Vietnam has everything that travelers need: beautiful beaches, large forests, architectural buildings, sacred places, amazing markets, delicious specialty foods, and many more. Cat Tien National Park is about 160 km from Ho Chi Minh City – the biggest city in Vietnam and the busiest city in South Vietnam. Expats and international travelers usually choose Cat Tien for exploring old-growth forests and learn more about the wild species. There are tens of great outdoor activities in this place. Are you excited at the diversified types of flora, fauna, animals, and green nature? Let’s find the best things to do at Cat Tien National Park and I hope this ultimate guide is helpful to you.
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Cat Tien National Park Travel Guide
Where is Cat Tien National Park and how to get there?
Cat Tien National Park is located in 3 provinces, including Dong Nai, Lam Dong, and Binh Phuoc. This nature reserve is about 160 km from Ho Chi Minh City and it is not a far distance in Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City – Cat Tien National Park
- By air: service unavailable
- By train: not popular
- By bus: cheap price, crowded bus, uncomfortable vehicle (no A/C)
- By private car: more expensive option, comfortable, good vehicle, safety, 3 hours and 20 minutes (link to book https://scootersaigontour.com/transfer-from-ho-chi-minh-city-to-nam-cat-tien)
- By motorbike: riding a motorbike is cheaper than driving a car, it takes more time ( 4 – 7 hours) compared to cars.
If you drive a motorbike or a car from Ho Chi Minh City to Cat Tien, it will be adventurous and exciting. It is not very difficult to drive by yourself, you will need the help of Google Maps or GPS navigation apps. First, you should follow National Highway 1A (or Long Thanh – Dau Giay Highway) about 70 km before reaching the Dau Giay intersection. After that, you turn left and follow Highway 20 about 60 km. At the Ta Lai crossroads, you turn left and drive another 24 km to reach the gate of Cat Tien National Park.
Some buses go straight to Cat Tien National Park from Ho Chi Minh City and you can easily catch them at the Eastern (Mien Dong) Bus Station. The price is cheap, from 100,000VND. You can choose Thanh Buoi or Phuong Trang – the two most popular companies providing great bus services in South Vietnam for your comfort.
If there are more than 2 people in your group, you can rent a private car with a driver to get to Cat Tien from Saigon. It will be safer and quieter than traveling by bus or motorbike.
Hanoi (provinces in North Vietnam) – Cat Tien National Park
- By air: fly from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, then get to Cat Tien
- By train: take a train from Hanoi to Dong Nai, then go to the national park
- By bus: long time, not common
- By private car: long time, not common
FAQ about Cat Tien National Park
How large is Cat Tien National Park? Nearly 74,000 hectares. In the 1970s, there are Nam Cat Tien (South Cat Tien) and Tay Cat Tien (West Cat Tien). The government decided to combine the two Cat Tien and call the area Cat Tien National Park.
What is Cat Tien National Park? A complicated network of tropical forests and wetlands, divided into 2 sections by a river.
How many endangered species are listed in the Red Book in Cat Tien? 50 species, including Indochina Tiger and Siamese Crocodile.
Which are the most popular species in Cat Tien? Over three hundred species of birds, 62 types of orchids.
Can travelers visit deeper areas in the national park? They have designed many trails for visitors to explore the forest. Deeper areas and endangered species may be hidden from visitors. However, there are redundant outdoor activities in a few days, even a month.
What is the best part of Cat Tien National Park? A wide range of flora and fauna.
What are the most popular things to do? Night safari tour by jeep, relaxing in accommodations in the jungles, trekking and seeing lots of species of plants and animals, visiting Bau Sau Lake with crocodiles, Dao Tien Island – Bear Rescue Center, Oc Eo Cultural Area, Ta Lai,…
What are the prices at Cat Tien National Park? If you travel to Cat Tien National Park by yourself, you can buy the entrance ticket at the counter at a price from 20,000 VND to 70,000 VND/person. The admission fee for Bau Sau – Crocodile Lake is 250,000 VND/person. You will pay around 100,000 to 150,000 VND per bike.
When is the opening time? The park opens from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily.
Cat Tien National Park Travel Guide. Image: Ka Tuyen.
What is the best time to travel to Cat Tien National Park?
It is recommended to visit Cat Tien National Park at any time of the year thanks to the mild climate with an average temperature of 27 Celsius degree all year round. However, Vietnam is a tropical country that has a monsoon-influenced climate. At the national park, it rains from June to November, the slippery and marshy road is not very ideal for visitors to walk, trek, or ride bicycles. It does not rain all the days in the rainy season, there are still dry days. In case you would like to visit the park in the wet season, it is better to check the weather forecast.
The rainfall is low from December to the end of May so this time is the best for visitors to travel to Cat Tien National Park. You will have a big chance to see the green jungles, lakes, and wild species at their best thanks to the dry paths and roads. You will not be wet while traveling to this amazing national park.
How to get around Cat Tien National Park?
When you are at Cat Tien National Park, you can visit the places and explore everything by trekking, bicycle, or jeep by yourself or with an experienced local tour guide. A large number of visitors choose to trek through the green jungles, reach exciting lakes, see many species of birds and animals, learn about the plants, and be amazed by large old trees thanks to the long trekking road. Riding a bicycle around the national park is fun and relaxing enough. It is a chance to sightsee and admire the green nature.
Cat Tien National Park is rather large so most of the visitors rent bicycles for rides from the gate along the roads. For reaching destinations that are deep in the jungles, they must trek along the trails. The price is 100,000 – 150,000 VND for one bike. If you are healthy and strong enough, you can challenge yourself by only trekking instead of riding a bicycle and trekking.
Night jeep tour is a good choice for travelers that would like to see the animals going out for food when the sun goes down.
Top things to do in Cat Tien National Park
Cat Tien National Park Travel Guide. Image: Ka Tuyen.
Dao Tien Island
The Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Center is located on Dao Tien (Đảo Tiên, Fairy Island) in Dong Nai River and a great place to see primates including yellow-cheeked gibbons, silver languor and douc languor, black, small Loris. In addition, there is a semi-wild park where they release rescued animals before transferring to one of the national parks in the country. A maximum of 4 people are allowed to follow a special route and see wild gibbons.
Visitors should go upstream by boat for about 5 minutes and have great time enjoying the beautiful sights on the banks. Walking under the shade of green trees and listening to bird songs make any trip to this island memorable.
Bear Rescue Station
Big and cute bears always attract visitors who love nature and animals in zoos and forests. The Bear Rescue Station has lots of species of bears for you to learn more about them. Injured bears or bears in distress, threatened by others are well-treated at the rescue center. They are guaranteed to grow and develop the best before being released back to nature. Both adults and children love to see this place in Cat Tien National Park.
Bau Sau – Crocodile Lake
Bau Sau (also called Crocodile Lake) is one of the most favorite tourist attractions in Cat Tien National Park. It is a large wetland area where many birds and other animals live. Because there is a large number of Siamese crocodiles at Bau Sau Lake, they name the area Crocodile Lake. Arriving at Bau Sau, visitors can see how dangerous crocodiles live underwater, swim around, sleep, breathem and catch bait.
The highlights of the lake also include the primeval forest with Lagerstroemia stems or towering trunks of the trees, the diverse flora and fauna, wild animals such as monkeys, birds, langurs, reptiles, and many more. If you are lucky enough, the dance of colorful peacocks will amaze you.
Let me tell you how to explore Crocodile Lake which is about 15 km from the headquarters of Cat Tien National Park. Visitors usually go on jeeps for a distance of about 10km along the road, then hike for an additional 5km. The journey is fascinating because they can see many interesting things on the way. Upon arrival at Bau Sau, visitors often go on boats and cruise on the lake. What is better than relaxing and enjoying the view of picturesque landscapes?
For more information, the lake is not only great for seeing during the day but also for traveling at night. You can choose to join an exciting evening trip to Bau Sau. After sunset, you can spy on the wildlife and watch the feathered inhabitants at the park. In the evening, animals such as monkeys, deer, and mammals come and drink at the lake. When it is totally dark, you can find out some nocturnal visitors when using a flashlight. With a pair of binoculars, you can also spot native fauna like Siamese crocodiles. After the night tour, visitors choose to go back to their hotels near Bau Sau, in or around Cat Tien National Park.
Cat Tien National Park Travel Guide. Image: Vu Dang Khoi
Bird Lake
Most of visitors would love to see birds which are more beautiful and friendly than crocodiles. In the national park, there is no lack of birds, you can see them everywhere. However, Bird Lake is a great place to see many species of birds, including rare ones. The best time for bird watching is from February to April.
Giant Tung Tree
There are more than 1,600 plant species in Cat Tien National Park. Many tall and large trees are hundreds of years old, and visitors are surprised when seeing them. You should not miss the giant Tung tree which has a width of 10 meters and a height of 20 meters. The giant Tung tree’s roots on the ground and look like a huge python. Under the instruction of a local guide, you can see other 3 – 4 people hugging and hundreds year old trees.
Ben Cu Waterfall
Located about 5km from the national park’s headquarters, Ben Cu Waterfall is fascinating and poetic. Visitors should walk for about 60 minutes to reach the fall. There is more water, the fall looks bigger, and the stream flow is stronger in the rainy season compared to the dry season. Ben Cu Waterfall is more charming and you can visit them in the rainy season (except on wet days). The mysterious and murky scenery of the white fall, blue sky, white cloud, green forests make the trip to Cat Tien memorable. Travelers can also swim under the waterfall.
Butterflies in different colors flutter in the trails and offer a huge chance to take great photos of Cat Tien National Park. It is said that 450 types of butterflies gather in the park after the rainy season. The guides are pleased to tell romantic love stories associated with the falls to their guests on the way.
Troi Waterfall, Dung Waterfall, and Mo Vet Waterfall are near Ben Cu Waterfall and great tourist attractions. The unique beauty of the waterfalls that appear and disappear alternately in the immense green forests and under the sky enchants any visitors. Various types of birds, such as crows, kingfishers, canaries, and hawks can be watched at Mo Vet Waterfall.
Cat Tien Sanctuary
Discovered in 1985, Cat Tien Sanctuary is a large archaeological site stretching 15 kilometers. Hindu temples such as temples and tombs were built in this area. Lots of metal artifacts are meticulously made from gold and copper and carved with images of Goddess and animals. The ceramic and stone objects, including the Linga-Yoni symbols, are sophisticatedly carved and indicated.
Unique architecture and culture of indigenous communities in Cat Tien National Park are the highlights of the sanctuary. The 2 indigenous communities, Ma and Stieng, have their own traditions and lifestyles. You will be told various stories, legends, about featured festivals, and religious life and shown musical instruments to satisfy your curiosity.
Ta Lai Ethnic Village
Did you think that only natural attractions can be visited in Cat Tien National Park? Fortunately, Ta Lai ethnic village is a worth-visiting cultural destination inside the green jungle. This quiet, peaceful, and unique village offers huge opportunities for travelers to learn about the traditions, culture, and history of the ethnic Ma, Stieng, and Tay people in Vietnam. They have lived in Nha Dai – Long House until today, and visitors can see what the strange houses look like. How do they make money? What are the cultivation methods? You will get to know when you get there. Local people make colorful brocade sheets and brocade products, including lovely souvenirs for travelers.
In addition, the heart-broken Ta Lai Memorial Prison, reminding about the Vietnam – American War helps visitors to have more knowledge about the history.
It is refreshing and relaxing to ride a bicycle through grasslands rubber plantations in Ta Lai Ethnic Village and enjoy the fascinating landscape. Ta Lai is perfect for travelers that love to climb and conquer mountains. Some of the most favorite outdoor activities is perhaps walking around and enjoying the sound of nature and Monkhala, passing the suspension bridge.
Night safari
A night safari trip by jeep can be only done in Cat Tien National Park thanks to a number of wild animals going out for food and drinks after the sunset. The tour lasts about 2 hours, guests are able to spot the wild deer, porcupines, wild boars, rabbits, and gaur roaming and wandering around. The jeep cars usually pick tourists up at about 7:00 PM and drop them off at about 9:00 PM. In fact, the feeling of sitting in a jeep and exploring the jungles in the dark is strange and wonderful.
Which Cat Tien National Park Tours to choose?
How many days are enough for exploring Cat Tien National Park Tours? You can choose a full-day tour, 2-day tour, or 3-day tour. In fact, we can not see a national park with an area of 70 km2 in one day. However, you can enjoy a great day relaxing and learning more about the green jungles, animals, and rescue stations if you have only one day. We would like to recommend visiting Cat Tien for 2, 3 days, or more days.
Should I book a night safari jeep tour? Is it safe to see animals in the forests in the darkness? This experience is unique and you can only join a night safari tour by jeep in Cat Tien National Park. You should not miss the huge chance to spot animals with a big flashlight with the help of experienced tour guide and driver after the sun goes down. It is very safe to go on a jeep and with experts of Cat Tien.
Trekking, bicycle, or jeep? If you are strong enough and would like to challenge yourself with trekking trails, your best choice is definitely a trekking tour. Riding bicycles in Cat Tien National Park is fun and enjoyable and a bike tour is always great for any visitor. If you are not familiar with being on a bike, you should ask the tour operator to arrange a jeep for your tour. In fact, tourists must go by jeep, then walk for a few kilometers to the destinations such as Bau Sau.
Should I book a tour or visit Cat Tien National Park by myself? If you speak Vietnamese well or have a Vietnamese friend, you can go to the national park by yourself. It is not very difficult to catch a bus or rent a private car, book accommodation, or rent a bicycle or jeep in advance or upon your arrival in the park. On the contrary, a tour organized by a good company is perhaps your choice. They will arrange everything, from transfer to hotel, from tour guide to tour program, and you just enjoy your trip.
2 Days 1 Night Cat Tien National Park Tour
Full Day Bike Tour to Cat Tien National Park and Tri An Lake
Full Day Cat Tien National Park Tour
2 Days Nam Cat Tien Tour
2 Days Cat Tien National Park Trekking Tour
3 Days 2 Nights Cat Tien National Park Tour
Where to stay when traveling to Cat Tien National Park?
There are different types of accommodations for you to stay overnight on your trip to the park. You can choose a good homestay, hotel, or resort. Here are some options for your choice.
- Ta Lai Long House
- Green Cat Tien Hotel
- Green Bamboo Lodge
- Cat Tien Jungle Lodge
- Thuy Tien Eco-Lodge
- Green Hope Lodge
- Eco Floor Bird Song Lodge
