Bu Gia Map

Bù Gia Mập is a rural district in the northeast of Bình Phước province, bordering Cambodia and Đắk Nông province. Established in 2009, it is one of the youngest districts in the province. The district seat is Bù Gia Mập township. The area is predominantly forested and is home to the namesake Bù Gia Mập National Park.

The climate is tropical with average temperatures of 24–34°C. The dry season runs from November to April, with the rainy season from May to October. The district's elevation (200–500 m) makes it slightly cooler than the lowland areas of the province.

Bù Gia Mập is sparsely populated, with significant Xtiêng and other ethnic minority communities. The economy is based on cashew and coffee cultivation, with forestry playing an increasingly important role through the national park and conservation areas.

By Plane

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City is the nearest major airport, approximately 180 km south. The journey takes about 4 hours by road.

By Car / Road

Bù Gia Mập is accessible via National Route 14 from Đồng Xoài heading northeast, then a provincial road east toward the national park. The drive from Đồng Xoài takes approximately 1.5–2 hours (70 km). A 4WD vehicle is recommended during the wet season when some roads become muddy. Limited bus services connect Đồng Xoài to the district centre.

A motorbike or 4WD vehicle is essential for getting around the district, especially for reaching the national park and remote villages. The district centre is small and walkable. Local guides can be arranged at the national park headquarters.

• Bù Gia Mập National Park — The district's premier attraction, a protected forest area with diverse wildlife and trekking trails.

• Thác Đắk Bối (Đắk Bối Waterfall) — A scenic waterfall within the national park, accessible via a short hike.

• Xtiêng cultural villages — Traditional stilt houses and community buildings showcase indigenous heritage.

• Cambodian border viewpoints — Elevated areas along the border offer views into Cambodia's Mondulkiri province.

• Coffee and cashew farms — The district's agricultural heart, with opportunities to buy directly from growers.

• Hike in Bù Gia Mập National Park — Guided treks range from half-day to multi-day expeditions through primary and secondary forest.

• Wildlife spotting — The park is home to gibbons, langurs, macaques, deer, and an array of bird species.

• Waterfall visits — Several waterfalls within the park are accessible by trail, especially during the rainy season when they are at their most impressive.

• Homestay with ethnic minorities — Xtiêng communities offer homestays with traditional food and cultural activities.

• Quán Bù Gia Mập — A simple eatery near the district centre serving basic Vietnamese dishes. Meals 25,000–50,000 ₫.
• National park canteen — The park headquarters operates a basic canteen serving rice dishes and noodles during daylight hours.
• Homestay meals — Ethnic village homestays include traditional dishes such as grilled forest chicken, bamboo-tube rice (cơm lam), and wild vegetable salads.

Coffee is the local staple, served strong and black or with condensed milk. Forest honey mixed with warm water is a traditional health drink. Bottled water is essential; tap water is not safe to drink.

• Budget: Nhà Nghỉ Bù Gia Mập — Basic guesthouse near the district centre from 150,000 ₫ per night.
• Mid-range: Park guesthouse — Bù Gia Mập National Park has basic accommodation for visitors, from 300,000 ₫ per night.
• Unique: Xtiêng homestay — Traditional stilt-house accommodation in an ethnic minority village, from 200,000 ₫ per person per night including meals.

Local honey (mật ong rừng — forest honey) is a speciality of the district, harvested from wild hives. Cashew nuts and robusta coffee beans are available directly from farms. Handwoven textiles from Xtiêng artisans make unique souvenirs.

• Bù Đăng (30 km south, 45 min) — Coffee-growing district with ethnic minority villages.
• Phước Long (50 km southwest, 1.5 hr) — Thác Mơ Lake and the hydroelectric dam.
• Đắk Nông province — The Central Highlands with coffee country and volcanic landscapes.
• Mondulkiri province, Cambodia — Across the border, known for elephant sanctuaries and hill-tribe villages.