Photo Gallery
Susan Myers
We start our tour in the north. Here is our cozy hotel in the French quarter in Hanoi…
For those arriving a little early, they can enjoy some charming scenes, food and hospitality of the northern capital.
The food is something to be experienced!
Cuc Phuong National Park, not far from Hanoi, is Vietnam’s oldest.
Many colorful beauties are found here, including this gorgeous Sultan Tit
and the ground dwelling bejewelled Bar-bellied Pitta
…and some more cryptic… Here a Rufous-tailed Robin
…some more widespread from the region, here a Common Tailorbird…
…and this bright Crimson Sunbird.
Not only will you see birds but some intriguing mammals…
…and elegant butterflies…
…of many different types.
And around every corner we’ll get glimpses of Vietnam’s rural life…
…and culture…
We will see many examples of the legacy of the French occupation, including this Catholic cathedral.
The scenery is often breathtaking…
here we explore the limestone karsts…
by little boats in shallow water for…
the rare and beautiful Delacour’s Langur
On our birding adventures, we’ll certainly meet some of the friendly local people
the wonderful Vietnamese culture will leave a lasting impression.
As we search for…
…another recent discovery, the charming Sooty Babbler, a bird with a very restricted range
..as well as many other birds of the hill forests. Here a Green-eared Barbet
we’ll marvel at stunning scenery.
But everywhere we’ll encounter beautiful images of this fascinating country…
and enjoy the vibrant culture. As we travel we will stop for breaks en route to enjoy Vietnam’s lively cafe culture.
Mealtimes are always fun on WINGS tour. Here’s our after birding dinner party
There are a host of forest birds…
Vietnam has a host of fascinating warblers…
even the common birds are lovely. Here a female Grey Bushchat collects nesting material.
and we will always be on the look out for other creatures, such as this Hampton’s Slug-eating Snake
and this little forest jewel, a tiger beetle.
Vietnam is always full of surprises! This is in our hotel garden - a statue of Guanyin, guarded by her friendly dragon.
But the birds are the star of the show! Here a little Puff-throated Babbler…
and the White-rumped Shama, an accomplished songster and infuriating mimic….
More difficult to find is the very secretive Orange-breasted Laughingthrush
although the striking Black-hooded Laughingthrush is somewhat more confiding.
The stunning Indochinese Green Magpie is restricted to central Vietnam
The hooting calls of White-browed Scimitar Babbler often give away its presence
This Blue Pitta is one of three possible pittas on this tour and always a big hit!
Here a White-throated Rock Thrush…
…and a gorgeous blue flycatcher, that is causing lots of taxonomic confusion!
Vietnam is home to a number of unique and rare primate species, this is a Grey-shanked Douc Langur…
as well as some spectacular reptiles, this is a Natalia’s Forest Dragon.
On our journey we may get to try the world’s most notorious fruit - the wonderful Durian!
In the south we’ll use a number of forms of transport - this is our transport into the national park, a very short trip across the river…
and our forest truck
that will take us into the rainforest
Here taking a break in the forest…
and in the bamboo forest
We’ll use some new comfortable hides in places
which may allow us to have unencumbered views of some secretive birds such as this Siamese Fireback…
or this Bar-bellied Pitta
In the beautiful forests of the lowlands…
…we may find many forest gems…
Here is the park restaurant at Cat Tien
where we enjoy a birthday party!
In the cooler climes of the Da Lat plateau, we’ll continue our birding
…where one of our main targets will be the recently discovered Grey-crowned Crocias
…and we’ll explore the pine forests for a handful of specialists, including the scarce Slender-billed Oriole.
Many other species can be found, including the ground dwelling Pygmy Cupwing
…and many endemic subspecies…
Vietnam is a very exciting birding destination. There are more endemic birds in Vietnam than any other Southeast Asian country…
as well, we’ll enjoy some beautiful scenery…
fascinating culture…
We finish our tour in a very comfortable hotel in Saigon.
and lots of fun times!
