Things to Do in Cat Tien National Park:
A Guide to Vietnam's Hidden Jungle Gem
- Written by Jasmine Brooks
- Updated November 2023
There’s a point in every long trip when the noise becomes too much — too many horns, too many faces, too much motion. I’d spent nearly a week in Saigon, and while the city fascinated me, it also drained me. So, one morning, I folded my map, tightened the straps on my backpack, and kicked my new motorbike into gear. My destination: Cát Tiên National Park, a name whispered by a few travelers as one of Vietnam’s last great untouched jungles.
The Road Out of Saigon
After a few busy days in Ho Chi Minh City, I was ready for something quiet. I’d heard about Cat Tien National Park, located about 150 kilometers northeast of Saigon, and decided it would be my first stop as I began heading north. The park is one of Vietnam’s largest protected areas, covering around 720 square kilometers of tropical forest along the Dong Nai River.
I left early in the morning on my motorbike. Most of the ride was spent just getting out of the endless traffic of Saigon. Once I passed Bien Hoa and Tan Phu, the road became calmer, lined with rice fields and small villages. By early afternoon, I reached the entrance to the park, paid the small entrance fee, and took a short boat ride across the river to the main area.
Camping by the River
Inside the park, visitors can stay in guesthouses or camp near the headquarters. I chose to camp — a small grassy area near the river where a few other travelers had set up their tents. The night was warm but comfortable, and I fell asleep to the sounds of frogs and insects echoing through the forest.
At sunrise, I woke up to the calls of gibbons in the distance. It was one of those moments when you really feel far from the city. After breakfast, I decided to explore. The park staff offered bicycle rentals and guided tours, but the prices were high, so I went on foot.
Exploring the Forest
Cat Tien’s forest is dense and green, full of bamboo and tall hardwood trees. It’s one of the few remaining lowland rainforests in Vietnam. Walking through it, I saw bright butterflies, lizards, and colorful birds everywhere. I didn’t spot any large animals — the park has deer, monkeys, and even bears — but the sense of being surrounded by nature was incredible.
Night Hike to Crocodile Lake
In the evening, I met two travelers who planned to hike to Crocodile Lake, one of the park’s main attractions. It’s a remote wetland area about 14 kilometers from the headquarters, home to rare Siamese crocodiles. We agreed to go together at night to catch the sunrise there.
We started walking around 2:30 a.m., our flashlights lighting the narrow dirt road. It was quiet except for the sounds of insects and an occasional rustle in the bushes. After a few hours, we reached the trail to the lake. A sign said we needed a permit, but there was no one around. We kept going.
As dawn broke, the forest slowly lit up. We reached the lake just before sunrise, surrounded by mist and silence. We didn’t see any crocodiles, but we did spot several water birds gliding across the surface. The reflection of the forest in the still water made it worth the effort.
Leaving the Park
On the way back, we passed a small ranger station. The staff asked for tickets, and we told them we’d forgotten to bring money. They let us go after taking our names, but later I heard my friends had some trouble when leaving the park. I, luckily, had no issues.
I spent one more night camping before leaving. Cat Tien isn’t the easiest place to reach, but it’s worth it if you want to experience a real, untouched jungle — not the crowded, touristy kind. The air feels clean, the forest feels ancient, and for a moment, you get to disconnect completely.
Final Thoughts
Cat Tien National Park was exactly what I needed after the rush of Ho Chi Minh City. It reminded me how quiet and peaceful nature can be when you step away from crowds and traffic. The nights were calm, the mornings full of sound, and even the small challenges — like getting lost on a trail or waking up to gibbons instead of an alarm clock — made the trip feel real.
It’s not a luxury destination, and that’s what makes it special. You trade comfort for connection — to the forest, to the people you meet, and to yourself. If you ever find yourself in southern Vietnam, take a few days to explore Cat Tien. It’s not just a park; it’s a reminder of what untouched nature still feels like.