Nam Cat Tien National Park in Vietnam is a protected rainforest known for its rich biodiversity, exciting activities like trekking and night safaris, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Explore Wildlife with a Wild Gibbon Trek on a Cat Tien National Park Tour
Embark on a day and evening trek to spot exotic animals, including the endangered Siamese crocodile and unique bird species found only in this region. Stay at Forest Floor Lodge, an eco-resort nestled in the jungle near the Ben Cu River, for an immersive nature experience. Visit animal rescue centers like the primate rescue center or bear rehabilitation center to learn about Vietnam’s wildlife conservation efforts. Don’t miss the park’s botanic garden, which showcases the rich biodiversity of this incredible ecosystem.
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Things to do include: 2 variation of tour, wildlife Cat Tien Wild Gibbon Tour and Cat Tien Crocodile lake tour
Cat Tien National Park: Best Tours & Top Things to Do
- Location: Nam Cat Tien Commune, Tan Phu District, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam
- Opening hours: 7:30 am – 6:30 pm
- Entrance ticket: 60,000VND (2.5USD), include boat to cross the Dong Nai River to enter to the park.
The Cat Tien National Park boasts an incredibly diverse 72,000-hectare lowland tropical rainforest, making it one of Vietnam’s natural treasures. Adventure travelers should include this destination in their Vietnam travel packages for hiking, mountain biking, and bird-watching—some of the best in southern Vietnam. Plan your visit in advance, as the park accommodates a limited number of visitors.
Explore the lush forest, wild gibbon trek along the Ben Cu River, and spot vibrant bird species and unique wildlife. Although large mammals like tigers, rhinos, and elephants are rarely seen, the park offers an immersive nature experience. Wrap up your tour by visiting wildlife rescue centers to learn about conservation efforts and Vietnam’s environmental challenges.
Wild Gibbon & Crocodile Lake Tour
To top it all off we take you on a very early hike to see the endangered Wild Gibbons in their natural habitat. See the botanic garden, crocodile lake and cycle around the local villages.
How to get to Cat Tien National Park
To reach Cat Tien National Park, take a bus (100.000 VND ~ 4USD), from Ho Chi Minh City’s Mien Dong, the eastern bus station to Dai Ninh, a town near the park. From there, continue by taxi or motorbike to the park entrance.
If you’re traveling from other cities, you should firstly get to cities like Bao Loc or Dalat, or Mui Ne and then travel by bus or train to Dai Ninh, then arrange a taxi or motorbike transport to the entrance of the park. With several options available, getting to Cat Tien National Park is straightforward.
Upon arrival, stop at the park office, located 100 meters before the ferry crossing the Dong Nai River to the park headquarters.
Best time to go?
Plan your visit to Cat Tien National Park during the dry season, from December to May, when the weather is ideal for trekking, birdwatching, and exploring the park’s lush trails. This is also the best time to spot the rare yellow-cheeked gibbons in the wild. Check out the best time to visit Vietnam for more travel tips.
Where to stay?
There are a few options to choose for where to stay overnight while trekking through the national park. Here are some suggestions;
Forest Floor Lodge
Located near the Ben Cu River, this eco-lodge offers a high-end jungle experience with riverfront tents and bungalows. It’s perfect for those seeking comfort while staying close to nature.
Green Bamboo Lodge
This budget-friendly option provides rustic wooden bungalows surrounded by greenery. The lodge offers on-site dining and easy access to the park’s main trails.
Cat Tien Jungle Lodge
This accommodation is just outside the park, this lodge combines modern amenities with nature. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, a pool, and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
Thuy Tien Eco Lodge
Known for its friendly service, clean rooms, and fast internet, this lodge is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who need reliable connectivity. The owner is helpful in organizing park activities.
Homestay in Local Villages
For a loal experience, stay in one of the nearby villages, where villagers offer homestays with basic amenities and authentic Vietnamese meals.
Park Accommodation
For accommodation inside Cat Tien National Park, the park headquarters offers basic guesthouse rooms. Availability is limited, so advance booking is highly recommended.
Rent a Bicycle at the park
You can rent a bicycle at Cat Tien National Park for 30,000 VND per hour, 100,000 VND (~4 USD) for 4 hours, or 150,000 VND for a full 8-hour day. The rental shop is conveniently located to the left of the Visitor Center. However, be sure to check the bike’s condition before setting off, as some may be poorly maintained.
Best Do-it-yourself activities
You can enjoy do-it-yourself activities in Cat Tien National Park like hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting at your own pace.
Tung Tree
Explore Cat Tien National Park’s towering ancient trees, including the massive Tung Tree—rising 20 meters high and spreading 10 meters wide. Its dramatic roots snake across the jungle floor, creating a scene straight out of a Tomb Raider adventure. Walking through the forest to reach it is an unforgettable experience.
Ben Cu River Rapids
While the Ben Cu Rapids aren’t especially impressive during the dry season, you can still walk along the rocks to get closer to the river. Sadly, litter in the area takes away from the natural beauty—especially disappointing within a national park. Increased cleanup efforts could make a big difference.
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden at the National Park features winding jungle trails near the riverside, with informative signs identifying native plants and trees. It’s a peaceful and enjoyable walk—perfect for discovering the park’s diverse flora.
Heaven’s Rapids
Located about 12 km from Cat Tien National Park’s Visitor Center, this series of rapids is accessible via a rough, bumpy road—especially challenging on low-quality rental bikes. You can combine the trip with nearby attractions like the Tung Tree, Ben Cu Rapids, the Botanical Garden, and Uncle Dong Tree (with a small detour). Unfortunately, like Ben Cu Rapids, the area suffers from plastic waste in the water, which detracts from the natural beauty. It may not live up to the paradise you’d expect, but the journey can still be worthwhile if paired with other stops.
Crocodile Lake
Best Trekking Route in Cat Tien National Park: Start your adventure by cycling 9 km along the main park road to the trailhead, then hike another 5 km to reach the lake. Along the way, you might spot towering ancient trees, rare peafowl, water birds, playful monkeys, and even the famous Siamese crocodiles. Even if the wildlife stays hidden, the jungle sounds create an immersive experience.
Visit the Bear Rescue Centre Near the Visitor Center
Located just steps from Cat Tien National Park’s Visitor Center, the Bear Rescue Centre is free to visit. While the atmosphere can feel a bit eerie—especially with no staff in sight—it’s still worth a quick stop. I explored the area on my own and, although I didn’t see any sun bears or moon bears, I did spot a few yellow-cheeked gibbons in the enclosures. Hopefully, they’re receiving proper care and rehabilitation.
Ta Lai Village
Just 12 km from the Visitor Center, you’ll find villages inhabited by the Ma, Stieng, and Tay ethnic groups. The Ma and Stieng are the original inhabitants of the park’s Core Zone, offering a unique cultural perspective. Visiting these villages gives you a glimpse into the rhythms of rural life and traditional practices. You can reach the area by bicycle along the western bank of the Dong Nai River or by motorbike via the eastern bank.
What to See in Cat Tien National Park: Top Tour Highlights
Discover top things to do, tour highlights, and must-see attractions in Cat Tien National Park with our complete itinerary and travel tips.
Wild Gibbon Trek
The Wild Gibbon Trek stands out as a top experience in Cat Tien National Park. Limited to just four people per day, the tour begins at 5 AM with a boat ride to the Visitor Center, where you meet your guide. From there, you hike toward the Tung Tree area and venture deeper into the jungle. Soon, the loud, haunting calls of the yellow-cheeked gibbons fill the air. Following their sounds, you watch and listen to their mesmerizing songs for 10–15 minutes before the forest falls silent again.
We spot some yellow-cheeked gibbons high in the trees. The 2-hour trek, costing 1,150,000 VND (~50USD), was great for experiencing wild gibbons.
Boat ride to Ta Lai (Dong Nai River)
If you love water activities and birdwatching, take a scenic boat tour down the Dong Nai River. The trip to Tai Lai Village offers stunning riverside views of Cat Tien National Park’s lush landscape. While the village has limited activities, the main highlight is enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife along the river. The round-trip tour lasts about three hours.
Night Safari
Night spotting provides the best opportunity to see mammals in Cat Tien National Park. Hop on an open-air truck and ride through the jungle to observe wild animals like deer, wild pigs, snakes, porcupines, gaur, and weasels as they forage in the grasslands and bushes after dark.
Dao Tien Engangered Primate Species Center
Just a 5-minute boat ride upstream from the landing, Dao Tien Island hosts the Primate Rescue Centre. The centre actively rescues, rehabilitates, and releases endangered primates native to the park, including golden-cheeked gibbons, black-shanked douc langurs, silvered langurs, and pygmy lorises.
Most animals here are victims of the illegal wildlife trade. A local guide shares their stories and highlights the centre’s vital conservation work. When I visited in April 2023, the centre offered one daily tour at 8 AM, so plan to arrive at the visitor center by 7:45 AM.
Is Cat Tien National Park Worth Visiting?
Yes, definitely! While spending time in nature is always rewarding, I left Cat Tien National Park with mixed feelings. The Wild Gibbon Trek, Crocodile Lake, and Botanical Garden stand out as the park’s top attractions and make the trip from Ho Chi Minh City worthwhile.
I also noticed trash scattered around Ben Cu Rapids and Heaven’s Rapids, while many park rangers relaxed in hammocks instead of addressing the litter. It raises questions about where the money from park attractions goes. A simple weekly cleanup could make a big difference, but it seems to be overlooked. Despite these issues, the park’s natural beauty and wildlife still make it worth a visit.
Cat Tien National Park Tour from Ho Chi Minh City
Pick up at 8 AM from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy a scenic 170 km (~4-hour) drive to Nam Cat Tien National Park. Arrive around midday and cross the Dong Nai River ferry to enter the park, which spans 720 km² and protects one of Vietnam’s largest lowland tropical rainforests. Then, transfer to your homestay or eco-lodge for a comfortable stay.
In the afternoon, you’ll explore the Botanical Garden Trails, which circle an area where the Chau Ma minority once lived before relocating to Talai after the American War. The path winds through patches of near-primary forest, featuring a wide variety of tree species. From June to September, blooming gingers brighten the more open areas. This trail offers excellent opportunities to spot birds, mammals, and primates.
In the evening, a jeep will take you through the forest to Nui Tuong grassland for a night wildlife-spotting adventure. Your guide will use a spotlight to search for sambar deer and wild boar feeding in the dark. You might also spot civets, fishing cats, lorises, pangolins, gaur, and nocturnal birds on this exciting safari.
Croccodile lake tour
After breakfast, head to Crocodile Lake, then take a jeep for a 9 km drive followed by a 5 km hike. This trek offers excellent chances to spot primates, a wide variety of birds, and other jungle wildlife. You’ll return by early afternoon, with a picnic lunch included on the tour.
Visit rescue center
~ 8 AM we will visit the Bear and Wild Cat Rescue Centre after breakfast. The aim of this centre is to rescue, train and release the bears and wild cats the wild. Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, end of the trip.
Cat tien tour with trek to see wild gibbon
Pick up at 8 AM from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy a scenic 170 km (~4-hour) drive to Nam Cat Tien National Park. Arrive around midday and cross the Dong Nai River ferry to enter the park, which spans 720 km² and protects one of Vietnam’s largest lowland tropical rainforests. Then, transfer to your accommodation for check-in.
The 30 Botanical Garden Trails circle an area where the Chau Ma minority once lived before relocating to Talai after the American War. The path passes through patches of near-primary forest, showcasing a wide variety of tree species. From June to October, blooming gingers brighten the more open areas. This trail offers excellent opportunities to spot birds, mammals, and primates.
At 6:45 PM, a jeep will take you through the forest to Nui Tuong grassland for a nighttime wildlife adventure. Your guide will use a spotlight to search for sambar deer and wild boar feeding after dark. You may also spot civets, fishing cats, lorises, pangolins, gaur, and nocturnal birds on this exciting ride.
Wild Gibbon Tour
At 6:45 PM, hop into a jeep for a thrilling night safari through the forest to Nui Tuong grassland. Your guide will use a spotlight to spot sambar deer and wild boar feeding in the dark. You might also encounter civets, fishing cats, lorises, pangolins, gaur, and various nocturnal birds on this unforgettable adventure.
Relax in hammocks while enjoying Cat Tien’s rich wildlife. When the gibbons begin to sing, your guide will lead you to their location, where you can quietly watch them feed, rest, and travel naturally. Viewing time depends on the gibbons’ activity. If you don’t spot them on the first day, you get a free second chance the next morning.
This is the day 3: At 8:30 AM, cycle or take a buggy to visit the Bear Rescue Centre, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing bears and wild cats back into the wild. After the visit, enjoy some free time before driving back to Ho Chi Minh City.
