Located three hours north of Ho Chi Minh City is one of Vietnam’s largest nature reserves: Cat Tien National Park. Under the radar from most tourists, the park offers not only a magical escape into nature but also a chance to experience Vietnam’s ethnic diversity.
Cat Tien National Park encompasses over 720 square kilometres, spreading across three provinces in south-central Vietnam. It is home to one of the largest remaining areas of lowland tropical rainforest in the country, a haven for more than 1600 species of flora and fauna. Towering trees, hundreds of years old, dominate the landscape.
Just beyond the park lies Ta Lai, home to a memorable community-based tourism project that introduces guests to the culture and customs of the Ma ethnic group. With trekking, cycling and village-stay opportunities, the project is a great addition to a Cat Tien itinerary.
EXO Vietnam recently returned from an inspection trip in the area, spending two days exploring Cat Tien and Ta Lai before continuing to Mui Ne for hotel inspections. Members of the product and operations team attended as well as several travel consultants, gaining first-hand experience in the area to better curate personalised Vietnam holidays.
Tam, EXO Vietnam Product Executive, explains ‘The park offers a chance to truly be in a pristine natural environment. To me, it’s just something different for Southern Vietnam. It’s not just about vibrant Saigon, or the Mekong delta- Southern Vietnam has much more to offer.’
Find out more about Cat Tien, Ta Lai and how to plan a visit- plus photos from EXO Vietnam’s recent inspeciton. Keep reading!
‘It was simply incredible to be in nature, surrounded by all these birds and these massive trees that I’d never seen before‘
Cat Tien: Exploring nature
Cat Tien offers a captivating mix of landscapes and diverse wildlife. Nature enthusiasts can embark on guided treks through dense jungles teeming with flora and fauna, including endangered bird species, primates and the elusive clouded leopard. Evening wildlife walks provide an opportunity to spot rare nocturnal species in Vietnam’s ‘Red Book’, the country’s official list of endangered animals.
The park is home to the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre, where visitors can learn about conservation efforts and see gibbons and langurs up close.
On their recent inspection, the EXO Vietnam team enjoyed a full day trek as well as an evening nature safari. Although they were unsuccessful in spotting ‘red book’ species, the team enjoyed seeing centuries-old trees and an array of other species, including cute deer.
Tam shared his impressions from the visit, ‘It was simply incredible to be in nature, surrounded by all these birds and these massive trees that I’d never seen before (such cool photo ops). It was a real eye-opener’.
‘The cultural exchange (in Ta Lai) added a whole new dimension to the trip and gave me a deeper appreciation for the country’s diversity‘
Ta Lai: Cultural discovery
On the outer edge of Cat Tien National Park, the Ta Lai Longhouse offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy more spectacular nature and engage with local ethnic communities.
The longhouse is a traditional bamboo lodge built by Ma ethnic minority community. The Ma are indigenous to the south-central highlands region and still retain deep traditions. By staying at the longhouse, guests will gain insight into Vietnam’s diverse cultural tapestry and learn about the Ma heritage and ways of life.
Tam pointed to the longhouse as a highlight of his trip, explaining, ‘The cultural exchange added a whole new dimension to the trip and gave me a deeper appreciation for the country’s diversity’
The longhouse stay also supports the local community. 30% of the income received from tourists is donated to a development fund which, in turn, supports the local residents with salary, access to public facilities, sponsoring the younger generation to go to school and other projects.
Planning a visit to Cat Tien National Park:
Cat Tien National Park is located 150 kilometres north of Ho Chi Minh City, a journey of three to four hours by private car. EXO recommends staying two nights at the park or Ta Lai to enjoy its natural wonders as well as the cultural experiences on offer.
From Cat Tien, EXO recommends continuing to Mui Ne Beach for three nights or more. Located 3.5 to 4-hours drive from Cat Tien, Mui Ne not only boasts a beautiful, relaxing coastline but also is home to spectacular red and white sand dunes worthy of a visit. From Mui Ne, the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City is only 2.5 hours.
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