Vietnam TravelA Day in the Wild: Navigating Vietnam’s National Parks

Ready to Trek Through Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park?

Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, located in Quang Binh Province. Renowned for its cave systems, including the world-famous Son Doong Cave, this park offers a range of guided tours that can fit into a single day. The lush forest trails and dramatic karst landscapes make this park a haven for adventurous souls. Choose a guided trek that explores both above and below ground, providing a glimpse into the ancient geology and vibrant ecosystem of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is also home to Asia’s oldest karst mountains, formed approximately 400 million years ago, which contain hundreds of cave systems and spectacular underground rivers. Adventurers can also explore Hang En Cave, known for its enormous chambers that are large enough to fit a jumbo jet. For botany enthusiasts, the park’s rich biodiversity includes several endemic species, offering a fantastic opportunity for nature photography and bird watching.

Exploring Cat Tien National Park’s Biodiversity

Situated in southern Vietnam, Cat Tien National Park is a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts. The park spans an area of 720 square kilometers and protects one of the largest areas of lowland tropical rainforests in the country. Full-day guided tours can lead you through the park’s diverse habitats, home to an impressive array of wildlife including the endangered Javan rhinoceros and the Siamese crocodile. Bird watching here is particularly rewarding, with over 320 species recorded, making it a perfect excursion for nature lovers. This park is a critical conservation site that not only focuses on protecting its fauna but also works on habitat restoration projects to preserve rare plant species and their natural environments. The park’s night safari is an exceptional experience, offering the chance to see nocturnal animals like the rare leopard cat and the slow loris in their natural habitat. Guided tours often include visits to the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre, where visitors can learn about the rehabilitation of rescued primates.

Cultural and Natural Riches of Ba Be National Park

photo: MeadowZ

Located in Bac Kan province, Ba Be National Park offers serene landscapes and rich cultural experiences. This park is famous for Ba Be Lake, Vietnam’s largest natural lake, which is surrounded by limestone cliffs and thick forests. Full-day boat tours on the lake provide opportunities to visit local villages, explore stunning waterfalls, and even trek to caves. The park’s ecosystem supports diverse fauna and flora, making it an excellent spot for peaceful nature observations mixed with some light adventure. The lake itself is over 8 million years old and is the centerpiece of vast ecological diversity that supports numerous species of freshwater fish and exotic birds. Visitors often enjoy kayaking and traditional canoe trips on the lake, which offer a quiet way to take in the lush surroundings and spot wildlife. Local homestays are available for those who wish to extend their visit and experience Tay ethnic hospitality, known for its warmth and traditional meals.

Scaling the Heights of Fansipan

For those who relish a physical challenge, tackling Fansipan in Lao Cai Province offers the ultimate full-day trekking experience. Known as the “Roof of Indochina,” Fansipan’s summit can be reached via the Tram Ton pass route, which is both challenging and rewarding. For those short on time or seeking a less strenuous journey, the cable car to the top provides a quicker, alternative route that still offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Hoang Lien Son mountain range. The climb, whether on foot or by cable car, offers diverse flora at different altitudes, and on clear days, the views extend across lush valleys to the winding rivers below. The Fansipan trek is a must for those seeking to achieve a personal milestone, as reaching the peak provides not only breathtaking views but also a sense of accomplishment. Several ethnic minority villages lie at the base of the mountain, where cultural interactions are possible, adding a rich cultural dimension to the climb.

Venture Into the Wild at Yok Don National Park

Venture into Yok Don National Park, located in Dak Lak province, for a distinctive safari experience in Vietnam. Known for its dry deciduous forests, this park offers unique full-day elephant trekking tours where visitors can observe wildlife such as wild elephants, deer, and numerous bird species in their natural habitat. The park’s efforts to promote ethical wildlife tourism make it a prime location for those interested in conservation. This area is one of the few places in Vietnam where the natural landscape is preserved with minimal human impact, offering a true wilderness experience. The elephant treks provide a gentle, eco-friendly way to explore the vast park without contributing to habitat destruction. Yok Don is also a critical area for biodiversity research and environmental education programs that aim to raise awareness about the importance of conservation in Vietnam.

Unwind in Cuc Phuong National Park

Plan your Vietnam trip by exploring the distinct offerings of Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam in our Vietnam travel regions guide.

photo: Trang TRIEU

As Vietnam’s oldest national park, located in Ninh Binh Province, Cuc Phuong boasts an enchanting landscape of lush greenery and limestone mountains. Spend a full day here exploring the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, the Botanical Gardens, and the 7,000-year-old cave. Spring visits are especially magical when the forest is dotted with vibrant butterfly species. The park’s well-marked trails and diverse ecosystems offer a gentle yet immersive nature experience. Cuc Phuong is celebrated not only for its scenic beauty but also for its commitment to conservation and environmental education. The park hosts an annual butterfly festival that attracts nature enthusiasts and researchers from across the globe. Additionally, the conservation efforts here are notable, especially the rehabilitation of confiscated wildlife and the protection of critically endangered species like the Delacour’s langur.