Overview
Cat Tien National Park, spanning over 70,000 hectares, is a vast natural sanctuary located across five districts in Dong Nai, Lam Dong, and Binh Phuoc provinces.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, this tropical lowland evergreen rainforest is home to hundreds of rare and endangered species listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book. It's an ideal destination for exploration, learning, and relaxation, especially for nature enthusiasts seeking unique experiences.
Climate
The best time to visit Cat Tien National Park is during the dry season, from November to May. The dry weather makes it easier to navigate the trails and fully appreciate the park's natural beauty. The rainy season, from June to October, offers a different perspective, but visitors should be mindful of the weather and potential challenges.
Getting There
Reaching the Park
Cat Tien is located approximately 170 km north of Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors can choose from various land transportation options, including self-driving cars, buses, taxis, or motorbikes.
The park also offers car pick-up services from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, and neighboring provinces. Public buses are available, with connections to local taxis or buses for the final leg to Cat Tien.
The journey from Ho Chi Minh City takes about four hours via the Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway/CT01, then onto National Highway 20.
Getting Around the Park
Within the park, visitors can rent bicycles for 30,000 VND per hour or 150,000 VND per day (maximum 8 hours). You can also bring your own bicycle for a fee of 100,000 VND per day, with discounts available for subsequent days.
Services and Facilities
Cat Tien National Park offers various services, including hotels, camping, restaurants, guided tours in open-top vehicles, mountain biking, and local guides. The entrance fee includes ferry transfers to and from the park.
Accommodation
The park provides accommodation options in two areas: the park center and Bau Sau (14 km from the center). Room rates range from 400,000 VND to 1.6 million VND per night for 2-4 people, with dorm rooms available for 800,000 VND. Breakfast, park entrance fees, and other services are not included.
Discounts of 20% apply from June to October. Additional fees may apply for exceeding the maximum occupancy.
Outside the park, you'll find homestays like Orchard Home Resort and Nam Cat Tien Homestay. Camping is also possible at the park center for 100,000 VND per person (bring your own tent).
Activities and Attractions
Trekking
Trekking through the rainforest is a popular activity, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the park's diverse ecosystem and observe its flora and fauna.
Guided Tours
The park offers various guided tours tailored to different interests and timeframes. Individual travelers and small groups may be combined to ensure minimum group sizes.
Tropical Rainforest Trails
These tours involve travel by car, with short walks of 100-300 meters at each stop. Groups can customize their itinerary, with a maximum of 20 people. The distance between stops ranges from 3 km to 16 km.
Six tour options are available, each with optional stops:
* Tung Tree - Ben Cu Rapids - Bac Dong's Go Tree - Loc Giao Banyan Tree - Troi Waterfall - Bang Lang Da Co Forest - Ben Cu Rapids - Tram Than Banyan Tree Lake (swimming possible at certain times) - Ethnic Village - Ta Lai Rice Fields
These trails can also be explored by bicycle (advance booking required).
Near Park Headquarters
The Natural Museum and Wildlife Rescue Center are located near the park headquarters and are open to visitors.
Bau Sau (Crocodile Lake)
This wetland area, 14 km from the park center, is a must-visit. It's home to over 60 species of rare freshwater crocodiles and is recognized as a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention.
Access involves a 9 km journey by car or bicycle, followed by a 5 km walk through the forest. Tour fees include the entrance fee and other expenses, varying by tour type.
Day Trips to Bau Sau
Day trips are available by car or bicycle.
* Car: 640,000 VND for 1-7 people, 1.26 million VND for 8-20 people. Guide fees are additional.
* Bicycle: Start before 10 AM, 150,000 VND per person per bicycle, guide fees are additional. The tour duration is seven hours.
Overnight Stays at Bau Sau
Overnight tours are similar to day trips but start later and depart Bau Sau the next morning. Camping is not permitted at Bau Sau; accommodation is available at the park's guesthouse.
Night Wildlife Watching Tours
These tours depart at 6:30 PM and involve a one-hour drive through the park. Guides will take you to areas where you might spot deer, porcupines, rabbits, and weasels foraging in the dark. With luck, you might even encounter a gaur.
Fees vary depending on the number of participants. Advance booking is recommended due to limited availability.
Dining
The park offers dining options at Cay Dau Restaurant and Tre Vang Restaurant. Bau Sau also has dining facilities.
Important Notes
* Cat Tien has good mobile network coverage, and rooms are equipped with basic amenities and Wi-Fi.
* It's advisable to go with a guide when entering the forest. If exploring independently, follow the designated trails and regulations. Do not enter the forest after 6 PM.
* Hunting, trapping, swimming in streams, fishing, bringing plastic bags, toxic substances, or flammable materials are prohibited.
* Avoid making noise or using loudspeakers.
* Wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes for easy movement.
* In case of emergencies, contact the park's hotline at 02513 669 228.
Source vnexpress
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