Ta Dung National Park

Ta Dung National Park (Vườn quốc gia Tà Đùng) is a protected area in Đắk Glong District, Đắk Nông province, approximately 45 km southeast of Gia Nghia. Established on 8 February 2018 when the former Tà Đùng Nature Reserve was upgraded, the park covers 20,938 hectares of upland seasonal tropical forest. It is often called the "Ha Long Bay of the Central Highlands" due to its vast reservoir studded with dozens of forested islands.

The park straddles the border with Lâm Đồng province, bounded by the upper Đồng Nai River between the Dong Nai 3 and 4 hydropower projects. The Tà Đùng mountain range includes the highest peak in Đắk Nông province at 1,982 metres. For generations, the Ma people have lived at the foot of these mountains, preserving myths and epic stories about the landscape. The park is divided into three functional zones: a strict protection zone, ecological restoration zones, and a service-administration zone.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Liên Khương Airport (DLI) near Da Lat, about 120 km southeast, and Buôn Ma Thuột Airport (BMV), about 140 km north. From either airport, travel to Gia Nghia then continue to the park.

By Car / Road

The park straddles National Highway 28 about 45 km southeast of Gia Nghia. The road is sealed. Buses from Gia Nghia to Di Linh pass the park entrance. A car or motorbike from Gia Nghia takes about 1 hour.

A boat is the best way to explore Ta Dung Lake and its islands. Boats can be hired at the park entrance area (around 300,000–500,000 dong for a half-day tour). Trekking within the park requires a guide arranged through the park management office.

• Ta Dung Lake — The man-made reservoir created by the Dong Nai 3 hydropower dam, covering nearly 6,000 hectares with dozens of forested islands.
• Dak Plao Waterfall — A 3-metre-high waterfall flowing all year round, accessed past large rocks and old-growth trees.
• Digne Klan Waterfall — Located in Dak Som commune, with flat rocks and wide-canopy trees suitable for camping.
• Ta Dung Peak (1,982 m) — The highest point in Đắk Nông province, offering panoramic views of the park and surrounding highlands.
• Ma people villages — Traditional settlements at the foot of the Tà Đùng mountain range.

Boat cruises through the flooded forest and around the islands are the signature experience. The landscape of island-dotted water has been compared to Ha Long Bay. Birdwatching is world-class — Tà Đùng is one of four endemic bird regions in Vietnam, hosting one-eighth of all bird species recorded in the country. Trekking to Tà Đùng peak is a full-day guided climb. Camping at Digne Klan Waterfall is popular. Wildlife watching may reveal deer, leopard, primates, peacocks, and pheasants.

Dining within the park is limited to simple meals served by Ma village homestays — typically cơm lam (bamboo-tube rice), grilled stream fish, wild vegetable soups, and forest chicken. Packed lunches can be arranged for day treks. Bring extra snacks and bottled water from Gia Nghia, as the park has no proper grocery stores. A few basic food stalls operate near the park entrance on National Highway 28, selling noodles and coffee.

Bring plenty of drinking water. Stream water is not safe without treatment.

• Budget: Homestays in Ma villages near the park entrance are the most common option, at around 100,000–200,000 dong per night including basic meals.
• Mid-range: Simple guesthouses are available along National Highway 28 near the park turn-off.

There are no shops within the park. Bring supplies from Gia Nghia. Local forest honey can be purchased from Ma communities.

• Gia Nghia (45 km northwest, 1 hr) — Provincial capital for supplies, dining, and onward connections.
• Da Lat (130 km southeast, 3 hr) — The famous Central Highlands hill station with French colonial architecture and cool climate.
• Dak Plao Waterfall (within the park) — Continue exploring the park's waterfall circuit.
• Nam Nung Nature Reserve (50 km north) — Another Đắk Nông protected area with rich biodiversity.