*Tam Dao — where every night brings a new wildlife discovery.
June 29, 2026
Wet habitats and forest edges can reveal some unexpected wildlife after dark. Among the finds on this trip was the Chinese Water Snake (Myrrophis chinensis), a secretive aquatic species adapted to life around freshwater environments. Another standout was the Sunbeam Snake (Xenopeltis unicolor), whose smooth scales produce a striking rainbow-like sheen under torchlight. Adding an amphibian highlight to the night, Maoson Frog (Hylarana maosonensis) offered a glimpse into the diversity of frogs inhabiting Vietnam’s forested landscapes. From shimmering scales to hidden streamside life, these encounters showcased the variety of species waiting to be discovered in the field.
June 27, 2026
Some of the forest’s most interesting residents are easy to overlook until the torchlight catches them at just the right moment. This trip brought encounters with the Mock Viper (Psammodynastes pulverulentus), a fascinating snake known for its viper-like appearance despite belonging to a different family, and Ruhstrat’s Wolf Snake (Lycodon ruhstrati), a nocturnal hunter often found exploring the forest floor. We also came across Ko Tao Caecilian (Ichthyophis kohtaoensis), a limbless amphibian adapted to a secretive, burrowing lifestyle.
May 14, 2026
Not every memorable find in the forest comes with bright colors or bold patterns. The Rhinoceros Rat Snake (Gonyosoma boulengeri) steals the spotlight with its distinctive pointed snout, while the Green Paddy Frog (Polypedates megacephalus) makes its home among leaves and branches. On the forest floor, the Truong Son Horned Frog (Xenophrys truongsonensis) takes a different approach, relying on its leaf-like appearance to stay hidden in plain sight. From treetops to the forest floor, these encounters revealed three very different survival strategies and made this herping trip a rewarding exploration of Vietnam’s wildlife.
April 3, 2026
This herping tour brought together a diverse mix of snakes and amphibians, with several fascinating encounters along the way. Highlights included the secretive Oligodon cinerus, the agile Indo-Chinese Rat Snake (Ptyas korros), and Boulenger’s Keelback (Hebius boulengeri), each showing different adaptations to life in the forest. We also came across Paramesotriton deloustali, a familiar resident of these waters that continues to make an appearance on our night walks. Together, these sightings added another rewarding chapter to our ongoing exploration of Vietnam’s wildlife.
