When you begin dreaming up a trip to Vietnam, wildlife may not be the first thing on your mind, but there are actually pockets of incredible biodiversity — and animals — scattered throughout the country. Beyond the fascinating history and deep spirituality, make the time to linger a little longer and discover the wildlife of Vietnam. Read on to find out exactly where to look…
Mekong Delta
From its source on the Tibetan Plateau until it empties into the South China Sea, the Mekong River covers nearly 5,000 kilometres, crossing a whopping six countries. Home to over 1,200 freshwater species, the Greater Mekong contains some of the most biologically diverse habitats in the world. In Vietnam it splinters into nine tributaries, which make up the Mekong Delta, a lush and scenic region that you can explore from the water. Along the way, look out for giant freshwater stingray and water buffalo plus over 240 species of birdlife including sarus cranes, the tallest flying bird in the world.
Central Vietnam
Known by many as ‘Monkey Mountain’, the forests of Son Tra are home to an incredible collection of primates including long-tailed macaque, slow loris and over 1,000 endangered red-shanked douc. Explore Da Nang’s green peninsula on hikes into the mountains, or discover what lives below the surface on a snorkelling or scuba diving excursion.
To the north of Da Nang, Bach Ma National Park sprawls across the Annamite Mountains. Up here, you’ll spot Asian elephant, red-shanked douc and a host of colourful birdlife. As you explore its many trails, keep a look out for thousands of vivid orchids that adorn the branches.
A few hours north of Hue, the vast bamboo forests of Phong Nha-Ke Bang are home to the rare saola, black bear, langur and water monitor lizards, which can grow up to two metres long.
Phu Quoc
Delve below the waters surrounding Phu Quoc island to discover a world of multi-coloured marine life from bamboo sharks and rare dugong to the endemic horned sea star and cartoonish nudibranches, interspersed with dazzling shoals of fish.
Cat Tien National Park
Sitting a few hours east of Ho Chi Minh City, the forests of Cat Tien National Park can be explored by foot or vehicle. Keep your eyes peeled for Asian elephant, sun bears and clouded leopards, gibbons and langurs.
