MYSTERIOUS NAM CAT TIEN NATIONAL PARK TOUR – 2 DAYS

Day 1: MYSTERIOUS NAM CAT TIEN NATIONAL PARK TOUR: HO CHI MINH CITY – NAM CAT TIEN (-/L/D)

Leaving Ho Chi Minh City at 8 AM, travel up northern city long Highway 1 then branching off National Highway 20 that leading us to a former volcanic crater, known as Lava tubes. Crossing the Dong Nai River to enter the Cat Tien National Park enables visitors begin their wildlife experience. After about 3, 5 hours we arrive at the Nam Cat Tien National Park.

The Park was established in 1998 and is comprised of two separate areas: Nam Cat Tien and Cat Loc. Together they cover around 185,000 acres of evergreen rainforest, which is home to over 600 varieties of plants, 240 types of birds and 50 species of mammals, including the one-horn Java rhinoceros. However don’t expect to see one on this afternoon’s walk through the park.

At one time the animal was thought to be extinct due to poachers. In the past poachers could expect a large purse from the sale of rhino horn. Their very existence as a species is still under threat, although it is hoped that an increase in awareness and a sustainable eco-tourism industry can safeguard the animal’s future. Certainly the 60 park wardens take great pride in their “Vietnamese Rhino” and continually patrol the area on the lookout for poachers. After dinner, we board our jeep car to Crocodile Lake in the park for wild animals’ night life watching. This evening we staying the tree house situated in the centre of the park. 

Day 2: MYSTERIOUS NAM CAT TIEN NATIONAL PARK TOUR : NAM CAT TIEN – HO CHI MINH CITY (B/-/-)

9km transfer by jeep inside the park to junction, where we turn off the main route for 5km trekking to Crocodile lake station. A short break at the lake watching tower, then trek to the main road again. Jeep picks up and transfers back to the park center. Check out the room. Lunch in the park before leaving; take ferry crossing the river then heading back to Ho Chi Minh by vehicle.