Top 6 Best Tips for Exploring Nam Cat Tien National Park

When visiting Nam Cat Tien National Park, be sure to check out these iconic attractions:

Bang Lang Forest at Nam Cat Tien: The best time to see the beautiful purple Bang Lang flowers is from October to May. A 15-minute motorbike ride or a 1.5-hour walk will bring you to this magical forest, where the leaves of the Bang Lang trees change from green to red. Along the way, you'll discover rare tree species unique to the Southeast region, including the Red Ironwood, the 400-year-old Pine, the fire-resistant Trung Quan tree, and hundreds of valuable medicinal plants.

Ben Cu Rocks: This is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. Sit under the cool shade, watch wild animals roam freely, and hear stories from the guides about how soldiers once used these rocks as a staging point during the war to transport supplies.

Troi Waterfall – Dung Waterfall at Nam Cat Tien: From the park headquarters, you can take a vehicle or walk to the starting point of the Dung Waterfall trail. The route takes you through ancient forests with lush vegetation. After a 500-meter walk, you'll reach the Dong Nai River, where you can rest or continue your journey to Troi Waterfall, enjoying the stunning view of the purple Bang Lang flowers if you visit in March-April.

Mo Vet Waterfall – Nam Cat Tien: Take a boat from the park's headquarters along the river. Along the way, you’ll see various bird species such as Crows, Kingfishers, and Hawks. The waterfall is named Mo Vet because, from above, it resembles the shape of a parrot’s beak. This is a powerful waterfall, so exercise caution during your visit.

Overnight Stay at Bau Sau: Don’t miss out on staying at Bau Sau when you visit Nam Cat Tien. The area allows only 5 guests per night, so be sure to plan ahead. The flat terrain makes it ideal for walking through the jungle, where you can witness the incredible diversity of flora and fauna. You’ll encounter ancient 500-year-old Pines, unique climbing plants, and rare reptiles such as pythons, snakes, and lizards. After a 300-meter walk, cross a bridge that leads you to a magical world of rare bird species like the Striped-bellied Tail, Blue-winged Tail, Red-faced Crow Pheasant, and the White-necked Crane. From the Nam Cat Tien ranger station, you can admire the peaceful lake, surrounded by lush green meadows, making it an ideal camping spot. This is a great place to immerse yourself in nature and experience the wildlife of the area.

Bau Chim Trail: The best time to visit Bau Chim is between 6 AM and 9 AM, when you can observe various rare and diverse bird species. From the observation tower, you can enjoy different views of the forest and see the distribution of vegetation from low to high elevations. After the Bau Chim visit, head to the Giant Fig tree, a quiet and romantic spot in the middle of a stream.

Oc Eo Cultural Relics: From the park’s center, you can take a vehicle to the Cat Tien district to explore the ancient capital of the Funan Kingdom, home to the unique Oc Eo culture and its rich history.

When visiting Nam Cat Tien National Park, don't miss the chance to try some of the delicious dishes made from fresh, local ingredients:

• Water Hyacinth Soup: This local dish uses water hyacinth, a common plant in the Mekong Delta, but the version here at Nam Cat Tien is a must-try. The soup is both sweet and refreshing, made using the plant's stems and flowers. If you've never tasted this before, be sure to try it while you're here!
• River Fish Hotpot with Wild Vegetables: With its unique freshwater fish and wild vegetables, the hotpot here is a standout dish. Fresh fish from the surrounding rivers and natural herbs from the jungle come together to create a rich and unforgettable flavor. The cool, forest atmosphere makes this hotpot even more enjoyable.
• Snakehead and Gourami Fish: These two fish species are abundant in the national park. If you're in the mood for some, local restaurants are ready to serve them in various styles, such as grilled, steamed, or in a flavorful stew.

In addition to the tips above, when trekking in Nam Cat Tien National Park, make sure to prepare yourself with proper jungle knowledge and survival skills. Don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent, leech protection, and any necessary medications.

It's also recommended to bring food and water with you as it can be hard to find shops while exploring the park. Wear long sleeves, a hat, and appropriate footwear, and consider packing a jacket, as temperatures in the forest can drop at night. Above all, please remember to leave no trace, especially plastic waste, and avoid disturbing wildlife or damaging their habitats.

For a smooth and enjoyable Nam Cat Tien trekking experience, it’s important to plan ahead and check the weather forecast. The ideal time to visit Nam Cat Tien National Park is usually from December to May, when the weather is dry with minimal rain, making travel easier and allowing you to fully enjoy the park's wild beauty. If you’re planning to go during the rest of the year, make sure to check the weather conditions beforehand.

The two most convenient and popular modes of transport to Nam Cat Tien National Park are buses and motorbikes. If you choose to travel by bus, you can head straight to the Eastern Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City, grab your ticket, and hop on a bus that will take you directly to Nam Cat Tien. You can also book tickets at the bus counters in Saigon for more flexibility. The Eastern Bus Station is located at 292 Dinh Bo Linh, Ward 26, Binh Thanh District. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat with affordable rates from companies like Duc Trong, Bao Loc, or Phuong Trang, and then hire a motorcycle taxi from the Tà Lài intersection to reach the park.

The route to the national park is scenic, and many travelers prefer to ride motorbikes to explore it. The journey involves following National Route 1A, then turning left onto National Route 20. After traveling approximately 58 km, you’ll reach the 125km intersection where you should turn left. Ride another 25 km, and you’ll arrive at Nam Cat Tien National Park. Don’t worry, there are plenty of road signs to guide you along the way!

If you're heading to Nam Cat Tien National Park and you're an adventure lover on a budget, you can opt to camp in the forest. Bringing your own tent allows you to enjoy the full experience of nature. However, if you forget your tent, don't worry – you can rent one at the local tourism center, with options for 2 to 15 people depending on the size of the tent.

If camping isn't your thing and you'd prefer a more comfortable stay, there are several hotels, resorts, and homestays available in the area. You can choose from dormitory-style rooms or private rooms, with various services offered depending on the place.

Some recommended resorts and hotels near Nam Cat Tien:

• Green Bamboo Lodge Resort: Located at Ấp 4, Nam Cat Tien Ward, Tan Phu District, Nam Cat Tien National Park.
• Cat Tien Forest Call Lodge: Located at Ấp 4, Nam Cat Tien, Nam Cat Tien National Park.
• Green Cat Tien Hotel: Located in Nam Cat Tien, Tan Phu, Nam Cat Tien National Park.
• River Lodge: Located at Ấp 4, Nam Cat Tien, Tan Phu District, Nam Cat Tien National Park.
• Cat Tien Farmstay: Located at Ấp 2, Nam Cat Tien, Tan Phu District, Dong Nai Province, Nam Cat Tien National Park.