Bidoup National Park Herping Tour

Tour Itineraries

Tailor-made tour (Private Tour): At Viet Herping, we understand that every customer has unique needs and preferences. That's why we offer the flexibility to arrange customized wildlife and herping tours at your convenience. Whether you're planning a last-minute adventure or have specific dates in mind, we are ready to design the perfect experience for you. Our expert guides and tailored itineraries ensure that you can explore the stunning wildlife of Vietnam whenever you're ready. Don’t wait for the perfect moment — we’ll make it happen whenever you need us! (Explore our herping tours in Vietnam and experience the best of herping vietnam.)

Introduction

Bidoup National Park is one of 28 national parks in Vietnam’s network of protected areas and occupies nearly the entire Langbiang Plateau (also known as the Lam Vien Plateau) in Lac Duong District, Lam Dong Province. This region has been recognized by scientists as one of the 221 global endemic bird centers and one of the four major centers of biodiversity in Vietnam, alongside Hoang Lien Son, Ngoc Linh, and the forests of the North Central Coast. With 91% of its 64,800 hectares covered by pristine forest, Bidoup is home to a staggering diversity of flora and fauna, making it the perfect destination for a Herping Tour. Embark on an exciting snake-watching tour in Vietnam and amphibian-watching tour in Vietnam as you discover the wonders of this incredible park.

Featured Activities

Our tour is designed around three exciting and enriching activities:

• Embark on a Thrilling Herping Adventure for Rare Snakes in Vietnam
  Dive deep into the wild on our premier Vietnam herping tour, where expert guides lead you on an exhilarating quest to spot elusive snake species like the legendary Mountain Pit Viper and the rare Fimbrios klossi. Whether venomous or non-venomous, these extraordinary reptiles showcase the incredible diversity of Bidoup National Park, a top destination for snake watching tours in Vietnam. Feel the rush as you get up close with Vietnam’s most fascinating serpents in their natural habitat.

• Encounter Endemic Frogs on a Unique Amphibian Watching Tour
  Discover the magic of Bidoup’s rare endemic amphibians, including the striking Rhacophorus calcaneus and the mesmerizing Rhacophorus vampyrus. These frogs boast extraordinary features—from their nearly square heads to their remarkable keratinized tadpole fangs—making every sighting a captivating highlight on any amphibian watching tour in Vietnam. For nature lovers, this is herping at its most vibrant and unforgettable.

• Recharge Amidst Scenic Beauty at Bidoup Eco-Resort
  After a day packed with wildlife thrills, unwind at the tranquil Bidoup eco-resort, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. Breathe in the fresh air and share stories with fellow adventurers as you prepare for your next wildlife encounter. Whether you’re on a snake watching tour Vietnam or an amphibian watching tour Vietnam, this serene retreat completes your unforgettable herping journey.

Snake Species You May Encounter

Non-venomous Snakes:

• Coelognathus flavolineatus

• Dendrelaphis ngansonensis

• Fimbrios klossi

• Gonyosoma coeruleum

• Hebius boulengeri

• Lycodon fasciatus

• Lycodon laoensis

• Oreocryptophis porphyraceus

• The snakes listed here are just a small sample of the many non-venomous species you can discover in this area.

Dendrelaphis ngansonensis - Nganson Bronzeback

Nganson Bronzeback is a stunning arboreal snake known for its slender body and vibrant green scales that shimmer under the forest canopy. Spotting this graceful serpent in the lush surroundings of national parks offers a mesmerizing experience, as it skillfully navigates branches over 2 meters high. Encountering Dendrelaphis ngansonensis is a highlight for any herping enthusiast seeking the beauty of Vietnam’s wild reptiles.

Lycodon fasciatus - Banded Wolf Snake

The Banded Wolf Snake (Lycodon fasciatus) captivates with its striking black and white bands that ripple elegantly across its slender body. Often found stealthily navigating the forest floor and low shrubs in national parks, this elusive snake enchants herpers with its graceful movements and unique patterning. Spotting this rare beauty offers a memorable glimpse into Vietnam’s rich reptilian diversity.

Hebius boulengeri - Boulenger’s keelback

Boulenger’s keelback dazzles with its intricate scale patterns and subtle earthy hues, blending perfectly into the lush forest floors of Bidoup National Park. Spotting this elusive snake during a Bidoup National Park Herping Tour with Viet Herping offers a captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s rich reptile diversity. This rare encounter promises an unforgettable and beautiful wildlife adventure.

Venomous Snakes:

• Bungarus candidus - Malayan Krait

• Bungarus fasciatus - Banded Krait

• Calliophis maculiceps - Speckled Coral Snake

• Ovophis tonkinensis - Tonkin Pit Viper

• Protobothrops mucrosquamatus - Habu Pit Viper

• Trimeresurus vogeli - Vogel's Pit Viper

• Trimeresurus rubeus - Ruby-eyed Green Pit Viper

• The snakes listed here are just a small sample of the many non-venomous species you can discover in this area.

Ovophis tonkinensis - Tokin Pit Viper

The Tokin Pit Viper is a mesmerizing snake known for its vibrant patterns and camouflaging ability amidst leaf litter in Bidoup National Park. Encountering this elusive pit viper during a Bidoup National Park Herping Tour with Viet Herping offers an exciting glimpse into Vietnam’s rich biodiversity. Witnessing its stealth and beauty makes every herping adventure truly unforgettable.

Trimeresurus vogeli - Vogel's Pit Viper

Vogel's Pit Viper captivates with its vibrant green scales and striking pattern, perfectly adapted to the dense foliage of Bidoup National Park. Encountering this elegant yet elusive snake during a Bidoup National Park Herping Tour with Viet Herping offers a rare and breathtaking glimpse into Vietnam’s diverse reptilian wildlife. A truly unforgettable herping experience.

Handle Venomous Snake: Safety First and Expert Guidance

1. Handling venomous snakes requires utmost caution, specialized knowledge, and professional tools. At Viet Herping, we prioritize your safety by ensuring all interactions with venomous species are supervised by experienced herpetologists. Using secure handling equipment and proven techniques, our guides enable you to observe or even gently interact with these fascinating reptiles without risk.

2. This controlled, respectful approach allows wildlife enthusiasts to experience the thrill of getting close to some of Vietnam’s most dangerous snakes—like cobras and vipers—while maintaining full safety. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced herper, proper handling protocols are key to a memorable and secure herping adventure.

Amphibian Species You May Encounter

Rhacophorus calcaneus - Vietnam flying frog

Rhacophorus calcaneus (vernacular name: Vietnam flying frog) is a species of frog in the family Rhacophoridae. It is endemic to Vietnam. It has been extensively confused with Rhacophorus robertingeri, making it difficult to know its true range. Its natural habitats are evergreen forests at elevations of 1,300–2,000 m (4,300–6,600 ft) above sea level. It is threatened by collection for the international pet trade and by habitat loss and degradation caused by rapidly expanding agriculture, including cash crops such as rubber, coffee and tea.

Rhacophorus calcaneus - Vietnam flying frog

Below is an image of a male and female pair observed and photographed by Viet Herping at Bidoup National Park. You can clearly see the distinct differences between the male (on top) and the female (on bottom).

Rhacophorus vampyrus - Vampire tree frog

The vampire tree frog, a Vietnam endemic frog native to Southeast Asia, measures 42.5–44.8 mm (males) and 38.9–53.4 mm (females) in snout-vent length. It has a nearly square head with horizontal pupils, a truncated snout, barely visible tympanum, and a compressed body with robust forelimbs, long slender hindlimbs, and expanded digit disks. Its dorsal coloration shifts from pale tan by day to brick red by night, featuring a white throat, chest, and belly with dark, mottled flanks. Uniquely, its tadpoles bear keratinized fang-like hooks. As an arboreal species, it habitually perches on high trees (2 m or more) to search for prey.

Insect (Entomology)

Eupatorus gracilicornis - Five-horned rhinoceros beetle

A mature male five-horned rhinoceros beetle, nearly 8 cm long, boasts a glossy black body with brown elytra and five sharp horns—one long, curved horn on its head and four shorter ones on the pronotum—used to knock down rivals, while its exoskeleton is as hard as steel. Despite its bulky appearance, it is agile in flight. Females lack the horns. Found in cooler regions of Vietnam (Lao Cai, Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Hoa Binh, Lam Dong), it is highly sought by collectors; only a few thousand remain and it is listed as endangered.

Why Book the Bidoup National Park Herping Tour with Viet Herping?

1. Expert Local Guides
   Our team of seasoned herping experts is passionate about sharing their in-depth knowledge of Vietnam’s native wildlife. With years of experience, our guides will help you identify elusive species, explain their behavior, and provide fascinating insights into the ecology of Bidoup National Park. Their expertise ensures that every moment of your adventure is as educational as it is thrilling.

2. A Unique and Immersive Experience
   Imagine trekking through misty forest trails, breathing in the crisp mountain air, and exploring pristine ecosystems under a starlit sky. Our tour offers a perfect blend of daytime cultural and ecological exploration with exhilarating nighttime herping sessions. As darkness falls, the park transforms into a living canvas of nocturnal activity—revealing secretive reptiles and endemic amphibians in their natural environment.

3. Commitment to Sustainability
   At VietHerping, we are deeply committed to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. Our tours are designed to minimize ecological impact while promoting the preservation of Vietnam’s natural heritage. By choosing our Herping Tour, you support sustainable practices that help protect the fragile ecosystems of Bidoup National Park for future generations.

Customer Experience: Our Top Priority at Viet Herping

At Viet Herping, your experience is our priority. Our expert guides provide safe handling, personalized support, and professional photography to capture every moment. With flexible scheduling and expert advice, we ensure your Vietnam herping tour is safe, seamless, and unforgettable.

• Schedule for the trip

  Sample Schedule for 3-Day, 2-Night Bidoup National Park Herping Tour

  Day 1:

  • 08:00 AM: Pick-up from your hotel in Da Lat

  • 10:00 AM: Arrive at Bidoup National Park, introduction and safety briefing

  • 11:00 AM: Afternoon herping walk — search for reptiles and amphibians

  • 05:00 PM: Check-in at local guesthouse or lodge near the park

  • 07:00 PM: Dinner

  • 08:00 PM: Night herping session to spot nocturnal reptiles and amphibians

  Day 2:

  • 06:30 AM: Early morning herping and wildlife observation

  • 08:00 AM: Breakfast

  • 09:00 AM: Daytime herping hike exploring deeper trails in the park

  • 12:00 PM: Picnic lunch in the park

  • 02:00 PM: Continue herping and photography opportunities

  • 05:00 PM: Return to guesthouse, rest and relax

  • 07:00 PM: Dinner

  • 08:00 PM: Second night herping session

  Day 3:

  • 06:30 AM: Final early morning herping walk

  • 08:00 AM: Breakfast

  • 09:30 AM: Check-out from guesthouse and depart Bidoup National Park

  • 12:00 PM: Arrival back in Da Lat, end of tour

• Pricing and Discounts

  Groups of 4 or more: 5% discount

  Returning customers receive a 7% discount

  Contact us for the detailed pricing

Included in the tour

• Transportation

  Private car transportation to and from hotel

• Experienced herping guide

  1. Experienced herping guide with good basic English communication skills

  2. Professional guide support for wildlife photography using a camera

  3. 4K video recording

  4. Complimentary delivery of original raw photo and video files without logos or watermarks after the tour

  5. Guide trained in first aid and ethical wildlife handling

• Meals

  Day 1:

  • Lunch (Packed Picnic):

    • Vegetarian options: Fresh spring rolls, mixed vegetable salad, tofu skewers, fresh fruits

    • Non-vegetarian options: Grilled chicken skewers, shrimp salad, assorted cold cuts, fresh fruits

  • Dinner (Local Restaurant / Guesthouse):

    • Vegetarian: Stir-fried seasonal vegetables, tofu hotpot, steamed rice, fresh vegetable soup

    • Non-vegetarian: Grilled beef, chicken curry, seafood hotpot, steamed rice, fresh herbs

  Day 2:

  • Breakfast (Guesthouse/Lodge):

    • Vegetarian: Congee with mushrooms and herbs, fresh fruit platter, steamed buns

    • Non-vegetarian: Pho with beef or chicken, eggs, fresh fruit platter

  • Lunch (Packed Picnic during herping):

    • Vegetarian: Rice paper rolls with vegetables and tofu, mixed nuts, fresh fruits

    • Non-vegetarian: Chicken sandwiches, boiled eggs, dried beef jerky, fresh fruits

  • Dinner (Local Restaurant / Guesthouse):

    • Vegetarian: Vegetable stir-fry, mushroom hotpot, steamed rice

    • Non-vegetarian: Grilled goat meat, seafood platter, spicy hotpot, steamed rice

  Day 3:

  • Breakfast (Guesthouse/Lodge):

    • Vegetarian: Steamed vegetable dumplings, fresh fruit juice, herbal tea

    • Non-vegetarian: Vietnamese breakfast noodles, fried eggs, fresh fruit juice

  • Lunch (Optional in Da Lat):

    • Vegetarian: Vegetarian pho, tofu salad, fresh spring rolls

    • Non-vegetarian: Grilled beef salad, chicken hotpot, seafood noodle soup

• Herping Time

  • Daytime Herping:

    • Typically conducted from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

    • Focus on spotting reptiles and amphibians active during daylight, including lizards, snakes, and frogs

    • Guided walks on forest trails and near water bodies

  • Nighttime Herping:

    • Conducted from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

    • Search for nocturnal species such as geckos, night snakes, frogs, and other amphibians

    • Use of headlamps and specialized equipment for safe and effective observation

  • Flexibility:

    • Herping times may vary depending on weather, season, and species activity

    • Guides will adjust the schedule to maximize wildlife encounters and ensure your safety

Click the Contact Us button below and let us tailor a tour designed just for you!

Thank you to Kenneth Chin for capturing these stunning images! Follow him on Instagram, explore our products at here, and view his conservation portfolio at here.