One of the tourist areas with the most diverse ecosystems in Vietnam. That is Nam Cat Tien National Park. If you want to explore the wild natural world, come to Nam Cat Tien National Park. Private Vietnam tour. Exploring Nam Cat Tien tourist area, you will experience many attractive activities such as: trekking, camping, watching animals at night… We will share the full and detailed experience of traveling to Nam Cat Tien National Park below.
Introduction to Nam Cat Tien tourist area
Nam Cat Tien tourist area is located in 5 districts: Tan Phu, Vinh Cuu (Dong Nai province), Cat Tien, Bao Lam (Lam Dong province) and Bu Dang (Binh Phuoc province). To get to Nam Cat Tien tourist area, from Ho Chi Minh City you will have to travel about 150km to the North, it only takes you about 4 hours by car to reach Nam Cat Tien.
Nam Cat Tien World Biosphere Reserve has a very rich and diverse flora and fauna system. There are hundreds of animal species listed in the Vietnam Red Book. Species such as: tigers, leopards, clouded leopards, deer, Asian elephants, gaurs, sun bears, Asian bears, wild buffaloes… Not only that, Nam Cat Tien also owns a system of old trees such as Tung trees, Si trees, Go trees, Bang Lang trees… A wonderful experience and only available in Nam Cat Tien that you should participate in, that is watching animals eating at night.
Which season is best to visit Nam Cat Tien?
You should come here from December to May. This is the time when the forest has low rainfall and the roads are dry and airy. So it is very convenient for you to participate in activities such as boating, camping, cycling, trekking, … Especially, every March, the national park will be dyed a pure white color of butterflies fluttering throughout the garden.
If you want to explore Nam Cat Tien tourist area from June to November. You should check the weather carefully before going. Because during this time, Nam Cat Tien has quite a lot of rain and slippery roads. So it is not suitable for outdoor activities such as trekking.
How to get to Nam Cat Tien
To get to Nam Cat Tien National Park, you can also refer to some other means of transportation such as:
– Passenger bus: You can buy tickets at the Mien Dong Bus Station to Nam Cat Tien from reputable bus companies such as Kim Hoan, Manh Hong… As the Phuong Trang bus does not have a route to Nam Cat Tien, but you can ask the driver to stop at the National Highway and then take a motorbike taxi to get there. However, if you travel like that, it will take quite a while because when you reach the intersection, you have to rent a 7-seat car or motorbike taxi to go inside for about 10km more. Each trip costs from 80,000 – 120,000 VND/person. Tickets to the gate of Nam Cat Tien National Park are also sold here for those who need them.
– Motorbike: If you choose to travel to Nam Cat Tien by motorbike, you should depart on National Highway 1A. You go to Dau Giay intersection, turn left to enter National Highway 20, then travel about 58km until you reach Ta Lai intersection at milestone 125, then turn left. From there, travel about 24km more and you will see the entrance gate of Nam Cat Tien National Park. The average distance is only 150 – 180km, not too far, so it is relatively safe for you to travel on your own.
– Private car: If you travel to Nam Cat Tien by private car, you can choose to go in the direction of Long Thanh – Dau Giay highway. After exiting the highway, follow Highway 20 until you reach Ta Lai intersection at milestone 125, then turn left and follow the route as instructed by motorbike.
When arriving at the gate of Nam Cat Tien National Park, all vehicles must be parked on this side of the river to buy a ferry/canoe ticket to cross the Dong Nai River, the average round-trip ticket price is from 20,000 – 60,000 VND/person. It is said to cross the river but in fact, in the blink of an eye, you will reach the other side in 5 minutes. The first feeling when arriving at Nam Cat Tien National Park is that the air here is extremely pleasant and fresh, with a little chill and a few light raindrops, all creating a comfortable and relaxing feeling.
Sleeping in Nam Cat Tien
You don’t need to worry too much about accommodation because there are many motels inside the national park. And here are some reputable motels/homestays at this place:
+ Cat Tien Jungle Lodge: Address at Hamlet 4, Nam Cat Tien Commune, Tan Phu District, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam. Room rates here are around 1,400,000 VND/room/night.
+ Ngoc Tien Farmer Eco Lodge Cat Tien: Address at Hamlet 4, Nam Cat Tien Commune, Tan Phu District, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam. Room rates here are around 200,000 VND/room/night.
+ Cat Tien Farmer Lodge: Address at Hamlet 1, Nam Cat Tien Commune, Tan Phu District, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam. Reference room rate: about 300,000 VND/room/night.
+ Gibbon Singing HomeStay: Address at Hamlet 1, Nam Cat Tien Commune, Tan Phu District, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam. Room rates here are around 350,000 VND/room/night.
+ Rice Straw Green Lodge: Address at Hamlet 1, Nam Cat Tien Commune, Tan Phu District, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam. Room rates here are around 500,000 VND/room/night.
Each guesthouse here is designed simply, with a space in harmony with nature and full of amenities. Staying here will give you the experience of “living green” in the middle of nature. For those who are backpacking, to save costs for a self-arranged trip to Nam Cat Tien, you can contact the Forest Management Board to pitch a tent and rest.
Eating in Nam Cat Tien
In Nam Cat Tien there are not many restaurants for you to choose from, only 2 restaurants, Tre Vang and Cay Dau, specializing in serving popular Asian dishes at very affordable prices but ensuring good quality. In addition, you can pocket some “made in Cat Tien” specialties that are worth trying such as:
+ Canh Luc Binh or Water hyacinth soup: also known as water fern, is a wild plant in Nam Cat Tien. When cooking, people will use both the stem and flowers of the plant. The soup brings to the enjoyer a sweet and refreshing taste.
+ River fish dishes served with wild vegetables: Traveling to Nam Cat Tien without trying wild perch and snakehead fish is a mistake. These are two relatively abundant products in the national park. If you want to enjoy them, you can order them from the restaurant to be processed into many different dishes such as grilled, cooked in squash soup, or made into hot pot. In the cool green space of nature, there is nothing more wonderful than sitting and enjoying a hot pot with fresh wild vegetables.
Attractive activities in Nam Cat Tien
Trekking, and walking through the forest at Nam Cat Tien National Park
With the characteristic of long, flat roads, the trekking and walking tour to explore Nam Cat Tien tourist area is loved by many tourists. During the trekking journey in the garden, you will admire and check in with giant ancient trees of Bang Lang (Lagerstroemia). In addition, Nam Cat Tien has a rich ecosystem such as crocodiles, spiders, snails, birds and butterflies flying around the forest like a scene in a fairy tale.
As the forest has a very large area (71,920 hectares), if you explore alone, you should bring a map to avoid getting lost. But to ensure safety, you should book a tour guide in order to explore the forest more completely. The trekking journey through the forest will usually last a few hours, depending on the ability and health of each person. If you love adventure, try spending the night in the forest!
Some notes when you go trekking:
+ Due to its primeval forest characteristics, Nam Cat Tien always has “specialties” that no one wants to try such as leeches and mosquitoes. Therefore, remember to prepare enough leech and insect repellent.
+ Prepare light and suitable luggage for trekking time.
+ Prepare hiking shoes because you will have to move a lot, if you wear sandals it is very easy to slip.
+ Bring a raincoat in case of bad weather.
+ Keep some sweets on hand for a snack on the go
Explore Nam Cat Tien National Park by bicycle
It is definitely be a great experience! You can rent a bike at the main office or Ta Lai Longhouse if you want.
When cycling on this forest road. You will be satisfied with the lush green of the dense bushes. The cycling journey will be quite convenient because the terrain here is very flat, suitable for everyone. In case you want to experience the feeling of conquering challenges. The road outside the forest will satisfy that desire. After the journey through the winding roads, you will stop at the crocodile lake. Bau Sau Lake is the habitat of crocodiles in Nam Cat Tien forest. Here, in addition to admiring the crocodiles. You can also experience kayaking as well as admire the green nature on both sides of the lake.
During the cycling journey, you will be immersed in the beautiful, vast nature of the primeval forest. As well as admire the diverse forest ecosystem. More specifically, you will be “lost” in the forest full of white butterflies every March.
Visit Nam Cat Tien National Park at night
Nam Cat Tien at night puts on a mysterious beauty that stimulates tourists to explore. You should experience another attractive activity here, that is watching animals hunting on a Jeep. Because at night is the time for rare animals here to look for prey. If you have never been to Nam Cat Tien. This is definitely the first time you witness animals hunting at such a close distance. Note when riding a Jeep to watch animals hunting you need to know. That is, do not open the door to avoid being attacked by animals!
Boat trip on Bau Sau Lake in Nam Cat Tien
Anyone who comes to Nam Cat Tien National Park cannot miss the experience of boating on Bau Sau Lake. This journey will take you past the “friendly” crocodiles. At the same time, you can also learn how to catch fish here.
In addition, when you are rowing on the lake. You should choose the time when the afternoon light gradually falls. The reflection of the sun on the calm water of Bau Sau Lake is definitely a beautiful image that you will never forget.
Take photos at the giant Tung Tree
Nam Cat Tien National Park has a diverse primeval forest system with more than 1,600 plant species and many tall, ancient trees that are hundreds of years old. But the “specialty” in this large forest is the giant Tung tree. The Tung tree is up to 20m high and 10m wide. With such a large height and size, you need more than 5 people to be able to hug this Tung tree. The highlight of the Tung tree that any visitor notices right away when coming here is the large, strong roots that protrude from the ground, looking like giant pythons.
Ben Cu Waterfall
To get to Ben Cu waterfall. You will walk about 3km from the center of Nam Cat Tien tourist area. When entering the dry season, the lake gradually dries up to reveal rocks lying close together creating special shapes. This is also an ideal photography location for young people.
When the rainy season comes, Ben Cu waterfall is like a “goddess” appearing in the middle of Nam Cat Tien forest. Watching the white water flowing down will make your mood calm down. But in the rainy season you should be careful because the path is very slippery and there are many leeches. In case you want to go trekking in this season, you should equip yourself with anti-slip shoes.
Visit Ta Lai Longhouse – a unique feature of ethnic people
The next destination that I want to mention is Ta Lai Longhouse. Ta Lai Longhouse is the residence of the Tay, Ma and Stieng ethnic groups. In addition to Ta Lai Longhouse, in Nam Cat Tien there is another “specialty” which is the Long House, you will learn about the lifestyle, culture, and farming methods of the ethnic people. More specifically, in the Ta Lai Longhouse area, you will also find the Memorial Prison. This is where valuable images of the war with the Americans.
If you are passionate about climbing and conquering challenges, then Ta Lai route is also an ideal place for you. However, because there are few climbers here, you can go with a guide to ensure safety!
Nam Cat Tien is a tourist area with the most diverse ecosystem in Vietnam. If you want to go out and camp with friends and family on the weekend, the national park is a great choice for you. Hopefully, the above experiences will help make your trip to explore Nam Cat Tien more perfect.
