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Exploring the remarkable biodiversity of Vietnam offers a unique dimension to your journey. To truly appreciate the natural wonders of this country, consider embarking on a trip that immerses you in the rich and diverse animals in Vietnam you can encounter across its forests, rivers, coasts, and rice fields. Learn more about Vietnam's fascinating wildlife below:
You will be able to observe many species of birds such as cuckoos, magpies, kingfishers and other more endemic species, including the Tonkin partridge, the Vietnamese pheasant, the orange-breasted laughingthrush, and the Vietnamese greenfinch. Wetlands such as Tram Chim National Park are renowned for spectacular birdwatching—here you can spot the endangered sarus crane and the elegant black-faced spoonbill. The largest variety of birds is found in national parks and ornithological reserves like Tam Coc, Ba Be, and in unique settings such as the karstic rocks of Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island, and along the Mekong Delta. Wherever you travel in Vietnam, birdlife accompanies you—be it in untouched forests or bustling rural fields.
Vietnam’s coastline and islands reveal a vibrant underwater world. The best place to see marine life is Nha Trang Bay. Here, transparent waters harbor multicolored corals, big starfish, schools of shimmering fish, and sometimes the rare and beautiful lionfish. In protected areas like Con Dao National Park, lucky travelers can witness sea turtles nesting and releasing hatchlings—an experience that supports marine conservation. Bring eco-friendly snorkeling gear and respect guidelines to minimize your impact while enjoying the stunning aquatic animals in Vietnam.
You can still find Asian elephants in Vietnam, although they are far less common today due to shrinking habitats. The highlands, especially near Buon Ma Thuot and in Yok Don National Park, shelter several small populations. These majestic creatures possess enormous religious and cultural significance in Vietnam. In the past, elephants played vital roles in royal courts and are deeply revered by Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. Today, ethical elephant tourism—like guided walking encounters rather than rides—helps protect this iconic species.
Vietnam is home to some of the world’s rarest and most distinctive mammals:
Saola (Asian Unicorn): One of Earth’s most elusive large mammals, found only in the Annamite Mountains. Saola sightings are extremely rare, but their protected nature reserves in Quang Nam and Hue serve as crucial sanctuaries.
Golden-headed Langur (Cat Ba Langur): Critically endangered and confined to Cat Ba Island. Guided nature walks on the island let responsible travelers catch glimpses of these shy primates.
Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey & Delacour’s Langur: Highly threatened, endemic primates that dwell in the remote northern highlands and limestone forests. National parks like Hoang Lien Son and Pu Luong are managed for their protection.
Black-crested Gibbon: With fewer than 100 individuals in Vietnam, these gibbons live in dense northern forests—spotting them is a rare treat for patient wildlife enthusiasts accompanied by expert guides.
Pangolin (Sunda pangolin): The most trafficked mammal globally—Vietnam’s parks work with international partners to conserve surviving populations, sometimes visible on special night safaris.
These majestic big cats once roamed widely throughout Vietnam’s forests. Today, both the Indochinese leopard and tiger are rare and listed as critically endangered, primarily due to habitat loss and poaching. Strictly protected zones and specialized guided tours in areas bordering Laos and Cambodia focus on conservation education, offering visitors insight into these animals’ elusive existence and the challenges they face.
Monkeys are common and often curious companions during wildlife tours. Species such as macaques, gibbons, and various langurs inhabit the forests, islands (notably in Halong Bay and Cat Ba), and even the lower reaches of the Mekong Delta. They can be quite clever and are known to snatch food—maintain your distance and never feed them, as this disrupts their natural behavior and can encourage aggressive antics.
Vietnam’s exceptional endemism means you may encounter fascinating creatures found nowhere else in the world. Standout examples include:
In Vietnamese culture, animals play symbolic roles. The water buffalo—Vietnam’s national animal—remains an enduring icon in the rice paddies, revered for strength and prosperity. Witnessing water buffaloes at work or rest in the countryside is not just an encounter with a living animal, but a meeting with the heart of Vietnamese rural life.
Many of Vietnam’s extraordinary animals are best observed in national parks and protected reserves that promote conservation and sustainable tourism:
Best Time to Go:
Wildlife Viewing and Ethical Guidelines:
For a wildlife-focused journey in Vietnam that combines incredible biodiversity with meaningful, ethical encounters, consult your Shanti Travel Expert. We tailor each trip to ensure unforgettable moments with the animals in Vietnam—while supporting vital conservation efforts.
