An Insider’s Guide to Wildlife Photography in Vietnam: Locations, Tips & Recommendations

As a wildlife filmmaker, my adventures have taken me across Vietnam includes both trekking and using photographic bird hides from the lush Mekong Delta to the rugged mountains of the Northwest.

The phone number in this content is a local Vietnamese number. The content is still a work in progress, so the format and layout may be distracting. It’s essentially a wall of text with links to videos of various species. If you’re not a birder, bird photographer, bird watching enthusiast, or filmmaker looking for an in-depth guide to Vietnam’s wild places from a local birder and wildlife filmmaker, you may find it a bit overwhelming to read.

This is a working field document, not a finished guide. I update it as seasons, access, and wildlife behavior change.

Besides being a professional Houdini FX TD, who creates visual effects for films and animation, I also share my wildlife travel stories on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@vupham.wildlife/playlists

Cat Tien National Park, bridge at entrance of Crocodile Lake ranger station

Here, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned to help you prepare for your own wildlife trip in Vietnam for any bird watching & wildlife trip you plan to visit, birding, wildlife photography at Vietnam.

For wildlife filmmaking, getting close isn’t just a goal — it’s everything. No matter how much reach your equipment has, because even with the best gear, distance is the enemy of great footage or too small. My suggestion? We need more light, but let’s not turn our birding sessions into a game of “dancing in the dark.”

Expectations of Birders & Wildlife Watchers Visiting Vietnam

International birders, bird watcher, bird photographer and wildlife filmmakers are often drawn to Vietnam for its incredible endemic species, secondly because of the photographic bird hides due to lack of time per visit, and thirdly to visit tropical forests at a low cost expectation.

Fact

Most experienced young birders always want to avoid downtown of any city, they love to do birdwatching at rural, farming, forest, jungle, national parks. All of these factors invite you into the world of great cuisine and interesting culture — not only of the Vietnamese people but also of their lovely ethnic minority groups around the remote places where endemic species stay or in the national parks.

Expense

In reality, talking about travel expenses, you can spend a lot whether you hire an agency or travel independently, even if you are just walking. Both options have their pros and cons. Hiring an agency provides everything in a compact plan, cost package, and expertise. However, self-exploration offers more experience, freedom, and uncovering unknown stories, albeit with higher costs.

Clean and Safety

Cleanliness is the most important part for me, followed by good sleep and being well taken care of during the trip. Here is a list you may find useful from the perspective of a traveler with repetitive visits to places with many different modes of nature and wildlife photography, not just some tour agency promoting content (all of them — who I known, they are very friendly, I never met any troubles while work with them, all 5 stars).

Bird photography and wildlife filming are both my hobby. Safety is always my top priority. Vietnam is not a chaotic place. Regulations and protection measures are well-established here. Except for some unwanted risks for tourists, such as downtown pickpockets, you will be fine and find yourself very welcome when visiting any village, rural area, or jungle. There are always government staff and park officers available to help and provide good guidance. They are very helpful and welcoming, they even often inviting you to parties and making friends, even if body language is sometimes the only way to communicate.

List of Vietnam wildlife places

In this article written in February 2025, I cover mostly bird filming and photography, including bird watching, but I am less likely to mention mammals or fully immerse into the amazing animal wildlife. This is because I believe in responsible filmmaking; sharing sensitive location data for certain mammals could put them at risk from poachers, trappers, and hunters. You will still find certain mammals while birding and visiting national parks, for sure.

1. Endemic species: https://datazone.birdlife.org/country/factsheet/vietnam

2. Vietnam bird list: https://ebird.org/region/VN/bird-list

Namg Kang area, Hoang Lien National Park, Lao Cai province

Season

Birds in the south of Vietnam can begin to travel from October to next May. However, in the winter time like the north Vietnam, the soft, diffused light can be challenging for wildlife filming, which often requires more light than photography with a bird focus. There is less sunshine, sun rise late, it is colder, and birds are less active.

This also means that traveling to the middle region near north Vietnam in winter may not be ideal.

The peak of birding time is from March to April, with plenty of sunshine creates beautiful lighting conditions, and the abundance of insects makes the birds very active — perfect for capturing behavior on film. Even for those doing herping, it is the same. In winter, there is not much to do in north Vietnam as the reptiles go to sleep. In south Vietnam, you may find some, but they are not very active. Most animals do not fall into this category as they are mostly nocturnal or crepuscular, and their seasons are different.

Update 31/Oct/2025 below:

According to recent climate changes, floods and storms have hit Vietnam quite severely over the past two years. Here are some notes to help you understand the best time to visit Vietnam for birding, mammal, herping that including when roads are usually restored, and which wild places are safe to explore without risks of landslides or flash floods.

Vietnam Birding & Weather Risk Guide (2025)

Jan–Feb

Wintering season, many migrant species visible. Mammal watching time in southern Vietnam.

Dry, cool, and the safest time to travel.

Risk: Low.

Mar

Start of spring migration, stable weather. Mammal watching time.

Risk: Low.

Apr

Spring migration and early breeding season. Mammal watching time but some places have high tall grass.

Warmer temperatures, early rain in the south.

Risk: Moderate.

May

Peak breeding season; rain begins in the north and central regions. Somewhat herping can be started.

Forest trails become slippery and humid.

Risk: High.

Jun–Jul

Heavy rain, scattered landslides in northern and central mountains. Begin herping, mammal watching season. Owl acting very strong around this time in southern Vietnam and highland.

Early typhoon activity possible.

Risk: High to very high.

Post-storm delay: 1–4 weeks for road and bridge repairs.

Aug

Quiet birding season, frequent downpours. Great for herping by night at places like Cat Tien National Park, southern region.

High risk of floods and landslides.

Risk: Very high.

Post-storm delay: 3–6 weeks.

Sep

Start of autumn migration.

Northern and central Vietnam hit by floods and landslides (as seen this year). Should not visit northern Vietnam this time, land slide, flood can active quite fast.

Risk: Very high.

Post-storm delay: 4–8 weeks (infrastructure damage, detours).

Oct

Peak of autumn migration. Visit southern Vietnam, some safe area like Cat Tien National Park, Tram Chim National Park. (Shore birds can be seen in thousands).

Central Vietnam often faces typhoons and widespread flooding (Quang Nam–Da Nang–Quang Ngai). Should not visit central of Vietnam this time. Northern Vietnam destruction is cooling down, however it is not a good time to visit wild places.

Risk: Extreme.

Post-storm delay: 4–6 weeks.

Nov

Late autumn migration; dry season returning.

Occasional late storms, but improving conditions. Some place like central of Vietnam next to western border still in destruction, flooded, road collapsed. Somewhat improved weather at northern Vietnam area.

Risk: Moderate.

Post-storm delay: 2–3 weeks.

Dec

Start of wintering season; cool and dry. Northern region is begin to have good bird for watching, herping is not an good idea.

Mountain access restored, trails in good condition.

Risk: Low.

Photographic Bird Hides and the Concept in General

For wild birds, the key is to find where they feed, rest, or nest. Set up a small hide, a camo chair, a tent, or anything that breaks your human shape. Then wait.

Photographic hides work the same way, but they’re semi-permanent. Food is placed nearby so birds return often, making it easier for birders each season, just like wildlife hides in Africa. This approach is ideal for short visits and is often the only practical way to photograph target species during the day as part of a service.

Both ways let you capture close, natural shots without harm. One takes patience and time; the other turns a short visit into real chances more species, more moments, more joy.

Overall, both methods recommend that a person should not chase a target wild species. Follow ethical practice and never disturb or harm the animal. Simply sit and wait in a place where the species feels safe to appear naturally. That is the simplest way to fill your frame with wildlife.

Birding & Wildlife Watching Places

Here are must-visit wildlife places in Vietnam, according to my bird & wildlife filming experience. These locations are rich in habitat and have amazing biodiversity, making it easy to spot birds, wildlife watching. Both birding by walking or using a photographic bird hide can be done, I leave contact, google map and more information under Expedition category:

1. Cat Tien National Park (the only place in Vietnam where it’s easy to spot animals). Hotspot for wildlife watching, research and birder.

2. Da Lat (Bidoup national park) — a rich place for birds, endemic species, and outstanding biodiversity. Birding destination.

3. Tram Chim National Park

4. Son Tra (Da Nang province)

5. Van Long (Ninh Binh) - Bring a drone (“under 250 g “— update 09/Nov/2025 —You are not allowed to fly a drone unless it is registered with the local authorities) in case you can’t capture footage with a telephoto lens, especially when rare primates are moving far away or high up in the mountains.

6. Cuc Phuong national park (I haven’t explored this place much yet, just a short visit where I set up a simple photographic bird hide. But I had an amazing time capturing sunbirds among the plum blossoms in winter. I don’t know much about the other animals or bird species here yet.)

7. Phong Nha, Quang Binh province (the series of caves includes the famous Son Doong Cave). Macro photography, underwater cameras, and landscape gear work best inside these caves. Outside the caves lies the magnificent Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural areas. Wildlife and bird activity here are extremely rich, especially across the protected zones stretching from Ha Tinh to Quang Binh. It’s best to hire a local guide or join a full tour package for your trip. (HiVooc is a good guide for this)

8. Northwest Vietnam: Sapa, Fansipan mountain, Hoang Lien National Park —a vast mountainous region that gave me unforgettable stories of trekking, camping, and discovering rare species for bird species, ethnic minority friends, and culture

9. Mang Ri, Kontum province — an area with the exclusive Golden-winged Laughingthrush, a very special bird that stays only within a tiny area on the west highland. There is a photographic bird hide well protected among the protected forest and Ngoc Linh ginseng farm.

Nam Kang area, Lao Cai province — Hoang Lien National Park

Expedition List

My own list for expeditions that I have filmed for birding and wildlife, uploaded on YouTube for your experience from south to north of Vietnam. It includes Google Map locations and bird guides to contact:

Tram Chim National Park (1)

Waterfowl and migratory bird sanctuary. Some guides share that there was wild cat, though I have never seen such. It is located in southwest Vietnam, Mekong Delta.

Wetland Habitat

There are quite a lot of similar large habitats around; however, this place is a birding hub

1. Location of the bird sanctuary https://maps.app.goo.gl/P62evKgQjTwfVnGU8
2. Stay at Wildbird hotel, it belong to a wellknown birding agency, Google Map https://maps.app.goo.gl/aYCs8YQbwXo9ekjq7 . My friend and me stay here for several nights, very welcome, good cook, friendly, comfortable, easy to access — next to park’s water.
3. I was there with my friend from Spain, we travelled there and had a blasting trip to chase multiple King Fisher species https://youtu.be/BkDdrLC1Bxc?si=WyQJRtveWNZAJjHj And this is a trip I made it alone witness migrator birds https://youtu.be/Wfn1i_CU-yE?si=NguAvKXyWWJ5CwET
4. Regular method to travel inside the park — by boat: Rent a big boat from the hotel. The boat driver should know how to manage the boat according to your orders to navigate based on bird spotting. I filmed, so it took more time and was less agile than just watching or photographing. Boat guy number or ask hotel reception for boat: VN 0926838616 Bird guide at Tram Chim, Mrs Nga — VN cellphone 081250677. Her Facebook https://bit.ly/3DbGIV8
5. Owner of Wildbird hotel and also well-known bird tour agency at Vietnam, the popular bird ID mobile app in use at Vietnam produce from his brand. Mr. Bao, FB https://www.facebook.com/birdvietnam

Ho Chi Minh city urban parks (2)

To casually visit with urban birds

1. Map Location — you can travel on your own by cab, in Vietnam using Grab app for motorbike or car, cheaper, faster. For downtown, suggest book Grab bike, faster: Tao Dan park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3DK8JowJUQ84Amjw5 Dong Ho park https://maps.app.goo.gl/pX7jqVNPXpKNwujw6 Thao Cam Vien (The city zoo) https://maps.app.goo.gl/aiFgsne2ts7HYek57 Sala park https://maps.app.goo.gl/6aofiBTcprwQBaRc8 Cần Giờ Biosphere Reserve (40 minutes ~ 1 hours bus from downtown) https://maps.app.goo.gl/wFrRnKpxvfBwbHvx9
2. The 2025 long-form story documents an urban birding tour I did in Ho Chi Minh City to answer the question “Why there are no birds in Vietnam?”, which is often seen on the internet. From resident birds to migratory species, I spotted more than 70+ species during this birding tour. Here is the full story: https://bit.ly/4au8PNE
3. Here is other of my birding videos on species you may find Birdwatching Nesting at Dong Ho park https://youtu.be/q1IiG2Ctuts Wildlife at Ho Chi Minh city — Tao Dan park https://youtu.be/nrR-Br7ji-Y Birdwatching Scarlet minivet family https://youtu.be/Ng_4LYHcdgw
4. There are many restaurants and coffee shops with Americano and tea available around. There is no need to visit street food vendors, as the cost of street food and the food inside coffee shops may be the same.
5. I didn’t plan to film this wild story, torn apart by the storm. That shattered Prinia nest turned me inside out. But what I found was a genius plan to cheat extinction: https://youtu.be/RsH2MsmS7rw?si=UYVQr1ObhaGcMNuY

Dong Nai Province (3)

Cat Tien National Park (3.1)

A must-visit place for both birders and wildlife enthusiasts. It’s easy to spot Vietnam wildlife while walking around the area. Suggest book anight trip with Khanh wildlife guider, an experienced wildlife and bird guide who is also a park officer, is highly recommended.

Contact Khanh Cat Tien NP via his Instagram: https://bit.ly/3DmOICz (VN mobile: 0947938993)

The cost may look like this, notice the different spending between foreign and local, usually local much cheaper while spending around, the same when you visit south China:

• Early morning: Spot wild Yellow-cheeked gibbons in the dense jungle (about 40 USD/person).
• Per person night safari with truck’s park, ~ 6~10 USD/person, the truck will drive you inside the park, just ask Khanh for this information
• Morning: Visit Germain’s peacock-pheasant site for fantastic feather displays (30~50 USD/person).
• After lunch: Explore pitta site with other species at the 2nd hideout.
• Evening: Prepare for a night walk with Khanh, aiming to spot slow lorises and maybe some elusive snakes and owls.
• Next day: Visit Bau Sau (crocodile lake) for unique bird species and wildlife.
• Afternoon: Bicycle ride to Nui Tuong Ranger station for more birdwatching. This place is area of civet, Vietnamese peafowl yellow cheek, wild cat, marten, sambar deer, guar, muntjac, porcupines..
• Nui Tuong Ranger Station is an extremely awesome location for wildlife. It is also a place to stay; you should consider staying there for 1–2 nights with wildlife right next door.
• Evening: Experience the night safari at Cat Tien
• Can also do great herping tour here with Viet Herping (https://www.instagram.com/vietherping/), Mr. Lam (VN Number 0963258366)

wildlife expedition at Cat Tien National Park in the monsoon season

List of videos I have filmed at Cat Tien NP. Here is just a glimpse of the cinematic stories Cat Tien National Park has to offer:

• Red list wildlife black-shanked douc: https://youtu.be/WOHmRHZuQwE?si=AdWujxgkq3KoidIt
• Nightwalk experience: https://youtu.be/YwK1ZKpS4BM?si=kpEKU2lsMmbZUynT
• Nesting birding at crocodile lake https://youtu.be/IdABGWZ0vH4?si=ie-0WoLSCVwbWs4_
• Own watching with Khanh by the night always a great experience ever https://www.instagram.com/p/C_4bQJNNxfs/
• Wild elephant https://youtu.be/errxpUztQMo?si=sLzLC3X2eeg7xwjL
• Peacock at crocodile lake https://youtu.be/184gCufnRc4?si=l7FluR4gK5i-pZRB
• My own nostalgia with Blue-winged Pitta — the very first pitta I film https://youtu.be/qO1w3E02b6M?si=uZeia-g6qbFOKuhi
• Germain’s peacock pheasant https://youtu.be/XipFrOita6s?si=3dwrXldo6Fb_ioRx

Ma Da jungle, Tri An lake (3.2)

• This is a video I made about wildlife filming inside the habitat and of the species https://youtu.be/fLZ4ql6gfqc?si=EUsna4_yGYgNaifa
• You need a bird guide here; it will be hard to explore alone. Dung Vietnature (his IG link https://bit.ly/4q0sTfc ) is a bird guide and also owns several photographic bird hides. (Whatsapp: +84–985 880 680)
• Google Entrance Location link https://maps.app.goo.gl/89MzehSG4vGmye1h6
• This is also herping destination, beside of Viet Herping (Instagram https://bit.ly/4ayMEFX) also there is James Hunt who do wildlife, bird and herping guiding (Instagram https://bit.ly/4aJW0Pn)

Thac Mai or Tan Phu jungle (3.3)

There are owls and several photographic bird hides.

• Contact Mr. Dat his FB https://bit.ly/3XLUJQz | VN 0948607131 Dat can also help arrange trips at Da Lat — Lam Dong province, a hotspot for birding in southern Vietnam beside Cat Tien NP, including both hiking and bird hides.
• Video of my macrography wildlife trip before bird season in southern Vietnam, it is near the end of the monsoon but too early for Vietnam birding. https://youtu.be/RhuFkaLP4qE?si=WvWknqAhLQi4H8ov
• Only few hours there practice bird photography, amazing inside the bird hide https://youtu.be/MRuugIZWT9s?si=NIF_Ij0hAPo-vIrH
• Birder usually visit Dat’s place because of this Orange necked Partridge species https://youtu.be/vEM9HI7txPg?si=zl2D20fRQ24KoyeZ
• There is a Fairy Pitta — migrator came in October, this is not bird season, due to monsoon there is a lot of rain, heavy storm, it is quite uncomfortable but this is the species visit only this time https://youtu.be/QBlpXYPE1kw?si=XbLUlX1u6aptu577

Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu (4)

Large area linked with the Cần Giờ (HCMC) area, is a good place with a thick mangrove forest, a long coastal area, mountain streams, jungles, rivers, and an open ocean (to Con Dao island) — all within the same region.

Vũng Tàu (Bà Rịa) (4.1)

However, this is more suitable for local birders who can plan self travel to hang out inside the forest, are scattered, and travel a lot. For expat birders with less travel time, I don’t think it is a good idea to visit, but you can travel to Con Dao Island, it is private beaches, charming nature, amazing biodiversity, a place for both wildlife and escape.

• This is a video I made during many trips to the mangrove forest to look for wading bird species, such as the Greater Painted-snipe https://youtu.be/gCfYsn5eVdU?si=wIP6xoYrs5lZ-qFC

Con Dao Island (4.2)

Buy a ticket for the express cruise online, then travel to Vung Tau for boarding. Previously, I could board in Ho Chi Minh City; however, as far as I know, the boarding location in HCMC has changed. Please check with the express cruise office for the latest information.

• This is google map of the express cruise port https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wxf76ZUhsE2vA9caA
• Website for online ticket, they will contact you via local Zalo app (similar Whatsapp but in Vietnam) https://taucaotocthanglong.com/
• The travel takes about 4–5 hours to reach Con Dao’s tropical island. It is private, tranquility, with fewer people and less crowd traffic. There are mountains for hiking, wildlife to spot, and many types of seabirds, jungle birds, wildlife island archipelago and even rural birds. You can also explore underwater. This part stopped me; I couldn’t do everything there but spent a few weeks, and it was amazing.
• The weather from inland to Con Dao Island is very rough if you travel after summer, with frequent rain and storms. The best season to visit is usually from November to April.
• My wildlife video on YouTube demonstrates a snapshot of Con Dao Island species https://youtu.be/Gb2Xy_z-S4o?si=kucMDMXIzTneDi2t
• Multi-episode series of my wildlife trip at Con Dao https://youtu.be/CkstsCyQ-1A?si=yafF4mtb0pA_yEfO

Da Lat — Lam Dong province (5)

A very rich biodiversity for birding and a popular destination for birders. The weather is cool, but during the bird peak season, it gets very hot from morning until afternoon. This place is perfect for both birdwatching and herping activities. There are several places that I know of, but there are more places I have yet to discover.

• Phuc Le also owns a couple of bird hides. I visited his site in Di Linh, which is a very good place. He runs a bird tour agency as well. Here is his contact information: https://bit.ly/41ADNOW (Whatsapp 0388779939). Species I captured at Di Linh — Lam Dong province. Beautiful Trogon https://youtu.be/OOWTyIHRcU4?si=Ppz_KCnU0iHjabTn Busy Black-headed Parrot Bill https://youtu.be/iYMiCCyGexs?si=Mlono9XF0mu7z85t Sexy lady pheasant and handsome Blue pitta https://youtu.be/seAvIwQWEDU?si=V-HbzdyGWTCA11Cq
• Andy Nguyen bird guide https://bit.ly/43jLtXg who also owns a couple of photographic bird hides with outstanding sightseeing at Bidoup National Park. He can do both herping and birdwatching tour in Vietnam, ask for more. Species at Bidoup, amazing birding trip I had. Collared Laughingthrush at the outstanding moutain stream https://youtu.be/QNC3dN9LBpk?si=qUjdjbcHxB67iueK Slaty Backed Forktail https://youtu.be/7jVpEThf44w?si=5zLXbbv8CXXt_yvm
• Toby Trung 0908246536 (FB https://bit.ly/3DdGj4o) For bird walking and bird location guidance, this guide has a very large active area. If you want to travel and do a birding trip in northern Vietnam, he is the one to contact.
• For those interested in photographic or filming hides, you can contact Mr. Tiên at 0961210019 in Da Lat. He owns about four photographic bird hides, all of which are super beautiful and comfortable. You can also contact Mr. Đạt from Thac Mai in Tan Phu jungle to access this hide.
• Species I filmed in last January, 2025. Elegant Vertditer Flycatcher in singing https://youtu.be/xWSlD3Isg_A?si=7QNK-97BOislQieq
• Rusty Pitta is very shy, just show up for less than minute https://www.instagram.com/p/DEpcN72zQC8/

Son Tra — Da Nang (6)

• Contact HiVooc on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hivooc/. They offer primate and rare animal watching, as well as some birdwatching.
• Their leader is Mr. Tuan (https://www.instagram.com/tuan.wildlifephoto/), a nice person who knows a lot about these places. He is well-known for his efforts to protect the red-shanked douc on his own. He has guided many international filmmakers, including National Geographic, while they filmed the newest series about Vietnam Wildlife: National Geographic WILD, Wild Vietnam.
• He knows very good local cuisine in Son Tra (Da Nang). Ask him about it and have a drink.
• HiVooc is a company run by Tuan, highly recommended for primate, and wildlife watching in this region, including areas such as Phong Nha–Ke Bang, Ha Tinh, and Van Long (Ninh Binh).
• The video I filmed rarest primate of the planet easy to watch at Da Nang Son Tra wildlife douc langur https://youtu.be/qAU0TpJI7Hw?si=ROynYSQGZPuLsJBX

Kon Tum province (7)

At Mang Ri, you can contact Mr. Dung on Facebook (https://bit.ly/3DdGX1O) for exclusive sightings of the Golden-winged Laughingthrush that lives only in that tiny area. It is a Vietnam endemic species.

• Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sCjCSHVFEKBtesVP6
• My short film telling the story of capturing the rare, endangered Golden-winged Laughingthrush at this tiny patch of Ngoc Linh mountain: https://youtu.be/PBDLYkBln-o?si=HkF4C94g23gxU_aH
• Newly found species that can be spotted during the warm season in April, at night, is Tylototriton ngoclinhensis. Dung can take you to find it if you stay at the place overnight.
• This is a very remote area. If you travel by car, make sure your car’s fuel tank is always full before accessing the mountain pass. This is the only gas station in the area for your journey into Mang Ri and back. I had a heart-stopping experience traveling from mountain to mountain with the gas light on. The gas meter indicated an empty tank and showed “ — -” distance to the nearest gas station. I nearly fainted on the pass. It’s a terrific, beautiful place but also a curse if you forget to fill your car’s fuel.
• Nearest gas station Google Map https://maps.app.goo.gl/x4Z4sZmAmununV7AA

Northwest Vietnam at Lao Cai (8)

My unforgettable bird and wildlife photography trip to the Nam Kang area in Lao Cai. I searched for the Brown Dipper’s actions, mastering life in the fast-flowing mountain streams. https://youtu.be/zSq9cw3VoRQ?si=wCMj0tUoiTasZZwC

Best trip I made that not fully telling into video story yet:

• Brown Dipper (video above)
• 4 days and 3 nights for a special species that went missing 50 years ago but can now be spotted again: the Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush. I’m not sure what the milestone mark is for those initial 50 years, so let’s just count my age for it — let’s say nearly 50 years. Here is the full story on Youtube https://youtu.be/8fOezWgjdQE?si=XOTuhiuSkAy_Mzv5
• Fansipan photographic bird hide. Actually, I’ve visited twice, but always in winter. Just a glimpse of this hide — like a bird in flight!

Map location

• Google the location of Fansipan summit mountain, buy a ticket for the cable car, and enjoy the weather in Sapa https://maps.app.goo.gl/eTejcSZNpptsoC3w7
• Nam Cang Homestay is Ka Phay’s place. Stay there and enjoy the birdwatching trip. https://maps.app.goo.gl/WX5EG3L4gcSyeaj8A

Contact:

• Contact Toby Trung 0908246536 (FB https://bit.ly/3DdGj4o) for English speaking, he works with Ka Phay
• Ka Phay is a local ethnic person (người Dao Đỏ — Red Dao ethnic group), experience birder. His FB https://bit.ly/3DgI0y1

Photographic Bird Hides and Tour Plan

• This wilderness is very large, spanning the entire northern border of Vietnam from west to east. The far west is known as “Tây Bắc” — the northwest mountain region. Nậm Cang map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WX5EG3L4gcSyeaj8A, you will stay at KaPhay’s homestay for all birding activities at that area.
• They provide porters to help with logistical support. Make sure to hire one for your belongings so you can trek long distances with empty hands.
• Toby and Ka Phay work together, they both own multiple photographic bird hides that need to travel whole day to access, up to 2100 meters from ~800 meters. Birds in the northwest, experience winter, so some birds can only be spotted in winter or during the warm season. Better equip good clothing for winter time on high mountain.
• Nam Cang well-known trip: 4 days 3 nights trip for these birds: Red-faced liocichla, Rufous-chinned laughingthrush, Spot-breasted laughingthrush, Red-winged laughingthrush, Blue-winged laughingthrush. This is full story video of the trip https://youtu.be/8fOezWgjdQE?si=sgT3SMNQY2dQezsI
• Nam Kang Ho Tao trip to spot this bird White-throated Wren-Babbler. The trip will take 1.5 days to access camp.
• The Brown Dipper (watch full story here https://youtu.be/zSq9cw3VoRQ?si=wCMj0tUoiTasZZwC) near Ka Phay’s house can only be spotted during the breeding season. The landscape is breathtaking, and the habitat is amazing. If you can access an easy-flow stream, you’ve struck gold! Ka Phay will travel to look for the bird’s nest weeks before setting up the photography setup. Several actions are needed to not disturb the species and its family, and then both filmmakers and photographers can enjoy their session. So, by nature, the bird hide is just a temporary net setup for that hour and not built there permanently. This is the same as using your own camouflage tent.
• For a Fansipan trip, there are two options: hiking or using the cable car. I prefer both if you plan to visit repeatedly for more species. Hiking from low to high mountain helps you spot more of Hoang Lien’s wildlife and birds that can’t be fed at photographic bird hides. Also, the activity of the birds while you hike is more natural than just watching them eat. However, getting close to birds while hiking can’t compare to the experience of a photographic bird hide.
• This is a Hill Partridge I filmed under the thick fog of Fansipan during winter. I wanted to film the Red-winged Laughingthrush, but it decided to fly down to a warmer area below altitude https://youtu.be/WaPcmt303DY?si=JtPtMFtKg7Gp1zVJ
• Toby Trung has newly discovered the Nonggang Babbler, a rare species, in Cao Bang province (Northeast), which shares a common habitat with southern China. As a result, some of the species from southern China can still be easily spotted here in Vietnam during a combined wildlife photography trip. Check out the link for more details: https://bit.ly/4kklHIy
• They have been working together in recent months (May 2025) to deliver a temporary photographic bird hide for the Eared Pitta (Hydrornis phayrei) in Thanh Hoa Province — northern central Vietnam. This is a very short trekking climb in Xuan Lien national park, 35~40 minutes one way. However, I strongly advise against taking this trip in May, as it falls within the rainy season, very dangerous route— April is a better option.

Our May 2025 birding spot was a steep slope fine for watching, but tough for filming or photography.

• Additionally, the Eared Pitta bird at Thanh Hoa province typically appears in the evening, around 4–5 PM, under a thick canopy. This makes it very dark for photography and filming. If it rains, visibility becomes even worse — not just for cameras, but also for the human eye.
• Near Ka Phay Homestay, he could take you birding to spot the Mountain Bamboo Partridge (Bambusicola fytchii).
• Nậm Cang is also well-known as a tourist destination for its ethnic villages and terraced paddy fields during the water stream season and harvest season. There was another homestay in this place before Ka Phay made his own.
• Hoang Lien National Park is also very famous for camping activities and long hours of trekking to the summit. People trek day by day just for the perfect selfie moment. I was there, and I feel great knowing I can now do more with bird and wildlife photography in the north of Vietnam. I am so grateful for it.

We are camping on a mountain at an altitude of 2913 meters, and we’re shooting the breeze enthusiastically.

I don’t run tours. But if you want to walk these places slowly, I share full field observations on YouTube: Vu Pham Wildlife.

My Philosophy on Wildlife Filmmaking

As mentioned above, doing bird and wildlife photography with me is about experiencing adventure and expedition. The closer you get to the subject, the better the image quality. To achieve this, I usually learn its behavior, study its movements, actions, habitat, feeding patterns, and where to spot the most species. I also consider which places are good for filming to create an appealing scene on screen, rather than just documenting the species. I want to tell a story. Lighting, weather, and season also play a crucial role. Therefore, I travel multiple times to the same place or province to learn more about the subject.

Local Person, Guide

However, no matter what I did, time is limited, and my experience always depends on local guides who have either lived there since birth or have worked there for a very long time.

They are children of that land and work there, like Mr. Khanh (IG https://www.instagram.com/khanh.cattiennp/), an expert at Cat Tien National Park. Not only has he worked at the park for 30 years, but he has also cooperated with many international scientists and professionals who came to research and work there, sharing their experiences with Khanh. When it comes to Cat Tien NP, my experience does not match Khanh’s. That’s why, at Cat Tien, I contacted Khanh. My role is to transform these encounters into a cinematic story, using the highest quality footage I can capture.

The same goes for northwest Vietnam, where I know Toby Trung and Ka Phay. Ka Phay is a local bird whisperer , you’ll love the way he connects with birds. The best I can do is listen to him, practice filming the species as best as I can, and ask him where to position my camera to change the place of the hide. Even with that, I have to revisit the place many times to complete the filming of the Brown Dipper bird https://youtu.be/zSq9cw3VoRQ?si=zTEYW3C0rOAQoRcc

But I know that luxury is not available to everyone visiting Vietnam for a short time.

Primates Watching in Vietnam

Recently, a user on my YouTube video “ Why There Are No Birds In Vietnam? Here’s the Answer” asked where to watch primates. Here’s what I replied; I hope it helps you too:

Start your journey in Kien Giang to see the Silver Langurs. Authorities have moved them to a new mountain and protect them at a pagoda, making them easy to spot with free admission. (Hon Chong scenic spot in Binh An commune, Kien Luong district (Kien Giang province) — search for “Hang Pagoda tourist area — Hon Phu Tu” on google map)

Next, head to Cat Tien. Ask for Khanh Cat Tien (IG khanh.cattiennp), an excellent wildlife guide for Yellow-cheeked Gibbons and Black-shanked Douc langur. If you’re lucky, you might also spot Silver Langurs with him, but it’s generally more challenging than just visiting Kien Giang and watch them at the pagoda’s roof, small mountain next to that structure.

When you’re in southern Vietnam, visit “Tourism Rung Sac Can Gio” to see the Crab-eating Macaques. You can also find them at Cat Tien NP, but you might be outnumbered here at Tourism Rung Sac Can Gio, and these monkeys are known for stealing.

Another great spot to see a mix of macaque species is Monkey Island in Nha Trang.

Then, travel to Da Nang and contact HiVooc on Instagram, who organizes wildlife tours for primates. They are friendly, knowledgeable, and very responsive. I had an amazing quick tour for Red-shanked Doucs with them. Check it out here on Youtube link RARE Red-shanked Douc: Up Close in the Forests of Da Nang, central Vietnam.

With HiVooc, you can continue your trip to Ha Tinh to see Ha Tinh Langurs, and then head to Ninh Binh for a glimpse of Delacour’s Langur (Make sure to visit in the morning when they descend from the mountain and come close to people’s garden, land). Watch this timestamp for a preview to the place (it is not the place where you buy ticket for boat, need a guide to do this to access into people’s land), check on Youtube link Vietnam Wildlife & Bird Photography At Cuc Phuong National Park In Winter.

Make sure to visit Cuc Phuong National Park. Ask for a primate guide at the Ticket Office and visit the rescue center to learn more.

Finally, go to Cao Bang Province, where you’ll find the Cao-Vit Gibbon nature reserve (Nomascus nasutus). Search for “Khu Bảo Tồn Vượn Cao Vít” on Google Maps for directions.

James Hunt, mentioned in the content above, also runs a wildlife tour company. You may want to connect with him for more options: James Hunt Photography

Welcome to Vietnam,

My adventure to Son Tra Peninsula was enhanced by HiVooc, who helped me film the Red-shanked Douc in the most efficient way. It provided a full experience of the environment and habitat, and the eyes of the animals are always fascinating to me.

Birding Community At Vietnam

Most of them are on Facebook, making it easy to access and ask for more information. They will share guide contacts, locations, new birds, and fresh lifers.

Tour bird guide agencies have their own websites and internet marketing through various articles. International tour agencies also work with local agencies, so friendly bird guides often show up. They are also pretty active within the birding community in Vietnam, sharing guides, locations, and new bird hides.

Link Community:

1. Chim Hoang Da Vietnam (VBCS)
2. **Birds of Vietnam and Asia — Chim Việt Nam & Khu vực châu Á**
3. **Chim Hoang Dã Việt Nam (VBCS)**
4. **VWPC — Vietnam Wildlife Photography Club**
5. The Vietnam Bird Race has been successfully hosted twice https://www.vietnamwildtour.com/news/vietnam-birdrace-2025-49

Contact Birdwatching Agency I Found On Internet For You:

1. Vietnam Birding
2. About Us (Duc Tien Bui)
3. Vietnam Wildlife Tour & Reasearch — About Us
4. VietBird Team | Vietnam Birdguides | Vietnam Birding Tours (in this team, Quyen and Phuc are both awesome by my last trip)
5. https://vietnambirds.net/contact/ (Andy is a person I know, he has both bird knowledge and great hides). His FB Andy Nguyen

Camera Equipment

For the best experience, most agencies will help carry your gear though service styles vary. At least in my case:

1. In southern Vietnam, you’re expected to carry your own gear, as hiring a porter is uncommon due to the flatter terrain compared to the north. You can request a personal porter in advance, but local guides will know best whether that option is available in specific areas. No one will carry your backpack without an extra fee.
2. In northern Vietnam, especially the northwest, the terrain is rugged and mountainous. Most trips include an optional porter service at an extra cost — to help carry heavy gear like backpacks, based on weight limits. Technically, you can hike without carrying anything if you arrange a personal porter in advance.
3. In Quang Binh, cave tours (like those by Oxalis Travel) not only help carry your gear but also stop every few hundred meters to offer food and water. I found it amusing, having camped in northwest Vietnam where travel is far more rugged and self-reliant.
4. In Vietnam’s northern mountains, batteries drain quickly during winter treks due to the cold. Keep them warm by storing them in an inner pocket of your mid-layer.
5. You’ll need a lens heating strip or warmer band for both northern and southern Vietnam. In rainforests and tropical forests, the high humidity combined with temperature differences between outdoor air and air-conditioned rooms often causes lens fogging and condensation on camera equipment. Using a lens heater helps prevent moisture buildup and speeds up defogging when you take your gear outdoors after a cool night indoors. (The link attached is just an example of the one I bought in Vietnam, you can look for the same product on Amazon.)
6. Due to the wet and rainy season in tropical forests, I usually prepare two rain covers: one as an extra for my backpack (most backpacks already come with one), and another for the camera in case the weather changes suddenly. Here’s a sample link for a backpack rain cover.
7. For agile movement and easier navigation with a heavy backpack and gear inside dark rainforests, I use a ROLANPRO Telephoto Folding Lens Hood for the Sony 200–600 mm lens. It’s more flexible and lightweight than the original rigid lens hood, making it easier to maneuver in tight or brushy environments.
8. In dense forests, what you need is a fast lens more than extra reach. For wildlife, the closer you are to the subject, the better. A longer reach doesn’t always mean better quality the farther the subject, the more image quality suffers due to air temperature distortion. You’ll rarely get a sharp shot. I prefer a wide aperture over a long focal length.
9. Drone flycam: According to the 09/Nov/2025 new regulations. You are not allowed to fly a drone unless it is registered with the local authorities. To operate a drone weighing more than 250 grams, you also need an additional license. No-fly and restricted areas can be checked using this Vietnamese map: https://cambay.mod.gov.vn/ (you can compare your destination with Google Maps). Drones under 250g can be used freely without any license or prior registration. However all event or iconic places will need prior registration.
10. Fly with extra power banks requires some attention, as most airlines now have strict regulations on lithium batteries due to the risk of explosion during flight. Since I film most of the time, I usually borrow power banks from friends (ask guider for one) or buy a new one USB-C at my destination if I’m staying for at least a week. Otherwise, I just make do with what I have.
11. Drone batteries, as well as any NP-F9xx types must also be carried in hand luggage, not checked in. Traveling in the northwestern mountain regions can be quite challenging without proper power preparation, so it’s important to plan your energy needs and account for the extra weight before the trip.
12. Drone batteries — as well as any NP-F9xx types — must also be carried in hand luggage, not checked in. Traveling in the northwestern mountain regions can be quite challenging without proper power preparation, so it’s important to plan your energy needs and account for the extra weight before the trip.

Clothing And Comfortable Recommendations:

1. South Vietnam is characterized by heavy rain and sunshine, so a thin coat and a single layer are sufficient for the weather. Even when traveling up to the highlands, an extra windbreaker layer is already too much. In places like Cat Tien, it is better to walk with a shirt, t-shirt, and sun protection jacket, like those used by golfers or sport fishing enthusiasts — all year round.
2. The central highlands of Vietnam require the same clothing as in South Vietnam. North Vietnam has both hot dry and winter time, check content below for layering north Vietnam clothing.
3. In southern Vietnam, most jungle trekking can be done with casual shoes or hiking shoes. The terrain is relatively forgiving, and the climate is warm.
4. However, if your adventure takes you to the central highlands — or more importantly, to the rugged landscapes of northern Vietnam — you should equip yourself with rubber boots. These are essential for navigating the wet, muddy, and slippery trails commonly found in these areas. Pro tip: Always carry a pair of rubber boots with you, and keep a pair of Crocs or light sandals in your backpack for times when boots aren’t necessary. One important mistake to avoid — do not bring heavy winter rubber boots from cold-weather countries. They are unnecessarily bulky and uncomfortable for the tropical environment. Instead, purchase a pair of local rubber boots from a nearby market. In northern Vietnam, you’ll even find boots with camouflage colors, which look much more fitting for jungle trekking compared to the basic designs sold in the south.
5. Mosquito, leech spray (in monsoon season) for South Vietnam can be bought at any local medicine store. No need to spray the whole body. Just one gentle push for the butt, two gentle pushes for behind the legs, and one gentle push for the chest and neck are fine. You can easy survive 10–15 days with only one single insect spray bottle. I recommend trying local stores in Vietnam. I don’t recommend other brands outside of Vietnam; I tried and regretted it.

You can buy this any medicine store in Vietnam, good for anti leech, mosquito and insect

North Vietnam Clothing Layer

1. In North Vietnam in winter or while traveling to higher mountains, you need to remember that if you hike/trek a lot, you need thin layers, not a large coat that later becomes very uncomfortable to carry around or too hot if you wear it, and too cold without it:

• Base layer: internal thermal clothes like synthetic or wool.
• Mid layer: an additional wool shirt. Choose the thin one; wearing two thin layers is better than wearing a super coat, which becomes very uncomfortable and heavy luggage to carry up and down the mountain for trekking with film and photography gear.
• If the mid-layer is not wool: synthetic material is good, but do not use cotton. d. Insulation layer: I often use a thin puffy coat that acts as a windbreaker as well. It also protects me under light rain or thick fog.
• Outer layer: blocks wind and fog humidity from becoming droplets. This can be a thicker windbreaker. However, I prefer a thin one as it is better.
• Extreme winter layers are not needed — this is tropical country. You will always be trekking or getting into warm places soon, such as mountain hut. Only staying at bird hides in open spaces will require extra layers, so make sure to ask first if the hide setup is above 2100 meters and you have to wait for a few hours.

For places in North Vietnam like Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and coastal areas to Vietnam’s east sea from March to October, apply the same clothing as in South Vietnam.