Day Tour and Da Lat After Dark: Owls & Nightjars Spotlighting Tour.

Explore the diverse birding opportunities of Da Nang and Central Vietnam, from coastal wetlands and lowland forests to dry scrublands, evergreen mountain ranges, and the spectacular peaks of the Annamites. We offer a curated selection of single and multi-day tours, including our exclusive Hoi An Birding Cruise, the 3-Day Bach Ma Birding Tour, and popular spotlighting experiences in both Da Nang and Hoi An. Custom photography outings and combination itineraries are also available, ensuring a world-class birding experience for every interest and schedule.

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic city, welcoming over 7 million international visitors annually. Despite its urban scale, some of the country’s top birding hotspots lie right on the city’s doorstep, perfect for both quick tours and extended, world-class birding expeditions. We offer a diverse range of single and multi-day tours, including our highly popular Mangroves, Wetlands & Tidal Flats: Can Gio Birding Day Tour, the sought-after Spoon-billed Sandpiper Day Tour, as well as spotlighting outings, custom tours, and photography days. Ho Chi Minh City also serves as the launch point for many of our signature itineraries, such as The Best of Southern Vietnam: 10-Day Comprehensive Birding Tour and the Vietnam Pitta Photography Tour: 7-Day Birding Expedition, with easy access to nearby hotspots like the Mekong Delta and Cat Tien National Park.

From Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, a wide variety of birding experiences are available, from short day trips to multi-day excursions and extended travel options. This region is one of the most rewarding in the country, offering the chance to encounter a diverse mix of species from overlapping ecological zones. Here, southern Chinese specialities meet Himalayan birds, along with northern endemics where the Annamites blend into the limestone forests of northern Vietnam. Seasonal visitors, such as shorebirds and other migratory species, also pass through during the winter months. Popular trips include Ba Vi National Park, Tam Dao National Park, Cuc Phuong National Park, night spotlighting tours in Hanoi, and the productive local hotspot of Banana Island. Our most popular option is the Ninh Binh Nature Tour: Langurs, Limestone Karst and Wetland Wonders, which showcases wetland species, limestone specialists, and the critically endangered Delacour’s Langur.

Mekong Delta Birding Tours

The Mekong Delta is a vast, ecologically rich region in southern Indochina, renowned for its exceptional avian biodiversity and some of the finest birding opportunities in Vietnam. With over 400 recorded species, the delta features key sites such as the spectacular Tràm Chim National Park, extensive coastal reserves, and the bustling breeding colonies of herons, egrets, and storks at Trà Sư Bird Sanctuary. Depending on the season, a typical day tour can yield 100+ species, making it one of Southeast Asia’s premier birding destinations. We offer a wide range of flexible and customisable experiences — from our signature 3-Day Tràm Chim National Park Tour and Spoon-billed Sandpiper Day Tours, to specialised photography outings and fully tailored adventures to match your interests.

Photography Expeditions, Extended Trips and Group Tours

Wild Vietnam: 25-Day Grand Birding Expedition

An epic, all-inclusive journey through Vietnam’s most iconic birding sites, this 25-day expedition features the very best birding Vietnam has to offer. With two expert guides and a maximum of six participants, you’ll explore the nation’s richest birding regions, from limestone karsts and lowland forests to the remote peaks of the Annamites, on a countrywide search for nearly 500 species, including all recognised endemic species & subspecies. Timed for peak bird activity and designed for serious birders, this is the most comprehensive Vietnam birding tour available. Upcoming tour dates (2027) to be release soon.

The Best of Northern Vietnam Birding: Montane Forests, Limestone Karsts and Alpine Peaks

A focused birding adventure through the dramatic landscapes of northern Vietnam, this private 9-day tour explores a rich variety of habitats, from misty montane forests and karst valleys to high alpine ridges near the Chinese border. Targeting key regional specialities, endemics, and distinctive subspecies, it offers excellent chances for rare and localised birds in some of Vietnam’s most scenic and species-rich environments. Ideal for those seeking an immersive short-format birding experience with expert guiding and flexible pacing.

The Best of Southern Vietnam: 10-Day Comprehensive Birding Tour

One of our most popular and comprehensive birding tours, this 10-day private journey explores the rich lowland and montane ecosystems of southern Vietnam in search of regional endemics, near-endemics, and standout specialties. From the iconic forests of Cat Tien National Park to the cool highlands of the Da Lat Plateau, you’ll encounter a wide range of habitats and species, including pittas, laughingthrushes, pheasants, shorebirds, hornbills and more. Expertly guided and ideal for individuals or small groups, it’s the perfect introduction to the best birding southern Vietnam has to offer.

Vietnam Pitta Photography Tour: 7-Day Birding Expedition

A dedicated bird photography expedition focused on Vietnam’s most photogenic and sought-after pittas, this 7-day tour is perfect for solo travellers, couples, and small photography groups. With expert local guides and access to our own private ethical photography hides, you’ll have exceptional chances to capture stunning images of Rusty-naped, Blue-rumped, Blue, Bar-bellied, and Blue-winged Pittas, alongside a suite of other colourful forest species. Fast-paced but flexible, this specialised tour combines rewarding birding with outstanding photographic opportunities in some of Vietnam’s richest lowland habitats.

The Ultimate Vietnam Bird Photography Expedition: Cat Tien & Da Lat

Designed for serious bird photographers, this ultimate 7-day expedition combines the lowland rainforests of Cat Tien with the cool montane forests of the Da Lat Plateau, Vietnam’s two most productive bird photography destinations. Led by expert photography guides and with exclusive access to our own network of ethical private hides, you’ll enjoy carefully crafted shooting opportunities for a wide range of regional specialties, from jewel-like pittas and broadbills to laughingthrushes, woodpeckers, and barbets. Whether you’re after clean backgrounds, close encounters, or natural behaviour in perfect light, this tour delivers a premium photographic experience across two of Vietnam’s richest ecosystems.

Kingfishers of Vietnam: 7-Day Photography Tour

A vibrant and fast-paced bird photography tour focused entirely on Vietnam’s dazzling diversity of kingfishers, this 7-day expedition is ideal for solo photographers, couples, and specialist photo groups. With expert guides, custom hide setups, and boat trips for up-close action on the water, you’ll have outstanding opportunities to photograph Blue-eared, Black-backed Dwarf, Banded, Stork-billed, and Pied Kingfishers, alongside Common, White-throated, Black-capped, and Collared. Designed for the best light, angles, and repeat encounters, this tour offers a richly rewarding experience with some of Asia’s most striking birds.

Ready to Start Planning?

Now that you’ve explored our key regions and popular birding tours, the next step is to connect with our expert team. Whether you’re ready to book, want to customise one of the options above, or simply have questions, we’re here to help.

In addition to our extensive tour catalogue, we also offer flexible private half-day, full-day, and custom birding experiences across the country—perfect for short visits or travellers with specific goals in mind. If you’re considering a destination outside our standard tour areas, just let us know. The best way to get started is by filling out our quick booking form or contacting us directly.

We also offer one-on-one consultations via phone or Zoom, giving you the chance to meet our team and begin planning your trip in a practical, personal way.

To help us tailor your experience, consider the following:

  • Destinations: Where would you like to go?

  • Duration: Are you looking for a half-day or full-day outing, or a longer, multi-day journey across different regions?

  • Target Species: Do you have specific birds in mind such as endemics, lifers, or priority species, or are you focused on bird photography?

  • Other Wildlife Interests: Would you like to include mammals, reptiles, or other natural highlights alongside birding?

  • Travel Dates: When are you planning your visit?

  • Additional Info: Is there anything else we should know to create your ideal tour?

  • Tour Options: Have you explored all our available tours? You might find a perfect fit, or we can help you combine several into one seamless itinerary.

The Banded Broadbill is among the most colourful and striking broadbills of lowland and deciduous forests. They're always a standout and a regular highlight from our birding tours

Why Choose Next Continent?

We pride ourselves on offering high-quality birding tours that go beyond just birdwatching. We have worked hard to foster a reputation of outstanding quality, professionalism and expertise in the region. Here’s why we’re the right choice for your Vietnam birding adventure:

  • Expert Guides: Our guides are highly knowledgeable and experienced in birding, wildlife, and natural history, with deep insights and professional-level training across Vietnam’s rich biodiversity. This ensures your experience goes beyond just birding, with a more thorough understanding of the country’s ecosystems and wildlife.
  • Field Equipment: we offer a comprehensive range of modern, professional-standard wildlife watching equipment to enhance your experience. Spotting scopes are available on most tours, and binoculars and field guides can be provided upon request (scopes are subject to availability). For our specialist mammal watching tours, we use thermal scopes by default to help locate elusive nocturnal animals. On all spotlighting experiences, we supply red-light torches to minimise disturbance to wildlife. Additionally, we use moth sheets and other specialised equipment to maximise your chances of encountering rare and fascinating species.
  • Bird Lists & eBird Checklists: We provide a detailed list of species encountered during your tour and share eBird checklists so you can keep accurate personal records.
  • Photography Friendly: Whether you’re carrying a smartphone or a full-frame DSLR, all of our tours are photo-friendly. Many of our guides are skilled in bird and wildlife photography and are happy to help you get the perfect shot without disturbing wildlife. We also offer pre/post tour consultation for editing, as well as planning for the right equipment for the right tour. 
  • Pre-Tour Support: We offer pre-tour assistance to help you prepare, including gear recommendations, species expectations, weather insights, and general travel guidance (e.g. visa info).
  • Post-Tour Follow-Up: After your trip, we’ll send your eBird checklists, a digital trip summary, and highlights from the tour so you can relive your birding adventure and maintain accurate records.
  • Local Community Involvement: We work closely with local communities, employing local guides, sourcing meals from regional providers, and supporting community-based tourism initiatives, so your travel directly contributes to sustainable development and conservation.
  • Small Group Sizes / Private Tours: For all of our group tours, we keep our sizes small or offer fully customised private tours for a more intimate, flexible, and rewarding experience in the field.
  • Wildlife Watching Ethics: Our team strictly follow wildlife watching ethics in practice and not just on paper. For more information, please read our Responsible Tourism & Wildlife Watching Ethics.
  • Private Drivers: For your comfort and convenience, the majority of our tours include our own private drivers. They know the routes, understand birding etiquette, and are often passionate wildlife lovers themselves.
  • Meals, Accommodation, Transfers, Dietary Requirements: We take care of all tour logistics including transportation, pick-ups, accommodation, meals, and dietary requirements—so you can relax and focus entirely on the wildlife.
  • First Aid & Safety: All our guides are trained in first aid, and we ensure a safe and healthy environment, including adherence to COVID-19 safety measures.
  • Comprehensive Insurance: Your peace of mind is important to us, which is why we provide full insurance coverage for all our tours.
  • Entrance Tickets & Permits: All required entrance fees and permits are included in your tour package, so there are no surprise costs or extra paperwork.

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

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