Get set for an exciting safari that the Ninh Binh Wildlife and Bird Watching Tour promises to make one explore nature at every step of your tour! Ninh Binh is thus often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land." A haven for biodiversity, boasting beautiful wetlands full of limestone karsts, possesses a whole array of wildlife. Some include the Van Long Nature Reserve and Cuc Phuong National Park-home to species of birds and other rare, endangered animals. Be you a keen birder or just starting on your first time of exploration, join part of our exciting tours at Ninh Binh Tours for an unforgettable experience in Vietnam’s pristine natural beauty.
Why Ninh Binh is a Premier Destination for Wildlife and Bird Watching?
Ninh Binh regards itself as nothing but an absolute paradise when it comes to wildlife watching. The vast wetlands, towering limestone karsts, and dense rainforests make the landscape here just as diverse as it is stunning. One of the major highlights of the Ninh Binh Wildlife and Bird Watching Tour is the Van Long Nature Reserve, which is deemed the largest wetland natural reserve in northern Vietnam. You will get to see many different species of birds while gliding serenely over its placid waters, among them the Pied Kingfisher, Herons, and Pheasants. This place is a dream for every birdwatcher, with unforgettable visions of birds in their natural setting.
But that is not all: when it comes to either birds or wildlife, one must visit the Cuc Phuong National Park of Vietnam, the oldest national park. This lush rainforest, with over 300 recorded species of birds, is ideally perfect for bird watching in Vietnam. Visualize how each morning greets you with the sound of a Red-collared Woodpecker melodic and a very shy Gray Peacock-Pheasant. If you’re lucky, you might spot the critically endangered Delacour’s Langur Voificant Đen Mông Trắng-one of the rarest primates in the world thriving in the dense foliage of the Park.
Besides the beautiful landscapes and wildlife, Ninh Binh does its part in the conservation of nature. Both Van Long and Cuc Phuong are protected areas set aside for the protection of endangered species. By booking the Ninh Binh Wildlife and Bird Watching Tour, you are not only being a tourist-you contribute actively to the preservation of a fragile ecosystem. The tour is a worthy means of enjoying nature and thereafter supporting the conservation work, which can boast that the natural beauty value and interest in it will prevail for generations to come.
Ninh Binh Wildlife and Bird Watching Tour Itinerary (2 Days/1 Night)
Day 1: Exploring Van Long Nature Reserve & Journey to Cuc Phuong National Park
Van Long Nature Reserve
07:30: Departure from Hanoi
The fantastic round of picking you up from your hotel in Hanoi begins with driving comfortably through the countryside and straight to Van Long Nature Reserve, an amazing wetland paradise and one of the largest in Northern Vietnam.
09:30: Arrive at Van Long Nature Reserve
Upon arrival, there is a tranquil boat during which you will cruise around on Van Long’s tranquil waters. They are the well-sheltered places for bird watching: cormorants, herons, and especially Kingfishers perfectly emerald and blue-teal feathered bird. While serenely drifting through this wetland, remember to watch out for the critically endangered Delacour’s Langur (Voọc Đen Mông Trắng), a very great take at the rarest sight in the wild!
11:30: End of boat trip & Departure for lunch
After an exciting morning of birdwatching and wildlife spotting, lunch will be served at a local restaurant near Van Long, delicacies of which will include goat meat and Com Chay, crispy rice.
13:00: Scenic Drive to Cuc Phuong National Park
Afternoon: Lunch – then, we’ll embark on a scenic drive through the beautiful countryside in Ninh Binh, with its picturesque rice paddies, villages, and limestone mountains. You will get quite the essence of rural Vietnam on this journey!
14:30: Arrive at Cuc Phuong National Park & Check-in
Arrival in Cuc Phuong National Park, check in the accommodation right inside the park. Take a little time to relax and soak in the peaceful forest surroundings.
Cuc Phuong National Park
16:00: Afternoon Bird Watching in Cuc Phuong
Now, proceed with an afternoon bird-watching program inside the park. There are more than 300 varieties of birds and will be able to make some rare sightings that include the Grey Peacock-Pheasant, the Red-collared Woodpecker, and many other beautiful species. The expert guides will help you identify these amazing birds by sight and sound.
19:00: Dinner at Cuc Phuong National Park Restaurant
After an exciting day of game viewing, retire for dinner at the Park restaurant. You can enjoy a sumptuous dinner while sharing today’s wildlife sightings with your fellow travelers.
20:00: Optional Night Tour
For anyone not want the adventure to end, we also offer a night wildlife tour. This is when Cuc Phuong comes alive with nocturnal creatures such as Civets, Slow Loris, and even Owls! It means very rare exposure to this nightlife of the forest and is great for sealing your first day.
Day 2: Wildlife Exploration in Cuc Phuong & Return to Hanoi
05:30: Early Morning Bird Watching
Early morning bird watching the tour rise and shine! This is the best time to see the awakening forest. You’ll be surrounded by the sounds of birds chirping and the flutter of wings while observing species like the Red-vented Barbet and the Great Hornbill in action. The quiet of early morning adds to the magic of this experience.
07:30: Breakfast at Cuc Phuong National Park
After our early morning birding adventure, we will come back for a great breakfast at the park restaurant to rev up for the day.
Watching wildlife in Cuc Phuong National Park
08:30: Visit the Primate Rescue Center
Next, we will go to the Primate Rescue Center, which supports one of the vital works in the rehabilitation of endangered primates, including several Gibbons and the Delacour’s Langur. You will learn about the crucial conservation work they are doing at this facility and see many incredible animals up close.
10:00: Explore the Turtle Conservation Center
Very close to the Primate Rescue Center is the Turtle Conservation Center, where efforts to protect the native species of turtles in Vietnam are found. This stop is most interesting and adds depth to understanding wildlife protection in the region.
11:30: Short Trek to the Ancient Tree
Then, we will visit the conservation centers and after that take a short trek deep into the forest to such an amazing sight as the Thousand-Year-Old Tree-an enormous ancient giant dominating upon the park. On the way, watch out for more wildlife since a dense rainforest shelter many species of birds, mammals, and reptiles.
12:30: Lunch at the Park Restaurant
After the hike, we will have one farewell lunch at the Park Restaurant and afterward start getting ready to depart towards Hanoi.
14:00: Depart for Hanoi
Well, we begin the scenic drive to Hanoi, which will take us once more through this beautiful countryside.
16:30: Arrive in Hanoi & End of Tour
Later in the afternoon, we will return to Hanoi, which also means the end of this fantastic Ninh Binh Wildlife and Bird Watching Tour. You surely get back home with wonderful memories, great shots, and a fresh view of the abundant biodiversity in Vietnam!
Bird watching in Ninh Binh
Must-Know Tips for Bird Watching in Ninh Binh: What to Bring and When to Go
What to Bring: The Essentials for a Successful Wildlife Tour
Packing the right gear sets you on a better track to make the most of your Ninh Binh Wildlife and Bird Watching Tour. Above all, take a good pair of binoculars with you. These will provide you an opportunity to sight far-flung bird species like the Grey Peacock-Pheasant and bright Kingfisher. Besides a pair of binoculars, a camera is one of the utensils necessary to freeze those moments once in a lifetime, whether the flight of a bird of fascinating beauty or the serene beauty of the landscape. For serious photographers, it is highly recommended to take a zoom lens with them for close-up shots of birds in their natural habitat.
Also very important on this adventure are proper shoes. A good pair of hiking boots or shoes with good traction is a must for walking through forests and wetlands, as the terrain can be slippery at times. Also, insect repellent is highly recommended to keep mosquitoes at bay, especially if you visit in summer temperatures. Wear comfortable clothes and be able to breathe well yet be protected. Long sleeves and long pants are excellent for protecting against insects and the sun while you are on your trek.
Best Time of Year for Bird Watching in Ninh Binh
Timing is, therefore, everything when planning your Ninh Binh Wildlife and Bird Watching Tour. The time from October to April acts as the best season for birdwatching in Ninh Binh due to its cool weather that facilitates the migration of birds into the region. At this time, you are likely to be in a good position to catch the sight of migratory birds like Herons and Cormorants in Van Long Nature Reserve, along with many resident birds in Cuc Phuong National Park.
The dry season is ideal for comfortable trekking and exploration, while the rainy season from May to September brings in very vibrant greens, but also more insects and potentially muddy trails. Summer birdwatching can be good in the early morning since birds are most active during the cool hours of the day, affording you more species at those times before the midday heat sets in.
Safety and Respect for Wildlife
During any visitation on the Ninh Binh Wildlife and Bird Watching Tour, some basic things concerning safety need to be mentioned to put you in a safer position and also ensure the safety of the wildlife. When navigating through the park at Cuc Phuong National Park or Van Long Nature Reserve, always use the assigned pathways. This will not only protect the fragile ecosystem but also keep you from potentially hazardous areas.
It always pays to respect the wildlife by keeping a safe distance and avoiding any abrupt movements or loud noises that shall disturb the animals. Most of the wildlife, or at least birds, can be quite skittish; therefore, patience and quiet observation shall be some of the keys to having a rewarding experience. Lastly, just follow your guide’s command, especially during the on-site optional night tour, when being in the dark is quite tricky and your guide expertly manages to keep you safe while spotting some of the nocturnal animals, Civets or Owls.
The Importance of Eco-Tourism and Conservation
Probably one of the most satisfying things you will encounter on the Ninh Binh Wildlife and Bird Watching Tour is the assurance that you contribute to conservation. With Eco-friendly Ninh Binh Tours, you can contribute to the conservation of endangered species such as Delacour’s Langur and other species of birds found across the region.
A great way to help along with conservation is to restrict your impact on the environment. This means refusing waste, not using single-use plastics, and caring about the natural habitat you will visit. Each small step you could make as a responsible traveler would be taken to preserve these beautiful ecosystems for future generations. “Supporting sustainable tourism puts you at the forefront of protection and preservation for this incredible biodiversity found in Ninh Binh.
Conclusion
The Ninh Binh Wildlife and Bird Watching Tour is an amazing journey through wetlands, from Van Long Nature Reserve to the rich biodiversity in Cuc Phuong National Park. You will see rare bird species and contribute to vital conservation work. Impress Travel is highly recommended as it supports not only local communities but also the conservation of Ninh Binh ecosystems. Do not miss this opportunity. Book the Ninh Binh Wildlife and Bird Watching Tour today for lifetime memories that will have an impact on your life! Don’t forget to regularly follow our Impress Travel for more interesting information about traveling to Ninh Binh and to book Ninh Binh Tour at the best prices.