Summary

Vietnam species
Vietnam is home to nearly 850 bird species. Of these species, 33 are considered to be globally threatened, meaning that they are threatened with extinction worldwide. Twenty two species are termed restricted-range species, meaning that their global breeding range is less than 50,000 km². Ten of these restricted-range species are believed to be endemic to Vietnam, meaning that they occur nowhere else in the world.

It is BirdLife's vision that there be no loss of globally threatened or restricted-range bird species from Vietnam.

Vietnam's threatened bird species

Notes:
(N) indicates that this species is a non-breeding visitor
(*) indicates an endemic species to the territory

For more information about globally threatened species in Vietnam, visit the online version of Threatened Birds of Asia: www.rdb.or.id

Conservation priority setting
Resources available for biodiversity conservation in Vietnam are limited. BirdLife uses threatened and restricted-range bird species to set conservation priorities and, thereby, ensure that these resources are used most effectively.

Worldwide, BirdLife is in the process of using threatened and restricted-range bird species, along with other criteria, to define a global network of Important Bird Areas or IBAs. IBAs are globally important sites for bird conservation.

The process to define IBAs in Vietnam began in January 2001. This process is centralising and standardising data on bird conservation in Vietnam, and identifying conservation priorities. Specifically, under-surveyed regions and habitat types are being indentified, and currently unprotected sites in need of conservation action are being highligted . In 2002, BirdLife and the Institute os Ecology and Biological Resources will publish a directory of IBAs in Vietnam, which will be used to advocate suitable conservation measures for all sites among government decision makers, donors and other conservation organisations.

Globally threatened species
Many species are in danger of going extinct worldwide, as a result of habitat loss, hunting and a range of other factors. If the probability of a particular species going extinct is believed to be above a certain threshold, it is termed a globally threatened species. One of BirdLife's objectives is to monitor the status of bird species in Vietnam and to make this data available to the compilers of the Asian Red Data Book and Birds to Watch 3, two publications that contain the list of globally threatened species in Vietnam.

Of the 33 globally threatened bird species in Vietnam, most are reasonably well represented with Vietnam's protected areas system. Therefore, if Vietnam's protected areas are well managed, most globally threatened species and their habitats will be well protected. However, there are a number of globally threatened species that, for reasons of their ecology or because of gaps in the current coverage, are not adequately represented within the current protected areas system. In order to overcome this problem, BirdLife has implemented a number of projects to focus on these species.

In 1998, BirdLife and the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources (IEBR) conducted a survey for Green Peafowl Pavo muticus in Dak Lak province, Vietnam. This was one of the few pieces of quantitative research to be conducted on a bird species in Vietnam. The results of the survey indicated that Green Peafowl was poorly represented within existing protected areas and recommended expanding Yok Don National Park to better protect this species.

Conserving Black-faced Spoonbills
Every year, the coastal zone of the Red River Delta is home to large numbers of wintering waterbirds, including several globally threatened species. These include the endangered Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor. In some years, one quarter of the global population of this species winters in northern Vietnam. BirdLife takes part in the annual global Black-faced Spoonbill census. In 2000, the total global population of this species was the highest recorded since the global census began. However, the figure for Vietnam was down on previous years, highlighting the acute threats that this species faces in Vietnam: principally hunting and the loss of intertidal mudflats, the habitat upon which this species depends.

Restricted-range species
There are 22 restricted-range bird species in Vietnam, all but three of which belong to the Phasianidae (partridges and pheasants) or the Sylviidae (babblers and warblers) families. Each restricted-range species occurs in one or more Endemic Bird Areas (EBAs). EBAs are areas that contain the global ranges of at least two restricted-range species. There are four EBAs in Vietnam.

The Annamese Lowlands EBA contains the global ranges of five species: Vietnamese Pheasant Lophura hatinhensis, Edwards's Pheasant L. edwardsi, Imperial Pheasant L. imperialis, Annam Partridge Arborophila merlini and Sooty Babbler Stachyris herbeti.

The Kon Tum Plateau EBA contains the global ranges of three species: Black-crowned Barwing Actinodura sodangorum, Golden-winged Laughingthrush Garrulax ngoclinhensis and Chestnut-eared laughingthrush Garrulax konkakinhensis.

The Da Lat Plateau EBA contains the global ranges of three species: Collared Laughingthrush Garrulax yersini, Grey-crowned Crocias Crocias langbianis and Vietnamese Greenfinch Carduelis monguilloti.

The Southern Vietnamese Lowlands EBA contains the global ranges of two species: Orange- necked Partridge Arborophila davidi and Germain's Peacock Pheasant Polyplectron germaini.

Surveys by BirdLife in the early 1990s rediscovered several restricted-range species that had gone unrecorded since their discovery in the first half of the 20th Century, such as Grey-crowned Crocias, Sooty Babbler and Imperial Pheasant. These rediscoveries were made during wider surveys of Vietnamese EBAs. These surveys revealed that extensive habitat loss has occurred in all EBAs, and that conservation action is urgently required if the remaining areas of habitat and the restricted-range species they support are not to be lost forever.

Consequently, one of the central objectives of BirdLife's strategy in Vietnam has been to establish at least one protected area within each EBA. With the establishment of Ke Go Nature Reserve in the Annamese Lowlands EBA, Ngoc Linh (Kon Tum) Nature Reserve in the Kon Tum Plateau EBA and Chu Yang Sin Nature Reserve in the Da Lat Plateau EBA, and the addition of the Cat Loc sector to Cat Tien National Park in the Southern Vietnamese Lowlands EBA, this objective has been achieved. The priority now is to ensure that these protected areas receive the financial and technical support they require to meet their objectives.

New species
Between 1996 and 1999, BirdLife discovered three bird species new to science: Golden-winged Laughingthrush, Black-crowned Barwing and Chestnut-eared laughingthrush.

Golden-winged Laughingthrush was discovered on Mt Ngoc Linh, the highest mountain in the Western Highlands of Vietnam. The species is known only to occur in montane evergreen forest above 2,000 m. In 1998, as a result of work by BirdLife and the Forest Inventory and Planning Institute (FIPI), Ngoc Linh (Kon Tum) Nature Reserve was established, protecting forest on the western face of Mt Ngoc Linh. In 1999, BirdLife and FIPI completed a feasibility study for the establishment of Ngoc Linh (Quang Nam) Nature Reserve, the boundaries of which include forest on the eastern slopes of the mountain. It is hoped that this nature reserve will soon be established, and that the habitats and species on Mt Ngoc Linh will receive the protection they deserve.

Black-crowned Barwing was also discovered on Mt Ngoc Linh but has since been found at nearby sites in western Kon Tum province in Vietnam and on the Dakchung plateau in Laos. All the known localities of this species in Vietnam are located within Ngoc Linh (Kon Tum) Nature Reserve.

During a field survey of Mt Kon Ka Kinh, in 1999 Chestnut-eared laughingthrush was discovered. Efforts to conserve this newly discovered species were given a boost when Kon Ka Kinh Nature Reserve was established in 1999. This species, together with Golden-winged laughingthrush, was also recorded in Kon Plong district, Kon Tum province, during survey in 2000.

Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary in brief
Day 1: Arrive Hanoi. Hanoi to Cuc Phuong National Park
Days 2 & 3: Cuc Phuong National Park
Day 4: Cuc Phuong National Park to Tam Dao
Days 5 & 6: Tam Dao
Day 7: Tam Dao to Phong Nha National Park via Hanoi & Hue 
Day 8: Phong Nha National Park
Day 9: Phong Nha National Park to Bach Ma National Park
Days 10 & 11: Bach Ma National Park
Day 12: Bach Ma National Park to Kham Duc/Lo Xo
Day 13: Kham Duc/Lo Xo
Day 14: Kham Duc/Lo Xo to Ho Chi Minh City via Danang
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat 
Days 16, 17 & 18: Dalat 
Day 19: Dalat to Di Linh 
Day 20: Di Linh to Cat Tien National Park 
Days 21, 22 & 23: Cat Tien National Park 
Day 24: Cat Tien National Park to Ho Chi Minh City. Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Departure & Price

INCLUDING
 * English Speaking tour leader (other languages upon requests)
 * All accommodations base on twin-share at hotel, guesthouse and Home stay.etc…
 * Meals detailed in the itinerary (B = Breakfast , L = Lunches ,D = Dinners)
 * A/C transfers and transportation.
 * Boat trip mention in itinerary
 * Sightseeing excursions as outlined in itinerary
 * Domestic Flight Ticket 
 * Mineral water drinking.
 * Seasonal fruits.
 * Snacks

NOT INCLUDING
 * International airfares
 * Travel insurance and bike helmet (compulsory)
 * Items of a personal nature
 * Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
 * Mineral water beyond that supplied
 * Single Supplement
 * Optional excursions
 * Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
 * Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills
 * Visa fees
 * Departure taxes
 * Tipping for guiding

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Before you go

Asian Trail Tours online travel portals - Traveller Tips for Vietnam

GEOGRAPHY: Vietnam stretches over 1600 km.along the eastern coast of the Indochina Peninsula. The S-shaped country is broad in the north and south and very narrow in the centre. Almost 80% of Vietnam consists of mountains and hills. The TruongSonMountains extend almost the length of Vietnam along the borders with Laos and Cambodia.

VISAS: All visitors are required to have a valid visa to enter Vietnam. A one-month tourist visa is usually sufficient for most visitors though it is possible to arrange 3-month and 6-month multiple entry visas for regular visitors. All visitors must obtain visa approval from the Vietnamese Immigration Department before a visa is issued.

MONEY: The currency issued by the Vietnam State Bank is the dong (abbreviated "d" or VND) which is used informally throughout the country. Bank notes in denominations of 200d to 100,000d are presently in circulation. The exchange rate is approximately 18,000d = US$1. US$ Dollars are accepted in many hotels, restaurants. Banks are open Monday to Friday and some are open Saturday morning. Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at banks, some international hotel and some exchange bureaux but can be difficult to change outside of the major cities. Visa Card and MasterCard are now accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops.

ELECTRICITY: Electric current in Vietnam is 220 volts and will operate all Australian appliances. Always carry a torch with fresh batteries. Recharge photographic batteries regularly.

CLOTHING: Comfortable lightweight clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton is most suitable for travelling in Vietnam. The dress code is fairly casual as in most parts of the tropics but it is advisable to cover arms and legs in the evenings against biting insects. A lightweight raincoat is a good idea in the rainy season. During the winter months warm clothing is needed for visiting the north of Vietnam. Visitors to Buddhist countries should not wear shorts, short skirts or other skimpy clothing when visiting religious buildings and shoes should be removed before entering a private home

CLIMATE / WEATHER: Vietnam’s weather conditions are pleasant for visitors throughout the year. The WINTER monsoon comes from the northeast between October and March with wet chilly conditions in the north, but dry warm temperatures to the south. From April to October the southwest monsoons bring warm, humid weather to the whole country.

LANGUAGE: Because Vietnamese has six different tones, it is a difficult language for most foreigners to speak despite the fact that the Roman alphabet is used in modern Vietnamese. The same word can have six different meanings depending on the tone used to pronounce it. In the cities and larger towns English is becoming popular and is now spoken by many younger people while some of the older generation still speak fluent French. Russian and Chinese are also spoken by some people

ACCOMMODATION: All group tour hotels have been especially selected. All have private western bathroom facilities. Laundry service can launder clothing within 24 hours. It is not customary for all hotels to have refrigerator and tea/coffee facilities.

FOOD / DRINK: The cuisine of Vietnam comes as a pleasant surprise to many visitors and is definitely a part of the Vietnam experience not to be missed. One of the characteristics of Vietnamese food is that it is always fresh being bought the same morning straight from the market. Food is usually prepared with a minimum of oil and served with the ubiquitous fish sauce called nuoc mam. Typical Vietnamese dishes you can expect to try include pho, a type of rice noodle soup eaten for breakfast, cha gio, deep-fried spring rolls and goi ngo sen, a delicious salad made with lotus stems, shrimps and peanuts. Due to the strong Buddhist influence in Vietnam, vegetarian food is widely available.

SHOPPING: Souvenirs to look out for in Vietnam include lacquerware, silk, conical hats, woodcarvings, hill tribe fabrics and handicrafts, embroidery, marble, ceramics, silver jewellery, antique watches and paintings. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have the best choice when it comes to shopping but Hoi An in the centre of Vietnam is also a very good place to hunt for bargains.

TOILETS: Public toilets can sometimes be difficult to find. Take every opportunity you can to use clean toilets in hotels and restaurants. Make this a habit on your stay.

HEALTH: Consult your medico or visit the Traveller Medical and Vaccination Centre for professional medical advice well in advance of your departure, Wash hands before and after eating. Carry ‘wet-ones’,anti bacterial handwash, insect repellant, band aids and emergency medicines eg. Diarrhoea. Drink plenty of water and have adequate rest. Seek medical care, if needed. Don’t take risks with health and personal hygiene.

SAFETY / SECURITY: Always maintain a high level of personal security. Cash or wallets in pockets, obvious jewellery and open bags attract unwanted attention. Beware of pickpockets in crowded places. Lock your case, Carry a hotel card so that taxis know where to take you.

LUGGAGE: All passengers are limited to TWO items of luggage each. One case with maximum weight weight of 20 kg. and maximum size of 70 litres. It is essential to lock this case. One piece of hand luggage with maximum weight of 5 kg. It is advisable that hand luggage consist of a ‘daypack’ to carry camera, water, toilet paper, umbrella, hat etc.

TIPPING: Tipping for good service is not expected but is always appreciated in these developing nations. It is customary, though not compulsory, to tip tour guides and drivers at the end of a tour. Hotel and station porters should also be tipped.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: All group tour passengers must have comprehensive travel insurance. You can complete this with Asian Trail Tours if you wish. Check your Travel Insurance Policy for an Emergency number and details of services to be provided, Carry these details with you.

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