If you have done strolling around the busy Ho Chi Minh City, booking a nature retreat to Cat Tien National Park would be a great way to continue your Vietnam journey! You can trek, cycle, camp, learn and help, all in the same place!
When to visit Cat Tien National Park
Cat Tien National Park (also known as Nam Cat Tien, 160 km from Ho Chi Minh City) is a famous natural attraction in Dong Nai province, a big province in South Vietnam and you can visit the park whenever you like. However, December to May is preferable because then you make sure to steer clear of the monsoon season and also then more activities will be available.
Getting to Cat Tien National Park by coach
From Ho Chi Minh City: You buy tickets (around VND 100,000/person) at Stall 5, Mien Dong Coach Station (292 Dinh Bo Linh, Ward 26, Binh Thanh District).
Note that most trips depart in the morning and afternoon, no trips in the evening or at night.
Notes before setting foot to the Cat Tien National Park
- This adventure involves extensive trekking, so wear boots and use mosquito and leech repellent.
- You’ll have to rent cars (starting VND 500,000/hour for an 8-seater with a driver, depending on your route of choice) or mountain bikes (VND 30,000/hour and VND 150,000/day) to get around.
- If you want to stay overnight, you can choose Green Cat Tien Hotel ( VND 350,000/night/double bed) to stay at because you will get discounts and exclusive entrance to Tien Island Tour where you’ll learn about endangered primates.
- Travel responsibly since it’s a national nature reserve. Support local people by using their services e.g. tour guides, accommodation.
Back to nature with Cat Tien National Park
Sightseeings at Cat Tien National Park
Admission: VND 60,000/person.
There are so many things to see and do in this 73,000-hectare biosphere reserve. Here is our list of top attractions in Cat Tien National Park:
Tropical Forest
Apart from immersing yourself in nature and unwind, you’ll also see fascinating plants like the giant primitive conifer or the 6-crown crepe myrtle.
It takes 20 people to encircle the trunk
The crepe-myrtles
Bau Sau
Bau Sau is the most popular route; you will have to travel 9km on a jeep and then 5km on feet. Bau Sau is home to many endangered plants and animals, most notably freshwater crocodiles. You can rent a 3-seat boat at VND 150,000 to watch the crocodiles up close.
Peaceful scenery at the crocodile swamp
Night Safari
Night Safari tour starts at 6:30 PM every day. Cat Tien National Park is the only place in Vietnam to check on nocturnal animals in their natural habitats. For a group of 1-2 people, the tour costs VND 660,000. For a group of 3-5 people, it’s VND 220,000/person. The more people the cheaper.
A deer at night
Ta Lai
Ta Lai is where the ethnic minority groups Ma, Stieng, and Tay have been living for centuries. Travel to Ta Lai, and you’ll have a chance to learn about their culture and customs at Ta Lai Longhouse.
Fancy staying for a night at Ta Lai Longhouse?
To have fun trips in Ho Chi Minh City, check out our authentic motorbike tours with professional local guides!
|
Conclusion on Cat Tien National Park
This gigantic park is a national natural treasure. All the experiences like cycling through lush green woods, admiring majestic waterfalls or visiting wild animals are the best in the South! Check it out!
Get your travel insurance to explore Vietnam:
References: Cat Tien National Park website (English)