National Parks in Vietnam

Vietnam is steadily becoming a gem of Southeast Asia, with more of the world discovering its multi-fold treasures. One of these is the national parks in Vietnam. With close to half its land under forest cover, Vietnam ranks high on the scale of richness in biodiversity. The most famous of these is the Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park, home to some of the largest caves in the world. But there are so many more, each with their own tiny secrets. We’ve narrowed it down to 5 of our personal favourite national parks in Vietnam.

Visiting a national park in Vietnam is an integral part of experiencing the country – Photo Credit Thành Đỗ

Cuc Phuong National Park

Situated close to Vietnam’s capital Hanoi, Cuc Phuong National Park is the oldest national park in Vietnam. It was opened in 1962, and has since become a haven of natural life and a security for endangered primates. It currently stands as Vietnam’s largest nature reserve. You can ride a motorbike through the park or go kayaking. Make sure you visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre that was established in 1993. It houses a range of primates, including the elusive and critically endangered Delacour langurs.

Apart from its biodiversity, Cuc Phuong National Park becomes cloaked with butterflies in April. Unimaginably beautiful colours flitting through the air, this natural phenomenon is best spotted on a day that has seen a little rain in April. Head there on a day trip from Hanoi or Ninh Binh, or opt for a tour of the park. There are day tours as well as overnight tours. You can also opt to stay within the park at one of its accommodation options. 

How to get to Cuc Phuong National Park:

Getting to Cuc Phuong National Park from Hanoi is relatively easy; buses and taxis ply between the destinations. You can just as easily take a private car. It’s a scenic 3-hour drive from Hanoi. Getting to Cuc Phuong National Park from Ninh Binh is even easier – it is a mere 1 hour 45 minute drive away.

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Cuc Phuong National Park is from November to March. The weather is cool and dry, perfect to explore the bounty of nature hidden within the park. It starts to get increasingly hot after February with temperatures going above 30°C (85°F). If you’re heading there for the butterflies, carry a hat and water with you. It will be hot but bearable. Avoid the months from July to October as they are rainy, and you’ll find several leeches and mosquitoes.

Vietnam’s first national park is bursting with life, both big and small- Photo Credit ThuyHaBich

Cat Tien National Park

This huge park is recognized by UNESCO as a ‘Biosphere Reserve’. The Cat Tien National Park is quite big and stretches across three provinces. The park is home to a stunning range of wildlife and biodiversity – from centuries-old trees, to crocodiles at the Crocodile Park, to primates and birds. It is ideal for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, but you can also stay at the eco-lodge located in the park itself. Cat Tien National Park also offers a night safari, one of the few of its kind, to glimpse the wildlife as they scrounge around in the dark. 

The park is also a must-visit for the adventure lovers. Pick from cycling, trekking, biking, and boat trips to make your experience even more fulfilling. Learn more about the culture and lives of the local communities residing within the park, or simply take in the beauty of the nature that surrounds you. 

How to get to Cat Tien National Park:

Getting to Cat Tien National Park from Ho Chi Minh City is your best bet. The park is 165 kms from Ho Chi Minh City, and a bus or private transportation will suffice for you to get here. Your drive will be 3.5 to 4 hours long. Not visiting South Vietnam but still want to visit a national park? Hit us up so we can make you a personalized itinerary to fit all your needs.

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Cat Tien National Park is from December to April. The weather is cool but not rainy and you can explore the park in comfort. Avoid the wet season as the heavy rain makes the ground muddy and slippery and you may not be able to enjoy many activities. 

Several locals and villagers live within the national parks in Vietnam- Photo Credit Jeremy Zero

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

The Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is the self-declared adventure capital of Asia. The park is home to a network of large and small caves that riddle the mountains. One of these is Hang Son Doong, the biggest cave in the world and a UNESCO Heritage site. You can opt to trek around the park on your own, following the boardwalks that lead to caves.

Or, choose from a range of treks – from half-day treks to see certain caves to 5-day treks, there’s plenty to do here. There’s something for everyone; while professional cavers can opt for the intense 4-day $3000 trek to Hang Son Doong, families can choose more fun activities. 

While there is no bar on who can visit and enjoy the park, it is undoubtedly a must for adventure-seekers. Visits to certain caves involve a range of activities like hiking through the thick jungle, ziplining across rivers, and swimming to get to a cave entrance. You can even spend time with the ethnic minorities living within the park. With over 300 caves, Phong-Nha Ke-Bang is a must-see when in Vietnam.

How to get to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park:

Phong Nha-Ke Bang is a 4-hour drive away from Hue. Transportation in Vietnam is quite affordable – you can either take a bus, book a taxi or hire private transportation. We can help you pick the best choice if you feel confused – just click Plan Your Trip.

Best time to visit:

This is important when planning a trip to Phong Nha. Avoid the park in September and October, as heavy rain makes caves accessible and it’s too damp to trek. Taking a chance isn’t worth it either as the park may shut if the rain gets too heavy.

An adventurer’s paradise, Phong Nha-Ke Bang is a must visit – Photo Credit Dietmarlaschinski

Bach Ma National Park

Located near Hue, the Bach Ma National Park was once sought out by the French who built villas here. More than 1400 species of plants, 132 kinds of mammals and 9 species of primates call the park their home. The name Bach Ma translates to ‘white horse’, referring to the white clouds that crown the tops of the mountains here.

Looking at the abundance of life, you’d never imagine that the park was damaged in the Vietnam War. Don’t try to enter any tunnels you may come across –  once serving as a defence strategy for the Viet Minh who dug these tunnels, they are now home to snakes and venomous creepy crawlies. 

How to get to Bach Ma National Park:

This national park is in between Hue and Da Nang. Getting to Bach Ma National Park from Hue involves a 1 hour 45 minute drive. Alternatively, you can also head to Bach Ma from Da Nang – it is 70 kms away, and you’ll reach it in 2 hours. While you can always head here for a day trip, you can also stay the night on a 2 day tour of the park.

Best time to visit:

The months from September to December get very rainy, and the damp brings out many leeches. We recommend not visiting the park in these months. The best time to visit Bach Ma National Park is in the dry season, from February to August. The weather is never too hot, and the clear skies make for ideal trekking conditions.

Keep an eye out for slithery snakes when trekking through the parks- Photo Credit Tomas Malik

Cat Ba National Park

Bordering its famous and equally worthy neighbour Halong Bay, Cat Ba National Park is breathtaking. For one, it is Vietnam’s first National Park. For another, it is home to most of the world’s golden-headed langurs – the most endangered primate in the world. Lastly, the magnificent landscape of this island park is its crowning jewel. Karst towers jut out of the sea to form one of the most unique landscapes in the world. It’s no surprise that UNESCO has declared this a Biosphere Reserve.

Cat Ba is a great park to go hiking, and you can choose to hike up a peak or to Viet Hai, a village of the locals living in the park. You can also take boat rides to visit the many caves, or go swimming and kayaking. 

How to Get to Cat Ba National Park:

Cat Ba is a 3-hour drive from capital city Hanoi. It involves crossing over the sea bridge to get to the island and a short ferry ride as well. Get in touch with us and we can help you organise your transportation in Vietnam.

Best Time To Visit:

Definitely avoid Cat Ba from June to September, particularly the month of July and August. The coast of north Vietnam is susceptible to storms and typhoons in these months. Instead, plan your visit in October and November, or February and March. December  and January are also possible but you may find a thick fog impeding your view.

Spot the Golden-Headed Langur in Cat Ba National Park- Photo Credit Jeremy Zero

Vietnam has something for everyone, from backpackers to those seeking luxury, from adventure lovers to die hard foodies – vegetarians and beer drinkers too! This elongated country holds so many surprises for those willing to submerge themselves in its magic. You can be one of those people, experiencing Vietnam in your very own way. Just hit Plan Your Trip to fix an itinerary that has the main sights like Halong Bay, and the off-beat treasures like Nha Trang. Hit us up to know more.