Touring Cat Tien National Park
Buffalo grazing in Cat Tien National Park
Cat Tien National Park, around a three-hour drive from Saigon, is an area which covers three provinces and is rich in biodiversity. Here in southern Vietnam’s tropical forests live some of the most endangered species in the world. The park is unquestionably an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of Saigon for a few days and take in some of the country’s awe-inspiring countryside.
Out of numerous unique and endemic species, the national park is perhaps most renowned for its Javan rhino. For four decades they were believed to be extinct, until being caught on camera in 1999. The park is one of Vietnam’s largest and was established to recognise the unique wildlife of Cat Tien and the importance of ensuring it remains protected.
Those wanting to learn about the country’s flora and fauna will not be disappointed at Cat Tien. The park is said to have around 600 varieties of plants, 50 species of mammals and 240 types of birds, ensuring a truly rewarding experience.
A three-day, two-night trip is a popular option, with transportation from Saigon available. Visitors will be picked up early in the morning before embarking on the three-hour drive northeast. More on southern Vietnam.
After finally escaping the congestion of the city and turning off the main road, travellers are treated to a beautiful drive through a mountainous area sprinkled with green coffee and rubber plantations. Just prior to entering the park you cross the stunning Dong Nai river and, from here, the wildlife experience begins.
After checking into your allocated rooms and grabbing a bite to eat, you will be collected by a four-wheel drive vehicle which will take you into the park. The vehicle follows the main route for a few kilometres before turning off and dropping the visitors off to begin their hiking.
Many people take a river boat in Cat Tien National Park
The afternoon’s trek is approximately five kilometres and leads to Crocodile Lake station. Once there, you will hop onto a rowing boat which the forest ranger will take around the lake, allowing visitors to observe a range of reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals which either live in the swamp or go to the lake for food and water. It’s not guaranteed, but lucky visitors may spot some crocodiles’ heads emerging from the water surface.
One of the highlights of the day is the sunset on the lake, so make sure you have your camera on hand for a ‘photograph of a lifetime’ opportunity. Dinner is then served by the forest rangers before visitors are free to compare travel experiences and their holiday so far. Overnight stay will be at the Crocodile Lake’s forest station.
Upon being awoken by the rising sun and the sounds of nature, a simple breakfast is served with Vietnamese coffee or tea. The morning is taken up by a five kilometre hike to the main route. After three kilometres your guides will allow you to stop for a mid-morning snack in the heart of the jungle. Upon completing the journey, you will once again be transported by four-wheel drive back to the main park centre. Here you can freshen up with a shower and enjoy a hearty lunch. More on restaurants.
At around 14:30 it’s time to pick up the seedling and planting tools, pop them in a wheelbarrow and take the one kilometre walk to the reforestation area. Here visitors will dig holes in the ground and plant seeds by hand before filling up up soil. The afternoon is quite strenuous but will provide a feeling of achievement in that you have done your bit to help the environment. After the tree planting is complete, it’s time to walk back to the centre and freshen up again.
As long as you’re not in the midst of the rainy season and faced with a sudden torrential downpour, the evening involves the tour guide helping you prepare a tent, followed by lighting a camp fire and enjoying a barbecue. A well earned sleep after a long day can then be enjoyed with the sounds of nature all around.
The final day of the trip sees visitors taken to see some of the park’s endangered wildlife. After a breakfast at the centre, a trip to the Bear Sanctuary at the Wild Lives at Risk Center is first on the agenda. Here they rescue and look after Vietnam’s hunted bears and panthers until they are deemed well enough to return to the wild.
The next port of call is Tien Island, which has to be reached by canoe. Upon washing up on the shores, visitors will take the 800-metre walk to the centre of the island, where the E.A.S.T centre is situated. There you can take in the sights of many rare primate species, only found in Vietnam and Cambodia, going about their daily lives. You will be able to hear workers’ stories of how the animals were rescued and how they are taken care of, before hopping back on the canoe to return back to the centre.
Lunch will be served at the park centre before visitors cross the river by boat and catch their connection back to Saigon. Upon arriving back to the reality of city life you will be left with only memories - and hopefully a few excellent photographs - of what is sure to be a truly invigorating experience. More on day trips.
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