Tam Dao 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!
Introduction
The Tam Dao National Park Herping Tour is a perfect 2-day escape for wildlife enthusiasts seeking to explore Vietnam’s rich biodiversity close to Hanoi. Just 60 km from the city, Tam Dao offers an authentic herping experience for travelers with limited time.
Led by expert guides specializing in reptiles and amphibians, the tour focuses on key target species: the endemic Tam Dao Warty Newt (Paramesotriton deloustali) and the camouflaged Vietnamese Mossy Frog (Theloderma corticale). Alongside these remarkable amphibians, discover a diverse array of reptiles and snakes thriving in Tam Dao’s lush forests, ensuring an unforgettable Vietnam herping adventure.
Featured Activities
Explore Tam Dao’s Unique Reptiles and Amphibians
Venture into the misty forests of Tam Dao National Park, a hotspot for rare and endemic reptiles and amphibians. With the guidance of expert herpetologists, spot the elusive Tam Dao salamander (Paramesotriton deloustali), alongside vibrant frogs, geckos, lizards, and a rich variety of snakes. This Vietnam herping tour promises unforgettable wildlife encounters in pristine natural habitats.Trek Scenic Mountain Trails and Waterfalls
Experience breathtaking views as you hike through Tam Dao’s cool mountain trails, lush forests, and sparkling streams. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and picturesque landscapes while discovering the park’s diverse biodiversity. This balanced adventure offers both excitement and serenity, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.Engage with Local Culture and Traditions
Enhance your herping journey by visiting nearby traditional villages, where you can meet ethnic communities and learn about their customs, crafts, and way of life. This cultural immersion adds depth and authenticity to your wildlife exploration.Relax in Eco-Friendly Accommodations and Savor Local Flavors
After a day of discovery, unwind in comfortable lodgings that harmonize with Tam Dao’s environment. Delight in authentic local cuisine, sampling fresh ingredients and regional specialties that bring the flavors of Northern Vietnam to your table. This fusion of comfort, culture, and nature makes your herping tour truly memorable.
Snake Species You May Encounter
Pareas baiseensis - Baise slug-eating snake
Discover the elusive Pareas baiseensis, a specialist slug-eating snake found in Tam Dao’s lush forests. This small, delicate serpent plays a vital role in controlling mollusk populations. Encountering this endemic species during a Tam Dao herping tour offers a unique glimpse into Vietnam’s specialized reptile diversity and the rich ecological balance of the region.
Trimerodytes percarinatus - Mountain Water Snake
The Trimerodytes percarinatus, or Mountain Water Snake, thrives in the cool streams and wetlands of Tam Dao National Park. Known for its agility and striking patterns, it’s a favorite among herpers exploring the aquatic habitats. Experience the thrill of spotting this elusive species on your next Tam Dao herping adventure, and witness the park’s vibrant herpetofauna up close.
Lycodon meridionalis - Vietnamese Big-toothed Wolf Snake
Spot the rare Lycodon meridionalis, a Vietnamese Big-toothed Wolf Snake, during a Tam Dao herping tour. This nocturnal snake’s distinctive markings and secretive nature make each encounter special. Guided by experts, you’ll learn about its habitat, behavior, and important role in the ecosystem while exploring Tam Dao’s diverse reptile population.
Gonyosoma boulengeri - Rhinoceros Snake
Admire the graceful Gonyosoma boulengeri, commonly known as the Rhinoceros Snake, a striking arboreal species found in Tam Dao’s forest canopy. Its unique horn-like scales and vibrant coloration captivate wildlife enthusiasts. Join a Tam Dao herping tour to discover this rare beauty and deepen your understanding of Vietnam’s endemic reptiles.
Lycodon ruhstrati - Formosa Wolf Snake
Encounter the elusive Lycodon ruhstrati, the Formosa Wolf Snake, known for its slender body and nocturnal habits. Found in Tam Dao’s dense forests, this species is a highlight for herping enthusiasts. Experience an authentic Tam Dao herping tour and immerse yourself in the discovery of Vietnam’s diverse and fascinating snake fauna.
Elaphe taeniura - Beauty rat snake
Elaphe taeniura – commonly known as the Beauty Rat Snake – is a slender, agile colubrid native to East and Southeast Asia. Known for its striking appearance, it typically features a yellow or olive body with black stripes or blotches, giving it a "racing stripe" look. This non-venomous species thrives in forests, caves, and agricultural areas, often seen hunting rodents, birds, and eggs. It's an excellent climber and is sometimes found in buildings or barns.
Ptyas multicinctus - Many-banded Green Snake
The Many-banded Green Snake (Ptyas multicinctus) is a slender, fast-moving, non-venomous colubrid found in parts of Southeast Asia. It is easily recognized by its bright green body marked with multiple thin, dark bands running along its length. Preferring forests, grasslands, and rural areas, this diurnal snake feeds mainly on frogs, lizards, and small rodents. Though harmless to humans, it may release a strong musky odor when threatened. Its striking coloration and graceful movements make it a fascinating species to encounter in the wild.
Protobothrops mucrosquamatus - Brown Spotted Pit Viper
Protobothrops mucrosquamatus, commonly known as the Brown Spotted Pit Viper or Taiwan Habu, is a venomous pit viper species found across Southeast and East Asia, including Vietnam, China, and Taiwan. It has a stout body with a triangular head and is typically brown or gray with dark blotches and a distinctive keeled scale texture. Primarily nocturnal, it inhabits forests, farmland, and rocky areas, preying on rodents, birds, and amphibians. Although its bite can be medically significant, this snake is generally shy and avoids human contact when possible.
Amphibian Species You May Encounter
* Primary Target Species
Paramesotriton deloustali - Tam Dao Warty Newt
Paramesotriton deloustali, commonly known as the Tam Dao Warty Newt, is a highly endemic amphibian restricted to northern Vietnam, especially within Tam Dao National Park. This key target species thrives in cool, forested mountain streams and is notable for its dark, warty skin and vibrant orange underside and tail. Being semi-aquatic and nocturnal, it offers a unique and sought-after encounter for herping enthusiasts exploring Vietnam’s endemic wildlife.
Theloderma corticale - Vietnamese mossy frog
Theloderma corticale, or the Vietnamese Mossy Frog, is a remarkable amphibian endemic to northern Vietnam. Renowned for its exceptional camouflage, its green, moss-like skin allows it to blend seamlessly into wet, rocky habitats. This key target species is primarily nocturnal and resides in tree holes or water-filled rock crevices, making it a fascinating subject for herping tours focusing on Vietnam’s unique amphibian diversity.
Other Reptiles
Acanthosaura lepidogaster -
Scale-bellied Tree Lizard
Discover the vibrant wildlife of Tam Dao National Park with our specialized herping Vietnam tours. The Scale-bellied Tree Lizard (Acanthosaura lepidogaster) captivates with its striking spiny crest and agile movements among forest trees. This arboreal reptile blends beautifully with the lush greenery, making each sighting a rewarding experience. Join our Vietnam wildlife watching adventure for an unforgettable glimpse of this unique species thriving in its natural habitat.
Physignathus cocincinus -
Chinese Water Dragon
Experience the thrill of Vietnam herping in Tam Dao National Park with a close encounter of the majestic Chinese Water Dragon (Physignathus cocincinus). Known for its vivid green scales and impressive size, this semi-aquatic reptile is a favorite among wildlife Vietnam enthusiasts. Our guided herping tours provide safe, expert-led opportunities to observe and photograph this fascinating species in the wild, offering a perfect blend of adventure and education for nature lovers.
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.
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9:00 AM: Meet up at Hanoi and head to Tam Dao National Park.
Wandering around freely & have lunch & dinner
6:30 PM: Start the herping trip. (The herping trip itself will last as long as you'd like.)
After the herping trip: We'll return to the accommodation and have a late-night meal.
The next morning: Enjoy breakfast, marking the end of theherping trip & head back to Hanoi
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Groups of 4 or more: 5% discount
Returning customers receive a 7% discount
Contact us for the detailed pricing
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Meeting location: Hanoi
Duration: 1 night - 2 days
Max group size: 6 people
Price: Contact us for the detailed price
Included In The Tour
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We provide reliable transportation throughout your herping tour, ensuring comfortable and timely transfers between sites. Our vehicles are well-maintained to guarantee a smooth journey so you can focus on enjoying the wildlife experience.
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Our expert herpetologist guides are passionate about Vietnam’s reptiles and amphibians. With extensive knowledge and field experience, they ensure your herping tour is both safe and educational, offering fascinating insights into each species you encounter.
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Enjoy comfortable accommodations featuring essential amenities such as electricity, WiFi, private bathrooms, and fans. Our lodging options blend convenience and comfort, providing a restful retreat after your exciting herping adventures.
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Savor delicious meals prepared during your herping tour, featuring a variety of local dishes with options for both vegetarians and meat lovers. Our meals are designed to keep you energized and satisfied throughout your wildlife exploration.
Click the Contact Us button below and let us tailor a tour designed just for you!
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High waterproof boots: We will walk through a lot of streams, therefore you should not bring shoes that cannot withstand water
Long-sleeved and long-legged clothing: You should wear this kind of clothes to protect yourself from insects
Flashlight: You must bring your own flashlight, and its battery should be able to be used for at least 5 hours
Trekking pole (optional): We will hike in a mountainous area, so it is recommended to bring trekking pole to help you walk easier
