Fed by the mighty Mekong River and spread over the far southwestern tip of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta Region, also known as “Ðồng Bằng Sông Cửu Long” meaning the Nine Dragon River Delta or more simply “Ðồng Bằng Sông Mê”, is more than just a landscape: it's a lifestyle. Living amongst the Mekong’s many tributaries, locals have built their life on the water, creating floating …
Red River Delta Region – Northern Vietnam
Densely populated and rich in agriculture, the Red River Delta Region, sometimes called the Hong Delta Region, is an economic powerhouse for Vietnam and a popular destination for international tourists. Fueled by the strong flowing Red and Thai Binh Rivers, as well as their distributaries, the delta region is famous for its rice cultivation in Northern Vietnam. Protected by …
The Coolest Native Wildlife in Vietnam
Vietnam is a land of rich biodiversity, diverse habitats, and a range of interesting and unique species. With a variety of climates and environments, the country provides sustenance for all kinds of creatures to thrive. And while they may not be seen often, or hardly ever, Vietnam is home to some of the coolest wildlife in the world. Some scientists predict that the nation …
The Most Dangerous Wildlife in Vietnam
Home to lush forests, rolling mountain landscapes, sprawling coastlines, and wetlands, Vietnam is not only home to various habitats but also numerous species, including incredibly dangerous wildlife. As is typical in every ecosystem, predators exist to control populations, disperse nutrients, and balance the habitat as a whole. While these animals are vastly beneficial to …
Vietnam’s Natural Beauty and Landscape
Nestled on the eastern side of the Indochina Peninsula, Vietnam is a country rich in biodiversity and natural splendor. Its towering mountains and stretches of dense, luscious forest are known the world over, and tourists from all over flock there every year to its nature. Vietnam’s tropical climate and oceanside location create a perfect storm for plant and animal life. …
Phu Quoc National Park – Kien Giang Province
Beloved in Vietnam, Phú Quôc National Park is both a nature reserve and resort wrapped into one package. Located off of the mainland on Phú Quôc Island, it has become the most visited national park in the Mekong Delta region. The reason for the park’s popularity can be attributed to its diverse character. With luxurious resorts, perfect beaches, and a wild side, Phú Quôc has …
Central Highlands – Southern Vietnam
Once sequestered from the world, the Central Highlands (also called Cao nguyên Trung phần, or more famously, Tây Nguyên) is a region in Vietnam that has spent the last decade slowly opening up to international tourists. Guarded by the imposing peaks of the Southern Annamite Range, the untouched plateaus and primitive forests of the Central Highlands are emerging as Vietnam’s …
The Amphibians of Vietnam
Being that Vietnam has an extensive amount of freshwater, it's able to support an impressive array of amphibians. This class of wildlife includes frogs, toads, and salamanders, all of which can be found throughout Vietnam. The nation's rugged backcountry, lack of conservation infrastructure, and challenges with illegal logging and wildlife trafficking have all led to a …
The Birds of Vietnam
For birders, there is nothing more satisfying than viewing the rarest species, and while staying in Vietnam, you'll have a plethora to observe. A land of incredible biodiversity, Vietnam supports about 1,200 species of birds throughout the year. Sadly, poaching and illegal trade have resulted in many populations becoming endangered. With so many different types, it would be …
The Reptiles of Vietnam
In the diverse ecosystems of Vietnam, reptiles are abundant. In fact, there are over 200 confirmed reptilian species, 157 of which are endemic to the country. With habitats ranging from moist montane forests with robust stream systems to lowland marshlands, there are plenty of places for them to not only survive but also thrive. For wildlife tourists in Vietnam, reptiles are …
Cham Islands – near Hoi An
Situated off the coast of Hoi An, Vietnam, the Cham Islands are a group of eight small landmasses surrounded by a near-transparent ocean. As rich in history as they are in their beauty, the Cham Islands are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Islands in Central Vietnam The Cham Islands are a great alternative to the hustle and bustle of Vietnam’s major cities. A true …
Are there dangerous sharks in Vietnam?
The ocean waters around Vietnam have a few sharks, but none are known to cause lethal injuries. A few incidents of bites have occurred in the past, but sharks in this area tend to stay away from humans for the most part. There are several types of sharks in Vietnam, only a few of which are a threat to humans. There's also the notorious jellyfish lurking it its …
Are there (mouse) deer in Vietnam?
Deer might not be an animal that jumps to mind when talking about wildlife in Vietnam, but the country is home to more than one kind. Unfortunately, these creatures have been overhunted, so they aren’t as present as they once were. Additionally, much of their natural habitats have been destroyed for resources. From species like the Silka to the smaller Mouse Deer, here's a …
Are there crocodiles or alligators in Vietnam?
When it comes to exploring the jungles in Vietnam, running into an alligator might be one of your biggest worries. While there aren’t alligators, there are crocodiles, among a relatively large eclectic group of reptiles. However, these creatures are rarely spotted in the wild due to overhunting and their environments reduced by construction projects. The majority of crocs in …
Are there poisonous snakes or anacondas in Vietnam?
Vietnam has more than 200 species of snakes, but anacondas are not one of them. There are only about 50 types of snakes in the country that are venomous and threaten humans. Even though Vietnam has some of the highest numbers of reported snakebites in the world, it's still a moderately small number. Top Venomous Snakes in Vietnam When planning to spend some time in …
Are there gorillas or primates in Vietnam?
There aren’t any wild gorillas in Vietnam, but that isn’t to say the country is devoid of primates. In fact, there are several species of primates in the country, yet they all face massive challenges. Where are wild gorillas found? Your best bet for seeing gorillas in the wild is in Africa. Countries such as Gabon, Cameroon, Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo house large communities …
Are there bears in Vietnam?
There are two types of bears that call Vietnam home: the Malayan Sun Bear and the Asiatic Black Bear, also referred to as a “moon bear.” While it’s not likely that you’ll see either in the wild, a few of each species are still roaming free. Malayan Sun Bear Originating in southeast Asia, the Malayan Sun Bear is a member of the Ursidae family and can get up to about 65 …
Are there foxes in Vietnam?
It might be hard to imagine that foxes live in Vietnam, but thanks to the country’s diverse ecological system, there are some that live in this part of Asia; and some flying ones too. Red Fox The red fox is one of the most common types of fox globally, as it’s found in several of Earth’s regions, including North America, throughout Europe, and Asia. It’s also one of the …
Are there pandas in Vietnam?
Northern Vietnam once boasted a healthy panda population but developments in human activity and overall habitat loss have greatly reduced their numbers. Now, the panda has become the embodiment of the endangered species, being featured on the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) logo for this very reason. Less than 2,000 individuals are currently living in the wild - mostly in remote …
Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Center – Lam Dong Province
This destination is temporarily closed due to COVID-19 but is expected to reopen at a later date. Located on an island in the Dong Nai River, the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Center is a unique rehab facility for mistreated and injured animals. Unfortunately, many primates in Vietnam are used as pets, gifts, experiments, food, and tourist attractions. The mission …