In the Sanctuaries of Waterbirds
Siem Reap – Tram Chim NP – Xuan Thuy NP
12 Days / 11 Nights
12 Days / 11 Nights
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Vietnam and Cambodia are hosts to hundreds of flooded mangrove forests that breed large numbers of waterbird species including endemic bird species to Vietnam and migratory birds. The most abundant are cormorants, herons and egrets. If you are bird lovers/watchers, this tour program is right for you. Based on the weather condition, we include in this itinerary 3 biggest bird sanctuaries: Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia, Tram Chim National Park (NP) in Mekong Delta and Xuan Thuy NP in the North of Vietnam.
Day 1: Siem Reap – Arrival Arrive in Siem Reap, treasures of the Kingdom of Cambodia, where you’re warmly welcomed by our guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Relax after a long-haul flight. Overnight in Siem Reap. |
BEST TIME TO GO: NOVEMBER TO APRIL
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Day 2: Siem Reap - Misty Angkor Temples (B)
After breakfast, we start a very special and busy day as you will explore some of Angkor’s most beautiful temples. You will visit Angkor Thom from its West Gate – less discovered by mass tourists. The complex is inclusive of the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), the South Gate, Bayon Temple - unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, Baphuon Temple: lying just to the north of Bayon, a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru, The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, The Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
We continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Ta Prohm was built in the 12th century. It’s a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman VII. Next, visit Banteay Kdei, located south of Ta Promh and was built in middle of the 12th century to the beginning of the 13th century by king Jayavarman II in Mahaya Buddhism. At least two different art styles of Angkor Wat and Bayon are discernible at Banteay Kdei.
After lunch time, visit the famous temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology.
Late afternoon, hike up to Pre Rup temple for sunset, known as the best place for sunset in the Angkor complex. Your evening is free for a foot massage or shopping at the Angkor Night Market.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 3: Siem Reap – Bird watching in Phnom Kulen, Kbal Spean and the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB)
After breakfast, drive to Phnom Kulen, 50km (30 miles) northeast of Siem Reap. The route passes through timeless rural Cambodian villages and countryside before we have the chance to visit a preserved area of Ironwood forest on the slopes of the mountain. This area has a good variety of birds and excellent views of species such as Hainan Blue Flycatcher, Rufous-winged Buzzard, Black Baza, Red-breasted and maybe Blossom-headed and Alexandrine Parakeets.
From here we will visit Kbal Spean, walking through protected forest to see the famous carved lingas in the stream bed. These were carved in the 11th and 12th Centuries and stretch over several hundred metres of river, sanctifying it for the river’s journey into the fertile lowlands and Tonle Sap.
There is also the opportunity to visit the ACCB, the first nature conservation and endangered wildlife rescue and breeding centre in Cambodia. Implemented through a partnership between Munster Zoo and the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP) the centre aims to promote the rescue and rehabilitation of certain native Cambodian wildlife and to establish a conservation breeding program to enable reintroduction of native species. This is carried out in conjunction with capacity-building approaches and alternative livelihood works that aim to prevent the loss of species while improving the living standards of rural Cambodians. A tour around the facility allows visitors the rare opportunity to see some exceptionally rare, shy and seldom seen Cambodian mammals, birds and reptiles, all rescued after having been taken from the wild. At present, captive birds include a Giant Ibis, Greater and breeding Lesser Adjutants, breeding Green Peafowl and four species of raptor.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 4: Siem Reap – Bird watching on Tonle Sap Lake (B)
Tonle Sap is the largest natural lake in South East Asia, increasing in area by up to 25% annually as the floodwaters of the Mekong River enter the lake. Situated at the western end of the great lake is the largest waterbird colony in South-East Asia: Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary.
It is an astonishing site to visit. Prek Toal is globally important for eight species of birds; Spot-billed Pelican, Greater Adjutant, Lesser Adjutant, Milky Stork, Painted Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Oriental Darter and Grey-headed Fish-Eagle. Thousands of commoner waterbirds also breed here, and over 150 species have been recorded.
We will take you into the flooded forest to the core area of the breeding colony where observation towers give great views at treetop height. All houses in the floating village on the lake are constructed on a mat of bamboo and earn their living by fishing and cultivating water, rice, and vegetables. Continue your boat ride to see local daily life.
The tour will start at 5:30a.m and finish at around 15:00.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 5: Siem Reap – Ho Chi Minh City by flight - Tram Chim NP by car (B)
You will be free today in Siem Reap until meeting our driver for transfer to the airport. Board a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by our guide and travel 150km (94 miles) to Tram Chim National Park. After 3 hours of driving, reach the park and check in to your guesthouse.
Take the first boat ride along channels to watch birds. Tram Chim NP is home to many kinds of waterbirds including Purple Swarmphen, Brozne-winged & Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, Spot-billed Duck, Egrets, Herons, Bitterns, Kingfishers, and some waders. The song birds that can be observed are Grassbird (Striated Warbler), several different Reed-warblers (Black-browed, Oriental), Asian Golden Weave, Baya Weaver, White-headed Munia, Golden-bellied Gerygone, Pied Fantail and more.
Overnight in Tram Chim NP.
Day 6: Tram Chim NP (B/L/D)
You will have full day in the park to marvel at the beauty of the Eastern Sarus Crane, the tallest of the flying birds and are endangered, as well as finding other birds.
Day 7: Tram Chim NP – Ho Chi Minh City – Hanoi by flight – Xuan Thuy National Park (B/L/D)
Another boat ride early morning to search for more birds or relax with a pleasant walk in Tram Chim NP before meeting our driver and traveling back to Ho Chi Minh City for a flight to Hanoi. Upon landing, meet our guide and drive 150km (93 miles) to Xuan Thuy National Park where the Red River meets the sea. Check in to your room in the park center and overnight in Xuan Thuy NP.
Day 8: Xuan Thuy NP – Bird watching (B/L/D)
Follow your bird watching guide to the best places for birding. Xuan Thuy National Park is a resting place for a variety of rare migratory bird species. Nine kinds of birds from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species have been found in this park including Blach-faced Spoonbil, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Asian Dowitcher, Marsh Sandpiper, Chinese Egret, Nordmann's Greenshank, Nordmann's Greenshank, Saunders's Gull, Spot-billed Pelican.
Day 9: Xuan Thuy NP – boat trip thru mangrove forest (B/L/D)
Spend more time in the morning for birding or you take a boat cruise through the vast mangrove forest, covering about 7,100 hectares of the park. Have lunch in the park and take a rest before driving back to Hanoi in the afternoon. Feel free to explore the charming and bustling Old Quarter of Hanoi, it’s shops, markets, and Hoan Kiem lake. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 10: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay by car – Overnight onboard (B/L/D)
Now it’s time for relaxing and admiring the natural beauty of Vietnam! After breakfast, take a 3.5 hour drive to Ha Long bay, a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. Upon arrival around noon, transfer to a “junk” for a cruise around Ha Long Bay with a delicious local seafood lunch served on board. The cruise passes through the limestone rocks and islets in many unique and funny shapes. Again your dinner is served on board. In the evening, enjoy night fishing (optional), drinks, and overnight on board anchored in a peaceful bay.
Day 11: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi by car (Brunch)
In the morning, your breakfast or brunch will be served while doing further cruising to explore the beauties of the Bay before returning to the Wharf. After breakfast or brunch, disembark the boat and return to Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 12: Hanoi – Departure (B)
After breakfast, you will be free in Hanoi until meeting our driver again for a transfer to the airport in a good time to connect to your departure flight.
:>> Our prices include:
> Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room
> Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver
> The services of an experienced English-speaking guide throughout the tour (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests’ return to their hotel or reaching their destination)
> Where necessary, entry fees and boat fee all visits mentioned in the program
> Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available
> In-tour flights Siem Reap – Ho Chi Minh City – Hanoi, including airport taxes & with Vietnam airlines
> VAT and other taxes
:>> Our prices do not include:
> International flight tickets and airport tax
> Visa handling and stamp fee
> Dinners, except as specified above
> Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
> Camera fees (if any)
> Insurance
After breakfast, we start a very special and busy day as you will explore some of Angkor’s most beautiful temples. You will visit Angkor Thom from its West Gate – less discovered by mass tourists. The complex is inclusive of the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), the South Gate, Bayon Temple - unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, Baphuon Temple: lying just to the north of Bayon, a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru, The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, The Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
We continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Ta Prohm was built in the 12th century. It’s a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman VII. Next, visit Banteay Kdei, located south of Ta Promh and was built in middle of the 12th century to the beginning of the 13th century by king Jayavarman II in Mahaya Buddhism. At least two different art styles of Angkor Wat and Bayon are discernible at Banteay Kdei.
After lunch time, visit the famous temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology.
Late afternoon, hike up to Pre Rup temple for sunset, known as the best place for sunset in the Angkor complex. Your evening is free for a foot massage or shopping at the Angkor Night Market.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 3: Siem Reap – Bird watching in Phnom Kulen, Kbal Spean and the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB)
After breakfast, drive to Phnom Kulen, 50km (30 miles) northeast of Siem Reap. The route passes through timeless rural Cambodian villages and countryside before we have the chance to visit a preserved area of Ironwood forest on the slopes of the mountain. This area has a good variety of birds and excellent views of species such as Hainan Blue Flycatcher, Rufous-winged Buzzard, Black Baza, Red-breasted and maybe Blossom-headed and Alexandrine Parakeets.
From here we will visit Kbal Spean, walking through protected forest to see the famous carved lingas in the stream bed. These were carved in the 11th and 12th Centuries and stretch over several hundred metres of river, sanctifying it for the river’s journey into the fertile lowlands and Tonle Sap.
There is also the opportunity to visit the ACCB, the first nature conservation and endangered wildlife rescue and breeding centre in Cambodia. Implemented through a partnership between Munster Zoo and the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP) the centre aims to promote the rescue and rehabilitation of certain native Cambodian wildlife and to establish a conservation breeding program to enable reintroduction of native species. This is carried out in conjunction with capacity-building approaches and alternative livelihood works that aim to prevent the loss of species while improving the living standards of rural Cambodians. A tour around the facility allows visitors the rare opportunity to see some exceptionally rare, shy and seldom seen Cambodian mammals, birds and reptiles, all rescued after having been taken from the wild. At present, captive birds include a Giant Ibis, Greater and breeding Lesser Adjutants, breeding Green Peafowl and four species of raptor.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 4: Siem Reap – Bird watching on Tonle Sap Lake (B)
Tonle Sap is the largest natural lake in South East Asia, increasing in area by up to 25% annually as the floodwaters of the Mekong River enter the lake. Situated at the western end of the great lake is the largest waterbird colony in South-East Asia: Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary.
It is an astonishing site to visit. Prek Toal is globally important for eight species of birds; Spot-billed Pelican, Greater Adjutant, Lesser Adjutant, Milky Stork, Painted Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Oriental Darter and Grey-headed Fish-Eagle. Thousands of commoner waterbirds also breed here, and over 150 species have been recorded.
We will take you into the flooded forest to the core area of the breeding colony where observation towers give great views at treetop height. All houses in the floating village on the lake are constructed on a mat of bamboo and earn their living by fishing and cultivating water, rice, and vegetables. Continue your boat ride to see local daily life.
The tour will start at 5:30a.m and finish at around 15:00.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 5: Siem Reap – Ho Chi Minh City by flight - Tram Chim NP by car (B)
You will be free today in Siem Reap until meeting our driver for transfer to the airport. Board a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by our guide and travel 150km (94 miles) to Tram Chim National Park. After 3 hours of driving, reach the park and check in to your guesthouse.
Take the first boat ride along channels to watch birds. Tram Chim NP is home to many kinds of waterbirds including Purple Swarmphen, Brozne-winged & Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, Spot-billed Duck, Egrets, Herons, Bitterns, Kingfishers, and some waders. The song birds that can be observed are Grassbird (Striated Warbler), several different Reed-warblers (Black-browed, Oriental), Asian Golden Weave, Baya Weaver, White-headed Munia, Golden-bellied Gerygone, Pied Fantail and more.
Overnight in Tram Chim NP.
Day 6: Tram Chim NP (B/L/D)
You will have full day in the park to marvel at the beauty of the Eastern Sarus Crane, the tallest of the flying birds and are endangered, as well as finding other birds.
Day 7: Tram Chim NP – Ho Chi Minh City – Hanoi by flight – Xuan Thuy National Park (B/L/D)
Another boat ride early morning to search for more birds or relax with a pleasant walk in Tram Chim NP before meeting our driver and traveling back to Ho Chi Minh City for a flight to Hanoi. Upon landing, meet our guide and drive 150km (93 miles) to Xuan Thuy National Park where the Red River meets the sea. Check in to your room in the park center and overnight in Xuan Thuy NP.
Day 8: Xuan Thuy NP – Bird watching (B/L/D)
Follow your bird watching guide to the best places for birding. Xuan Thuy National Park is a resting place for a variety of rare migratory bird species. Nine kinds of birds from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species have been found in this park including Blach-faced Spoonbil, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Asian Dowitcher, Marsh Sandpiper, Chinese Egret, Nordmann's Greenshank, Nordmann's Greenshank, Saunders's Gull, Spot-billed Pelican.
Day 9: Xuan Thuy NP – boat trip thru mangrove forest (B/L/D)
Spend more time in the morning for birding or you take a boat cruise through the vast mangrove forest, covering about 7,100 hectares of the park. Have lunch in the park and take a rest before driving back to Hanoi in the afternoon. Feel free to explore the charming and bustling Old Quarter of Hanoi, it’s shops, markets, and Hoan Kiem lake. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 10: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay by car – Overnight onboard (B/L/D)
Now it’s time for relaxing and admiring the natural beauty of Vietnam! After breakfast, take a 3.5 hour drive to Ha Long bay, a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. Upon arrival around noon, transfer to a “junk” for a cruise around Ha Long Bay with a delicious local seafood lunch served on board. The cruise passes through the limestone rocks and islets in many unique and funny shapes. Again your dinner is served on board. In the evening, enjoy night fishing (optional), drinks, and overnight on board anchored in a peaceful bay.
Day 11: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi by car (Brunch)
In the morning, your breakfast or brunch will be served while doing further cruising to explore the beauties of the Bay before returning to the Wharf. After breakfast or brunch, disembark the boat and return to Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 12: Hanoi – Departure (B)
After breakfast, you will be free in Hanoi until meeting our driver again for a transfer to the airport in a good time to connect to your departure flight.
:>> Our prices include:
> Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room
> Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver
> The services of an experienced English-speaking guide throughout the tour (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests’ return to their hotel or reaching their destination)
> Where necessary, entry fees and boat fee all visits mentioned in the program
> Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available
> In-tour flights Siem Reap – Ho Chi Minh City – Hanoi, including airport taxes & with Vietnam airlines
> VAT and other taxes
:>> Our prices do not include:
> International flight tickets and airport tax
> Visa handling and stamp fee
> Dinners, except as specified above
> Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
> Camera fees (if any)
> Insurance
