Tour code: TBA
Destination: Cat Tien National Park
Trip type: Adventures/Private
Duration: 3D2N
From: Saigon
Transports: Private
Departure:
Seats available:
Situated at the foot of the Central Highlands, the topography of Cat Tien National Park is characterised by low, gentle hills. The lowlands in the north of the site are poorly drained, and support an area of swamps and lakes, which expands and contracts seasonally. The major vegetation types at the site are lowland semi-deciduous forest, lowland evergreen forest and bamboo. Nam Cat Tien is nationally significant for large mammal conservation, supporting populations of Asian Elephant Elephas maximus, Gaur Bos gaurus, Black-shanked Douc Langur Pygathrix nigripes and Yellow-cheeked Crested Gibbon Nomascus gabrielle.
This tour is recommended for individuals with average physical fitness. Sleeping at the ranger station in Bau Sau Lake allows opportunities of sighting animals at night, though it should be noted that basic accommodation are provided, with no Wi-Fi, phone signal, or air conditioning.
DAY 1: SAIGON - CAT TIEN
08:00 Depart from Saigon and drive toward Cat Tien (150km/3.5hrs). Cross the ferry to arrive at the park's headquarters.
12:00 Have lunch at the restaurant at the headquarters and get the room for a short break (regular check-in time is 2:00 PM, early check-in subject to vacancy).
14:00 Grab a bicycle and start the discovery. Take the Botanical Trail, visiting the Giant Thung Tree, the Giant Makha Tree, Heaven Waterfall, Da Co Sralao Forest (approximately 14km round trip cycling).
18:15 Set out the Night Safari Tour with a minitruck. Explore the night life of the forest, enjoying the spotting of wildlife with the guide's assistance. Return to the lodge to end the night tour. Have dinner and take time at leisure. Overnight at the headquarters' guesthouse.
DAY 2: CAT TIEN
07:00 Breakfast at the park's headquarters.
08:00 By car for a 12-km drive through the forest to visit a Ta Lai village of the indigeneous Ma inhabitants. Meet some Ma villagers and see the long house. Return to the park's center.
12:00 Lunch. Start the overnight excursion to Bau Sau. Pack lightly and just enough for the excursion. Big bags shall be left at the reception after room checkout.
13:30 Hop on the truck and drive from the park's center for 9 km distance on the main road to reach the trail head. Get off the truck and start the 5 km hike on jungle trail to Bau Sau Lake.
15:30 Arrives at the ranger station in Bau Sau. Meet the hosts. Take time to rest, relax and enjoy the lake view in the sunset and the tranquil ambience amidst the thick jungle. Optional boat ride on the lake is available with a fee (recommended).
18:30 Dinner and overnight in Bau Sau.
19:30 Dinner, free time for activities, overnight stay at Bau Sau.
DAY 3: CAT TIEN - SAIGON
06:00 Wake up and enjoy the fresh and cool air at Bau Sau in the early morning.
07:00 Breakfast at Bau Sau (instant noodle, or simple snack).
08:00 Bid farewell to the host rangers and set out on the 5 km trek back toward the main road.
10:00 At the main road board the truck. Take a detour to visit the Hundred-trunked Banyan.
12:00 Return to the Park's HQ, refresh and have lunch.
13:00 Take the ferry across the river. Hop on the minivan for the drive back to Saigon.
17:00 Arrive at the return point and end the journey.
INCLUSIVE
EXCLUSIVE
Quick Facts
STATUS
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the world 2001
RAMSAR Wetlands of International Importance 2005
IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas 2024
HABITAT
Cat Tien National Park is located at the foot of the highlands, in the transition towards the lowland. Five main forest types:
- Evergreen broad-leaved forest
- Semi-deciduous broad-leaved forest
- Mixed wood and bamboo forest
- Pure bamboo forest
- Wetland vegetation
BIODIVERSITY
- Vascular plants: 1,610 species, 724 genera, 162 families and subfamilies, 75 orders of vascular plants. Dominant: Dipterocarpaceae, Fabaceae and Lythraceae.
- Mammal: 113 species, 38 families, 12 orders. Of these, there are 43 species of mammals that are threatened with extinction domestically and globally with 38 species listed in the Vietnam Red Book (2007).
- Bird: 351 species, 64 families, 18 orders
- Reptile: 109 species, 17 families, 4 orders
- Amphibian: 41 species, 6 families, 2 orders
- Insect: 756 species, 68 families, 10 orders.
- Fish: 159 species, 29 families, 9 order
ENDENMIC
18 mammal species and subspecies endemic to the Indochina
3 mammal species and subspecies endemic to Vietnam
3 bird species endemic to Cat Tien bird area
450 bufferly species accounting for more than 50% of Vietnam's total.
(Vietnam Red Book 2007).
RED BOOK
- Reptile: Siamese crocodile, reticulated python, Indian python.
- Amphibian: Malacca horned toad, bony-headed toad, Anderson's frog
- Insect: common birdwing butterfly, five-bar swordtail butterfly
- Fish: 1 species Mon fish or Dragon fish