When it comes to herping, Vietnam is one of those dream destinations that deserves a spot on every field guide and bucket list. Stretching from tropical lowland jungles to misty mountain forests, this country offers an unmatched diversity of habitats, and, in turn, an incredible variety of reptiles and amphibians. Whether you’re chasing after vividly colored frogs, rare lizards, or elusive snakes, Vietnam’s wild landscapes deliver encounters that are as thrilling as they are humbling.

A Hotspot for Biodiversity
Vietnam is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot, especially in herpetofauna. With over 500 species of reptiles and amphibians recorded (and more still being discovered), it’s no surprise that biologists and hobbyists alike flock here. Many of these species are endemic, found nowhere else on Earth. From the Red River Delta in the north to the Mekong Delta in the south, the range of ecosystems is astounding.
The country’s complex geography contributes to this diversity. Vietnam’s terrain includes coastal mangroves, limestone karst cliffs, thick rainforests, and mountain ranges like the Annamite Mountains. Each zone hides species that seem perfectly designed for their environment, tree frogs with dazzling greens that blend into leaves, vipers that vanish against mossy rocks, and geckos that cling effortlessly to cavern walls.

Popular Herping Regions
If you’re planning a field herping trip in Vietnam, there are a few regions that stand out:
Cuc Phuong National Park: Vietnam’s first national park, located about 120 km southwest of Hanoi, is famous for its dense forest and limestone mountains. Expect to see a wide variety of tree frogs, skinks, and snakes, including the king cobra if you’re lucky (or unlucky).

• Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Known for its caves and karst landscapes, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to unique gecko and frog species adapted to rocky environments.
• Central Highlands (Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Lam Dong): Cooler climates in these high-altitude forests support salamanders, newts, and a host of montane reptiles.
• Cat Tien National Park: Located in southern Vietnam, Cat Tien is a mix of wetlands, grasslands, and lowland forest, where you can spot everything from monitor lizards to pythons.

Unique Species to Encounter
Some of the standout herps of Vietnam include:

• Vietnamese mossy frog (Theloderma corticale) – Famous for its rough, moss-like skin that makes it nearly invisible against forest surfaces.
• Indochinese water dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) – A striking lizard often found near rivers and streams.
• Wagler’s pit viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri) – A brilliantly patterned but highly venomous snake.
• Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) – With its bold blue and orange coloration, it’s one of the most iconic reptiles in the region.

The thrill of encountering these species in their natural setting is a major draw, and it’s part of what makes herping here such an adventure.

Why Vietnam Belongs on Your List
For anyone serious about field herping, Vietnam isn’t just another pin on the map—it’s a frontier of discovery. With new species still being described regularly, you’re walking through habitats where science is still catching up to the diversity on the ground. Combine that with the country’s rich culture, friendly locals, and unforgettable landscapes, and you’ve got a trip that’s as rewarding for the soul as it is for your field notes.

Herping in Vietnam is about more than spotting reptiles and amphibians, it’s about immersing yourself in wild, untamed ecosystems that are vanishing all too quickly. For those willing to put in the effort, the payoff is experiences and memories you simply can’t get anywhere else.