Vietnam is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes, from towering mountains to pristine beaches and lush rainforests. The country’s national parks offer an incredible opportunity to experience Vietnam’s natural beauty up close and personal.
In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through Vietnam’s national parks, exploring their unique features, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery.
Introduction to National Parks in VietNam
Vietnam has 30 national parks, covering an area of over 2 million hectares. These parks are home to a variety of plant and animal species, many of which are endangered or rare. Visiting Vietnam’s national parks is an excellent way to experience the country’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage.
Cat Tien National Park
Located in southern Vietnam, Cat Tien National Park is known for its diverse ecosystem, including dense rainforest, grasslands, and wetlands. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bike, or on a guided jeep tour, and spot a range of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and gibbons.
Ba Be National Park
Located in northern Vietnam, Ba Be National Park is home to Ba Be Lake, one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the country. The park also features stunning karst formations, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation. Visitors can explore the lake by boat, hike through the forest, and spot a range of wildlife, including langurs and hornbills.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Located in central Vietnam, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is home to some of the world’s most spectacular caves and karst formations. The park also features diverse forest ecosystems, with over 1,000 species of plants and animals. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bike, or on a boat tour of the underground caves.
Bach Ma National Park
Located in central Vietnam, Bach Ma National Park is known for its stunning waterfalls, dense jungle, and incredible views of the coastline. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bike, or on a guided jeep tour, and spot a range of wildlife, including black bears, langurs, and hornbills.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Located just 120 kilometers south of Hanoi, Cuc Phuong is Vietnam’s oldest national park and home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. The park covers over 22,000 hectares of dense forest, limestone mountains, and numerous caves. Visitors can hike through the park’s well-maintained trails, visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, and explore the prehistoric Trang Khuyet Cave.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, Phong Nha-Ke Bang is one of the most famous national parks in Vietnam. The park boasts some of the world’s largest and most beautiful caves, including the Son Doong Cave – the largest known cave passage in the world. Visitors can take a boat ride along the Son River to explore the park’s stunning caves, hike through the park’s dense jungle, and visit local ethnic minority villages.
Ba Be National Park
Located in Bac Kan province, Ba Be National Park is a beautiful landscape of mountains, forests, rivers, and waterfalls. The park is centered around Ba Be Lake – the largest natural lake in Vietnam – and is home to numerous ethnic minority communities. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake, hike through the park’s lush forests, and visit local homestays to learn about the culture and traditions of the Tay people.
Yok Don National Park
Located in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam, Yok Don National Park is known for its diverse flora and fauna and is home to many rare and endangered species, including the Indochinese tiger and the Asian elephant. Visitors can take a guided tour through the park’s dense forests, go elephant trekking with the local M’nong people, and visit the Yok Don Wildlife Rescue Center.
Cat Tien National Park
Located just a few hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Cat Tien National Park is a popular destination for city-dwellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including gibbons, crocodiles, and sun bears. Visitors can hike through the park’s dense jungle, take a boat ride down the Dong Nai River, and stay in one of the park’s eco-friendly lodges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vietnam’s national parks are a true natural wonder, offering visitors the chance to explore some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes, encounter rare wildlife, and learn about the local culture and traditions. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or simply looking for a relaxing escape from city life, Vietnam’s national parks have something to offer everyone.
See more two national parks in Vietnam:
>> Con Dao National Park: A Hidden Gem of Natural Beauty
>> Cuc Phuong National Park: The “green” beauty in mother nature’s perspective