Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam
Vietnam has a lot to offer any traveller, whether they’re looking for gleaming sandy beaches, ancient historical relics, jaw-dropping scenery or untamed wildlife. Cat Tien National Park is one of Vietnam’s best wildlife and bird-watching destinations, and can be a real adventure for anyone who makes the journey.
A haven for biodiversity and wildlife, located on the route between Ho Chi Minh City and Dalat, Cat Tien is one of the best preserved national parks in Vietnam. Hit hard during the Vietnam War, most of the old growth has survived, and the park has recovered well. Cat Tien was added to the UNESCO list of biosphere reserves in 2001, and houses a great variety of plants and animals, both large and small.
The park became world famous for a small population of rare Javan rhinoceros who were once resident in the area. While the rhinos are sadly now all but extinct, Cat Tien is still home to a variety of endangered species, including Asian elephants and clouded leopards. Sightings of these extraordinary creatures are rare, but more likely to be seen are the primates, particularly the gibbons, who may treat you to a very loud 5:30am wake-up call. Cat Tien is also one of the premier spots for birdwatching in Vietnam. Crocodile Lake is a popular spot for birds of all varieties, and there is basic accommodation available for keen birdwatchers willing to stay the night and catch the morning activity.
From night safaris to full days spent trekking in the forest, there is a wealth of activities to fill up several days here in Cat Tien. Our ‘Exotic Vietnam’ tour includes three days exploring trekking trails and understanding the various conservation projects set up in the park, as well as experiencing some of the park’s wildlife, from the endangered primates, to Siamese crocodiles, to the rich birdlife.
The Forest Floor Lodge offers the only luxury accommodation actually inside the National Park. While it may not be ‘luxury’ as you know it, the rooms are comfortable and the Lodge has a well-served restaurant and bar in which to spend your evenings, and the setting, right in the midst of the forest, allows you to experience the National Park as it should be experienced. For those who are a bit daunted by ‘jungle living’, then the more comfortable and newly opened Jungle Lodge is just across the river, with modern rooms and is still within easy access of everything the National Park has to offer.
Whether you’re a nature buff or just want to fit in a couple of days away from the city, Cat Tien can be easily fitted into any trip to Vietnam. Get in touch today to speak to one of our team.