Vietnam is one of the most beautiful, friendly and fascinating
countries in Asia and an early season visit there finds the country at its
best, the climate mostly cool, dry and enjoyable, the winter birds still in and
the resident ones gearing up for breeding. Vietnam hosts, according to your
splitting beliefs, no less than 13 true endemic species (and this number
continues to increase as further work is done and new discoveries made), a
further 7 or so restricted to Indochina and a number of very interesting and
distinct “subspecies” several of which are destined to be future splits. A large
range of Southeast Asian species of wider distribution and a host of birds
wintering from further north add to the richness of this destination.
Vietnam is also host to the largest selection of mammals of any
Southeast Asian country. Many are critically endangered, little known and
almost impossible to see but amongst them are more than 20 species of primate –
an astonishing total for such a relatively small country. Some are widespread
but a unique aspect of this tour is to seek out some of the rarer ones –
especially a number of colourful Leaf-Monkeys and two species of endemic
Gibbons. We have a chance of up to nine species (Black, Delacour’s
Golden-headed and Ha Tinh Leaf-Monkeys, Black-shanked, Grey-shanked and Red-shanked
Douc Langurs and Buff-cheeked and Northern White-cheeked Gibbons) some ofwhich are amongst the rarest primates on
earth hanging on in their last isolated strongholds.
Our unique and comprehensive itinerary, covering the best sites from
south to north, seeks out all but a few inaccessible endemic birds and several
of the mammals.Your leader Nguyen Hoai Bao a fine young Vietnamese
birder who own Wildtour Company, we shall sample the very best of this unique
country in a way that few westerners have ever enjoyed
Transport by minibus, accommodation in good standard hotels and park
bungalows and memorable Vietnamese food throughout. Includes park entry fees
and all drinks, within reason and including beer and Vietnamese wine, are
complementary. Does not include air fares to and from Vietnam, optional tipping
or items of a personal nature
Cost:US$ 5500 per person Ho
Chi Minh – Hanoi based on twin sharing rooms.
