Top 14 Famous National Parks in Vietnam You Should Know

Ba Vi is an ideal destination for travelers, located less than 60km from the center of Hanoi. Ba Vi National Park boasts a refreshing and cool climate, along with spectacular natural landscapes featuring numerous streams originating from the Ba Vi mountains, flowing year-round like Thien Son – Ngoc Ngà Stream, Ao Vua, Khoang Xanh, and Ho Tien Sa.

With historical and cultural relics such as Thượng Temple, Trung Temple, Hạ Temple dedicated to Uncle Ho, Bao Thien Tower, and Ngoc Hoa Cave, Ba Vi has long been an ideal highland retreat for the entire country. Covering from 20° 55′ to 21° 07′ north latitude and from 105° 018′ to 105° 030′ east longitude, it includes three zones: a strictly protected zone above 400m, an ecological restoration zone below 400m, and an administrative service zone.

Here, you'll experience the fresh and cool air amidst the pristine, majestic mountainous scenery. Amidst the towering mountainous landscape, Ba Vi National Park stands out with its mysterious and enchanting beauty, immersed in the mystical mist, making it an unmissable destination for nature lovers and explorers.

As you know, Ba Vi is a place with fresh and cool climate and breathtaking natural scenery. This place is not only famous for pristine streams like Ao Vua and Suoi Tien but also renowned for having the most impressive national park in terms of landscapes. With an incredibly diverse ecosystem, it is perfect for biological research.

Pu Mat National Park is situated at 18°46’ North latitude and 104°24’ East longitude in Nghe An province. The park spans three districts: Anh Son, Con Cuong, and Tuong Duong, with its southern border running along the Vietnam-Laos border. Pu Mat National Park is located in a tropical monsoon climate zone.

The average annual rainfall is 1,800mm, and the average temperature is 23.5°C. Situated in the Central region, Pu Mat National Park has many advantages for tourism development, including a vast area and high biodiversity with numerous forest flora and fauna recently discovered: 2,500 plant species belonging to 160 families and nearly 1,000 animal species...

Especially, an untouched natural landscape: Pristine primary forests like Khe Thoi, Khe Bu, Khe Choang, Cao Veu... Khe Kem Waterfall, Moc Stream, Giang River, virgin forests, and the distinctive cultures of the Thai, H'mong, Dan Lai ethnic groups - the untouched beauty bestowed by nature upon Pu Mat National Park.

Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam's first national park, located over 120 km southwest of Hanoi. It encompasses a vast forest area of 22,200 hectares, three-quarters of which are high limestone mountains ranging from 300m to 600m above sea level. Cuc Phuong boasts diverse and abundant wildlife: 71 species of mammals, 319 bird species, 33 reptile species, 16 amphibian species, and rare animals like bears, horses, and leopards. There is also a natural breeding area for conservation of species such as deer, golden monkeys, and flying squirrels. Cuc Phuong is a convergence point for various insects, hundreds of rare and beautiful bird species.

When visiting, you can hike through the primeval forest to admire thousand-year-old ancient trees, towering trees, or ancient sau trees. Additionally, the park is renowned for its beautiful and mysterious caves. Son Cung Cave, Pho Ma Giang Cave, and Dang Cave still bear many traces of prehistoric humans.

At Cuc Phuong, you can trek, engage in adventure tourism, mountain climbing, especially during the dry season from December to April when heavy rainstorms pass through. It's an incredibly fascinating destination to explore in Ninh Binh. You can also observe amphibians and insects such as butterflies, beetles, birds, green frogs. For added adventure, participate in a camping trip and spend the night in the midst of the forest – truly an exciting experience!

Famous not only for the fragrant scent of blooming lotuses in Sa Dec flower village and endless fields of flying storks, Dong Thap also offers eco-tourism experiences that captivate visitors from far and wide. Among the notable attractions in Dong Thap is Tram Chim Tam Nong National Park, a Ramsar site of international importance ranked 2,000th globally and 4th in Vietnam. With its beautiful and serene natural scenery, Tram Chim National Park is sure to provide you with wonderful experiences.

If you happen to visit Dong Thap, be sure to explore Tram Chim Tam Nong National Park. With its incredibly beautiful and colorful natural landscapes, it will undoubtedly be an interesting destination for travel enthusiasts. Moreover, this is the habitat of the rare red-headed crane, performing graceful dances that enchant the hearts of onlookers. You can paddle along the green canals and observe a variety of soaring birds. Not only that, but you can also immerse yourself in the flooded season with vast landscapes and tranquil skies, creating an immensely peaceful atmosphere.

Cat Tien National Park is a nature reserve located in the provinces of Tan Phu, Vinh Cuu (Dong Nai), Cat Tien, Bao Loc (Lam Dong), and Bu Dang (Binh Phuoc), approximately 150 km north of Ho Chi Minh City. It features lowland tropical moist forests, and spans 71,350 hectares across Dong Nai, Lam Dong, and Binh Phuoc provinces. Recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve and a world natural heritage site, Cat Tien is a hub of rich flora and fauna, offering an excellent place for exploration, learning, and wonderful retreats for nature enthusiasts.

About 50% of Cat Tien's area is covered by evergreen forests, 40% by bamboo forests, and 10% by farms. Distinctive animals include Asian elephants, tapirs, bears, gaurs, tigers, leopards, and deer. The park is also home to a variety of bird species such as black eagles, white-winged ducks, and hornbills. Notably, Cat Tien shelters 40 species listed in the World Red Book, with the one-horned rhinoceros being especially unique. Local residents and Chinese believe in the healing properties of rhinoceros horns as a panacea, leading to the hunting and extinction of the Java rhinoceros. In addition to its diverse wildlife, Cat Tien is the habitat for 62 orchid species.

UNESCO also recognizes Cat Tien as a 'World Biosphere Reserve.' On August 4, 2005, the Ramsar Convention Secretariat acknowledged Bau Sau Wetland as the world's 1,499th Ramsar Site and the second in Vietnam, covering a total area of 13,759 hectares (including 5,360 hectares of seasonal flooded land and 151 hectares of year-round flooded land).

Cat Ba is a national park that combines various ecosystems, a special national park that gathers many rare fauna and flora with diverse genetic sources. Currently, Cat Ba National Park has expanded to a total area of 26,240 hectares, including 17,040 hectares of island land and 9,200 hectares of sea surface, making it a world biosphere reserve.

As mentioned earlier, its allure comes from the beauty and richness of the animal and plant systems. You can encounter images of extremely rare species listed in the red book such as the civet, pangolin, and white-headed langur... When you come here, you can hike or cycle freely in the forest or camp to explore the mysteries of the lush green forest.

If you think that Hue only has tombs and when you visit Hue, you just wander around the scenic spots in the city, then it's truly a regrettable mistake. Because more than that, Hue has many beautiful natural landscapes, charming rivers, among which Bach Ma National Park must be mentioned. Just 1 day of 'getting lost' here, you will not only immerse yourself in the wild nature with cool streams or consecutive cool lakes in Ngũ Hồ but also have the opportunity to conquer the majestic Vọng Hải Đài peak and climb the mighty Đỗ Quyên waterfall with a height of over 300 meters... along with many other interesting experiences. If you are someone who loves to explore new routes, challenges, and conquer nature, then this will be the ideal journey for you.

Coming to Bach Ma National Park, you will feel the overwhelming charm of Hue. With the breathtaking and majestic natural landscape like Đỗ Quyên waterfall, Ngũ Hồ, Vọng Hải Đài... it appears like a beautiful fairy immersed in cool green grass, with rocky mountains, winding forest roads, and the flowing streams through the caves. Come here - one of the most famous national parks in Vietnam. You will find your journey to be an incredibly great experience.

Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is located approximately 50 km northwest of Dong Hoi city. It boasts a refreshing and cool climate throughout the year, with an average temperature of only 20 – 24°C. This area is recognized as one of the two largest limestone mountain regions in the world, covering an area of over 200,000 ha. The park is home to hundreds of rare species of fauna and flora, many of which are listed in the Red Book of Vietnam and the world.

The distinctive feature of this national park lies in the limestone formations intertwined with lush green forests. Through various geological periods and tectonic movements, numerous caves and underground rivers have been formed. This unique terrain attracts thousands of tourists each year.

Phu Quoc National Park is an unmissable destination when visiting Phu Quoc. It is a vast nature reserve covering three communes: Bai Thom, Cua Duong, and Ham Ninh in Phu Quoc district. This national park is extremely large, with a total area of over 31,000 hectares, including three main zones: Strictly Protected Zone, Ecological Restoration Zone, and Administrative-Service-Scientific Research Zone.

Phu Quoc National Park is home to a rich flora with hundreds of different species such as large timbers, precious medicinal herbs, and rare orchids. The fauna here is also diverse, with many species listed in the Red Book, including wild wolves, langurs, and white-headed monkeys. Especially, the sea around Phu Quoc has beautiful coral reefs with a variety of colors. They wash ashore, surrounding the majestic green mountains like a picturesque and dreamy natural painting.

Nui Chua National Park, located in the northeastern part of Ninh Thuan province, is a renowned conservation and ecotourism area that visitors to Ninh Thuan cannot miss. With a vast area of up to 29,865 hectares, Nui Chua features a unique dry forest ecosystem rarely found in Vietnam. This area is also home to a rich and diverse population of wildlife. Although there is very little rainfall here, there is a year-round 'Suspension Lake' with cool, clear water and many large streams like Lo O, Dong Nha, which never run dry.

Nui Chua is an ideal destination for outdoor activities as it is a harmonious blend of forest and sea. It's wonderful to wade in the cool water and admire the picturesque and adventurous natural scenery on the steep mountain cliffs in the serene and pristine atmosphere. Here, you also have the opportunity to explore beautiful natural caves.

Tam Dao National Park spans three provinces: Vinh Phuc, Thai Nguyen, and Tuyen Quang. It is a vast mountain range stretching 80km, running from Northwest to Southeast. The national park boasts picturesque natural landscapes, high biodiversity, and serves as a conservation area for many rare genetic resources of flora and fauna.

Tam Dao is one of the national parks with various types of forests, including evergreen forests, dwarf forests, restored forests, bamboo forests, and planted forests. Each type of forest presents its unique charm, inviting you to explore its beauty fully. Come and experience the captivating allure of Tam Dao.

Chư Yang Sin National Park is located in two districts of Dak Lak province, namely Lak and Krong Bong, approximately 60 km east of Buon Ma Thuot city. This area is characterized by high mountains, serving as the source of many rivers and streams within the province. It is truly a perfect choice for those seeking an enchanting eco-tourism destination.

Chư Yang Sin features picturesque and wild landscapes, showcasing both temperate and tropical forests with impressive waterfalls and rapids. When visiting, you can't miss the exciting experiences of mountain biking, admiring the lush pine forests, learning about various species of wildlife, or enjoying a rustic boat ride on the river, topped with an outdoor picnic.

Ba Bể National Park is located in 5 communes of Ba Be district, Bac Kan province: Nam Mau, Khang Ninh, Cao Thuong, Quang Khe, Cao Tri. The national park is situated 50 km from Bac Kan town and 250 km north of Hanoi. Considered a 'green gem' in the midst of the mountains, it is an ideal eco-tourism destination with fascinating landscapes and biodiversity.

Ba Bể National Park is home to numerous species of fauna and flora, including many rare and valuable plants listed in the Red Book of Vietnam and the World. The centerpiece of the national park is Ba Be Lake, which is 8 km long and 800 m wide. The lake, situated in the limestone mountainous region with numerous caves, still maintains its mesmerizing beauty, a gift from nature.

Minh Thuong National Park in Kien Giang province has been awarded the ASEAN Heritage Park certificate. It features extraordinary characteristics of primeval forests, a harmonious blend of mangrove and melaleuca forests on peatlands (covering nearly 3,000 hectares). The primeval forests here serve as a conservation area for diverse and rare plant species.

The vegetation system at U Minh Thuong includes native melaleuca forests with 243 high-level vascular plant species, many of which are tall and large. The mysterious and unique primeval forests, coupled with a rich and diverse ecosystem, are the top attractions of this national park for tourists, especially those seeking to experience rural tourism.