Overview
Cat Tien National Park, a jewel of southern Vietnam, enchants visitors with its mosaic of lowland rainforests and swamp ecosystems. A sanctuary of biodiversity, it preserves one of the country's largest expanses of lowland rainforests.
Established in 1992 within the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its exceptional diversity of flora and fauna, Cat Tien is a place where the history of nature and the present meet. It offers a unique glimpse into the ecological and cultural heritage of Vietnam.
Top Attractions
Cat Tien National Park offers a wealth of experiences for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. And beyond the natural wonders, visitors can also immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the local communities.
Watching the wild life of Cat Tien National Park - Mr Linh's AdventuresWildlife Watching
Be captivated by the fascinating diversity of the park's flora and fauna, from the majestic Javan rhinoceros to the agile primates, including a myriad of birds with melodious songs. Playful monkeys, agile gibbons, multicolored birds, and, with a bit of luck, the very rare Javan rhinoceros, may offer you an unforgettable encounter.
Exploring Cat Tien's Forests - Mr Linh's AdventuresForest Hiking
Explore the trails of the lush rainforest, cross winding rivers, and discover spectacular and serene panoramas.
Birdwatching
Birdwatchers, more than 350 species of birds await you in Cat Tien Park. Binoculars in hand, set out to meet them, especially between February and April, for an unforgettable experience.
Cat Tien National Park is a Paradise for Birdwatchers - Mr Linh's AdventuresLocal Culture Discovery
Meet the local communities and discover their traditional way of life.
See & Do
Panoramic view of Cat Tien Mational Park - Mr Linh's Adventures
Cat Tien National Park offers a multitude of activities for all tastes!
Boat Trip on the Dong Nai River
Treat yourself to a relaxing getaway on the Dong Nai River and be charmed by the beauty of its landscapes and the richness of its fauna. Feeling adventurous? Set off to discover the hidden treasures of the park during a mountain bike ride or a kayak trip.
Exploring Bau Sau Lake
Bau Sau Lake, a jewel of Cat Tien National Park, is a must-see for nature lovers. This vast wetland is home to exceptional wildlife, with the Siamese crocodile as its emblem. Access is by jeep, followed by a 5 km hike through a lush primary forest, where monkeys, langurs, and birds accompany you on a winding path. An unforgettable adventure in the heart of the tropical jungle!
Bau Sau Lake reveals itself in different ways throughout the day. Before dawn, the wildlife awakens gently, offering a unique spectacle for early risers. During the day, a peaceful boat trip will allow you to observe the birds that populate the area. In the evening, wild animals approach the lake to quench their thirst, while the sounds of the forest envelop you in a magical atmosphere. Whatever the time, a boat ride on the lake is a relaxing and poetic experience, in the heart of majestic nature, where crocodiles glide silently on the water.
Cat Tien is known for Bau Sau lake and its Siamese Crocodiles - Mr Linh's AdventuresVisiting Ao Tien
Dao Tien Island, a few minutes by boat from the mainland, is home to a sanctuary dedicated to endangered primates. Observe rare species such as the silvered langur, the slow loris, and the yellow-cheeked gibbon up close, and learn more about these fascinating animals. A special route may even allow you to see wild gibbons. Discover also the semi-wild park where rescued animals are prepared for their return to the wild. A rewarding experience for all animal lovers!
Discovering the Bear Rescue Station
In the heart of Nam Cat Tien National Park, the bear rescue station is a magical place that will delight children. If you are planning a family trip to Vietnam, this stop is essential. You will meet bears in distress, rescued and cared for with love to offer them a new life. The overflowing energy of the bears at the station testifies to the quality of care they receive.
Admiring the Gigantic Tung Tree
In the heart of Cat Tien National Park, which is home to exceptional flora with more than 1,600 plant species, stands the majestic giant Tung tree. From the top of its 20 meters, with a width of 10 meters, this thousand-year-old tree impresses with its size and its serpentine roots that extend on the ground, evoking a giant python. It is one of the many remarkable trees of the forest, some of which require the embrace of several people to go around.
.jpg "Tung Tree")
Spectacular Tung Tree in Cat Tien Park - Mr Linh's AdventuresRejuvenating at the Ben Cu Waterfall
The Ben Cu Waterfall, a place steeped in history in the heart of Cat Tien National Park, invites relaxation and contemplation. Formerly a gathering place for Vietnamese soldiers and a forest ranger post, this site now offers a peaceful setting to recharge your batteries under the century-old trees, observe the animals that populate the surroundings, and enjoy a picnic in the middle of nature. To discover Ben Cu, as well as other treasures of the park, opt for a car trip with a driver. Different routes are offered, adapted to your desires and your budget.
Cultural Immersion
In the heart of the national park, the ethnic village of Ta Lai offers a unique experience of community-based tourism. Meet the Ma, Stieng, and Tay people, discover their history and culture by visiting their "long house."
Enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities: walks, discoveries, water sports, or exploration by bike. Ta Lai also hosts events for young people and community initiatives. An ideal destination for families and adventurers in search of authenticity!
Go Green
For an unforgettable experience, Mr Linh's Adventure offers tailor-made tours in the Cat Tien National Park region:
Multi-day Treks: Explore the most remote areas of the park in the company of experienced guides.
Homestays: Immerse yourself in the local culture by staying with locals and sharing their daily life.
Combined Tours: Discover other natural and cultural sites in the region by combining your visit to the park with other destinations.
Heritage
Cat Tien's essence lies in its role as a true sanctuary of biodiversity, going beyond its National Park status - Mr Linh's Adventures
Cat Tien National Park is much more than just an expanse of rainforest. It is a true sanctuary of biodiversity, a haven of wilderness where rare and endangered species find refuge.
This exceptional richness has earned the park a double international recognition:
♦ UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (2001): This designation highlights the importance of Cat Tien for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. It also recognizes the efforts made by Vietnam to protect this exceptional natural heritage.
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Ramsar Site (2005): This recognition highlights the importance of the park's wetlands, particularly Bau Sau Lake, for the conservation of waterbirds and other animal and plant species.
The richness of Cat Tien's biodiversity is due to the diversity of its ecosystems:
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Lowland Rainforests: They cover most of the park and are home to lush flora, with century-old trees of impressive dimensions.
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Wetlands: They include rivers, lakes, swamps, and floodplains, which provide essential habitat for many animal and plant species.
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Grasslands: They are dotted with isolated trees and are home to specific fauna, including birds and small mammals.
Cat Tien National Park is a treasure of nature that must be protected for future generations. The challenges are numerous: deforestation, poaching, agricultural development, etc. But thanks to the combined efforts of the authorities, conservation organizations, and local communities, the hope of preserving this exceptional heritage remains.
Cultural Heritage
Cat Tien National Park is not limited to its natural wealth. It also houses a precious cultural heritage, shaped by the history and traditions of the ethnic communities that have lived there for generations. An immersion in their culture is a unique and enriching experience:
The Village of Nam Cat Tien
Starting point for many explorations of the park, the village of Nam Cat Tien is the ideal place to meet the inhabitants and discover their way of life. You can exchange with them, learn more about their customs, their crafts, and their local cuisine.
Several ethnic groups are present in Cat Tien National Park - InternetThe Local Communities
Several ethnic groups are present in the vicinity of the park, notably the Ma, the Stieng, and the Tay.
The Ma (or Chau Ma): This ethnic group of Austroasiatic origin is one of the oldest in Vietnam. With nearly 33,000 people, the Ma live mainly in the province of Lam Dong. They are organized in villages called "bon," where several families of the same lineage reside together. They are known for their matriarchal culture and their ancestral traditions.
The Stieng (or Xtieng)
This ethnic group has more than 67,000 members, mainly in the province of Binh Phuoc, with some groups also in the neighboring provinces. Also of Austroasiatic origin, the Stieng are renowned for their crafts, particularly weaving and basketry.
The Tay: Although less specifically mentioned in the context of the park, this ethnic group is also present in the region. Originally from northern Vietnam, the Tay are an important ethnic group that has settled in the region over time. They have a culture rich in traditions and customs.
The Tay
Although less specifically mentioned in the context of the park, this ethnic group is also present in the region. Originally from northern Vietnam, the Tay are an important ethnic group that has settled in the region over time. They have a culture rich in traditions and customs.
The "Long House"
The "long house" is a traditional architectural element of ethnic villages. It is a place of community life where several families can live together. Visiting a long house is an opportunity to better understand the social organization and cultural practices of the local people.
Food & drinks
The local cuisine, like the park's biodiversity, is rich and varied - Internet
Let yourself be tempted by these few specialties:
Water hyacinth soup (Canh Lục Bình)
This soup is made with the stems and flowers of the water hyacinth, offering a sweet, fresh taste. It is much appreciated by tourists for its simplicity and originality.
River fish fondue with wild vegetables
This fondue uses fresh fish such as snakehead and tilapia, cooked with wild vegetables unique to the region. It's an exceptional culinary experience that appeals to even the most discerning palates.
Wild Snake-head Fish and Tilapia
At Cat Tien National Park, there are lots of wild snake-head fish and tilapia. If you would like to eat those delicious fish, the restaurants here are always ready to serve.
But that's not all! The Cat Tien region is full of tasty local products: juicy tropical fruits, crunchy vegetables, fragrant aromatic herbs... So many treasures that you can taste during your encounters with the inhabitants and your culinary discoveries.
Directions
Location
Cat Tien National Park is located about 150 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City.
How to get there
From Hanoi: You can take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, then a bus or taxi to the park.
From Ho Chi Minh City: Opt for the sleeper bus (230,000 VND) for a more comfortable trip, or the classic bus (180,000 VND) if your budget is limited. The latter will, however, leave you at the entrance to Cat Tien, from where you will have to take a taxi (400,000 VND) or walk (16 km) to your accommodation. Consider checking if your place of stay in Cat Tien offers a shuttle service, to facilitate your arrival and avoid additional costs.
Ticket prices
Ao Tien Sanctuary: 400,000 VND (about 17USD) 200,000 VND (or 8$) for children (3-15 years old). Free for children under 3 years old.
The Ben Cu waterfall, the Bac Dong tree and the old Tung tree are accessible by car (480,000 VND, 630,000 VND or 780,000 VND). For a more complete exploration, including the Loc Giao banyan and the hundred-stem acacia lake, opt for a longer tour (1,600,000 VND, 2,350,000 VND or 2,850,000 VND for 20 people). These prices are given as an indication and are subject to change.
Bike rental: around 100,000 to 150,000 VND per bike.
Best season
The dry season, from December to April, is the ideal time to visit the park.
With its lush forests, varied fauna ranging from elephants to primates and a multitude of birds, and picturesque landscapes, the Cat Tien mational park offers a unique immersion in the heart of Vietnamese nature. More than just a getaway, a visit to this national park helps raise awareness and protect this precious ecosystem.