Discover Vietnam through the lens on an immersive bird photography tour that spans one of Asia’s most ecologically diverse countries. From mist-shrouded montane forests and dramatic limestone karst landscapes in the north, to the Annamite cloud forests of central Vietnam and the species-rich wetlands and lowlands of the south, the country offers an exceptional diversity of habitats within a single journey. These environments support a remarkable avifauna, including highly sought-after endemic and near-endemic species such as Blue Pitta, Siamese Pheasant, Banded Kingfisher and Vietnamese Cutia, set against some of Southeast Asia’s most photogenic landscapes.
Led by one of the top bird photographers in Asia, this tour is carefully designed to maximise photographic success while maintaining ethical, conservation-focused field practices. Small group sizes ensure personalised instruction in fieldcraft, composition, light, and behaviour, whether capturing elusive forest endemics or iconic species in expansive mountain and wetland settings. More than a birding tour, this is a premium photographic expedition for serious enthusiasts seeking rare subjects, world-class leadership, and unforgettable images from one of Asia’s most rewarding destinations.
Laughingthrushes: Collared Laughingthrush / Orange-breasted Laughingthrush / White-cheeked Laughingthrush / Black-hooded Laughingthrush.
Broadbills: Black-and-Red Broadbill / Banded Broadbill / Dusky Broadbill / Silver-breasted Broadbill / Long-tailed Broadbill.
Flycatchers: Little Pied Flycatcher / Black-naped Monarch / Rufous-browed Flycatcher / Snowy-browed Flycatcher / Verditer Flycatcher / Large Niltava.
Thrushes: Siberian Thrush / Orange-headed Thrush / Dark-sided Thrush / White-throated Rock Thrush.
Babblers: Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler / White-browed Scimitar Babbler / Clicking Shrike Babbler.
Woodpeckers: Black-and-Buff Woodpecker / Lesser Yellownape / Greater Yellownape / Common Flameback.
Owls / Nightjars / Frogmouths: Spot-bellied Eagle Owl / Collared Scops Owl / Northern Boobook / Oriental Scops Owl / Large-tailed Nightjar / Blyth’s Frogmouth.
Pheasants / Partridges: Green-legged Partridge/ Orange-necked Partridge / Red Junglefowl / Rufous-throated Partridge / Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant / Siamese Fireback / Red Junglefowl.
Pittas / Trogons: Bar-bellied Pitta / Blue Pitta / Blue-rumped Pitta / Rusty-naped Pitta / Red-headed Trogon / Orange-breasted Trogon.
Guiding Fees / Ground Transportation / Accommodation / Meals / Entrance Fees / Tipping for Drivers, Boatsmen, Hotel and Restaurant Staff.
International Flights / VISA Fees / Travel Insurance / Tips for Local Guide / Alcohol / Laundry / Items of a Personal Nature
Days 0-1 Ho Chi Minh (1N, 0D, 1S). Arrive in Ho Chi Minh, Check-in hotel, 17:00 Presentation and Dinner.
Days 1-5 Dong Nai Province (4N, 3D, 8S). Drive 3-hours to Dong Nai Province. Photographic Targets: Bar-bellied Pitta / Blue-rumped Pitta / Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher / Green-legged Partridge / Orange-necked Partridge / Abbott’s Babbler / Black-and-Red Broadbill / Banded Broadbill / Dusky Broadbill / Banded Kingfisher / Orange-breasted Trogon / Blyth's Kingfisher.
Days 5-7 Lam Dong Province (2N, 1D, 4S). Drive 2-hours to Lam Dong Province. Photographic Targets: Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant / Black-and-Red Broadbill / Spot-bellied Eagle Owl / Collared Scops Owl / Asian Barred Owlet / Collared Owlet / Brown Boobook.
Days 7-9 Lam Dong Province (2N, 1D, 4S). Drive 3-hours next Lam Dong Province location. Photographic Targets: Red-headed Trogon / Indochinese Green Magpie / Black-headed Parrotbill / Mrs Gould's Sunbird / Black-throated Sunbird.
Days 9-13 Lam Dong Province (4N, 3D, 7S). Drive 2-hours to final Lam Dong Province location. Photographic Targets: Collared Laughingthrush / Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler / White-cheeked Laughingthrush / Indochinese Green Magpie / Grey-bellied Tesia / Blue Pitta / Rusty-naped Pitta / White-tailed Robin / Lesser Shortwing / Rufous-throated Partridge / Snowy-browed Flycatcher / Grey-crowned Crocias / Black-crowned Fulvetta / Vietnamese Cutia / Spot-bellied Eagle Owl / Oriental Scops Owl / Collared Owlet / Large-tailed Nightjar / Hodgson’s Frogmouth.
Day 13 Lam Dong Province (0N, 0D, 0S). Drive 1-hour to Lien Khuong Aiport for Transfer to Ho Chi Minh Airport.
[Key: N=Night, D=Full Day, S = Session / Half-Day]
Nick Ludovic Green has spent much of his life travelling and photographing birds across Asia and Oceania, developing a depth of field experience that few bird photographers achieve. Over more than 15 years in the region, Nick has led 150+ bird photography tours in 35 countries, carefully designing each itinerary to give photographers the best possible access to light, behaviour and habitat.
Through extensive long-term travel, Nick has photographed 2,500 bird species across Asia and Oceania, many at portrait-quality standard. In China alone he has documented over 1,200 species, working in every province and returning repeatedly to key locations to refine photographic opportunities, an experience that directly benefits photographers travelling with him.
His longer bird photography expeditions include a four-month journey across Melanesia, a three-month traverse of Xinjiang Autonomous Region in China's western frontier, and a four-month Himalayan journey from Kashmir, Ladakh and Bhutan to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. These extended field projects have helped build deep regional knowledge and trusted local relationships.
Nick’s images have been published internationally, and his methods reflects a long-term commitment to careful, respectful bird photography. On tour, he is known for his organized, supportive approach and practical in-field guidance, helping bird photographers of all levels improve their work whilst enjoying unhurried time amongst the region’s most sought-after species.
(i) The guesthouses are all in close proximity to the bird photography locations (ii) Walking is at a light pace (iii) There is no requirement to hike nor climb. (iv) None of the locations are at altitude (v) There is no camping.
