Flock of Whistling Ducks over Crocodile Swamp.

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Cat Tien National Park

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One of the outstanding natural treasures of the region, the 72,000-hectare Cat Tien National Park comprises an amazingly biodiverse region of lowland tropical rainforest. The hiking, mountain biking and birdwatching are the best in southern Vietnam. It's wise to book ahead for the most popular excursions, such as the Wild Gibbon Trek. Bear in mind that visitors rarely see the park's larger animals, which live deep in the jungle, so don’t come expecting to encounter elephants or leopards.

From Ho Chi Minh City, the park is a three-hour drive northwest on Hwy 20, or a four-hour drive southwest from Dalat.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Dambri Falls

    Dambri Falls

    27.2 MILES

    En route between Bao Loc and Ho Chi Minh City, 130km southwest of Dalat, Dambri Falls are one of the highest (90m), most magnificent and easily accessible…

  • Crocodile Lake

    Crocodile Lake

    2.79 MILES

    Crocodile Lake is home to 200 crocs and is one of Cat Tien National Park's highlights. Getting here involves a 9km drive or bicycle ride from the park…

  • Volcanic Craters

    Volcanic Craters

    16.25 MILES

    Three extinct yet impressive volcanoes can be found near Dinh Quan on Hwy 20. Dating from the late Jurassic period, about 150 million years ago, the…

  • Langa Lake

    Langa Lake

    21.84 MILES

    A bridge on the HCMC–Dalat road (Hwy 20) spans this reservoir, which is home to many floating houses. The families who live here fish farm, with the fish…

View more attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Crocodile Lake

2.79 MILES

Crocodile Lake is home to 200 crocs and is one of Cat Tien National Park's highlights. Getting here involves a 9km drive or bicycle ride from the park…

4. Volcanic Craters

16.25 MILES

Three extinct yet impressive volcanoes can be found near Dinh Quan on Hwy 20. Dating from the late Jurassic period, about 150 million years ago, the…

5. Langa Lake

21.84 MILES

A bridge on the HCMC–Dalat road (Hwy 20) spans this reservoir, which is home to many floating houses. The families who live here fish farm, with the fish…

6. Dambri Falls

27.2 MILES

En route between Bao Loc and Ho Chi Minh City, 130km southwest of Dalat, Dambri Falls are one of the highest (90m), most magnificent and easily accessible…

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