17 Wild Animals in Vietnam & Best Places to See Them

Vietnam’s rich jungles, mountains, and wetlands are home to an amazing variety of wildlife. The dense and mysterious Vietnam jungles hold countless secrets for adventurous travelers. From colorful primates swinging in the treetops to rare birds wading in the Mekong Delta, the country offers some incredible opportunities for animal lovers. I’ve had some unforgettable moments searching for wild animals in Vietnam, and I want to help you experience that same thrill.

Thinking about a trip to see wildlife? Vietnam has a network of national parks that protect these animals and their habitats. These protected areas are the backbone of wildlife conservation in the country; you can check out our detailed guide to Vietnam National Parks to learn more.

The Overview of Wild Life in Vietnam

Vietnam’s biodiversity is truly impressive. The country ranks among the most biologically diverse nations on the planet. According to Vietnam’s report to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, it is home to an incredible range of species. This includes about 889 species of birds, 310 species of mammals, 408 species of reptiles, and 262 species of amphibians. The sheer variety of life supported by its ecosystems is astounding.

What makes wild animals in Vietnam so special is not just the numbers, but the uniqueness of the species found here. A significant portion of these species are endemic, meaning they don’t live anywhere else on Earth. This uniqueness carries a great responsibility. Many animals face serious threats from habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade. This context makes the conservation work happening in national parks vital for protecting Vietnam’s natural heritage.

Top Wild Animals in Vietnam

Vietnam is a hotspot for primates. Many species are unique to this part of the world. Some of them are critically endangered, which makes seeing them in their natural habitat a truly special experience. Have you ever heard the call of a gibbon in the wild? It’s something you won’t forget.

Delacour’s Langur

This primate is one of the rarest you could hope to see anywhere on the planet. Delacour’s langurs have striking black fur and unique white markings on their thighs that look almost like a pair of shorts. Their appearance is really distinctive, and they are a high priority for conservation efforts.

If you want a chance to spot one, your best bet is the Van Long Nature Reserve in Ninh Binh. I’d suggest taking a boat trip there. You glide through peaceful wetlands with stunning limestone cliffs all around you. It’s from the boat that you’ll scan the cliffs, as this is where the langurs live. The scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile.

Red-shanked Douc Langur

Many people call this primate the “queen of primates.” It’s easy to see why. The Red-shanked Douc langur has a coat of five different colors, making it one of the most beautiful monkeys you will ever see. Their colorful appearance makes them a favorite for wildlife photographers.

The Son Tra Peninsula, right near Da Nang, is a fantastic place to look for them. It’s a unique spot because it’s a jungle environment so close to a major city. I’ve found the best times to go are early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The langurs are often more active during these cooler parts of the day.

Cat Ba Langur

The Cat Ba langur, also called the golden-headed langur, is another incredibly endangered primate. In fact, you can only find it on one island in the entire world. Their golden-brown heads give them their name, and their population is very small, making conservation work absolutely vital.

To see this langur, you have to visit Cat Ba National Park. This is their only home. Spotting them can be tricky and usually requires joining a specialized tour with a local guide who knows their habits. Luck plays a big part, but the search through the park’s rugged landscape is an adventure itself.

Yellow-cheeked Gibbon

The song of a gibbon echoing through the jungle is one of the most amazing sounds in nature. The yellow-cheeked gibbon is known for these beautiful, haunting calls. These apes are incredibly agile, using their long arms to swing effortlessly through the branches of the forest.

Cat Tien National Park is a top destination for anyone hoping to see yellow-cheeked gibbons. The best way to find them is to go on an early morning trek with an experienced guide. They can help you listen for the gibbons’ songs, which can lead you right to them as they move through the forest canopy. Have you ever been on a trek like that before?

Majestic Mammals in Vietnam

Beyond the primates, Vietnam’s forests are home to some truly impressive mammals. The lush environment of a Vietnam Rain Forest supports an incredible web of life, from the smallest insects to the largest mammals. Seeing these larger animals often requires more patience and a bit more luck, but the reward is a wildlife encounter you will never forget.

Asian Elephant

The Asian elephant is a magnificent and intelligent giant. Unfortunately, the wild population in Vietnam has become very small and is now found in only a few scattered areas. These herds need vast areas of forest to roam and find food, which is why protecting their habitat is so important.

Yok Don National Park is your best destination for a chance to see these incredible animals. The park’s large, dry forests are a key habitat for a good portion of Vietnam’s wild elephants. The park also focuses on ethical elephant experiences, which allows you to see them in a way that respects their well-being.

Sun Bear

The sun bear is the smallest bear species in the world. You can recognize it by the golden, crescent-shaped patch of fur on its chest. These bears are excellent climbers and spend a lot of time in trees searching for fruit and insects.

Sun bears are very shy, so seeing one in the wild is a rare treat. Cat Tien National Park offers a possibility of a sighting. For a guaranteed way to see these bears and support their conservation, you can visit a Bear Rescue Centre. There is one located in Cat Tien National Park and another in Tam Dao National Park.

Gaur

The gaur is a huge species of wild cattle and one of the most powerful animals in the forest. Seeing a gaur, with its muscular build and large horns, is a humbling experience. They are truly impressive creatures when you see them up close.

Cat Tien National Park is again one of the few places in Vietnam where you might come across a gaur. They often come out to graze in the park’s grasslands, especially during the dry season. A guided safari tour can increase your chances of spotting one.

Sunda Pangolin

The Sunda pangolin is a unique mammal covered in scales made of keratin, just like our fingernails. When threatened, they roll up into a tight ball. Sadly, this makes them easy targets for poachers, and they are the most trafficked mammal in the world.

Pangolins are nocturnal and extremely difficult to find. They live in forests across Vietnam, but your chances of a wild sighting are very low. The best way to help them is to support conservation organizations like Save Vietnam’s Wildlife, which works in Cuc Phuong and Pu Mat National Parks.

Elusive and Endemic Wild Animals in Vietnam

Some of Vietnam’s most fascinating animals are also its most mysterious. These species are either found nowhere else on earth or are so shy that very few people have ever seen them. The search for them is a real adventure for dedicated nature lovers.

Saola

The saola is often called the “Asian Unicorn” because it is so rarely seen. This forest-dwelling bovine was only discovered by scientists in 1992, making it one of the most recent large mammal discoveries. It has long, straight horns and distinct white markings on its face.

The saola lives in the dense, remote forests of the Annamite Mountains. Pu Mat National Park is part of its habitat. A wild sighting is almost unheard of. The animal is so elusive that its existence is mainly known through camera traps and local reports.

Owston’s Civet

The Owston’s civet is a beautiful animal with striking black and white stripes and spots. This nocturnal creature is threatened by the loss of its forest home and the illegal wildlife trade. It is a secretive animal that is difficult to study in the wild.

You can find this civet in the forests of northern Vietnam. Because it is so secretive, your best opportunity to learn about it is through a conservation center. The Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Program in Cuc Phuong National Park is a key center for their protection and breeding.

Leopard Cat

The leopard cat is a small wild cat with beautiful, leopard-like spots that provide excellent camouflage in the forest. While they are found across Asia, they are very shy and avoid human contact, making them difficult to spot.

These cats live in mountainous regions throughout Vietnam. Exploring these remote areas on foot is an incredible experience; our 10-Day Ha Giang Authentic Trekking tour takes you deep into the stunning landscapes of the north. A night safari in a national park like Cat Tien or Cuc Phuong gives you a small chance of seeing one, but you will need a good guide and a bit of luck to catch a glimpse of this elusive feline.

Avian Wonders: Birds of Vietnam

Vietnam is a paradise for birdwatchers. The country’s diverse landscapes, from wetlands to forests, attract hundreds of species of birds, including many rare and beautiful ones. Have you ever tried birdwatching? It’s a peaceful way to connect with nature.

Sarus Crane

The sarus crane is one of the tallest flying birds in the world. It is a truly elegant bird, known for its graceful courtship dances. Seeing a flock of these giant birds in the wetlands is an amazing sight.

Tram Chim National Park in the Mekong Delta is one of the most important habitats for this endangered crane. The best time to visit is from December to May when the birds gather here. The park’s wetlands provide a perfect feeding ground for them.

Great Hornbill

The great hornbill is a large, colorful bird that is impossible to miss. It has a huge yellow bill with a distinctive casque on top. You will often hear the powerful sound of its wingbeats before you even see the bird itself.

The forests of Cat Tien National Park are a great place to look for these magnificent birds. As you trek through the jungle, keep your eyes and ears open. They often travel in pairs or small groups, and their loud calls can help you locate them in the dense canopy.

Reptiles and Marine Life of Vietnam

Vietnam’s wildlife is not just in the forests. Its rivers, caves, and coastal waters are full of life. From ancient crocodiles to gentle sea cows, there is a whole other world of animals to discover.

Siamese Crocodile

The Siamese crocodile is a critically endangered species. It has been wiped out from much of its original habitat in Southeast Asia. Conservation programs are now working hard to bring this species back from the brink of extinction.

Bau Sau, or Crocodile Lake, in Cat Tien National Park is a key site for the reintroduction of this species. You can take a trek through the forest to reach the lake, followed by a boat trip to see the crocodiles in a semi-wild environment.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang Bent-toed Gecko

This fascinating gecko is named after the place where it was discovered: the amazing caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang. It is an endemic species, meaning it can only be found in this specific limestone cave region of central Vietnam.

As you might guess, the best place to find this reptile is within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. While you are exploring the park’s world-famous caves or hiking through the surrounding forests, you might be lucky enough to spot one of these unique geckos.

Green Sea Turtle

The green sea turtle is a large, migratory turtle that travels thousands of kilometers across the ocean. Female turtles return to the very same beaches where they were born to lay their own eggs, a truly incredible feat of nature.

Con Dao National Park is the most important nesting site for sea turtles in Vietnam. If you visit between May and October, you can join a night tour on Bay Canh Island. On these tours, you can watch mother turtles come ashore to lay their eggs under the stars.

Dugong

The dugong, sometimes called a “sea cow,” is a large marine mammal that feeds on seagrass in shallow coastal waters. They are gentle, slow-moving animals. The dugong population in Vietnam is very small and faces many threats.

The waters around Con Dao and Phu Quoc islands are among the last places where dugongs live in Vietnam. Seeing one is very rare and would require a special marine tour and a great deal of luck. Supporting marine conservation efforts in these areas is the best way to help protect them.

A Final Thought

Vietnam’s wild animals are a precious part of its natural heritage. Seeing these creatures in their natural homes is a powerful reminder of why we need to protect these beautiful landscapes. I hope this guide inspires you to respectfully seek out some of these amazing animals on your own journey. Planning such a specialized trip can be complex, but if you’re interested in a trip built just for you, consider our Personalized Tour options.

FAQs about Wild Animals in Vietnam