Cat Tien comprises an amazingly biodiverse area of lowland tropical rainforest. The 72,000-hectare park is one of the outstanding natural treasures in Vietnam, a true jungle, and the hiking, mountain biking and birdwatching here are the best in the south of the country. At weekends and public holidays it gets busy with domestic tourists – it's worth calling ahead to book the most popular excursions.
Fauna in the park includes 100 types of mammal including elephants, leopards, the bison-like guar, and primates such as gibbons, pygmy lorises and langurs. There are also 79 types of reptile, 41 amphibian species, plus an incredible array of snakes, spiders and insects, including 400 or so butterfly species. Of the 350-plus birds, rare species include the orange-necked partridge and Siamese fireback.
Bear in mind that the larger animals, including elephants and leopards, are very retiring. You're most likely to see primates, birds and reptiles.
Highlights:
Making a trekking trip into the dense forest and take picture with the giant Tung tree.
Going to Bear and Wildlife Rescue station.
Taking a cycling to villages staying in the safari park, chatting with the locals and enjoying fresh atmosphere.
Wearing life-jacket and going kayaking through Dong Nai River.
Stepping on Monkey Island, also called Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre.
Experiencing a local farm stay
Itinerary:
DAY 1: HO CHI MINH CITY – CAT TIEN NATIONAL PARK (L/D)
Pick up at your hotel and depart for Cat Tien. Follow the National Highway 20 to a mountainous area full of roadside plantations of rubber and green coffee. A short and smooth 150km bus drive takes you to an extinct volcanic crater, known as Lava Tubes. Cross the Dong Nai River to Cat Tien National Park and begin your wildlife experience. Go trekking into the forest & Giant Tung Tree, inclusive of picnic lunch and hammock rest. Visit Bear and Wildlife Rescue Center.
In the late afternoon, it’s time for chilling out at Jungle Lodge’s swimming pool and biking around Nam Cat Tien village to explore the local life.
DAY 2: CAT TIEN – HO CHI MINH CITY (B/L)
Wake up & take an early boat trip down Dong Nai River to enjoy the most beautiful moment of nature in the village and Cat Tien National park surrounding area.
Breakfast is ready to your day. Visit Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species centre where the people here specialize in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of endangered primates naturally found in the surrounding region, and resident primates have all been victims of the illegal wildlife trade.
Have lunch and trip back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Inclusions:
Transportation sightseeing as per program
Pick-up and transfer at hotels centrally located ( Dist 1)
English-speaking tour guide
Entrance fees
Leech socks
Accommodation based on double/twin share
Meals indicated in the program (B=breakfast, L =lunch, D = dinner)
Exclusions:
Optional activities, drinks and meals which are not mentioned in the program
Travel insurance
Personal expenses & tips
Other services not mentioned in the inclusions
Tax
Extra fee for pick-up and transfer at hotels not centrally located ( Dist 1)
Tour information:
Route: HCMC – Dong Nai – Cat Tien National Park
Tour code : VCTT-19
Group size: 2 -15 pax
Pick up: 7:00am
Drop off: 16:30pm – 17:00pm
Daily departure
What to bring: hat, water, snacks, insect repellent & good walking shoes.
