Cat Tien National Park sprawls across approximately 74,000 hectares of tropical forest, 150–180 km north of Ho Chi Minh City, at the crossroads of Dong Nai, Lam Dong, and Binh Phuoc provinces. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2001, a Ramsar site in 2005, and a national monument of special significance in 2012, it ranks among Vietnam's best-managed protected areas according to the WWF.

Why Visit Cat Tien National Park

Cat Tien concentrates one of the country's densest biodiversity zones: 1,655 plant species recorded (724 genera, 162 families) and more than 1,730 animal species, including approximately 360 bird species. The site hosts several visitor-accessible conservation centers (bears, primates), a crocodile lake, and an archaeological site. It also offers varied hiking terrain, structured by marked trails and a network of pathways passable by jeep or bicycle.

The region was heavily impacted by herbicide spraying during the Vietnam War. The forest regenerated from ancient trees that survived, explaining the visible presence of century-old trees amid younger vegetation.

Park History

The current park resulted from the merger of three protected areas in 1998:

• The Nam Cat Tien and Tay Cat Tien zones, established in 1978;
• The Cat Loc rhinoceros reserve, set up in 1992 after the discovery of a residual Javan rhinoceros population, a species unfortunately declared extinct in the region in 2011.

International designations followed in succession: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2001, Ramsar site in 2005 (for the Bay Sau wetland, known as the "crocodile lake"), then national monument of special significance in 2012, on the occasion of World Tourism Day.

The Cat Tien archaeological site, discovered in 1985, adds a heritage dimension to the park. Excavations conducted between 1994 and 2003 uncovered a complex of temples dating from the 4th to 8th centuries, along the Da Don – Dong Nai river system. Artifacts recovered (gold, silver, bronze, ceramics, precious stones) are partly preserved in Da Lat Museum.

What to See and Do

Bau Sau Lake, the "Crocodile Lake"

This Ramsar-recognized wetland hosts a population of Siamese crocodiles, reintroduced in 2000. Access unfolds in two stages: 9 km by jeep from the main entrance, then 5 km on foot along a forest trail. The site also attracts numerous birds and mammals coming to drink.

The Tung Tree and Banyan Fig

At the heart of the park, the Tung tree (Tetrameles nudiflora) reaches 20 meters high and 10 meters wide, with spectacular buttress roots splaying across the ground. Farther on, a banyan fig with a hollow trunk can accommodate three people inside. Both trees are linked by hiking trails accessible from the headquarters.

Cat Tien Bear Sanctuary

Opened in 2008 and managed by the NGO Free the Bears, this center rescues bears saved from the bile trade, still practiced in certain areas of Vietnam. The animals live in semi-natural enclosures. The visit, though brief, raises awareness of conservation issues and suits families well.

Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre

Located on Dao Tien Island, five minutes by boat from headquarters, the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre opened in 2008. It cares for four species from illegal trafficking: the golden-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus gabriellae), the pygmy slow loris (Nycticebus pygmaeus), the black-shanked douc (Pygathrix nigripes), and the silvered langur (Trachypithecus margarita). Guided visits generally depart in the morning (around 8 a.m.) and last approximately 2.5 hours. Participation fees directly support the reintroduction program.

Cat Tien Archaeological Site

Stretching across roughly 15 kilometers along the river, the temple complex bears witness to a Hinduized civilization that remains poorly identified. On-site, a few remnants are visible; most objects are preserved in Da Lat.

Hiking and Wildlife Observation

Several walking trails crisscross the forest. Guided outings make it easier to spot gibbons, deer, civets, or endemic birds (Germain's peacock-pheasant, Elliot's wren-babbler, collared partridge). Night treks (typically between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.) facilitate observation of animals elusive in daylight: porcupines, civets, mouse-deer. Bicycle and mountain bike rentals are available at headquarters.

Ta Lai Village

Near the park, Ta Lai village brings together Stieng, Tay, and Ma minorities. A memorial preserves images from the American War. The surrounding area lends itself to bicycle rides between rubber plantations and meadows, as well as rock climbing. Homestay accommodations extend the visit through cultural exchange.

Practical Information

The park is open daily from early morning until late afternoon. Entrance fees remain modest, and a surcharge applies for guided activities (led treks, conservation center visits). Several accommodations are available on-site, from camping to hotel rooms, for stays of several days.

Recommended equipment: hiking boots, high socks against leeches, lightweight long-sleeved clothing, rain jacket, mosquito repellent, binoculars, headlamp for night outings, water, and snacks. There is no ATM inside the park.

Rules to observe: remain quiet, leave nothing on the trail, do not collect plants or carve into trees.

When to Visit

The dry season, from December to May, remains the most favorable period: bearable temperatures, rare rainfall, passable trails. During the monsoon (June to November), some paths become muddy and access to Bau Sau Lake may be interrupted. In return, vegetation is denser and bird migration observation enriches toward the end of the wet season.

How to Get There

Cat Tien is situated approximately 150–180 km north of Ho Chi Minh City, depending on the route taken.

• By private car or long-distance taxi: take National Road 1A for about 67 km, then National Road 20 for 58 km to Ta Lai, and an additional 24 km to reach the park entrance.
• By bus: Thanh Buoi and Phuong Trang companies operate services to Cat Tien from Ho Chi Minh City's East Bus Station. Allow approximately 4 hours of travel.

Nearby

To extend a circuit through southern Vietnam, several sites complement a Cat Tien visit well:

• Buu Long Mountain, halfway back to Ho Chi Minh City, for a shorter stop.
• Saigon's Botanical Garden and Zoo, useful before or after the park to contextualize Vietnamese flora.
• Ba Den Mountain, another forested highland of the south, accessible as an excursion from HCMC.
• The Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, in the north, to compare two protected ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prepare Your Trip

Cat Tien integrates easily into an itinerary combining Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and the Da Lat highlands. To build a tailor-made circuit including the park and its surroundings, explore our Vietnam travel ideas.