Exciting Vietnam and Birds Watching Tour

Welcome to Hanoi, the vibrant and historically rich capital of Vietnam—your gateway to an unforgettable journey through this captivating country. Upon your arrival at the airport, Tour guide and private car will warmly welcome you. Transfer to your hotel for check in.

Start at 08:30AM for a full-day exploration of Hanoi. First visit the renowned Temple of Literature and the Quoc Tu Giam—Vietnam's first university, was founded within the temple to educate the royal family, mandarins, and elite members for an impressive 800 years.

Once refreshed, head to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. This fascinating site involves considerable walking, so be prepared (note that the Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, as well as every afternoon and annually from June 12th to August 14th).

Continue on foot past the Mausoleum (viewed from the outside) to learn about the life and legacy of the nation’s founder. Then, visit the Presidental Palace and the 'house on stilts' where 'Bac Ho' lived from 1958 to 1969 (closed on Mondays and Fridays). Take a leisurely stroll through the peaceful botanical garden, concluding at the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique symbol of Hanoi built in 1049.

Then enjoy some coffee at Train Street. The century-old train tracks that run through the heart of Hanoi’s Old Town have recently transformed into an intriguing attraction known as Hanoi Train Street, especially popular among travelers and foreigners. Sitting at a café adjacent to the railway and observing the daily lives of local residents can be somewhat risky, yet it continues to draw many curious visitors eager for the experience.
In the mid to late afternoon, explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter on the cyclo. This labyrinth of alleyways is filled with hidden gems, offering a glimpse into local life in the ‘36 guilds’ as you navigate the bustling streets.

To wrap up the day, travel back to the 11th century with an enchanting performance of the ancient art of water puppetry at the famous Water Puppet Theater.

After this captivating introduction to Hanoi’s highlights, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel.

After breakfast, relax during a 2-hour drive through the countryside to Ninh Binh. We first visit Galaxy Cave, a hidden gem rarely visited by tourists. Start with a short boat ride, followed by a scenic walk at the base of the bamboo-covered mountains. This unique cave experience combines hiking with in-cave boating, showcasing stunning stalactites and and limestone landscapes.

After lunch, enjoy a leisurely bike/walk ride through ancient villages and lush rice fields at the foot of the mountains, visit to the renowned Thai Vy Temple. There, you can participate in a "Dan Bau" instrument mini-show led by the 80-year-old temple keeper, and you’ll have the chance to practice under his guidance.

In the mid-afternoon, check in your hotel for an overnight stay in Ninh Binh, ready for the early start next morning for bird watching tour

5:00 AM: Start the day early for the best birds watching. Your guide and private car will pick you up from hotel with take away breakfast box to the Vietnam's first national park. Upon arrival, meet your local birds expert. 

Afterward, drive to the central area of the park, the first designated birdwatching point. Here, you will begin your search for a variety of species, including the Stone Babbler, kestrels, kingfishers, Blue-rumped birds, Oriental Magpie Robin, Red-collared Woodpecker, white-eyes, and starlings.

Continue on to the birding trails, where more species may be spotted, such as the Pied Falconet, Blue-rumped (including eared varieties), and the striking Bar-bellied Pitta, among others.

After that have lunch at local restaurant and enjoy Vietnam jungle food. 

In the afternoon, have a short walk along the trail to visit the Primate rescue center, where experts will share insights about the unique gibbons and langurs endemic to Vietnam.

The trip concludes with a return to your hotel after a day bird watching and immersed in the beauty of nature.

Enjoy your relaxing morning in the typical village of Tonkin’s countryside before take a comfortable threehour drive through the scenic of Red River Delta to Yen Tu. Check in and relax at the renowned meditation resort – a perfect opportunity for wellness treatment. Spa and yoga are available.  

If you like high mountant, take a cable car to visit Yen Tu Pagoda, a heritage site located in a mountainous region approximately 600 meters above sea level. With its peak reaching 1,068 meters, Yen Tu is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, recognized as the ancestral land of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism in Vietnam.  You also might have chance to see some kind of birds when explore this mountain.

Enjoy your relaxing morning with great breakfast and the pool

10:00 AM: Leave Yen Tu by 1hour and a half drive to start your Lan Ha Bay cruise escape. 

Upon arrival, be warmly welcomed to a romantic journey to explore one of the 20 most beautiful bay in the world - Lan Ha Bay.  A fantastic option for escaping the crowded tourist spots and fully immersing yourself in the enchanting beauty of nature. 

Get a short transfer by speed boat/tender from habbor to check in your comfortable private carbin before enjoying a delightful lunch with sea food choices.
Take some leisure time to admire the breathtaking scenery before setting off afternoon excursions. You can enjoy a relaxing bamboo boat rowed by fishman or try hands on kayaking to visit Bright Cave.
If the weather permit, it is an idealy of swimming in the emerald green water among thousands of limestone islands.  
As the sun sets, participate in a cooking class while the bar's Happy Hour is opened, the perfect view of Tonkin Bay.

The fine dining experience for dinner, featuring a delectable tasting menu, promises to create unforgettable moments.

Afterward, relax with your favorite drinks or you can also try your luck at squid fishing.

Start your day with a cup of coffee or tea as you witness the romantic beauty of Lan Ha Bay. You can also join a Tai Chi class on the sun-deck.

After breakfast, board the day boat for an unique itinerary where breathtaking views await behind each limestone mountain range. First visit Viet Hai village, where we’ll take an opportunity to explore the local life of an ancient village on Cat Ba Island. You can choose to take a ride by bicycle or electric car with the 6km along a beautiful lagoon and a lovely cave. 

11:30 Relax and enjoy your lunch on boat     

14:00 Start exploring the fish farms at Viet Hai pier by kayak         

15:00 Transfer to Ba Trai Dao beach, it’s time for more swimming or just lying on a small & pristine beach and watching the clouds drift by (If weather permits).       

16:00 Back to the cruise to relax and wait for the sunset, maybe with a cocktail in hand 

17:30 – 18:30 Time to take a shower or lazy in the bathtub to refresh energy. Take the chance of HAPPY HOUR to have your favorite drinks at the top deck bar

19:00 Dinner at the restaurant. Fine dining setting with degustation expedience

21:00 Enjoy starry night on the bay from the top deck with your favorite drink and have fun with board games. You can also try your luck with squid fishing. 

Start your day early with a Tai Chi session on sun deck, breathing in the fresh air, and witness the sunrise over the bay.

Enjoy a light breakfast complemented by a good cup of coffee or tea, preparing for a new-day adventure exploring the bay's rocky islands and natural beauty by kayaking. The best way to bring you closer to amazing limestone islands.   

Afterward, return to the cruise to complete the check-out process. Savor a delightful brunch at the restaurant while cruising back to the harbor. 

Your private vehicle transfers you back to Hanoi for domestic flight to Hue, the Royal capital of Vietnam. Upon your arrival at Phu Bai Airport, take a short transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the romantic city on riverside at your leisure.

At 8:00 AM, your tour guide and driver will meet you at the hotel to begin your day. 
Travel through the scenic old capital to the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, one of the most beautiful and largest architectural tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Next, explore the Imperial Citadel, a historical complex celebrated for its rich architecture and stunning landscapes.

Have lunch at Hue's cuisine style then take a short transfer to Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest and largest pagoda in Hue, situated alongside the picturesque Huong River.

To conclude your day, enjoy a private boat ride along the Perfume River, taking in the scenic views and making a stop at the vibrant Dong Ba Market. 

Finally, meet your driver for the transfer back to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind.

Bach Ma National Park is widely regarded as one of the premier birdwatching destinations in Central Vietnam, offering a rich diversity of habitats and an impressive array of bird species.

Start your day early with breakfast box to Bach Ma National Park where you will meet the local bird expert for your day.  Looking for: Indochinese Wren-Babbler, Masked Laughingthrush, and Spot-necked Babbler.

Among the more colorful highlights are the Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Blue-rumped Pitta, and Orange-bellied Leafbird, and the elegant Asian Paradise Flycatcher. Other notable species include the Hainan Blue Flycatcher, Puff-throated Bulbul, striking Red-headed Trogon.

With such a diverse bird population set against lush forest landscapes, Bach Ma offers an unforgettable experience for both dedicated birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.

Continue your day, conquer the legendary Hai Van Pass, a 20 km stretch, that distinctively separates the two regions' climates. Make stops along the way to admint the breathtaking mountain and sea views.

Once you check in to your hotel in Hoian, relax in charming ancient city.

A morning walk through the old town is the perfect way to soak in the charming of Hoi An, renowned as one of the world’s premier destinations. This historic town once thrived as a bustling trading port, connecting Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and Westernt merchants along the famous Silk Road. Today, Hoi An attract tourists with its ancient town, delicious local cuisine, and coffee culture, along with a variety of shopping and relax accommodation options. 

At 8:30 AM, Pick up by your tour guide and driver at hotel then transfer to Hoian for a walking tour. Your first stop is the Japanese Covered Bridge, the symbol of the ancient town. Strolling along the Thu Bon River, follow the narrow streets flanked by closely-knit houses, every turn offers fantastic photo opportunities. Have a short excursion to the over 200 years old Tan Ky ancient house, which stands as a evidence to the prosperous development of this port city since the 17th century.

Continue to visit the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and Ong Pagoda, must-see sites that reflect the rich Chinese culture and beliefs in Hoi An. Then a short stop at the central market offers a glimpse into the daily lives of locals and is a great chance to pick up some souvenirs.

After lunch drive through lush rice fields and shrimp farms, and explore the Cam Thanh Coconut Forest. Hop on a typical basket boat of local fishment, navigating the small, shaded creeks for a truly unforgettable experience. 

In the afternoon, spend time for your own wishes: Get a Salt Coffee on the riverside, shopping or spa. We highly recommend have dinner in the Old Town to witness the romantic version of Hoian with colorful lanterns at every corner and the vibrant night market. 

Take a flight from Danang to Saigon. Upon arrival, warmly greeted by your driver and guide then transfer by private car to Cat Tien National Park (approx 4 hours). Arrive at Cat Tien, enjoy your leisurely walking in the national park. 

Cat Tien National Park (Nam Cat Tien) has one of the most intact lowland forest avifauna in Vietnam. Here there are confirmed records of 16 globally-threatened bird species including three waterbird species not seen since 1993, White-shouldered Ibis, White-winged Duck and Sarus Crane. With a total of about 320 specie recorded, Cat Tien is one of the prime birding sites in Viet Nam and contains essentially lowland broadleaf forest and forest edge. It holds some key species like Germain's Peacock-Pheasant, Siamese Fireback, Orangenecked Partridge, Pale-headed and Black-and-buff Woodpecker, Blyth's (Javan) Frogmouth, Grey-faced Tit-Babbler, and some endemic subspecies, as well as being an easy place to see Blue-rumped and Bar-bellied Pittas

Spend your full day at Cat Tien National Park with your private birds expert to discover the birds and wildlife in this national park.

If you are keen to photography, we might return to our hides for improving images, otherwise we can bird along the trail or track for Kingfishers, Broadbills, Trogon, Pigeons, Bulbuls, etc.

In the afternoon we will bird around the park headquarters for Grey-faced Tit Babbler, Woodpeckers, Green Pigeons and Nightjars.

In the morning we will use jeeps to get to Heaven Rapids to find Pale-headed and Black-andbuff Woodpeckers, Black-and-red, Banded and Dusky Broadbill.

Afternoon, relax on a 6-hour and a half to Tram Chim National Park. 

Spend your fullday at Tram Chim National Park - one of the most important wetland reserves in Vietnam. 

Board a traditional sampan boat and slowly cruise through the waterways accompanied by your birds expert in the early morning to see a number threatened large water birds such as Sarus Crane, Lesser Adjutant, Woolly-necked and Painted Storks. Other birds are common and easy to see, including the Purple Swamphen, Broze-winged and Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, Yellow and Cinnamon Bitterns, Spot-billed Duck… Stop at observation towers for panoramic views over the wetlands and bird colonies.

Late in the afternoon, transfer to Can Tho – the biggest city located in the heart of Mekong Delta. 

We start early today, departing at 6:00 AM to witness the Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most vibrant market on the Mekong Delta. 

Your guide and private boat will take you from the hotel’s pier to embark on a scenic boat tour through this lively waterway. Immerse yourself in the colorful atmosphere as many of sampans (wooden boats) float by, loaded with rice, tropical fruits, vegetables, and handmade goods — all sold directly from the boats in this unique riverside marketplace.

Enjoy an authentic breakfast on the boat, or choose to return to the hotel for your included breakfast and coffee.

Spend the rest of morning to visit Binh Thuy Ancient House - one of the most well-preserved traditional houses in the Mekong Delta, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of a wealthy Southern Vietnamese family in the early 20th century. The house has also served as a filming location for several famous movies, making it not only a cultural landmark but also a symbol of the region’s historical charm.

Afternoon you are free to relax and enjoy your resort with beautiful scenery of river and lush gardens.

Depart from Can Tho in the morning for Cai Be. Upon arrival, visit the Cao Dai Temple, a fascinating religious site representing Caodaism—a unique Vietnamese faith that harmoniously blends elements of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity.

Continue your journey with a private boat excursion along the Mekong River, where you can observe the daily life of local communities living along the waterways. Cruise through narrow, peaceful canals shaded by lush vegetation, offering a glimpse into the tranquil countryside.

Along the way, stop at a local orchard to enjoy fresh tropical fruits and interact with friendly residents. Visit traditional workshops to learn how local specialties such as rice paper, coconut candy, and popped rice are made.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a charming ancient house, featuring authentic Mekong Delta cuisine.

After lunch, relax during a scenic two-hour drive through the countryside as you return to the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. 

Discover the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City on a full-day cultural and urban exploration. Begin with a visit to the Ngoc Hoang Pagoda (Jade Emperor Pagoda), one of the city’s most atmospheric and spiritually significant temples.

Continue to the War Remnants Museum, where powerful exhibits provide insight into Vietnam’s recent history. 

Enjoy a leisurely walk, admire the elegant French colonial architecture of the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the City Hall before transfer back to hotel to have a rest. 

In the evening, experience the city in a unique way with an exciting Vespa tour. Ride through the bustling streets, sample delicious local cuisine, and soak up the vibrant nightlife atmosphere of Saigon from different perspectives.

Today is at your leisure to enjoy some shopping or explore the city at your own pace. Take this opportunity to relax and soak in the atmosphere before your departure flight home.

After enjoying your breakfast at hotel, it’s time to bid farewell to these unforgettable destination as you continue your journey or head home with cherished memories of your Vietnam Exciting and Birds watching tour.

(Cảm ơn và Hẹn gặp lại) Thank you for traveling with us. See you again soon!