Things to Do

Bird Watching on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

oriental pied hornbill phu quoc

Located in the Gulf of Thailand Heart shaped Phu Quoc Island is the ideal destination in Vietnam for a beach relaxing holiday as it has the most beautiful beaches in the country. The island not only has gorgeous emerald warm sea and long sandy beaches but also has a rich national park which covers almost 60% of the island and thus makes Phu Quoc an attractive destination for birders all around the world.

There are 119 species of birds on Phu Quoc and the best time for bird watching is before sunrise and sunset. The following is our list of the top ten birds that you may see while you are here on the island.

1. Oriental Pied Hornbill

Where to see: North East section of the island Difficulty of spotting this bird: 7/10

A colorful woodpecker with a red crest, black and white patterned head, and orange-yellow body perches on a textured tree branch against a blurred green background.

oriental pied hornbill phu quoc

2. White Bellied Sea Eagle

Where to see: Ganh Dauh Village Difficulty of spotting this bird: 4/10

A brown and white eagle with outstretched wings flies over blue water, carrying a dark object in its talons.

3. Little Egret

Where to see: Mangrove ares – Along Cua Can river. Difficulty of spotting this bird: 2/10

little egret phu quoc birds

4. Hill Myna

Where to see: North East section of the island Difficulty of spotting this bird: 6/10

Two black birds with yellow and orange markings on their heads perched on a tree branch with lush green leaves against a soft green background.

5. Lesser Whistling Duck

Where to see: Rach Tram Village along the river and Cua Can River. They have also been spotted around Duong Dong Lake. Difficulty of spotting this bird: 4/10

Two brown and black whistling ducks with blue beaks stand on a log in front of a lush green, blurry background.

6. Greater Flameback

Where to see: North East section of the island Difficulty of spotting this bird: 7/10

7. Blue Eared Barbet

Where to see: Any forested area on the island Difficulty of spotting this bird: 5/10

blue eared barbet

8. Chestnut Headed Bee Eater

Where to see: Any forested area around the island. Easier to spot near Ham Ninh. Difficulty of spotting this bird: 6/10

chestut headed bee eater

9. Common Kingfisher

Where to see: North section of the island, especially Rach Tram and Rach Vem area. Difficulty of spotting this bird: 6/10

common kingfisher

10. Tawny Fish Owl

Where to see: North East section of the island, deeper in the forest. Difficulty of spotting this bird: 10/10 (nocturnal)

A large brown owl with prominent ear tufts and yellow eyes perches on a tree branch, surrounded by green and yellow leaves against a clear blue sky.

Last updated: August 2020. Prices, schedules and opening hours change — check locally before you rely on them.

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