Cat Tien

Cát Tiên is a district in southwestern Lâm Đồng province, bordering Đồng Nai province. It sits at an average elevation of 400 m, where the Central Highlands descend into lowland plains. The district is home to the northern sector of Cát Tiên National Park (called Cát Lộc) and the Cát Tiên archaeological site, a pre-Angkorian Cham civilization complex. The population includes a significant concentration of the Mạ ethnic minority.

The district was established in 1987 from the division of Đạ Huoai district. Most of the 44,000 residents work in agriculture, growing soybeans, strawberries, and wheat. The landscape features small mountains and hills, rich moist soil, and the upper sources of the Đồng Nai River. The area is often flooded during the monsoon season (June–October).

By Plane

The nearest airports are Lien Khuong Airport (DLI IATA) near Da Lat (about 180 km northeast) and Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN IATA) in Ho Chi Minh City (about 200 km southwest).

By Car / Road

Cat Tien is accessible by road from Ho Chi Minh City via National Highway 20, turning west at Dau Giay. The drive is about 4–5 hours. Buses run from Ho Chi Minh City's Mien Dong station to Cat Tien town. From Da Lat it's about 180 km via Bao Loc.

Motorbike is the best way to explore the district and the national park entrance. Xe om and local buses serve the main towns. Many national park visitors arrange transport through tour operators.

• Cát Tiên National Park (Cát Lộc sector) — A UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve with lowland tropical forest, primates, and diverse birdlife.

• Cát Tiên archaeological site — Pre-Angkorian Cham temples and burial grounds, dating from the 4th to 8th centuries.

• Đồng Nai River — The upper reaches of one of Vietnam's largest rivers flow through the district.

• Jungle trekking — Guided multi-day treks through Cát Tiên National Park.

• Wildlife spotting — Gibbons, langurs, deer, and over 300 bird species.

• River cruises — Boat trips on the Đồng Nai River.

• Archaeological tours — Visit the excavated Cham site.

Riverside restaurants in Cat Tien town serve freshwater fish, grilled meats, and local vegetables. Highland specialities such as cơm lam (bamboo-tube rice) are available in the national park area.

Local coffee is widely available. Bottled water is essential; tap water is not safe to drink.

• Budget: Guesthouses in Cat Tien town (from 150,000 dong).
• Mid-range: Park-edge resorts and homestays (from 350,000 dong).

Local agricultural produce — soybeans, strawberries, and cashews. The national park visitor centre sells maps and souvenirs. The district market has basic provisions.

• Da Lat (180 km northeast, 4 hr) — Hill-station city with French-colonial architecture.
• Ho Chi Minh City (200 km southwest, 5 hr) — Vietnam's largest city.
• Bao Loc (80 km north, 2 hr) — Tea capital of the Central Highlands.
• Vinh Cuu / Đồng Nai — Natural reserve area with hiking and waterfalls.