Hanoi Herping Tour Report (March 2026)

* Hanoi — an unexpected wildlife hotspot just minutes from the city's bright lights.

March 27, 2026

This herping tour delivered an exciting mix of reptiles and amphibians, highlighting the remarkable diversity that can be found even near Vietnam’s urban landscapes. Among the standout encounters were the colorful Wang’s Mountain Lizard (Calotes wangi), the tiny yet charming Beautiful Narrow-mouthed Frog (Microhyla pulchra), and the impressive Chinese Cobra (Naja atra), one of the region’s most iconic snakes. Alongside these memorable species, we recorded a variety of other fascinating wildlife, making for an unforgettable night of discovery and appreciation for Vietnam’s rich natural heritage.

March 18, 2026

This herping tour offered another memorable glimpse into the rich wildlife diversity of the region. Highlights included the agile Indo-Chinese Rat Snake (Ptyas korros), a fast-moving and highly adaptable species, the unmistakable Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko), famous for its vibrant coloration and loud calls, and the Common Asian Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus), a familiar yet fascinating amphibian found throughout Southeast Asia. Together with several other reptiles and amphibians encountered along the way, these species made for an exciting night of exploration and wildlife observation.

March 12, 2026

This herping tour was packed with fascinating encounters, revealing just how much wildlife can be found after dark. Highlights included the sleek Siamese Supple Skink (Lygosoma siamense), a secretive species rarely noticed by casual observers, and the charismatic Common Tree Frog (Polypedates leucomystax), whose distinctive calls filled the night air. Alongside these standout finds, we encountered a variety of other reptiles and amphibians, each adding to an exciting evening of exploration and offering a closer look at the rich biodiversity that thrives in Vietnam’s natural landscapes.