This 11-day tour will introduce you to the wonderful diversity of birds, wildlife, and ecosystems of Vietnam’s southern tropics. We’ll explore both lowland tropical forests and coniferous forests of the high plateaus.

The tour begins in Ho Chi Minh City (aka. Saigon). After enjoying some highlights of the city, we head to Cat Tien National Park. There, we’ll search for special birds like Germain’s Peacock-pheasant, Green Peafowl, Bar-bellied Pitta, Red-and-Black Broadbill, Siamese Fireback, and Gray-faced Tit-babbler. The park is home to some amazing mammals, too, like the Lesser Mouse-Deer and Southern Yellow-cheeked Gibbon.

Next, we climb to the higher elevations of the Dalat Plateau. The relatively cool forests here host a very differentset of birds and other wildlife. Some birds we hope to find over several days include Indochinese Green-Magpie, Spotted Forktail, Vietnamese Greenfinch, Blue Pitta, and Green Cochoa

After our wonderful exploration of the Dalat region, we’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City. Along course of our journey, we’ll be sure to indulge in the amazing cuisine of Vietnam, and experience the culture and customs of this delightful country.

EXTENSION TRIP TO CAMBODIA: Continue your travels in Southeast Asia by experiencing the wonders of Cambodia! On this 7-day extension trip that begins in Siem Reap, you’ll see exciting new bird species and learn about the culture and history of Cambodia. A major highlight will be visiting the incomparable ancient temples of Ankor Wat!

We’ll search for amazing birds and wildlife in the nature reserves in Tmat Boey and Prek Toal. Before returning to Siem Reap, we’ll make a special visit to the Prek Toal Floating Village on the Sanker River.

TRIP LEADERS on EXTENSION: Steve Robertson and Ivan Phillipsen.

Itinerary at a Glance

Days 1-2

Explore Ho Chi Minh City (aka. Saigon).

Day 3

Journey to Cat Tien National Park. The lowland forests here are rich with birds and wildlife

Days 4-5

Birding and exploration of Cat Tien National Park.

Day 6

Head into the highlands. We'll explore Di Linh, at the edge of the Dalat Plateau. Birding here and staying the night.

Day 7

More birding at Di Linh in the morning, then we continue to Dalat. This high elevation location will be our home base for several days.

Days 8-10

3 full days of birding and exploring the Dalat Plateau.

Day 11

Take a flight from Dalat back to Ho Chi Minh City. Onward to Cambodia for all who are joining the extension!

Cloud Forest Extension Itinerary

Day 1

Begin our adventure in Cambodia with some local birding near the city of Siem Reap. Time-permitting, we’ll visit Phnom Kroam, where a variety of habitats can be found near the solitary peak that is crowned by a pre-Angkorian temple.

Day 2

A full day of exploring the incredible temples of Ankor Wat.

Day 3

Birding the Bengal Florican Conservation Area in the first part of the day, then settling into our lodge at Tmat Boey. We'll bird the grounds of the lodge in the afternoon.

Day 4

A full day of birding Tmat Boey. Time permitting, we hope to explore the Preah Vihear Temple, one of the most spectacular temple sites outside of Angkor Wat.

Day 5

Birding Tmat Boey, then return to Siem Reap.

Day 6

Birding the Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve and visiting the fascinating floating village of Prek Toal.

Day 7

Farewells all around as our journey across Southeast Asia comes to an end.

START DATE: November 3, 2024

DURATION: 11 days (+7 for extension)

GROUP SIZE: Up to 12

TRIP FOCUS: Birding and Natural History

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Domestic flight to/from Quito to the islands
• Double-occupancy lodging
• Ground and water transportation
• Breakfasts, lunches, some dinners
• Excursions and park fees
• Guiding services

YOUR GUIDES

Ivan Phillipsen, Co-owner of Wild Latitudes, is a passionate naturalist with a background in scientific research. He holds an M.S. in biology and a Ph.D. in zoology. Natural history is Ivan’s true passion and what he is most excited to teach to others. Although he is fascinated by just about every aspect of nature, Ivan is particularly fond of birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, plants, and geology. Everything is interconnected in nature and Ivan takes a holistic approach when teaching about the natural world.

A true lover of the natural world, Steve Robertson has been a student of nature his entire life. First, as a little boy, who caught every creature he could for the mini zoo he kept in the garage, then later as an adult, leading scientific research expeditions into some of the most remote regions of the world, searching for rare species in such places as Tasmania, Madagascar and the upper Amazon Basin. With degrees in Wildlife Biology, advanced biology & education, Steve has worked in the field of Environmental Education for over 30 years. From 1998 to 2017, he served as the Education Director for the Audubon Society of Portland, creating a number of innovative programs including International Ecotours, a program that has won hundreds of accolades from around the country. During his time with Audubon, Steve personally designed and led Ecotours to over 20 countries, spanning six continents.