The Ultimate 16-Day Vietnam Wildlife & Birding Tour

A 16-Day Vietnam Journey: Bird Watching, History, and Freedom 

If you and your partner are flying all the way across the world to Southeast Asia, you better not be settling for a crowded tourist trap. No nature-lover would go to a place where they let you take a selfie with a chained-up monkey. That’s not how we pay our respects to Mother Nature.

If you are looking for an authentic wildlife tour where you can observe majestic creatures completely wild and free, Vietnam will be your golden ticket (that keeps on giving).

I’m Vani, and welcome to Truly Voyage. From our headquarters in Hanoi, we invite you to step off the beaten path. This blog will take you deep into Vietnam’s untamed wilderness and ancient historical sites, revealing a compelling story of nature, wildlife, and the enduring legacy of this remarkable nation.

Our Promise: 100% Ethical Encounters

Before we travel, I think we need to make one thing crystal-clear:

Truly Voyage is always against profiting upon the suffering of others, be it animals or humans!

If a facility forces wild animals to perform, we want absolutely nothing to do with it. We strictly follow the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) guidelines for safe distance observation, meaning you get to see these beautiful creatures acting naturally in their own homes.

Here is exactly what our ethical promise means for your trip:

• No Elephant Riding, Ever: We refuse to book tours that put chairs on elephants' backs. Instead, we take you to places like Yok Don National Park in the Central Highlands, where you can watch rescued elephants roam freely and forage in the forest from a safe distance.
• No Forced Selfies: We do not support places that chain up tigers, drug monkeys, or force animals into stressful situations just so tourists can get an Instagram photo.
• No Artificial Feeding: We observe animals in their natural hunting and foraging environments. Feeding wild animals disrupts their natural instincts and diet, so our guides ensure all food stays in your backpack!

Partnering with Local Experts

To ensure our presence never disrupts the wild animals on our tours, Truly Voyage proudly collaborates with reputable wildlife preservation groups and like-minded organizations. When you explore with us, you are guided by actual conservation and preservation professionals from

• Cuc Phuong National Park & Resort
• Vietnam Birds
• Phong Nha Discovery
• Bach Ma National Park
• Cat Tien National Park

Their on-the-ground expertise guarantees that our observations are respectful, educational, and entirely unobtrusive to the natural ecosystems.

When you book a wildlife excursion with us, you can sleep soundly knowing your money is going toward conservation, not exploitation.

Your 16-Day Journey: Feathers, Forests, and Freedom

Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City

As you walk out of the terminal at Tan Son Nhat Airport, the tropical humidity hits you like a warm, wet blanket. You immediately smell the faint, savory aroma of street food and hear the sound of a million motorbikes. The air hums with the energetic, chaotic sound of city traffic. Welcome to Vietnam!

Don't you worry about navigating that chaos. Our private driver will be standing right at the arrival gate with a sign bearing your names. He takes your heavy bags and opens the door to your air-conditioned car. You simply sit back and watch the neon lights flash by as we whisk you straight to your hotel in the city center.

Leaving the Concrete for the Canopy

Ho Chi Minh City to Cat Tien National Park

You wake up, enjoy a hot coffee, and hop into your private car. As we drive four hours north, the towering skyscrapers slowly fade into endless green rubber plantations and sprawling rice paddies. We are heading into Cat Tien, your first spot in the country for a true national park tour.

As you step out of the car at the park entrance, you can smell the rich, damp earth and the sweet scent of blooming wild orchids. The air is thick, and the soundtrack is a wild symphony of chirping cicadas and the distant, haunting calls of Gibbons.

The Ultimate Cat Tien National Park Tour

After settling into your private forest lodge, our expert tracker - Certified by the Cat Tien National Park Authority takes you straight to a specialized, camouflaged bird hide. It is quiet in here. You will have the opportunity to see the Bar-bellied Pitta! Without our guide's trained eyes, you'd never spot these tiny jewels hiding in the thick jungle canopy.

A colorful bar-bellied pitta with green and blue plumage

Later, we walk the jungle trails. You can feel the soft, mossy ground under your boots. We can look up into the towering, 400-year-old Tung trees to (hopefully) spot the Yellow-cheeked Gibbons swinging effortlessly from branch to branch. As the sun sets, the jungle cools down, and we take a slow, quiet night safari in a jeep to spot the glowing eyes of a Brown-hawk owl.

A mother yellow-cheeked crested gibbon holding her infant

💡Vani's Tip

The jungle in summer can be muddy. We always recommend wearing good waterproof boots and the provided leech socks. 

A Full Day of Feathers and Forest

Your alarm goes off before dawn. I know, I know—vacations are for sleeping in, but I promise the Vietnamese coffee for breakfast will jumpstart your heart! Stepping out of your forest bungalow, the morning air is surprisingly cool and misty. The jungle smells incredibly fresh, like rain on warm stones. As you sip your coffee, you hear a heavy, rhythmic whoosh, whoosh, whoosh of massive wings flying somewhere just out of sight in the canopy.

We head out early because 5:30 AM is when the jungle puts on its best show. Our expert tracker leads you into a specialized, camouflaged bird hide. You set up your camera, keep your voice to a whisper, and wait. Try to spot the magnificent Siamese Fireback, or the highly elusive Germain's Peacock-pheasant.

The Afternoon Hike

After a hot lunch and a quick rest to escape the midday heat, we hike out to specific fruiting trees. The jungle is steamy now, but the reward is spotting the ridiculously colorful Black-and-red Broadbill.

The Night Safari

After dinner, we hop into the back of an open-air jeep. The cool evening breeze feels amazing as our guide uses a spotlight to catch the glowing, golden eyes of a Brown-hawk Owl hiding in the dark branches.

A brown hawk-owl perched upright in Cat Tien National Park.

From the Deep Green to the Ocean Breeze

Say goodbye to the sticky jungle heat! By late evening today, you will be at different spots in Vietnam with a whole new experience waiting for you!

This morning, we squeeze every last drop out of the jungle. After breakfast, we take one final, slow safari ride to hopefully spot the massive Oriental Pied Hornbill.

Two Oriental Pied Hornbills with black and white plumage

After a quick lunch, we load up the private SUV and make the 4-hour drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, all the way to Tan Son Nhat Airport! With plenty of time before your short evening flight up the coast to Da Nang, now is a good time to sort your photos and get ready for the next leg of your adventure!

Your Short Ride to Hoi An

As you step out of the Da Nang airport sliding doors, you are hit with a crisp, cool, salty breeze blowing right off the South China Sea. The distant, heavy hum of the city is replaced by the smell of the ocean and the faint, sweet scent of burning sandalwood incense as we drive into Hoi An. It is a smooth, easy 45-minute coastal drive to your luxury boutique hotel in Hoi An. You check in, drop your bags, and finally sink into a massive, plush bed.

Temples and Lanterns

My Son Sanctuary

We start our day exploring the jungle-covered ruins of My Son. We will hop on an electric buggy from the main gate to the temple clusters. Here, you can join your guide in a relaxing walk through the crumbling brick towers to hear the stories behind each intricate stone carving of Hindu gods.

As you run your hands over the rough, sun-baked texture of the ancient red bricks, you can literally feel the history.

Hoi An Ancient Town

For lunch, let us get back to Hoi An! You must try a bowl of Cao Lầu - a legendary local noodle dish made with pork and greens. Afterward, you have free time to wander the famous yellow-walled streets. We highly recommend visiting a local tailor shop. They can measure you and whip up a perfect custom-fitted suit or dress in under 24 hours!

Later in the day, the vibe completely shifts. Strolling through the walking streets of Hoi An, the savory, smoky smell of grilling pork (Thịt Nướng) fills the narrow alleys. As the sun sets, the town transforms. Thousands of brightly colored silk lanterns cast a warm, romantic glow over the dark Hoai River, while the gentle splash-splash of wooden boat oars echoes across the water.

You can cap off the night by taking a tiny wooden boat out onto the river. Don’t forget to buy a small paper lantern, light the candle, and float it down the water for good luck.

The Fashion Models of the Forest

Hoi An to Danang, then to Hue

We leave the yellow walls of Hoi An behind and drive up the winding coastal roads of the Son Tra Peninsula. As our car climbs the mountain, the air instantly cools down and smells sharply of pine needles. Roll the window down, and you can hear the distant ocean waves crashing against the rocky cliffs hundreds of feet below you.

We will pass by Son Tra Peninsula to participate in the ‘Monkey (photo) Hunt’: We park the car and walk quietly along the paved mountain roads, scanning the dense green canopy. If you can see movement, it is likely a family of Red-shanked Douc Langurs eating breakfast.

Red-Shanked Douc Langurs are spotted in Son Tra Nature Reserve

These monkeys are absolutely stunning. With their bright orange faces, stark white beards, and maroon legs, they look like they are wearing high-end designer outfits!

After you fill up your camera roll, we hop back into our air-conditioned SUV. We cruise through Da Nang and begin the climb over the legendary Hai Van Pass, navigating epic hairpin turns while you snap photos of the ocean below.

Expect to arrive at your elegant hotel in the ancient city of Hue just in time for dinner.

The Imperial Capital

Hue City Day Trip

Hue is the quiet, poetic soul of Vietnam. Walking through the towering stone gates of the Imperial Citadel, the first thing you feel is the smooth, cool stone of the ancient courtyards under your feet. The air here smells incredible, carrying the sweet fragrance of pink lotus flowers blooming by the thousands in the surrounding moats.

Exploring the Citadel

Spend the morning walking through the Imperial Citadel. As you step through the massive, arched stone gates, you can gradually smell the burning sandalwood incense. We will wander through sprawling courtyards, red-lacquered pavilions, and beautiful ruined temples overgrown with bright green moss.

The Dragon Boat

Around midday, the (in)famous central Vietnam heat really kicks in. We cabn escape the sun by stepping onto a brightly painted wooden dragon boat. You will immediately feel a cool, refreshing breeze as we take a peaceful 30-minute cruise down the Perfume River, heading toward the Thien Mu Pagoda.

Thien Mu Pagoda

The boat docks right at the base of the Thien Mu Pagoda. Walking up the stone steps from the riverbank, you will hear the deep, echoing ring of a giant bronze bell and smell the fresh pine trees. You can stroll through the manicured bonsai gardens and watch the Buddhist monks going about their daily routines in complete peace.

The Final Resting Place of King Khai Dinh

Later, you will hop back into our icy air-conditioned van for a quick 15-minute drive out to the pine hills. Here, we explore the incredibly detailed, gothic-style tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh.

Emperor Khai Dinh was known for being incredibly "extra." His tomb took 11 years to build, blending French colonial architecture with traditional Vietnamese dragons. It is a jaw-dropping mix of dark stone on the outside and glittering glass mosaics that cover all corners of the interior space.

Into the Clouds

Bach Ma Birding & Trekking

Today, we return to the jungle as we travel to Bach Ma Reservation Ground for a full day of bird-watching! We leave Hue right at 7:00 AM. As our comfortable SUV climbs the winding mountain roads, you can see the road slowly thicken with great trees as you approach your destination.

Hunting for Rare Feathers

A male Silver Pheasant with striking white patterned plumage, red facial skin, and black underparts.

Bach Ma is a true cloud forest - You are constantly walking under large canopies of great Black Parashorea trees (commonly called “Chò Đen” by locals). Our specialist guides will lead you down quiet forest trails for an exciting photo-hunt. Be sure to keep voices at a whisper so we don't spook the wildlife.

We are looking for high-altitude species you simply cannot find down on the coast, like the spectacular Silver Pheasant or the elusive Indochinese Wren-babbler.

Close-up view of an Indochinese wren-babbler

You will get to hear the powerful rush of hidden waterfalls echoing through the deep valleys as you tick these rare birds off your bucket list ~ an experience akin to Jurassic Park for my avid cinephiles.

We will take it nice and slow. There is plenty of time to set up your spotting scope, catch your breath, and take stunning photos without feeling rushed. Enjoy the refreshing, crisp air of one of the most pristine and biologically diverse nature conservation grounds in Vietnam!

The Road to the Cave Kingdom

Hue to Phong Nha

Today is all about kicking your feet up. After spending the last two days walking through Hue and Bach Ma’s massive palaces and mountain trails, your legs absolutely deserve a break! We are leaving the imperial city and heading straight north to Phong Nha, the undisputed kingdom of caves.

Sinking into the plush leather seats of our private SUV, the icy air-conditioning is going to feel like pure heaven. This 4.5-hour drive is a gorgeous, completely stress-free transition day. You and your partner can just hold hands, listen to a podcast, and enjoy the ride.

Watch endless bright green rice paddies, coastal dunes, and small local villages roll by through your tinted windows. We pull right up to your hotel around 3:00 PM, and our driver handles all the heavy luggage. You have plenty of time to drop your bags, order an icy mojito, and watch the sun dip behind the giant karst mountain peaks.

Echoes in the Dark

Phong Nha Caves & Botanic Garden

Vietnam is hot, sticky, and makes you sweat in places you didn't know you could sweat. But prepare yourself, because the moment you step into the towering mouth of Phong Nha Cave ~ The King of Underground Caves, the temperature plummets instantly.

The air inside smells incredibly clean and mineral-rich, like wet stone after a heavy rain. This image only gets better with the drip, drip, drip of water falling from massive, glittering stalactites high above.

We take a traditional wooden boat deep into this underground cathedral. Your guide will point out jaw-dropping rock formations that took Mother Nature millions of years to carve. These caves are both geological wonders and epic historical monuments.

We finish the afternoon drying off on a shaded walk through the Phong Nha Botanic Garden. It is a lush slice of protected jungle where you can hear the thundering roar of the Gio Waterfall long before you see it. Keep your eyes peeled in the canopy, because wild macaques love to hang out in the branches near the water.

The Crown Jewel of Northern Birding

Cuc Phuong National Park

Tucked away in the limestone mountains of Ninh Binh Province, Cuc Phuong National Park is a massive, incredibly dense jungle spanning 22,000 hectares and is universally considered the absolute "holy grail" for birders and wildlife photographers visiting Vietnam. Welcome to the Mecca for birdwatchers. It’s likely going to be the highlight of your vacation!

We get you out of bed and onto the trails right at 6:00 a.m. As you reach the trailhead of this massive nature reserve, take a moment to feel the difference between Cuc Phuong National Park and your previous adventure in Bach Ma:

The greens are darker, the canopy is incredibly dense, and the air smells like rich, damp earth.

The only sound is the gentle rustling of dry leaves on the forest floor and the distant, echoing calls of the morning wildlife.

The forest is still wrapped in a cool, silver mist when we set up the spotting scopes. With the help of the local forester pointing the way, you can spot the striking White-winged Magpie and the brilliant, lime-colored Green-eared Barbet hopping through the dew-covered leaves.

By 8:00 a.m., you will have worked up an appetite. We pause for a hot, safe, and completely delicious breakfast right at the park headquarters. There is absolutely nothing better than the smell of strong, roasted Vietnamese robusta coffee mixing with the fresh pine and earth of the morning jungle.

Stepping back out into the forest trails, the canopy is so thick it blocks out the sun. The soil under your boots feels damp and spongy. We continue along the limestone ridges to find the incredibly rare Annam Limestone Babbler or the Red-headed Trogon as they take flight.

Island Bound

Hanoi to Cat Ba Island

After days of trekking through the deep, green jungle, your lungs are going to crave some open ocean air!

Stepping out of our private car at the coastal ferry terminal, you can immediately taste the salt on your lips. You will hear the deep, rumbling horn of the ferry boat and the gentle rush of the waves hitting the concrete docks.

Today is all about shifting gears and slowing down. We handle all the driving and luggage while you simply enjoy the trip.

We leave the dense, earthy canopy of Cuc Phuong behind and cruise down the smooth highway toward the edge of the Gulf of Tonkin. Today, you will board a breezy, scenic ferry, watching massive, jagged limestone cliffs slowly rise out of the emerald water as we approach Cat Ba Island.

Once we check you into your beachfront hotel, the clock is totally yours. Kick off your shoes, feel the warm sand between your toes, and split a massive platter of garlic butter seafood with your partner as the sun goes down.

The Limestone Peaks

Cat Ba National Park

If the southern jungles are all about dense, flat greenery, the northern parks are all about sweeping vertical heights. Today, we leave the beach behind and head deep into the heart of Cat Ba National Park.

It is going to be a leg day, my dear. We are lacing up our hiking boots and tackling the famous trail up to Ngu Lam Peak. You will hike through a dense, shaded canopy before the trail gets steep. You will literally feel the rough, jagged limestone under your hands as you scramble up the final rocky sections.

When you finally crest the peak, a powerful, cooling wind hits your face and instantly dries your sweat. Your reward: a staggering, 360-degree panoramic view of endless, jungle-covered limestone mountains rolling into the distance like a green dragon's back.

Golden-headed Langurs among lush green jungle foliage on Cat Ba Island.

Sailing the Emerald Waters

Lan Ha Bay Cruise

Everyone has heard of Ha Long Bay, but we are going to skip the overcrowded tourist traps today. Instead, we take you on a luxury day cruise through its quieter, much more pristine neighbor: Lan Ha Bay.

Standing on the wooden deck of your cruise ship, you will feel the gentle, rhythmic rocking of the water beneath your feet. Enjoy the fresh and salty air as you pass by towering limestone pillars. Don’t forget to snap some photos for the loved ones back home!

As part of the cruise activities, the cruise will take you to one of many lovely white-sand beaches of Lan Ha Bay. Here you can grab a kayak to paddle through limestone sea caves, or dive right off the back of the boat into the warm, incredibly buoyant saltwater.

By late afternoon, we dock at the pier where our private car is waiting to drive you back to the lively streets of Hanoi, arriving around 8:00 p.m.

Farewell to Vietnam

Hanoi Old Quarter and Departure

It's your final morning. You have the entire morning to soak up the city at your own pace before your flight. Today, you can visit a balcony coffee shop and enjoy a cup of iced Vietnamese coffee. From up here, you can safely watch the chaotic, incredibly beautiful ballet of thousands of motorbikes weaving through the narrow streets below. Or you can take part in the dance as you explore the Old Quarter to find the perfect souvenir.

At 3:30 p.m., our driver takes you to the airport. You leave with full memory cards, incredible stories, and the knowledge that you saw the very best of Vietnam's wild side.

The Truly Voyage Target Species Fact File

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How physically fit do I need to be for this 16-day tour?

Quick Answer: You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete, but you should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain for 2 to 4 hours at a time.

Treks like Ngu Lam Peak in Cat Ba involve steep, rocky stairs. However, because this is a completely private tour with Truly Voyage, you control the pace. If you want to take a break, grab some water, or even skip a steep climb altogether, you can. You are the boss.

2. What kind of vehicles will we be traveling in during those 4-hour drives?

Quick Answer: We know that long transit days can be exhausting, which is why we strictly use modern, premium vehicles.

For couples, we use spacious, high-clearance SUVs or luxury transit vans with powerful, icy air-conditioning, plush seating, and plenty of legroom. Your private driver will also keep a cooler stocked with cold bottled water and cold towels.

3. I have strict dietary restrictions. Can I eat safely in the deep jungle?

Quick Answer: Absolutely. Food safety is a massive priority for us.

We carefully vet every single eco-lodge and restaurant we partner with to ensure they meet high hygiene standards. Whether you are gluten-free, vegan, or have severe nut allergies, our Hanoi team coordinates with the kitchens in advance, and your local guide will double-check every meal before it hits your table to ensure you don't get the dreaded "traveler's stomach."

4. What is the bathroom situation like in the national parks?

Quick Answer: It is a valid question!

In the cities and at your hotels, you will have pristine, Western-style facilities. Deep inside the national parks (like on the trails in Cat Tien or Cuc Phuong), bathrooms are either very basic or non-existent. Your guide will always tell you exactly when to use the restroom at the park headquarters or visitor centers before you step onto the wild trails. On road trips, our drivers only pull over at pre-vetted, clean rest stops.

5. Do I need to pack my own heavy spotting scopes and birding gear?

Quick Answer: Leave the heavy tripod at home!

While we highly recommend bringing your own comfortable pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 are perfect for the jungle), our specialized ornithologist guides carry professional-grade spotting scopes. They will set them up and dial in the focus so you can easily see the rarest birds up close without carrying an extra 10 pounds of gear in the humidity.

6. What happens if a tropical storm hits while we are on the island or in the forest?

Quick Answer: Vietnam’s tropical weather can be unpredictable, but that is exactly why you want a boutique DMC in your corner.

If a storm washes out a trail or grounds a ferry, you won't be left stranded. Our Hanoi team monitors the weather 24/7. We will seamlessly pivot your itinerary, swap activities, or upgrade your indoor dining experiences behind the scenes so you don't lose a single day of your vacation.

7. How do you guarantee the wildlife encounters are actually ethical?

Quick Answer: We have a zero-tolerance policy for animal exploitation.

We strictly follow World Wildlife Fund (WWF) guidelines. This means no baiting, no feeding, no touching, and maintaining strict minimum approach distances so we do not stress the animals. You are booking an observation-only safari. We want you to see these magnificent creatures acting naturally in their own homes.

8. What happens to my heavy luggage on internal flights and small boats?

Quick Answer: You are on vacation; you shouldn't be sweating over heavy suitcases.

From the moment you land in Vietnam to the moment you leave, your private driver and hotel staff handle the heavy lifting. For internal flights, we brief you on exact baggage weight limits beforehand. For boat rides (like Lan Ha Bay), your luggage is securely transferred to your cabin for you.

9. Is there a risk of malaria in these national parks?

Quick Answer: Major cities and coastal areas like Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, and Da Nang are generally malaria-free.

However, deep jungle areas like Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong do carry a small risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. We provide mosquito nets at the eco-lodges, but we strongly advise you to bring DEET-based repellent, wear long sleeves at dusk, and consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before your flight.

10. We love this itinerary, but can we upgrade the hotels or add a few extra beach days?

Quick Answer: Yes, 100%!

Because Truly Voyage is a boutique agency, this 16-day itinerary is a master template, not a rigid contract. If you want to swap a jungle trek for a 5-star spa day, upgrade to a presidential suite, or add three days of doing absolutely nothing on a private beach, just tell us. Send our sales team a quick message, and we will custom-tailor every single detail to fit your exact travel style.

CONCLUSION

The hardest part of travel isn't the steep climbs or the early alarms. It’s knowing that while you pack your bags to head back to the noise of everyday life, the wild world here keeps moving without you.

You can close this tab and go back to your routine, 

Or you can decide that reading about the adventure isn't enough anymore.

Let’s Turn the Page Together

You don't have to figure out the permit systems, the mountain roads, or the ferry schedules by yourself. That is why we are here.

We are Truly Voyage ~ just a small, passionate team sitting right here in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter. When you are ready to step off the screen and feel the cool jungle air for yourself, we will be sitting right here, ready to build a journey that belongs entirely to you.