Tan Phu

Tan Phu is a district in northern Đồng Nai province, located at the gateway to Cat Tien National Park. The town of Tan Phu sits at the junction of National Highway 20 and the access road leading to the park's entrance, making it the primary transit point for visitors heading to Cat Tien. The district is largely rural, with coffee and pepper plantations, fruit orchards, and forested areas.

Tan Phu has developed as a service centre for the national park tourism trade, with accommodation, restaurants, and transport services catering to park visitors. The district also has significant agricultural production, particularly coffee and cashew nuts. The Đồng Nai River flows through the district, providing water for irrigation and scenic riverine landscapes.

The climate is tropical monsoon with a distinct dry season (November–April) and rainy season (May–October). Temperatures range from 24–34°C.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, approximately 110 km southwest. A taxi costs 800,000–1,000,000 dong and takes 2–2.5 hours.

By Car / Road

Tan Phu is on National Highway 20, the main route from Ho Chi Minh City to Đà Lạt. Buses between Ho Chi Minh City and Đà Lạt can drop passengers at the Tan Phu junction. Driving from Ho Chi Minh City takes 2–2.5 hours. The road to Cat Tien National Park (25 km) branches off at Tan Phu.

The town centre is small and walkable. Xe om and taxis are available for trips to Cat Tien National Park. Many accommodation providers offer free or low-cost transfers to the park entrance.

Cat Tien National Park Access — Tan Phu is the gateway town for Cat Tien, one of Vietnam's most important national parks.

Coffee Plantations — Hillsides surrounding Tan Phu are covered with robusta coffee bushes, scenic year-round and especially during the red-berry harvest season.

Đồng Nai River — The river flows near Tan Phu, offering scenic views and riverside walks.

Tan Phu Market — A local market serving travellers and residents, with fresh produce and basic supplies.

Use Tan Phu as a base for visiting Cat Tien National Park. Take a guided tour of local coffee plantations. Visit during coffee harvest season (November–January) to see the processing. Explore the countryside by bicycle or motorbike.

Bánh mì — Classic Vietnamese sandwiches available at bakeries in town for 15,000–25,000 dong.

Phở — Vietnamese noodle soup available at several small restaurants serving travellers on the Highway 20 route.

Cơm tấm — Broken rice with grilled pork, a filling and affordable meal at local eateries.

Most restaurants cater to travellers passing through on the Ho Chi Minh City–Đà Lạt route.

Vietnamese coffee is served at roadside cafés popular with long-distance bus drivers. Fresh fruit juices and coconut water are available at the market.

• Budget: Traveller guesthouses near the Highway 20 junction offer basic rooms from 150,000–250,000 dong.
• Mid-range: Several hotels catering to national park visitors offer comfortable rooms from 300,000–500,000 dong.
• Upscale: Limited options; most upscale visitors stay inside Cat Tien National Park at the Forest Floor Lodge or similar.

Tan Phu's market offers fresh produce, coffee beans, cashew nuts, and basic travel supplies. Cat Tien National Park souvenirs are available at shops near the park entrance road.

Cat Tien National Park (25 km, 30 min) — Premier national park with jungle trekking, wildlife spotting, and the famous gibbon trek.

Đà Lạt (120 km, 2.5 hr) — Hill-station city in the Central Highlands.

Long Khanh (50 km, 1 hr) — Town with fruit orchards and rubber plantations.

Bien Hoa (90 km, 2 hr) — Capital of Đồng Nai province.