Cat Tien National Park Birding Guide | Wildtour Vietnam
Bar-bellied Pitta (Male)
Bar-bellied Pitta (Female)
Blue-rumped Pitta
Orange-necked Partridge
Green Peafowl
Summary
Cat Tien National Park is one of Vietnam's premier lowland forest birding destinations and an essential stop on southern Vietnam itineraries. Its mosaic of evergreen and semi-evergreen forest, bamboo, wetlands, flooded forest and grassland supports more than 300 bird species and an exceptional variety of southern lowland specialities. The park lies within the South Vietnamese Lowlands Endemic Bird Area and is particularly important for Orange-necked Partridge, Germain's Peacock-Pheasant and Grey-faced Tit-Babbler.
Other major targets include Siamese Fireback, Green Peafowl, Blue-rumped and Bar-bellied Pittas, Wreathed Hornbill, Pale-headed and Black-and-buff Woodpeckers, several broadbills and Blyth's Frogmouth. Productive areas include the Lagerstroemia and Ecological Trails near park headquarters, the Dak Lua road, forest around Ben Cu/Haven Rapids and the trail to Bau Sau (Crocodile Lake). Cat Tien is around 150 km from Ho Chi Minh City and is also readily combined with Da Lat. Two to three full days are recommended for serious birders, with early mornings and evening sessions providing the best chance of finding the park's secretive forest birds.
Cat Tien National Park is also a nationally important site for primate conservation, supporting populations of several primates of conservation concern, including Black-shanked Douc (Pygathrix nigripes), Northern Pig-tailed Macaque (Macaca leonina) and Yellow-cheeked Crested Gibbon (Hylobates gabriellae).
Lowland forest in Cat Tien National Park – one of the best birding destinations in Vietnam
Click here to see the full bird checklist in Cat Tien National Park
Most highlight
Orange-necked Partridge, Germain's Peacock Pheasant, Siamese Fireback, Green Peafowl, Wreathed Hornbill, Lesser Adjutant, Woolly-necked Stork, Blue-rumped and Bar-bellied Pittas, Pale-headed and Black-and-buff Woodpeckers, Black-and-red, Banded, Dusky Broadbill, Blyth’s Frogmouth, Grey-faced Tit Babbler.
Germain's Peacock Pheasant - most wanted species in Cat Tien National Park
Birding route
The Lagerstroemia and Ecological Trails, which begin near the park headquarters, are good places to search for Germain’s Peacock Pheasant and pittas. The Dak Lua road may provide easier birding, especially early in the day when broadbills and Siamese Fireback can be seen.
Haven Rapid Trail is one of the good places for broadbills, woodpeckers, and barbets.
Jeeps can be rented to the turnoff to Bau Sau (Crocodile Lake) and Bau Chim (Bird Lake). Green Peafowl and waterbirds can be seen around these lakes, as well as Siamese Crocodile and, for the fortunate visitor, large mammals such as Gaur. The 5 km trail from the Dak Lua road to Bau Sau is also a good place for Germain’s Peacock Pheasant and pitas.
Transportation
Cat Tien is about 3.5 to 5 hours (depending on traffic) by car from Ho Chi Minh City (150 km) and 3.5 hours from Da Lat city. The site is situated off National Highway 20 between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Lat.
Accommodation
A range of standard accommodation is available at the park headquarters, and it is also possible to stay at Bau Sau, a ranger station in the heart of the park.
Forest Floor Lodge is fancier; it is located at Ben Cu Rapid, where people can enjoy the view. However, for most birders, they don't need to stay here