Tam Dao Herping Tour Report (March 2026)
*Tam Dao — where the rainforest comes alive after sunset.
March 30, 2026
Tam Dao’s cool, misty forests once again proved why they are among Vietnam’s premier herping destinations. Highlights of the tour included the incredible Vietnamese Mossy Frog (Theloderma corticale), perfectly camouflaged against moss-covered rocks, the secretive Peinan's Coral Snake (Inomicrurus peinani), and the Chinese Water Snake (Myrrophis chinensis), a semi-aquatic species often found in forest streams. Together with a variety of other reptiles and amphibians, these remarkable encounters made for an unforgettable night exploring one of northern Vietnam’s richest wildlife habitats.
March 18, 2026
This herping tour revealed an impressive mix of reptiles, each adapted to a different corner of Vietnam’s diverse landscapes. Among the highlights were the Northern Mountain Horned Dragon (Acanthosaura lepidogaster), a master of camouflage with its striking spiny crest, the Mountain Keelback (Trimerodytes percarinatus), an elusive snake often found near rocky streams, and the dazzling Sunbeam Snake (Xenopeltis unicolor), whose iridescent scales shimmer brilliantly under torchlight. Together with several other reptiles and amphibians, these remarkable encounters made for another unforgettable night in the field.
