Red-whiskered Bulbul

Red-whiskered Bulbul in Vĩnh Phúc

When talking about travel experiences I, mr.hotsia, have had in northern Vietnam, a city that hides simple charm with a unique rural atmosphere, one of the stories that still impresses me deeply is the “Red-whiskered Bulbul,” known in Vietnam as “Pròđ Hầu Khôn,” a melodious bird I encountered and recorded its song in the province.Vĩnh Phúcitself.

I traveled north from Hanoi not far, arriving at Vĩnh Yên city, the main city of Vĩnh Phúc province, located in the Red River Delta. This is a great starting point for those wanting to experience local village life and culture that remains simple and warm.Vĩnh Yên Marketis a community spot I often visited for walks. In the morning, you see vegetable and fruit carts and fresh pork sold in front of houses, a scene rarely seen in big cities. It was there I heard the Red-whiskered Bulbul’s song echoing all around.

The Red-whiskered Bulbul’s Song: A Charm Worth Pausing For

The Red-whiskered Bulbul in northern Vietnam is more popular than expected. I saw Black Thai hill tribe people and locals selling them along the streets. At first, I wasn’t sure what bird it was or why its song was so beautiful that I had to stop and listen. I recorded a clip to study later and found out it was the “Red-whiskered Bulbul,” a bird also popular in southern Thailand and increasingly common in other regions.

In Vĩnh Phúc province, especially Vĩnh Yên city, there is a serious Red-whiskered Bulbul competition. I visited a sports stadium in the city filled with hundreds of these birds in beautiful cages. Their songs harmonized memorably. The competition requires the audience to be completely silent to clearly hear each bird’s song before judges score them carefully. It’s clear that bird keeping here is not just a hobby but a well-trained and highly valued activity.

The Beauty of the Red-whiskered Bulbul in Life and Important Precautions

Besides their beautiful songs, Red-whiskered Bulbuls are visually attractive. Bird cages sold in Vĩnh Yên vary from basic to beautifully decorated ones suitable for home keeping. I think bird lovers would be happy to have one singing cheerfully at home.

However, it’s important to note that the Red-whiskered Bulbul is a protected wild animal under Vietnam’s Wildlife Protection Law. Unauthorized possession can result in up to 4 years imprisonment, a fine up to 40,000 baht, or both. This is an issue mr.hotsia believes tourists and bird lovers should know and respect local laws.

Blending with Local Life in Vĩnh Phúc

Visiting Vĩnh Phúc is not just about the Red-whiskered Bulbul. I also experienced close local village life, including walking throughVĩnh Yên Marketwhich offers fresh produce, vegetables, fruits, and many local foods, or staying at a small hotel likeTrung Du hotelwhich I chose near Big C, about 7 kilometers from the city center, very convenient for late arrivals or those wanting easy meals.

Vĩnh Phúc is also near Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, making travel convenient and well connected to other cities. Though not as large as Hanoi or Ha Long, the atmosphere here is peaceful and naturally beautiful, rare in big cities.

mr.hotsia’s Impressions of the Red-whiskered Bulbul and Vĩnh Phúc

Throughout my time in Vĩnh Phúc, the Red-whiskered Bulbul’s song was like a soundtrack etched in my memory. I think it’s another charm of northern Vietnam that many might overlook. The city’s tidiness, the locals’ friendliness, and the unique bird competitions make this place worth visiting.

If anyone wants to hear the Red-whiskered Bulbul’s song and experience the fresh market atmosphere and simple village life in a small Vietnamese city, I recommend visiting Vĩnh Phúc once. And don’t forget to respect local wildlife protection laws.

For those interested in more about Vĩnh Phúc, including travel, accommodation, and food, you can readVĩnh Phúc ProvinceandFood of Vĩnh Yên, Vĩnh Phúcto prepare for your next journey with me, mr.hotsia.