Cat Tien National Park

Cat Tien National Park is one of Vietnam's most important and largest protected areas, spanning approximately 720 km² across three provinces: Đồng Nai, Lâm Đồng, and Bình Phước. Located about 150 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, the park comprises two sectors: Cat Loc to the north and Nam Cat Tien to the east, the latter being the most visited area containing the park headquarters. It preserves one of the last remaining areas of lowland tropical forest in Vietnam, including significant stands of old-growth primary forest.

The park has a rich history spanning millennia. An archaeological site on the northern bank of the Đồng Nai River contains temple ruins of a previously unknown Hindu civilisation that flourished between the 4th and 9th centuries CE. Excavations between 1994 and 2003 uncovered gold, bronze, ceramic, and glass artefacts, now housed in the Đà Lạt museum. Cat Tien was formally protected in 1978, with the Cat Loc sector added in 1992 following the discovery of a small population of Javan rhinoceros — an endemic sub-species that was sadly declared extinct in 2011. Poaching remains a serious threat, though better protection exists in Nam Cat Tien, which is half-surrounded by the Đồng Nai River.

The park features seasonal tropical forest (semi-deciduous mixed jungle with climbing lianas), alongside large areas of grassland, bamboo groves, and wetlands. The climate is highly seasonal: December–February is the cool, dry peak season ideal for wildlife viewing as deciduous trees lose their leaves. March–May brings hot weather with nesting birds. May–June sees the start of the rains and spectacular butterfly displays. July–September is the peak rainy season with high river levels. October–early December offers decreasing rains and excellent forest conditions.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, approximately 150 km southwest. A taxi or private car from the airport to the park costs 1,200,000–2,000,000 dong and takes 3–4 hours.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Long Khanh on the North-South Reunification Express line. From Long Khanh, a taxi or car to the park takes about 2 hours and costs around 1,500,000 dong (Feb 2016). Pre-booking is recommended.

By Car / Road

The park entrance is reached via National Highway 20 to the Tan Phu junction, then a 25 km road to Nam Cat Tien village and the ferry crossing. Driving from Ho Chi Minh City takes 3–4 hours, from Đà Lạt about 4 hours. Buses between Ho Chi Minh City and Đà Lạt (Futa/Phuong Trang, Bé, and local buses) can drop passengers at Tan Phu or the park entrance. Direct local buses also run from Bến Xe Miền Đông bus station in Ho Chi Minh City to the park entrance for around 80,000 dong (4–5 hours).

A ferry crossing (60,000 dong return, Apr 2026) takes visitors across the Đồng Nai River into the park. The ferry operates approximately 06:00–19:00. Park rules prohibit night crossings, though exceptions may sometimes be arranged.

The park is best explored on foot along marked trails, by bicycle rented from the park headquarters (30,000 dong/hour, 100,000 dong/half day, 150,000 dong/day), or by car transport hired at park reception. Bicycles must be returned by 18:30. The park provides a trail map, though some trails marked as "medium difficulty" require a guide. Popular walking routes include the Ecological Trail (5–8 km), the trail to Crocodile Lake, through the forest to Ta Lai, and to Nui Tuong (elephant) hills.

Crocodile Lake (Bàu Sấu) — A wetland area where rare Siamese crocodiles have been successfully reintroduced. Best visited in the late afternoon. Trail access fee 250,000 dong (Apr 2026).

Archaeological Site — Remains of a 4th–9th century Hindu temple complex on the northern bank of the Đồng Nai River, just outside Nam Cat Tien.

Botanical Garden — A signposted area near the park headquarters with labelled trees and a peaceful walking circuit.

Park Headquarters Area — The arrival point after the ferry, with the reception building, accommodation, and trail network access.

Wild Gibbon Trek — An early-morning (05:00) guided trek to observe golden-cheeked gibbons in their natural habitat. Must be arranged at least a day in advance through park headquarters. An early boat can be arranged to ferry you across for the trek.

Night Safari — After-dark guided tours to spot deer, civet cats, gaur (wild cattle), and other nocturnal animals.

Birdwatching — Cat Tien is one of Southeast Asia's premier birdwatching destinations with a vast array of resident and migratory species.

Crocodile Lake Hike — A guided or self-guided hike to the wetland area, best attempted with a hired bicycle for the approach.

Cycling — Explore the park's road network and trail access points by bicycle, the most popular way to get around.

Longer Treks — Multi-hour guided treks through primary forest to Ta Lai, Nui Tuong, and other remote areas of the park.

Meals are served at the park's accommodation restaurants, offering Vietnamese set menus with rice, grilled meats, vegetables, and soup. Most lodges pack lunch boxes for day trekkers. Simple eateries exist in Nam Cat Tien village across the river.

The park restaurants serve Vietnamese coffee, tea, and bottled drinks. Bring plenty of water for treks — it can be purchased at the park reception. Tap water is not potable.

• Budget: Dormitory beds at the park headquarters or simple guesthouses in Nam Cat Tien village from 100,000–200,000 dong.
• Mid-range: Park-run bungalows and guesthouses near headquarters, with private rooms from 300,000–600,000 dong.
• Upscale: Forest Floor Lodge, an eco-lodge with comfortable rooms, private bathrooms, and excellent guiding services, from 800,000–1,500,000 dong.

Souvenir stalls near the park entrance sell T-shirts, hats, and handicrafts. The park reception area has basic supplies. More extensive shopping is available in Tan Phu on the main highway.

Đà Lạt (150 km, 4 hr) — Hill station in the Central Highlands with cool climate, pine forests, and French-colonial architecture.

Ho Chi Minh City (150 km, 3–4 hr) — Vietnam's dynamic southern capital with endless attractions.

Vũng Tàu (170 km, 3.5 hr) — Beach city with seafood and coastal resorts.

Phan Thiết / Mũi Né (160 km, 3.5 hr) — Beach resort area known for sand dunes and water sports.

Long Khanh (60 km, 1.5 hr) — Town with fruit orchards and the railway halt serving the park.