Covering 178,000 acres of lowland tropical forest in Southern Vietnam, Cat Tien National Park presents some of the country’s best opportunities for bird-watching and wildlife viewing.
The sheer quantity of life in the forest is astonishing. There are 400 butterfly species alone, alongside hundreds of birds, animals and reptiles. Less than a dozen Javan rhinoceroses live in the park, making this one of only two places outside of Java where these rare creatures are found.
Other animals in Cat Tien National Park include the ox-like gaur, leopards, peacocks and monkeys. There’s also a herd of displaced elephants that don’t technically belong here but have not been relocated. They were marooned here in the aftermath of the American War and periodically stir up trouble in local villages.
Hiring a guide is essential for quality wildlife viewing. Visitors can hike to Crocodile Swamp and stay overnight, with excellent chances of catching early morning wildlife activity at the water’s edge. The park also arranges cruises on the Dong Nai River and night safaris. Popular adventure sports include mountain biking, off-roading and hiking.
Getting There & Away
The park is located off of Highway 20 between Dalat (109 miles) and Ho Chi Minh City (78 miles). Ho Chi Minh City, with its international airport, is Vietnam’s major international gateway, and most visitors who stop by Cat Tien National Park are bound for the Dalat hill station. Disembark at Tan Phu and take a motorcycle taxi for the final 15 miles to the park entrance. From here you’ll have to ferry across the Dong Nai River.