Vietnam is home to several national parks stretching from the North to the South. These national parks showcase diverse natural landscapes and rich biodiversity and preserve rare animals and plants of Vietnam. Let’s explore the top 07 amazing national parks in Vietnam with Handspan Travel Indochina!

Through this blog post, you will learn detailed information about these national parks below.

Cat Ba National Park

• Location: Tran Chau Town, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong, Vietnam 
• Entrance fee: VND 80,000/ adult and VND 50,000/ child

Cat Ba National Park is one of the national parks in Vietnam you should not miss. It covers an area of 17,360 hectares, including 11,000 hectares of forest and nearly 6,500 hectares of sea. Thanks to the flavor climate and environmental conditions, Cat Ba National Park is ideal for preserving different ecosystems. Coming here, you can explore the forest ecosystem on the limestone mountain, mangrove ecosystem, and marine forest ecosystem along with coral reefs.

Cat Ba National Park

With the advantage of the landscape and ecosystems, Cat Ba National Park offers various activities for tourists. Below are some amazing things to do here.

Hiking and trekking

This national park is undoubtedly among the best places for trekking in Vietnam. It has a network of trails that lead you through lush forests, scenic landscapes, and viewpoints. The trails vary from easy to difficult levels; so you can choose the one that suits your fitness level and preferences. Here are some choices that you can refer to.

• Trung Trang cave’s east area to Uy Ban cave, Kim Giao forest to Ngu Lam Peak
• Kim Giao to Me Con and Tung Di, May Bau to Quan Cave
• Ao Ech to Viet Hai Fishing Village

Trekking in Cat Ba National Park

Ngu Lam Viewpoint

Viet Hai Fishing Village

See other places for trekking in Vietnam here. 

Wildlife watching

Cat Ba National Park is home to 58 species of mammals, 55 species of reptiles, 274 species of insects, and more than 200 species of birds. Especially, it is also a place to preserve rare animals such as endangered Cat Ba langur, black squirrels, chamois, white-headed squirrels, etc. Let’s join a  guided tour or hire a local guide to increase your chances of spotting these rare langurs and other animals such as civets, deer, and various bird species.

Cat Ba Langur

Butterfly at Cat Ba National Park

Boat Trips and Kayaking

Boating or kayaking through the emerald waters and immersing yourself in the towering limestone karsts of the Lan Ha Bay is a must in your journey in Cat Ba National Park. It's absolutely a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the marine ecosystem.

Kayaking in the Lan Ha Bay

Cat Ba National Park is no doubt among the most fascinating national parks in Vietnam that combines stunning natural landscapes, biodiversity conservation, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Let’s come here and have your own experience!

Ba Be National Park

• Location: Bo Lu, Ba Be, Bac Kan Province, Vietnam
• Entrance fee: VND 45,000/ adult

Ba Be National Park is also one of the worth-visiting national parks in Vietnam. It boasts exceptional biodiversity, with a wide range of plant and animal species. The park is home to over 1,200 species of plants, including several rare and endemic ones. Its forests harbor diverse wildlife, such as langurs, gibbons, deer, and various bird species. The park also supports aquatic life, including fish and freshwater turtles. 

Ba Be National Park

Visiting Ba Be National Park, you can enjoy the park's natural beauty, engage in outdoor activities, experience local culture, and relax in the peaceful surroundings. Let’s unlock exciting experiences here!

Boating and kayaking on Ba Be Lake

Located at the heart of the park, Ba Be Lake is famous for its emerald water. It is the only natural lake in the mountains of Vietnam, surrounded by karst limestone mountains and lush forests. Spanning an area of about 500 hectares, the lake is fed by several rivers. Boating and kayaking allow you to adore the surrounding landscapes, and navigate the lake's serene waters.

Kayaking on Ba Be Lake

Trekking and hiking

Trekking is one of the most exciting experiences of exploring the splendid landscape of the Ba Be National Park. The most popular route in Ba Be National Park is trekking to Hmong villages inside the park. Starting your journey from the lakeside trail, you will reach Coc Toc Village, the traditional village of Tay people living by fishing on the lake. After passing through mountains and majestic primeval forests, you will see the tranquil villages of Hmong people on the high mountains. Walking along these villages, you will see local people wearing traditional Hmong clothes and growing corn and cassava on terraced fields. 

Ba Be trekking route

Visiting ethnic minority villages

Ba Be National Park is home to several ethnic minority communities, including the Tay, Hmong, and Dao people. Visiting the park, you can learn about the locals’ culture, visit their homes, enjoy local dishes and wines, listen to traditional music, and join their traditional festivals if you come here at the festival time, etc. Let’s take the opportunity to interact with local people and learn about their way of life!

Exploring stunning caves

Ba Be National Park features several caves, which are ideal for exploring underground wonders. Puong Cave is the most well-known cave here, housing a colony of thousands of bats. Besides, Hua Ma Cave and Na Poong Cave are also notable. All of them have unique geological formations and many stalactites in different shapes and colors. 

Hua Ma Cave

Let’s enjoy the beauty of Ba Be National Park and make the most of your time exploring this enchanting destination! For more detailed information about the park, please refer to our blog post here: Exploring Ba Be National Park. Don’t hesitate to contact our team if you have any concerns. 

Cuc Phuong National Park

• Entrance fee: VND 60,000/ adult

Among the national parks in Vietnam, Cuc Phuong National Park is the oldest one, which was established in 1966. This park is located in three provinces: Hoa Binh, Ninh Binh, and Thanh Hoa, with a total area of 22,408 hectares. It is home to around 2000 species of plants and 2600 species of animals. Many of these are listed in Vietnamese and the World Red Book. Additionally, it’s one of the excellent plant diversity centers in Vietnam.

Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong Park features limestone mountains occupying ¾ of the jungle zone. It’s also a vast botanical garden because there are about 1.983 high plants and ancient trees. Amongst them, about 37 species are listed in the Vietnamese Red Book as endangered species.

Vietorchis aurea Averyanov at the Cuc Phuong National Park

Moreover, there are many trees with their unique shapes and ways of living. Some of them originated around 10 million years ago. Interestingly, this park is a tropical forest that keeps an essential zone of primitive forest and saves many freak types of flowers and fruits.

Like other national parks in Vietnam, Cuc Phuong also offers diverse activities for tourists. Let’s explore exciting things to do here!

Watching colorful butterflies

From April to May, about 400 species of butterflies appear here simultaneously. That makes Cuc Phuong become a large colorful garden. Then, watching butterflies at this time has become a popular activity that appeals to many tourists. 

Butterflies at the Cuc Phuong National Park

Exploring reptiles’ inhabitants

In the summer, sporting tours are often organized for tourists to discover the inhabitants of insects. Besides, you can visit the rescue center for the primates and turtles and explore the garden for preserving precious plant genes, ancient grottoes, and trees.

The turtle conservation center at the Cuc Phuong National Park

Trekking through the forest

Cuc Phuong National Park attracts many adventurous trekker lovers thanks to the tropical monsoon climate, complex terrain, and primeval forest with mysterious landscapes. Some of the popular trekking routes include: trekking to Dong Nguoi Xua (the cave of prehistoric man), May Bac Peak, and Khanh Village. 

Trekking in Cuc Phuong National Park

Nguoi Xua Cave

For more information about Cuc Phuong National Park, please read our blog post: Cuc Phuong National Park - one of Vietnam’s largest nature reserves. Besides, you can also refer to our Cuc Phuong tour package to have a deeper look at this destination: Cuc Phuong National Park to Tam Coc. 

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

•  Location: Bo Trach & Minh Hoa District, Quang Binh Province

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also one of the national parks in Vietnam you should not miss. This place is not only famous for its spectacular cave systems but also for its rich biodiversity, and stunning landscapes.

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

The park’s landscapes are characterized by expansive limestone karsts, hidden valleys, dense forests, and a complex system of rivers and streams due to the karst features. The limestone karsts here have been shaped by millions of years of geological processes, resulting in their unique and awe-inspiring formations. The mesmerizing rivers also enhance the park’s natural splendor. Chay River, Son River, and Trooc River are some notable rivers that originate from the surrounding karst mountains and underground systems. 

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

Chay River

The park is also home to diverse ecosystems, including dense forests that blanket the landscape. These forests harbor nearly 3000 plant species, contributing to the park's remarkable biodiversity. Among them, 112 species are listed in the Vietnamese Red Book and 121 species are listed in the IUCN Red Book. The forests are also the habitat for nearly 1400 species, including langurs, macaques, bears, deer, civets, and a diverse range of bird species. The park also harbors many reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park offers numerous activities for tourists. Your journey to explore this awesome area will not be complete if you don’t experience these amazing things below.

Hiking and trekking 

Trekking in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park offers an unforgettable experience to connect with nature. You will have a chance to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenic views of limestone karst mountains, stretching fields, dense forests, and flowing rivers. The park features a range of trekking trails suited for different fitness levels and durations.

Trekking in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

If you travel with your kids, you can choose the Phong Nha Botanic Trail, which is considered a relatively easy trek. The trail is approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) long and can be completed within 2 to 3 hours. Along the trail, you will catch up with picturesque views of streams, waterfalls, mountains, and forests. You will also have a chance to admire a variety of plant species, including rare orchids, ferns, towering trees, and numerous bird species, butterflies, and other small animals. For a more challenging adventure, the Nuoc Nut and Va caves trek take you through dense jungle and across rivers, leading to stunning cave entrances. 

Phong Nha Botanic Garden

Embarking on cave exploration tours

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is home to Son Doong Cave, the largest cave in the world. Besides, Paradise Cave (Thien Duong Cave), Phong Nha Cave, and Hang En Cave are also notable caves with magnificent stalactites, stalagmites, underground rivers, and unique geological formations. To visit these caves, you may want to take a tour so that you can marvel at the unique geological features and learn about the caves' history and significance. 

Son Doong Cave

Phong Nha Cave

Paradise Cave

En Cave

Besides trekking and cave exploring, the park also offers many activities like cycling, boating, kayaking, ziplining, etc. Undoubtedly, Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is one of the best national parks in Vietnam, with all activities offered as well as surrounding landscapes. Refer to our Phong Nha tour packages below for a complete experience. 

Phong Nha Jungle Trek and Cave Discovery

Phong Nha into the Wild: Jungle and Camping

Bach Ma National Park

• Location: Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam
• Entrance fee: VND 60,000

Also on the list of amazing national parks in Vietnam, Bach Ma National Park attracts tourists with its stunning landscape which is characterized by steep mountains, lush forests, pristine waterfalls, exceptional biodiversity, and various activities offered. The park is a part of the North Truong Son range, which includes many mountain ranges running horizontally from West to East.

Bach Ma National Park

Spanning over a total area of nearly 37,500 hectares, Bach Ma National Park is a large primeval forest hosting a wide array of plant and animal species. It is home to over 2,400 plant species, including rare and endemic ones. The park also harbors more than 1,700 animal species, including several endangered species such as the red-shanked douc langur, Annamite striped rabbit, and Owston's civet.

Red-shanked douc langur

Bach Ma National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering an abundance of natural beauty, biodiversity, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Below are some fantastic experiences here.

Trekking and hiking

Like other national parks in Vietnam, Bach Ma also offers a network of trekking trails allowing you to immerse yourself in nature. While you can explore most of the route by yourself, you will feel more excited under the introduction of the tour guide. Here are some trekking routes you can refer to.

• Hai Vong Dai trail

This route is just nearly 1 kilometer, suitable for tourists of all ages. Following the Granite paved road, you will reach the Hai Vong Dai, standing at 1430 meters. Staying here, you will be surprised by the panoramic view of mountains, rivers, lagoons, and the sea. 

Hai Vong Dai

• Ngu Ho - Do Quyen Waterfall trekking route (about three kilometers)

Ngu Ho Waterfall is a system of 5 lakes with their own beauty interweaving between rocks and forests. Although the trekking route to Ngu Ho Waterfall is relatively rough, it’s worth taking. 

Keep going from Ngu Ho, you will reach Do Quyen Waterfall, an artistic masterpiece of nature. The trail leading up to Do Quyen waterfall is a winding slope but has a fascinating landscape with pine trees, palm trees, and woody ferns. 

Do Quyen Waterfall

Besides these two routes, you can also take the route from Cho Den forest to Tri Sao Waterfall, and Tri Sao Waterfall to Ho Truoi. However, these routes require overnight stay in the park; so let’s consider if you are an adventurous lover.

Bird watching

Bach Ma National Park is a paradise for bird watching. It is home to more than 360 bird species, among which 16 species are listed in the Vietnam Red Book, 13 species are in the IUCN Red Book, and 13 are endemic species. Rare and endemic species, such as the crested argus and Edwards's pheasant, can be found here. 

Bird watching in Bach Ma National Park

To sum up, Bach Ma National Park is such an ideal place for adventurous and nature lovers. For more detailed information about the park, let's refer to our blog post here: Bach Ma National Park: One of the ideal spots for ecotourism in Vietnam. 

Cat Tien National Park

• Location: Nam Cat Tien, Tan Phu, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam
• Entrance fee: VND 40,000/ person

Cat Tien National Park, is also one of the national parks in Vietnam that is ideal to immerse in magnificent nature. About 150 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, Nam Cat Tien is one of Vietnam's largest protected areas – a complicated network of wetlands and tropical forests nearly 74,000 hectares in two sections bisected by a river, the larger about fifty or sixty kilometers across in both directions.

Cat Tien National Park

Its biodiversity is considerable with over fifty endangered species listed in the 'Red Book,' including the Siamese Crocodile and the Indochina Tiger. Of particular interest is its vast bird population – well over three hundred species have been identified so far. In addition to the abundance of animals, Cat Tien is also an area of 62 types of orchids.

Freshwater crocodile in the Cat Tien National Park

Like other national parks in Vietnam, Cat Tien National Park is also a paradise for nature and outdoor activity lovers. Visiting the park, you should not miss joining these exciting experiences below.

Trekking or biking through the forest

Trekking across the forest, under the sunlight, you will have a chance to enjoy the fresh air. It's fantastic to listen to the sound of the insects and the birds singing in the lush jungle. You can also admire different types of strange mushrooms, charming forest flower branches, hundreds of medicinal plants, and precious orchids.

Trekking in the Cat Tien National Park

Biking is also a favorite activity for tourists when they come to Cat Tien National Park. You can bike through the forest around the short sightseeing routes and see many exotic plants:

• The 500-year-old giant Tung tree.
• The Acacia tree with an extensive root system divided into many branches growing among the clear, murmuring stream
• Lagerstroemia tree with six soaring tops straight up to the sky, the rare and precious tree with a trunk diameter of over 2 meters.

Biking in the Cat Tien National Park

Giant Tung tree in the Cat Tien National Park

Acacia tree in the Cat Tien National Park

Cycling for more than 6 kilometers from the giant Tung tree, through a beautiful and rugged rock riding road, you will see the Heaven Waterfall flowing over the rocks.

Exploring Bau Sau (Crocodile Lake)

Bau Sau or Crocodile Lake is one of the most popular tourist sites in Cat Tien National Park. It is the largest wetland in Cat Tien National Park, with a total area of more than 2500 ha in the rainy season. There are more than 60 types of freshwater crocodiles.

Bau Sau (Crocodile Lake)

Siamese crocodile in Bau Sau

Visiting the Crocodile Lake, you may see how crocodiles catch bait and live under the water. Most of the crocodiles here are Siamese crocodiles; mature ones can get up to 2.2 meters with sharp teeth and a long stiff tail. Besides, you will have an opportunity to admire the dance of peacocks, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the swamp between the primeval forest, and listen to the birds singing.

Bird watching

Cat Tien National Park is the "kingdom" of more than 350 bird species, ringing over one-third of the number of birds in Vietnam. The bird-watching tours in Cat Tien National Park usually last three days and two nights or longer. The best time to see birds is in the dry season from December to May. It's ideal for joining a small group or going on a private trip. 

Bird watching in the Cat Tien National Park

For more detailed information about the park, let’s refer to our blog post: Everything you need to know before going to Cat Tien National Park.

Con Dao National Park

• Location: Con Dao District, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province
• Entrance fee: VND 60,000

Con Dao National Park, built in 1993, is part of a special-use forest system among 34 national parks in Vietnam. It has vibrant and diverse vegetation, from terrestrial to aquatic species. The park possesses a total area of nearly 20,000 hectares, among which nearly 5,900 hectares are the conservation area on the island and 14,000 hectares are the marine conservation area.

Con Dao National Park

There are more than 370 species of woody, more than 100 species of vines, more than 200 beneficial herbs, and 30 different types of orchids scattered on the island. Con Dao has up to 69 species of genera, 28 species of mammals, and 39 species of reptiles. Some animals are considered local animals here, as they appeared years ago. They are the typical species on the island, including the Con Dao deer mouse, black squirrel, and ebony squirrel. Coming here, you will have an opportunity to admire many kinds of rare corals and animals named in the Red Book of Vietnam, such as dugongs, crocodiles, etc.

Like other national parks in Vietnam, the park offers many exciting experiences. Visiting Con Dao National Park, you may not want to miss these amazing things below. 

Trekking and hiking

Con Dao National Park has a network of hiking trails that allow you to explore its natural beauty. You can trek through the lush forests, enjoy scenic viewpoints, and immerse yourself in the island's diverse flora and fauna.

Con Dao National Park trekking route

Exploring stunning beaches

Con Dao National Park boasts pristine, secluded beaches that offer a tranquil retreat for relaxation. You will have a chance to enjoy the white sandy shores, clear turquoise waters, and peaceful atmosphere. It's an ideal place to unwind, sunbathe, and enjoy the natural beauty of the islands. Lo Voi Beach, An Hai Beach, and Dam Trau Beach are some of the tranquil beaches here. 

Con Dao's beach

Snorkeling and diving

The marine environment around Con Dao offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. Snorkeling and diving tours can be arranged to discover the underwater wonders. Taking the snorkeling tour, you will be equipped with a life jacket, diving goggles, diving mask, and propellers, and guided about diving manipulation. You will have a chance to immerse yourself in the crystal clear water, explore the vibrant coral reefs, and encounter diverse marine life including tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful corals. 

Coral reef in Con Dao

Besides Con Dao National Park, there are many other places to visit on Con Dao Island. Let’s refer to our blog post for more detailed information: Everything you should know before visiting Con Dao Island. 

In conclusion, visiting the above national parks in Vietnam will bring you memorable experiences. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.