Yok Don National Park **
Biodiversity values
Yok Don is the second largest national park in Vietnam, it holds a forest dominated by Dipterocarpaceae which is open in dry searon or called deciduous forest, the ecosystem that is almost as productive as the African savanna. Gaur, Banteng, Elephant, Kouprey, Water Buffalo, Tiger, Asian Wild Dog, Eld's Deer, Muntjac and Wild Pig are some of the large mammals who inhabit this ecosystem. The avian fauna of this park is also different which not found in other type of habitats such as White-rumped Falcon, Collared Falconet, Rufous Treepie, Black-headed Woodpecker...
One of the important factor that greatly increases the biological diversity of the park is the presence of scattered wetlands. These ralitively small, shallow wetlands support habitats for large waterbirds such as Sarus Crane, Lesser Adjutant, Black-necked and Woolly-necked Storks, Giant and White-shouldered Ibis.
The most unique dry deciduous dipterocap forest in Vietnam
Bird fauna – Birding
About 300 species have been recorded for the park, the high number of lowland birds, many widespread species are very common here such as Sooty-headed Bulbul, Indian Roller, Greater Flameback, Black-hooded Oriole. Beside those common species, many sought after species that are only can be seen here and no where else in Vietnam.
Click here to see the full bird checklist in Yok Don National Park
Most highlights
Mekong Wagtail, White-rumped Falcon, Collared Falconet, Black-hooded Woodpecker and other woodpeckers, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Alexandrine, Grey-headed, Blossom-headed Parrakeets, Yellow-footed Green Pigion, White-rumped and Red-headed Vultures.
White-rumped Falcon is one of the most highlight birds in Yok Don National Park
Transportation
About an hour drive from Ban Me Thuot city (40 km). There are flights from Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh city to Ban Me Thuot airport everyday. From Da Lat, you can travel on relative bad road 27, it takes about 7 hours however this is the good way to connect the excellent birding site of Da Lat.
Accommodations
Many hotels in Ban Me Thuot, basic accommodation at park HQ and an aceptable lodge at Ban Don tourism area.
Relevant tours:
More information about birding sites in Vietnam