National Parks in Vietnam
Home to vivid jungles, tenacious rivers, golden coastlines and dramatic limestone mountains, Vietnam truly is an adventurer’s wonderland. The whole country boasts 34 national parks that offer tremendous diversity. Behind every mangrove tree lie cascading waterfalls and exotic wildlife that are not to be missed. Steadily becoming the gem of Southeast Asia, Vietnam ranks high on the scale of richness in biodiversity. That being said, almost half of its beautiful and almost untouched land is under forest protection.
From the north of the country to the south, you can always find a tranquil place to escape the crowd. Be sure to mark these national parks in Vietnam to create your own perfect itinerary!
Table of Contents
Northwest
Ba Be National Park
Located in Bac Can Province, the Ba Be National Park is an awe-inspiring complex of rivers, lakes, valleys and lowland green forests overlooked by grand limestone mountains. Spanning over 8 kilometres, the prominent Ba Be Lake is nourished by three rivers of Ta Han, Bo Lu and Leng. Surrounded by a vast variety of flora, fauna, and fascinating landscapes, there is a huge amount of interesting activities on offer. More adventurous ones might opt for kayaking and motorboat tours, while the other ones can paddle through the islets to discover hidden caves and visit fishing villages. You might even visit Long Tong, one of the oldest and most important festivals in Vietnamese culture. Expect rice cooking contests, singing competitions, tastings of local foods and more!
Bai Tu Long Bay National Park
Made up of hundreds of islands and islets, the Bai Tu Long Bay National Park hosts many locations yet unknown to many foreign visitors. Throughout the national park, you can clearly see magnificent limestone karsts rising up from the tranquil waters, which frame the striking white-sand beaches beautifully. This rocky island is also home to several hidden caves, each one more impressive than the other. According to the legend, this site served as a resting place for a fierce dragon who was sent to help the early Vietnamese in defending their country from invaders. If you’re interested in more details, you can easily get to hear them by joining a tour in a traditional wooden junk boat!
Hoang Lien National Park
Located just about 10 km from Sapa Town, Hoàng Liên has become an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists and researchers. With its diversity of fauna and flora, the park offers a cool fresh climate and breathtaking picturesque landscapes that capture the hearts of many. When visiting the Muong Hoa Valley, you’ll get the chance to see stunning terraced fields on the high mountains. The park is also home to various ethnic communities where many hill-tribe women sell tons of local handicraft items, like bracelets, headbands, anklets, handbags, shoes or jewellery. You can either climb or use cable cars if you wish to get to the top of Fansipan, nicknamed the “Roof of Indochina” for being the highest mountain on the Indochinese Peninsula.
Tam Dao National Park
Meaning “Three Islands”, Tam Đảo has three mountains named Thien Thi, Thach Ban and Phu Nghia, all about 1400m in height, that majestically rise above the clouds. Harbouring more than 750 species of flora and fauna, the tropical mountains of the park are particularly rich in biodiversity and ecosystems. Boasting both remote and developed areas, the park is ideal for people who wish to experience the best of both worlds at the same time. Only a 1.5-hour drive from Hanoi, visitors can opt for travelling by renting a car, taking the daily public bus or visiting the park as part of a guided tour. Overall, the best time to visit is during the spring months of March and April when temperatures are pleasant and there is minimal rainfall.
Xuan Son National Park
With over 37,000 acres of protected land, Xuân Son National Park is an ideal destination for Vietnamese and foreign visitors. A short distance from Hanoi, the park possesses a diversified flora and fauna, in addition to a range of wild rare animals and natural beautiful waterfalls and caves. The park protects the far southeastern end of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range which was formed 250-260 million years ago. Explore its untouched wilderness as you wander through the extensive cave systems, waterfalls, rivers and dramatic limestone karsts. Visitors have guided or self-tour options where they will have plenty of opportunities to climb, trek and observe Xuân Son’s exceptional beauty. That being said, the most popular hike to the summit of Ten Mountain takes a minimum of 10 hours to complete!
Phia Oac – Phia Den National Park
Protecting Vietnam’s magnificent mountain forests, the Phia Oắc – Phia Đén National Park is the first national park in the Cao Bang Province. Nestled amongst the green mountains, grasslands and rice fields, this national park is a sanctuary for many of the country’s rarest plant and animal species. Relatively unknown, this park is an intense mountain terrain where steep paths and overgrown forests can be challenging even for experienced hikers. However, there are easier trails that are ideal for wanderers who want to unveil Vietnam’s stunning beauty. For visitors who wish to stay overnight, there are many local residents who are happy to open their homes and teach them more about their culture!
Du Gia National Park
Sometimes called a “fairy village”, the Du Già National Park is within Vietnam’s far northern area, close to the border with China. This tranquil park includes activities such as hiking through the mountains and visiting the local villages to learn more about Vietnam. Apart from that, many tours also incorporate observing ceremonies, participating in festivals and visiting the markets to truly feel like a local. For most, booking a tour means that most of your needs, such as transportation and accommodation, will be handled and provided by the tour company. Moreover, there are numerous marked trails that will take through the valleys, agriculture fields, villages and mountains. That provides an excellent opportunity to experience a little bit of everything that the park has to offer.
Red River Delta
Ba Vi National Park
Offering a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the nearby city of Hanoi, the Ba Vi National Park is one of Vietnam’s most famous areas of outstanding natural beauty. Here, you can enjoy the cool fresh mountain air paired with an almost mystical atmospheric backdrop of tropical rainforests and glistening rivers. Take walks through the dense jungle and enjoy the panoramic views of one of the towering mountain peaks, simmering streams or holy temples. However, you can also immerse yourself in the mysterious French ruins, hidden away deep inside the forest. Adorned with layers of moss and hundreds of relics, this has become a popular spot for photographers and explorers.
Cat Ba & Cat Ba Island (2)
Featuring limestone rugged cliffs with both the valleys and hills covered in forests, the Cát Bà National Park has numerous activities that are sure to capture your attention. For those looking to relax, it is highly recommended to kayak or row a bamboo boat, while the more adventurous ones can try to climb cliffs, go fishing, coral watching and play undersea sports. There are approximately 2,000 islets scattered between the bay and the island. Rich in historical and archaeological values, Cat Ba has been populated by humans for many thousands of years. Showing a beautiful harmony between nature and the sea, this park is endowed with striking karst mountains, mangroves, seagrass beds, caves, grottos and valleys. Get ready to discover many unique animal and plant species and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Being the oldest national park in Vietnam, Cúc Phương stands out with its enchanting natural beauty, engaging culture and wildlife legacy. Located only 120 km from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, the park’s landscape forms the habitat for some of Asia’s rarest animal and plant species. Covered in a dense forest, the magnificent limestone mountains overlook the green rice terraces and traditional stilt houses of the Muong hill tribe. In recent years, several new species have been discovered, further expanding the already amazing variety of wildlife. Visitors can choose to go trekking themselves, although some routes require the presence of a guide or ranger. Other must-do activities include wildlife night-watching, birding, cycling, kayaking, and even traditional music performances!
Xuan Thuy National Park
Excellent for a day trip or weekend getaway, the Xuân Thủy National Park was not only the first wetland area in Vietnam but also all of southeast Asia, to be recognized as a Ramsar site. That means that this park is a site designated to be of major international importance. With multiple species of water birds residing in the park, this site has become one of the best hotspots for bird watchers in Vietnam. Most sightseeing tours include Giao Xuan Commune, traditional homes, Catholic churches and the Agriculture Museum. Visitors can travel by boat through the dense mangroves, visit salt fields and observe rice wine and fish sauce workshops. According to the locals, the best time to visit this site is from October to April.
North Central Coast
Bach Ma National Park
Situated exactly on the border between the former North and South Vietnam, the Bạch Mã National Park is truly a paradise for nature lovers. With a mix of both unique landscapes, this park boasts a giant mountain overlooking the many grasslands, waterfalls, flowering rhododendrons, countless rivers and lagoons. There are 5 enchanting lakes of Ngu Ho Lake which can be found by following the stream. There, you can go for a swim and relax before continuing on your journey. At the foot of the mountain lies an observation point where you can get a great view of the stunning landscape, Hue city and Lang Co beach. Fortunately, most tours depart from Hue and include a direct transfer to the national park, lunch and a guide.
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park
Adorned with karst mountains, underground rivers, historic sites, extensive caves and unspoilt jungle, the Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng National Park is situated in one of Vietnam’s most spectacular and interesting regions. The park is packed with opportunities to hike, bike, paddle or relax, so consider joining a jungle hike or camping trip at a stunning riverside location. Fossils up to 300 million years old have been found in the Hand En’s giant caverns. Between the Laos border and the South China Sea, there are many unspoiled jungles, caves and underground rivers stretching over 885 square kilometres. This awe-inspiring 400-million-year-old limestone landscape is still not fully discovered. Every year more and more sites are surveyed and opened to the public.
Ben En National Park
Attracting millions of visitors every year, the Bến En National Park is an ideal spot for lovers of peace and nature. Also known as the “Halong bay on land”, this national park covers numerous bewitching lakes, caves, mountains and forests extremely rich in flora and fauna. The tranquil landscape features two prominent rivers, the Ben En River and the Muc River. Surrounded by vividly green hills and mountains, Ben En River is famous for river tours and swimming festivals, while the latter features a variety of wonderful caves. The most famous one is Ngoc Cave, which got its name from a sparkling stone from ancient times situated right in the middle of the cave. Legend has it that the pure waters of the stream wash away sin and bare dust, leaving you feeling pure and reborn.
Pu Mat National Park
As one of the most impressive national parks in Vietnam, Pù Mát boasts impressive mountains, dense forests and gorgeous rivers that bear witness to the enchanting beauty of this park. Some of the rarest species can only be found in this part of the world, such as the white-cheeked crested gibbons. The untouched nature of the park is best experienced by booking a tour from bigger cities like Vinn. During the tour, visitors will see all of the park’s significant highlights, which can lead to spectacular destinations. That includes boat tours through the jungle, traditional meals at the local villages and trekking to the great Kem Waterfall. With high limestone mountains, medicinal native plants and monkeys swinging from tree branches, this site is not to be missed!
Vu Quang National Park
As one of the country’s least explored national parks, Vũ Quang is a remote haven often bypassed by travellers. Located along the border with Laos, the park is ideal for nature enthusiasts and travellers who want to escape from the crowds and see the rare saola or giant muntjac species. Even though the closest city of Hà Tinh is only about a one-hour drive away, it’s not recommended to travel solo. A local guide can provide you with the needed transportation, arrange boat tours, lead your hike, show you the highlights of the park and help you find your way out. Going well off of the beaten path means that visitors will receive a unique and personalised experience while strolling through dense Vietnam forests.
South Central Coast
Nui Chua National Park
Along with the park’s diverse terrain, jungle-clad mountains and white-sand beaches, the Núi Chúa National Park is famous for its easy and moderate trails that crisscross the lower hills and seaside cliffs. With ocean, lakes, and rivers flowing through the park, individuals or smaller groups may enjoy renting a quieter vessel, like a kayak, to explore more of the park’s shorelines. The park also offers a great number of coral reefs, tide pools and seaside caves that are a paradise for all swimmers, snorkelers and divers. For those looking for a challenge, they can attempt to climb to the summit of Mt Núi Chúa, which is over 915 metres tall! Some of the most extreme itineraries in the park will take multiple-day journeys to get to some of the most isolated parts of the park.
Phuoc Binh National Park
Hidden in the South-Central region of Vietnam, Phước Bình National Park is a flourishing ecotourism spot that’s a favourite among visitors. Hiking, rafting, swimming and visiting ethnic villages are the most in-demand activities by park guests here. Moreover, visitors can choose to explore themselves or join a local tour company, which allows them to fully customise their time at the park. Strolling among the dense forests and green valleys, climbing to the tops of the park’s highest peaks or getting authentic insights into the ethnic culture of the locals, there is something for everyone. The park is 62 km away from the town of Phan Rang, making it easily accessible for all who would like to visit.
Central Highlands
Chu Mom Ray National Park
Adjacent to two nature reserves of Laos and Cambodia, the Chư Mom Ray National Park is located about 30 kilometres from the city of Kon Tum, on the west of Indochina. The park is made up of a vast mountainous landscape mainly covered with tropical semi-evergreen forest. With being over 1,700 metres tall, the park got named after Chu Mom Ray, which is the highest mountain in the region. Aside from rich and precious natural resources, the park boasts poetic landscapes filled with glorious rivers, bamboo forests and sweeping grasslands. Considered to be a paradise because of its flora and fauna species, visitors can also try out one of the natural hot springs which promise to be relaxing, if not also medicinal.
Bidoup Nui Ba National Park
Considered to be one of Vietnam’s five largest national parks, the Bidoup Núi Bà National Park is 91% composed of dense woodlands, grasslands and bamboo groves. Also nicknamed the “Kingdom of Orchid”, the park houses nearly 250 species of orchid. These extraordinarily beautiful aromatic flowers can be seen scattered throughout the site. Travel enthusiasts who love camping overnight can get a chance to taste the traditional rice wine at the bonfire while getting various insights into Vietnamese culture from the local tour guide. Sometimes, people from the tribe known as K’ho might gather around a large bonfire and have a dance party. So if you hear a peculiar, echoing sound of the gong, be prepared to dance the night away with the locals!
Kon Ka Kinh National Park
Filled with many various attractions, the Kon Ka Kinh National Park is easily accessible from the nearby city of Pleiku. Get the opportunity to visit the House of Specimen, where you can see the exquisite wild orchid collection and ancient trees. At the Ha Dung village, visitors can learn about the “space of gong culture” where they can taste delicious dishes such as grilled meat, can wine and bamboo-cooked rice while sitting around the bonfire. While trekking to the top of the 1,700 metres high Kon Ka Kinh mountain peak, you’ll be able to observe and learn about the behaviour of animals like star deer, porcupines, grey-foot chimpanzees and monkeys. For those who have a passion for animals, this national park is a site not to be missed.
Yok Don National Park
Famed for being the second largest national park, the Yok Đôn National Park was established in 1992. The park offers unique elephant tours where the park rangers and guides will tell you more about the life of the elephants and how to find them based on the tracks they leave behind. Additionally, visitors can cruise along the mighty 200 km long Serepok River to take in the splendour of the river and combine the cruise with birding and sunset watching. With more than 200 km of tracks, trails and roads to explore, tourists can travel independently to the Buddha Waterfall, Seven Rapids, Drang Phok lake or Yok Don mountain. If you wish to learn about their food habits, you ought to join a lunch or dinner cooking session with a family of the Ede minority in Jang Lanh village!
Chu Yang Sin National Park
Encompassing a wide range of high mountains in the northern part of the Southern Annamite mountains, the Chư Yang Sin National Park is located around 60 kilometres to the southeast of Buon Ma Thuot town. Characterised by steep slopes and narrow valleys, the park offers one great trail only reserved for the boldest and the most adventurous. The hand-curated trail of over 16 kilometres near Huyện Krông Bông takes an average of 8 hours to complete. Ideal for backpacking, camping, and hiking, this trail offers a chance to truly connect with nature. With the vast terrain of mountainsides, high peaks and different types of forests, this park is home to 876 plants, 203 birds and 46 mammal species.
Ta Dung National Park
Spread over 40 islands, Tà Dùng National Park is considered to be the “Ha Long Bay of South Central Vietnam”. Established in 2018, this site is officially the newest national park in Vietnam. Most sought-after attractions include boating on the enchanting lake, hiking to the grand waterfalls and camping on the nearby towering peaks. During their tours, visitors will get the chance to observe the locals fishing and listen to the mythical tales regarding the mysterious lake. This park offers extraordinary views of the lake and islands, which is perfect for visitors who want to enjoy the peace and quiet of this national park. Surrounded by ancient trees and heavy boulders, there are more than 1,000 species of plants and animals wandering around the site that are sure to welcome you.
Southeast
Cat Tien National Park
Nestled in the south of Vietnam, Cát Tiên National Park is located approximately 150 km north of Ho Chi Minh City. Ancient trees, colourful plants and diverse wildlife make this a haven for all nature lovers. Visitors can hire a motorbike, bicycle or jeep car to ride around and explore their surroundings. Throughout the centuries-old forest, you’ll be able to find 450 types of butterflies and more than 1,600 plant species which adorn the site. The Cat Tien Sanctuary is an archaeological site within the park that once served as a holy Hindu temple. Inside, there are many ancient tombs and metal artefacts made of gold, with carved images of the Goddess, cows, elephants and so on. It is highly recommended to take a guided safari to see everything that the park has to offer!
Bu Gia Map National Park
With the closest major city of Dong Xoài about 100 km from the main entrance, the Bù Gia Mập National Park is a remarkable site which includes over 26,000 hectares of land and forest area. However, the only way to get access to the park is by booking a tour. First things first, the tour offers a restaurant where all of the used ingredients were local and grown in the national park. While trekking through the lovely forest with the tall Tung trees and twisted branches, get ready to be surrounded by pretty wildflowers and butterflies. From jumping rock to rock across a stream or spending a night under the stars, this national park will show you what makes Vietnam so popular among many.
Con Dao National Park
Surrounding the Con Dao Archipelago, the Côn Đảo National Park is famous among Vietnamese for its fine and unspoiled beaches, coral reefs and rare marine species. This remote island is recognised by its exotic wilderness where you can hike jungle trails, swim at tranquil beaches and scuba dive in rich coral reefs. Made up of a group of 15 islands and islets, visitors can easily find a handful of hotels and a dive shop that offers boat trips for exploration and transport. Also known for being the “forest museum” of Vietnam, this park offers a wide range of attractions, such as climbing, fishing, diving, trekking, cycling and sightseeing. Admire the natural beauty around you as you take photos and enjoy the fresh air.
Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park
While not entirely remote, the Lò Gò-Xa Mát National Park is still considered to be fairly undiscovered by foreign tourists. With a perfectly balanced mosaic of Vietnamese flora, this park is ideal for travellers who want to avoid large crowds. This park has become one of Vietnam’s newest hotspots for hiking and biking because of its flat evergreen landscape. Those who are interested in seeing the local wildlife can explore the park by hiking, on bicycle or on motorised tours. History lovers can look at the museum where they can learn more about the area and Vietnam’s history during the American War. About a 3-hour drive away from Ho Chi Minh City, this national park is the ideal spot to escape the city lifestyle for a while.
Mekong Delta
Mui Ca Mau National Park
Known to be Southern Vietnam’s best-kept secret, the Mũi Cà Mau National Park hides some of the world’s most endangered habitats and species. Around two hours by speedboat, the national park is approximately 110 km away from Ca Mau City where visitors can purchase their tickets and arrange boat tours. Soak in the natural beauty as you bask in this mesmerising coastal reserve dominated by mangrove forests and bird nesting grounds. Running through the national park is the Lon River, which overlooks two small islands of Con Trong and Con Ngoai that are very important to migratory birds. Since the area offers only a handful of local guides, visitors are urged to arrange their trip before coming to the national park.
Phu Quoc National Park
Becoming quite an attractive destination in the last few years, the Phú Quốc National Park boasts rich flora and fauna, beautiful mountain landscapes, clear streams and wild waterfalls. Moreover, visiting Phu Quoc is listed as one of the top things to do in Vietnam. Since the entrance to the park is free of charge, visitors will have a good opportunity to explore nature to the fullest. As one of the biodiversity centres of the country, the park is associated with sparkling beaches, seafood feasts and indigo sunsets that are sure to leave you breathless. Additionally, the park has thousands of orchid and plant species scattered throughout the site, bringing colour to every corner of the park. From protected forests and diverse wildlife to the towering mountains and pepper farms, there’s plenty to discover here!
Tram Chim National Park
Placed 2000th worldwide and 4th in Vietnam, the Tràm Chim National Park is recognised as a site of international ecosystem importance. This green oasis is blessed with stunning nature, clean air, a serene vibe and most importantly, a vast array of beautiful creatures. While on the wooden boat, visitors can observe the blooming flowers and bird flocks hidden amid Melaleuca trees and lotus-covered rivers. The zig-zag system of canals will take you all across the site, leaving you in awe. Before settling down inside the leaf cottage to enjoy Tram Chim cuisine, be sure to bring your camera and take some memorable photos on the way.
U Minh Ha & U Minh Thuong (2)
Becoming a hotspot for families travelling through Southern Vietnam, U Minh Hạ and U Minh Thượng has both been declared as “friendly for all ages” destinations! These two national parks are combined to create an Upper and Lower Park and are only a 2-hour drive apart. U Minh Thuong hosts more forested wetlands that are home to many endangered waterbird species, while U Minh Ha features multiple rivers and streams that effortlessly blend into one. Apart from the incredible landscape, park visitors can book a tour for an all-inclusive experience of both national parks in one go. Besides going hiking, boating and birdwatching, visitors can stop by an animal rescue centre run by the park rangers and locals to help out those in need.
