Cat Tien National Park

Who and what:

One of the outstanding gems of the region, Cat Tien National Park comprises an amazingly biodiverse region of lowland tropical rain forest. Fauna in the park include 326 bird species, 100 types of mammal, 79 types of reptile, 41 amphibian species, plus an incredible array of insects, including 400-odd species of butterfly. Many of these creatures are listed as endangered and the park is home to the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre. 

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The experience:

Cat Tien National Park can be explored on foot, by mountain bike, by 4WD and also by boat along the Dong Nai River. There are many well-established hiking trails in the park. Highly recommended is an overnight visit to the Crocodile Swamp (Bau Sau), which is a 9km drive from the park HQ and a 4km trek to the swamp. Best of all is a half day visit to the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre. 

From Hanuman:

Cat Tien National Park is the perfect eco-escape from bustling Saigon. It is a great place to break the journey between Saigon and Dalat now that Forest Floor Lodge has brought a new level of comfort to the park. One of the best run parks in Vietnam, Cat Tien is home to a variety of rare wildlife, including the excellent and educational Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre.