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Design Your Custom Tour

check in

05 Feb,27

check out

13 Feb,27

5 Seats Left

Location

Ho Chi Minh City

Duration

9D/8N

182,265 195,000

182,265₹ 195,000

Overview

Embark on an 8 Nights, 9 Days Bird Photography Expedition to Vietnam, exploring the country’s exceptional avian diversity across Dong Nai, Cat Tien National Park, Bidoup–Nui Ba National Park, Di Linh Plateau, and the highlands around Da Lat. A true paradise for bird photographers, this tour offers outstanding opportunities to photograph rare and endemic bird species in lush tropical forests and diverse habitats.

This carefully curated expedition by DCP Expeditions is designed to provide an immersive blend of field-based learning, expert mentorship, and high-quality photography opportunities across some of Vietnam’s most biodiverse regions.

Open to photographers of all skill levels and camera systems, this experience ensures an inclusive, learning-driven environment for anyone passionate about bird and wildlife photography.

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Entry fees

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About The Tour

Join DCP Expeditions on an unforgettable 8 nights, 9 days bird photography expedition to Vietnam, one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting emerging destinations for birding and wildlife photography. This expertly guided tour takes you across some of the country’s most biodiverse regions — Dong Nai, Cat Tien National Park, Bidoup–Nui Ba National Park, Di Linh Plateau, and the highland forests around Da Lat — each offering exceptional opportunities to photograph endemic, rare, and migratory bird species.

Vietnam is home to 850+ bird species, and this expedition is thoughtfully curated to maximize sightings and photography of some of the region’s most sought-after avian subjects in their natural habitats. From dense tropical lowland forests to cool montane woodlands, every location presents unique ecosystems, lighting conditions, and photographic possibilities to elevate your portfolio.

Your journey begins in the rich lowland forests of Dong Nai and Cat Tien National Park, where species like Bar-bellied Pitta, Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant, and Orange-necked Partridge can be encountered. The expedition then moves into the highlands of Bidoup–Nui Ba and Di Linh Plateau, known for specialties such as Vietnamese Cutia, Grey-crowned Crocias, and Collared Laughingthrush. The final phase around Da Lat offers access to stunning montane forests, ideal for photographing species like Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler, Black-hooded Laughingthrush, and Red Crossbill.

Throughout the expedition, a DCP photography mentor along with an experienced local birding guide will assist you in tracking species, understanding behavior, working with light, and refining your compositions in the field. Whether your goal is to build a strong bird photography portfolio, document rare endemics, or simply immerse yourself in Vietnam’s rich biodiversity, this expedition offers a perfect blend of learning, exploration, and high-quality wildlife encounters.

Target Species: Bar-bellied Pitta, Blue-rumped Pitta, Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant, Siamese Fireback, Orange-necked Partridge, Grey-faced Tit-Babbler, Black-hooded Laughingthrush, Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler, Collared Laughingthrush, Red Crossbill, Vietnamese Cutia, Indochinese Green Magpie, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Silver-breasted Broadbill

Quick Information

Route:

Ho Chi Minh City

Start Point:

Ho Chi Minh City

Duration:

8 nights 9 days

End Point:

Ho Chi Minh City

Inclusions

  • Vietnam – a true paradise for wildlife photographers, known for its rich diversity of endemic birds and primates
  • Home to 12 endemic species, over 250 resident bird species, and 30+ migratory species
  • Expert local guides and naturalists with extensive field experience and fluent English communication
  • Hands-on practical training and on-field mentorship by a senior DCP photography expert
  • Comfortable accommodation and all meals included throughout the expedition
  • All internal transfers covered for a seamless and hassle-free travel experience

Experts

How To Reach

Recommended flights are Vietnam Airlines or Vietjet Air or Indigo arriving at Ho Chi Minh City by early morning on Day 1 and Vietnam Airlines or Vietjet Air from Ho Chi Minh City by evening on last day.

Not applicable

Not applicable

Getting Ready

Things to carry:

Getting Ready & Gear Recommendations

  • Telephoto lenses with a focal length of 400 mm or higher are highly recommended for bird photography. Wider the maximum aperture (f/2.8 o0r f/4), the better.
  • Carry multiple fully charged batteries for your camera, along with battery chargers
  • Bring sufficient backup memory cards; carrying a laptop is optional but a card reader is recommended
  • A sturdy tripod with a suitable head (gimbal heads are ideal) will help achieve stable shots
  • Carry basic medications along with any personal prescriptions
  • Use mosquito repellents to stay protected, especially while shooting in hides
  • Binoculars are optional but can be useful for spotting distant subjects

If you do not own suitable equipment, DCP’s equipment support division offers gear on rental. For details, write to rentals@dcpexpeditions.com

Weather & Clothing:

Cat Tien is hot and humid, so carry lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking clothing. Dalat, Bidoup–Nui Ba, and Di Linh are at higher elevations with pleasant weather; light clothing is sufficient, with an extra layer recommended for cooler evenings Carry rain protection for yourself and your gear, as light drizzles are expected during this period

Food & Meal Options (For Indian Travellers)

Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian Vietnamese meal options will be available throughout the tour. Vegetarian participants can expect dishes such as rice, noodles, sautéed vegetables, tofu preparations, and simple continental options. Non-vegetarian options will include meat, fish, eggs, and local Vietnamese preparations, along with mild continental dishes. Participants with specific dietary requirements are advised to inform us in advance so that suitable arrangements can be made wherever possible

Vaccination Guidelines

Currently, Vietnam does not require any specific vaccinations for travelers. COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory. However, we recommend checking the latest travel advisories and requirements closer to your departure date.

Visa Requirements (Vietnam e-Visa)

  • Apply through the official Vietnam e-visa portal: https://evisa.gov.vn
  • Fill in your personal details and upload a digital copy of your passport along with a photograph
  • Make the payment online using a credit or debit card
  • Your e-visa will typically be processed and sent via email within 7–10 working days

Recommended International Flights

(Not included in the package. We can assist with bookings if required)

  • Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City by afternoon on Day 1 via Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, or IndiGo. Please note the Checkin time in the hotel is 2:00PM.
  • Depart from Ho Chi Minh City on the final day via an evening flight (preferably after 8:00PM)
  • For assistance or guidance with flight bookings, please feel free to contact us

Itinerary

We will receive you at the airport as you land in HCM city. Our representative will meet you at column no. 7 as you walk out of the main gate. You will be escorted to Thanh Long Hotel / Similar. Rest of the day is free. Before dinner, our expert will explain you the biodiversity around the area, the various photography opportunities in the hides, trails both in the day and night and the overall plan for the next 8 days.

Dinner and overnight at Thanh Long Hotel / Similar. 

Wake up at 5:00 am. We will grab a quick bite with tea / coffee and then head towards the forest of Dong Nai Nature Reserve. The target species for today are Bar-bellied Pitta, Black and red broadbill, silver-breasted broadbill, banded kingfisher, Blue eared kingfisher, Siamese fireback, Laced woodpecker, Common flame back etc. Additionally, we may also see and photograph 4 species of babblers, 2 species of sunbirds and Drongos (white faced, ashy, greater racket-tailed). We will have a late lunch today and by 4:00 pm, we will drive ahead to Cat Tien National Park. The road drive is of approximately 2:30 hours. Complete check-in formalities, freshen up and meet for the dinner.

Dinner and overnight at Green Bamboo Hotel at Cat Tien NP.

Wake up early at 5:00 am. After grabbing a quick bite with tea / coffee, we will head towards the forest. The Cat Tien National Park is one of the two largest national parks of Vietnam, with hot and humid evergreen, broadleaf forest, or bamboo forest mixed with broadleaf trees and sometimes deciduous dipetocarp forests of Asia. 

Today’s activities will include exploring the forest trails as well as some of the amazing hides in this forest. The target species for today are Germain’s peacock pheasant, Siamese fireback, Scaly breasted partridge, Bar-bellied Pitta, Blue-rumped Pitta, Grey-faced Tit-babbler, Slaty legged Crake etc. After the hide session of the morning is done, we will have trails looking for birds. Some native birds that is possible to be spotted on trails include Heart spotted Woodpecker, Black and buff woodpecker, Green eared barbet, Lineated barbet, Blue eared barbet, Black hooded Oriole, Blue bearded bee-eater etc. Return to the hotel for lunch and then take some rest.

Dinner and overnight at Green Bamboo Hotel at Cat Tien NP.

Wake up at 5:00 am. A long day ahead today on the trails and hides. After grabbing a quick bite, we will head towards the forest. Possible target species include Black and Red broadbill, Banded Broadbill, Black hooded Oriole, Orange-breasted Trogon, Indochinese Cuckoo-shrike,  Blue winged leafbird, Golden fronted leafbird, Ruby cheeked Sunbird, Van hasselts sunbird, Grey breasted Prinia, Violet Cuckoo, Great Iora, Common Iora, large woodshrike etc. We have a possibility of Black shanked Douc photography today if we are lucky. During the night trails, we will explore the nearby forest area for owls.

Dinner and overnight at Green Bamboo Hotel at Cat Tien NP.

We will do morning birding at Cat Tien NP and then move to Dalat city. Target species for today are Green peafowl, Chinese francolin, pigeons and doves, lapwing, Wolly-necked Stork, warblers. We also have a possibility of Yellow checked Gibbon photography today. After our birding at Cat Tien, we will travel to Dalat City. Lunch will be on the way to Dalat city. In the afternoon, we will visit the first birding hotspot of Dalat looking for Annam sunbird, Langbian Sunbird, Swinhoe's white-eye, Plain Minla, Chestnut vented Nuthatch, Langbian Tit and many more.

Dinner and overnight at Thienly hotel / similar at Dalat city.

Wake up early in the morning at 5:00 am. After grabbing a quick bite, we will head towards 2 more birding hotspot around Dalat city. The various bird species that you will be able to photograph include Collared laughingthrush, Indo Chinese Wren Babler, Grey crowned crocias, Black hooded laughingthrushes, Vietnamese Cutia and Vietnamese Greenfinch, Black crowned fulvetta, Yellow billed nuthatch and many more. After lunch, we will travel to Bidoup Nui Ba NP to visit the very popular hide for Crossbills.

Dinner and overnight at Thienly hotel / similar at Dalat city.

Wake up early in the morning at 5:00 am. After grabbing a quick bite, we will head towards the birding locations of Bidoup Nui Ba NP. We will explore the trails in the morning for Necklaced Barbet and Plumbeous water-redstart. We will be at the bird-hides for Collared laughingthrush, Black-crowned fulvetta, Black-hooded laughingthrush, White cheeked laughingthrush, Indochinese green magpie, Large Niltava, White-tailed Robin, Mountain fulvetta, Black-headed Sibia. After lunch, we will visit the hide for: spotted forktail, slaty-backed forktail, Grey-bellied Tesia, Pygmy wren babbler, Chestnut-crowned babbler, Brown-throated Treecreeper, White-browed Scimitar-babbler, Rusty-naped Pitta. We will travel back to Dalat hotel in the evening and reach back by 7:00pm.

Dinner and overnight at Thienly hotel / similar at Dalat city.

Have early morning breakfast at 6:00 am , vist Vietnamese cutia spots and then leave to Di Linh city. We will visit the hide for Blue pitta, Bar-backed partridge, Indochinese green magpie, Puff-throated Bulbul, Blue whistling thrush, Annam streaked Wren-babbler. After lunch, we will visit the other birding areas of Di Linh for Black-headed Parrotbill, Red-headed trogon, Long-tailed Broadbill, Black-chinned Yuhina, Red-billed Scimitar babbler. 

Overnight at Di Linh town Xanh resort / similar 

Early morning visit to hide for Blue pitta, Indochinese green magpie and then trails for Red vented barbet, Annam prinia etc. You will be transported to HCM City depending on your return flight time. Please note the travel time on road from Di Linh to HCM city is minimum 5 hours. Our bird photography expedition ends here and we head back to catch our respective flights.


Field Learnings

  • Framing birds in natural perches while handling challenging and low-light forest conditions
  • Understanding tropical forest bird behavior, movement patterns, and habitat preferences
  • Using hides effectively to capture intimate and high-quality bird portraits
  • Post-processing workflows specifically tailored for bird photography
  • Practical tips to elevate your images to publication-ready and award-winning standards

Package Cost

1933 USD per head (Ex HCM city)
(INR equivalent of 1933 USD to be paid as on date of transaction)

Cost includes

  • Transfer from and to the airport (arrival and departure).
  • All overnight stays during the tour
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tablewater
  • Expert local naturalist during the trip
  • Driver, vehicles including gasoline
  • Hands on experience on latest cameras and lenses from Canon
  • Entrance fees for planned destinations, protected areas and national parks
  • Local forest guides in national parks, reserves and other protected areas.

Cost doesn't include

  • Long haul international flights & domestic flights
  • Personal hotel expenses (for example, having laundry done).
  • Individual excursions not included in the itinerary
  • Travel insurances (international health, accident, luggage, return travel insurance, travel cancellation insurance)
  • Tips

Applicable TCS:

Section 206C(G) of Income tax act, 1961 mandates tour package operators selling overseas packages to collect TCS from the individuals travelling abroad. As announced in budget 2025, the threshold limit of remittances (under LRS) made to overseas tour package sellers is Rs. 10 lakh (except for medical and educational expenses). TCS is 5% below threshold and 20% above the threshold. As a mandate, we will therefore, be collecting TCS as per the mentioned threshold and depositing to Govt within the deadline. Don't worry, TCS isn't an extra fee! It is an advance tax payment that will be adjusted against your income tax liability when you file your returns. 


Map

Cat Tien National Park


Policies

Cancellation policy

  • Cancellations 90 days or more prior to departure - 10% cancellation fee
  • Cancellations between 61 to 90 days prior to departure - 25% cancellation fee.
  • Cancellations between 46 to 60 days prior to departure - 50% cancellation fee.
  • Cancellations within 45 days of departure - non-refundable.

FAQ's

Yes. Please write to us on info@dcpexpeditions.com as it is subject to availability.

Yes you are welcome. However, the cost remains same for non photographers.



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