Vietnam is a country of incredible natural beauty. From the mountains in the north to lakes, rivers and caves, along a long, varied coastline – and finally to the tropical jungle of Cát Tiên National Park in the south. We spent a few days here feeling completely immersed in nature: biking through the jungle, spotting wildlife (including a rather unusual endangered animal we never would have associated with Vietnam), and ending our days with a vegan dinner on our accommodation’s terrace, overlooking the river while jungle sounds filled the air. If that sounds like your kind of travel experience… this article is for you!
Introduction
- Best for: nature, wildlife, rainforest hikes, birdwatching, cycling, slow travel
- Where to stay: Park headquarters area (basic lodges & guesthouses) or homestays in Nam Cát Tiên village
- Main highlights: Jungle trekking, gibbon calls at sunrise, Crocodile Lake (Bàu Sấu), night safari
- Getting around: Walking and cycling inside the park; motorbikes available outside the park
- When to visit: December-April for drier conditions; May-November is lush but rainy
- Getting there: ~4-5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City by bus or private transfer
- Vegan-friendly? Limited, but possible – find more tips in this article
Ideal stop for slowing down and reconnecting with nature in southern Vietnam.
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About Vietnam
Stretching over 1,600 kilometers from north to south, Vietnam is a country of striking contrasts and constant change. Bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City sit alongside peaceful rice terraces, dramatic mountain ranges, tropical coastlines and vast cave systems. Traveling through Vietnam – whether north to south or the other way around – offers a unique perspective on how landscapes gradually shift, and with them local traditions, dialects, daily life and regional cuisine. Beyond its cities and famous highlights, Vietnam is also home to an impressive network of national parks, protecting rainforests, wetlands and wildlife-rich areas that invite slower and more nature-focused travel.
About Cát Tiên National Park
Vietnam is home to 34 officially recognized national parks, and Cát Tiên National Park is one of the most accessible in the south of the country. Located around 150 km from Ho Chi Minh City, the park protects a vast area of tropical rainforest and features an impressive diversity of life. More than 1,600 plant species and around 1,700 animal species have been recorded here, including rare and endangered wildlife such as Siamese crocodiles, wild elephants, sun bears and the golden-cheeked gibbon.
What we particularly loved about Cát Tiên is the freedom it offers. Unlike many national parks where guided tours are mandatory, large parts of the park can be explored independently, by foot or even by bike. That said, guided experiences are still available for those who want to dive deeper, such as night safaris or excursions to spot crocodiles or primates. We chose to stay inside the park for three nights, at a lovely hotel that we’ll introduce further down in this article. And since traveling vegan in remote areas often raises questions, we’ll also share some (hopefully helpful!) tips on vegan food options in and around Cát Tiên.
Practical Tips for Cát Tiên National Park
Best Time to Visit
Cát Tiên National Park has a tropical climate with two main seasons:
Dry Season (December – April): The best time to visit, with lower humidity, less rain and more comfortable conditions for hiking, cycling and wildlife spotting.
Rainy Season (May – November): Expect frequent showers, especially in the afternoons. The park is very lush during this time, but trails can be muddy and some areas may be harder to access. We visited in November, and while the weather was generally quite good, we still experienced a fairly heavy afternoon shower almost every day.
Most travelers prefer January to March for the most pleasant weather and good chances of wildlife sightings.
Visa
- Vietnam requires a visa for many nationalities. Many travelers can apply for a Vietnam e-visa online, which is usually valid for up to 90 days (single or multiple entry, depending on nationality).
- Visa-free entry is available for certain passports for shorter stays.
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date.
Money & ATMs
Vietnam’s official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). There are no ATMs inside Cát Tiên National Park, and options nearby are very limited. Therefor, we suggest to bring enough cash from larger cities such as Ho Chi Minh City or Da Lat before arriving.
Most guesthouses, restaurants and activities in and around the park are cash-only.
As a travel card, we recommend the Wise multi-currency card . It allows you to hold and spend in multiple currencies, withdraw local cash at ATMs with competitive exchange rates, and avoid high foreign exchange fees.
Practical tips: Withdraw cash in larger cities before heading to Cát Tiên National Park, as ATMs near the park are very limited or unreliable. Carry enough cash for accommodation, meals and activities.
Internet & SIM Cards
On the mainland of Vietnam, SIM cards are easy to buy from providers such as Viettel, Vinaphone or Mobifone. An eSIM is also a convenient option and can be set up before arrival (We used Saily).
In and around Cát Tiên National Park, internet access is limited and unreliable. Some accommodations offer Wi-Fi in common areas, but mobile data coverage can be weak or nonexistent. It’s a great place to unplug 🙂 Just make sure to download maps and information in advance.
Budget & Typical Costs
Cát Tiên National Park is quite affordable compared to many other nature destinations in Vietnam.
Typical daily budget:
- Budget traveler: €20-35/day (guesthouses, local food)
- Mid-range: €40-70/day (comfortable lodges, meals at accommodation)
- Higher-end stays: €80+/day (eco-lodges, guided activities)
Guided tours (such as night safaris or trips to Crocodile Lake) are the main additional expenses.
Useful Things to Pack for Cát Tiên National Park
- Cash
- Mosquito repellent
- Light, breathable clothing (we recommend long pants for jungle treks)
- Light rain jacket (especially in rainy season)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Reusable water bottle
- Headlamp or flashlight (for night safaris)
- Power bank (limited charging options in some places)
Especially during or shortly after the rainy season, leeches are present in the park. While they’re harmless, they can be unpleasant when sticking to the skin. Wearing long socks and tucking your pants into them helps a lot. Some travelers also use leech socks or insect repellent sprayed around ankles and shoes.
We didn’t find them overwhelming during our stay, but it’s good to be aware so you don’t get surprised.
Getting to Cát Tiên National Park
Cát Tiên National Park can easily be reached from Ho Chi Minh City or Da Lat.
From Da Lat to Cát Tiên
The national park can be easily reached from Da Lat (or DaLat) by local bus with Dalat Vietnam Tours. To reserve a seat, simply send a WhatsApp text to +84918313696 (it’s always worth double-checking the number on their website in case it changes). This might sound unusual if you aren’t used to travel in Southeast Asia, but trust us – it’s the “official” way to book and it works well. You normally get a reply very quickly.
The bus arrived at the pick-up point with a short delay of about 10 minutes. The journey itself turned out to be a memorable experience: in addition to passengers, the bus was also transporting flowers! Along the way, we made several stops so the driver and his assistant could load baskets of flowers from different pick-up points, until the bus was eventually filled. From there on, the ride was smooth and uneventful. After around six hours, we arrived in Cát Tiên and were dropped off directly at our accommodation.
Alternatively, for a more comfortable and faster option, you can also book a private taxi from Da Lat to Cát Tiên through 12Go.Asia. This can be a particularly good choice if you’re traveling as a pair or in a small group, as the cost can be split between passengers.
From Ho Chi Minh City to Cát Tiên
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Cát Tiên National Park by bus is the most budget-friendly option. Local buses depart from Mien Dong (Eastern) Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City and run several times a day, especially in the morning and early afternoon. While there isn’t a strictly fixed timetable, departures are generally every 1-2 hours. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops. Some buses go directly to Nam Cát Tiên village, while others stop at a nearby junction or in Tân Phú, from where a short taxi or motorbike taxi ride may be needed to reach your accommodation. Tickets are usually purchased directly at the bus station or on the bus itself. Since schedules can change and services are fairly local and informal, it’s a good idea to confirm the latest departure times at the station or ask your accommodation in advance.
If you’re looking for a more reliable and faster option, the route can also be covered by private taxi or shared minivan, both of which can be conveniently booked through 12Go.Asia.
Alternatively, multi-day tours to Cát Tiên National Park with pick-up either in Da Lat or Ho Chi Minh City can be booked through GetYourGuide, which may be a good option if you prefer an organized, hassle-free experience:
Where to Stay in Cát Tiên National Park
We stayed at Quang Minh River View Resort and can absolutely recommend it! The rooms are simple but spacious, and most come with a balcony overlooking the Đồng Nai River. The property is located just a few minutes’ walk from the boat crossing that takes you over the river and into Cát Tiên National Park, which makes it a super convenient base for exploring the area. Breakfast is included in the price, and you can also have lunch and dinner at the resort. Best of all: vegan options are available for all three meals. (We give more detail and rave properly about this further down under “Veganism in Cát Tiên National Park” 😉). Another big plus is that you can book jungle tours directly through the resort, including guided walks and wildlife experiences, which makes planning your activities incredibly easy. And last but not least, the prices are very affordable, and the staff truly go out of their way to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
What to Do in Cát Tiên National Park
Cát Tiên National Park is an ideal destination for anyone who loves nature. There are plenty of activities that you can either enjoy independently or with a guide, depending on your preference. To access the park, keep in mind that you’ll need to cross a small river by boat. The short boat ride across the Đồng Nai River costs around 30,000 VND per trip and is already a cool part of the experience. During our visit in late 2025, a bridge over the Đồng Nai River was under construction, so this situation may change in the future. If you’ve been to Cát Tiên recently and have updates, please let us and the readers know in the comments!
Bike & Hike to Crocodile Lake (Bàu Sấu)
Without a doubt, this was our favorite activity in Cát Tiên National Park! Right after stepping off the ferry, you can rent a bike for approximately 150,000 VND for a full day. If Crocodile Lake is your goal, this is also the moment to pay the entrance fee of around 250,000 VND. They only check tickets after the bike ride – so if you forget, you’ll have cycled those first 10 km for nothing.
From here on, the choice is yours. While you can technically cycle anywhere the road allows, biking to Crocodile Lake is hands down the best option. The route starts with about 10 km of cycling through the jungle, followed by a 5 km hike one way. The journey itself is already an experience: dense jungle on both sides, the constant chirping of birds and butterflies flying all around you. Once on the hiking trail, one of the highlights along the way is passing a giant ancient tree – and trust us, it’s absolutely worth stopping. Its sheer size and age are truly awe-inspiring.
And then, finally, you arrive at Crocodile Lake. The area is home to the Siamese crocodile, a critically endangered species, and Cát Tiên National Park is one of the very last places in the world where they still live in the wild. You can observe them safely from an elevated viewing platform while enjoying a refreshing drink. To be completely honest, we didn’t set our expectations too high beforehand – wildlife encounters can always be hit or miss. But this time, we got lucky! During our visit, we spotted around five crocodiles, some resting near the water’s edge, others slowly swimming through the lake. It was truly, truly breathtaking to be in the presence of these fascinating animals.
Guided Jungle Hikes (Day or Night)
As mentioned earlier, one of the things we loved most about Cát Tiên National Park is that, unlike other national parks we visited, it’s possible to explore parts of it independently. That said, some visitors simply prefer having a guide (whether to gain deeper insight into the park’s wildlife and ecosystems, or to join activities such as a night safari) and that’s absolutely possible too. While there are guided hikes available to pre-book online, they’re often sold as part of larger packages that include transport from cities like Da Lat or Ho Chi Minh City. If you’re already staying near the park and just looking for a guided hike or activity, the easiest option is to ask your accommodation. In our experience, they’re more than happy to suggest tours or connect you directly with a local guide for a more individual trip.
Dao Tien Endangered Primate Centre
Another interesting activity for animal lovers is visiting the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Centre in Cát Tiên National Park. This rescue and rehabilitation center focuses on endangered primate species native to southern Vietnam, including gibbons and several species of langurs. Many of the animals cared for here are victims of illegal wildlife trade or habitat loss. The center’s primary mission is to rehabilitate them and, whenever possible, release them back into the wild. Visits are only possible with a guide, which helps ensure that the animals are not disturbed and allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the conservation work being done on site.
Personally, we didn’t visit the center during our stay. At the time, we weren’t entirely sure how ethical the experience would be and whether it might lean more towards a tourist attraction than genuine conservation. However, based on our research since then, the feedback is largely positive, highlighting a dedicated team and a clear focus on rewilding animals whenever possible. If you’ve visited the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Centre yourself, we’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!
Boat Trip on the Đồng Nai River
A calm and scenic way to experience Cát Tiên National Park is by taking a boat tour on the Đồng Nai River, which forms a natural boundary of the park. The slow ride along the river offers a different perspective on the surrounding rainforest, with dense jungle lining the banks and plenty of chances to spot birds, monkeys and other wildlife. Boat tours can usually be arranged directly through your accommodation or at the park entrance. Some tours are mostly to enjoy the views, while others focus more on wildlife spotting or sunset views. If you’re looking for a relaxed, nature-focused activity that doesn’t require much physical effort, a boat tour on the Đồng Nai River is definitely worth considering.
Wildlife Spotting from Observation Towers
Within the park, there are a few wildlife observation points and towers overlooking open grassland areas. These spots are particularly good for seeing deer, wild boar, birds, and – with looots of luck – sometimes even elephants, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. For exact locations and current conditions, it’s easiest to ask your accommodation for more information.
Veganism in Vietnam
Traveling as a Vegan in Vietnam
In general, we found it pretty easy to be vegan in Vietnam. Many local dishes feature naturally vegan ingredients such as rice, noodles, fresh herbs, vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and legumes. That said, fish sauce or shrimp paste is often added, and these ingredients aren’t always obvious unless you ask. The good news is that meals are usually prepared fresh to order, which makes it easy to request small adjustments and turn a dish fully vegan. In our experience, this was never an issue: people were friendly, flexible and genuinely helpful. The translation cards below can be very useful when asking about non-vegan ingredients while ordering food.
If you’d like to dive deeper into the topic or are looking for specific restaurant recommendations, check out our vegan guides to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City!
Translation Card for Vietnam
Feel free to screenshot this card, save it on your phone, or print it and keep it in your wallet!
Vegan in Cát Tiên National Park
Compared to the rest of our travels in Vietnam, staying vegan in Cát Tiên National Park required a bit more planning. This is mainly due to the limited number of shops in the area, which mostly stock basic snacks rather than dedicated plant-based options (think chips and Oreos). Thankfully, we didn’t run out of tasty options thanks to our stay at Quang Minh River View Resort, as they provided delicious meals at any time of the day (more on that below). Overall, we’d say that the key factor when planning a vegan stay in Cát Tiên National Park really depends on the type of accommodation you choose:
Option 1: Staying at a Hotel/Without Kitchen
If you’re staying in a hotel or accommodation without a kitchen, you’ll naturally be more dependent on the restaurants nearby. In this case, we can wholeheartedly recommend Quang Minh River View Resort, which made our stay as vegans incredibly easy and stress-free. For breakfast, there was one vegan option on the menu: Mì Quảng, a broth dish with noodles, tofu, greens and herbs. If was the perfect way to start the day and kept us full for hours. For lunch and dinner, the resort has a menu with multiple tofu options. On request, they even prepared a vegan Bánh Mì for us, which wasn’t on the menu! The ideal take-away snack for a day in the jungle or a travel day.
Alternatively, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options in various price and comfort categories on Booking.com:
Option 2: Accommodation with Kitchen/Self-Catering
When doing our research, we didn’t come across many accommodations in Cát Tiên National Park that offer access to a kitchen – but they do exist. Some of the options we found include Hương Rừng Nam Cát Tiên, Cát Tiên Riverside and Du Yên Garden Of Blessings (all located within a radius of around 3 km from the park). As mentioned, there aren’t many shops in the area, and those that do exist don’t stock any specific vegan products. If you’re coming from a larger city beforehand (such as Ho Chi Minh City or Da Lat) it’s a good idea to buy any essentials you might need (for example plant-based milk) in advance. One item that was surprisingly hard to find was bread without milk derivatives – not only in Vietnam by the way, but across Southeast Asia in general. If you like preparing your own sandwiches, we’d recommend buying bread in a larger supermarket while you’re still in a city.
Vegan Restaurants in Cát Tiên National Park
There are no fully vegan restaurants in or around Cát Tiên National Park, but thankfully local Vietnamese cuisine is quite vegan-friendly and people are friendly and uncomplicated. For example, when there’s only a rice dish with meat on the menu, we simply ask if it’s possible to serve it with vegetables or even tofu. More often than not, it is! Below are some restaurants that offer plant-based dishes. As mentioned earlier, just make sure to ask whether shrimp paste or fish or oyster sauce is used, to ensure the dish is fully vegan.
- Local Food – Coffee: Offers dishes with tofu and vegetables, such as mushroom hotpot, tofu with tomatoes and fried morning glory.
- Thuy Tien Eco Restaurant: Serves typical Vietnamese dishes. Reviews mention vegan options.
- Nhà hàng Tây Bắc: Has some tofu dishes on the menu.
- Quang Minh River View Resort: Our not-so-secret fave 😉 Has some tofu dishes on the menu and a vegan breakfast option.
Conclusion
We traveled through Vietnam for almost a month (click here to see the itinerary), and Cát Tiên National Park was one of the absolute highlights of our trip. While we didn’t do many guided activities, the bike ride to Crocodile Lake was a true highlight and completely different from other jungle experiences we’ve had during our travels in Southeast Asia. If you have enough time in your itinerary, spending a few days here is a wonderful opportunity to disconnect, slow down, and experience a very different side of southern Vietnam.
This guide is completely free. If it helped you plan your trip and you’d like to say thank you, you can do so here 🙂
FAQ: Cát Tiên National Park Travel Guide
Where is Cát Tiên National Park located?
Cát Tiên National Park is located in southern Vietnam, around 150 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. It spans parts of Đồng Nai, Lâm Đồng, and Bình Phước provinces and is one of the most accessible national parks in southern Vietnam.
How many days should I spend in Cát Tiên National Park?
We recommend spending at least 2–3 days in Cát Tiên National Park. This allows enough time for cycling or hiking to Crocodile Lake, wildlife spotting, and possibly a guided night safari, while still enjoying a slower pace.
When is the best time to visit Cát Tiên National Park?
The best time to visit Cát Tiên National Park is during the dry season from December to April, when humidity is lower and trails are easier to navigate. The rainy season (May–November) brings lush landscapes but muddy trails and leeches.
How do I get to Cát Tiên National Park?
Cát Tiên National Park can be reached by bus, minivan or private transfer from Ho Chi Minh City or Da Lat. Travel time is usually around 4–6 hours. Most travelers are dropped off in Nam Cát Tiên village, near the park entrance.
Do you need a guide to visit Cát Tiên National Park?
No, guides are not mandatory for most areas of the park. Many trails can be explored independently on foot or by bike. However, a guide is required for certain activities such as night safaris, visiting Crocodile Lake, or the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Centre.
Are there elephants in Cát Tiên National Park?
Yes, Cát Tiên National Park is home to a small population of wild Asian elephants. Sightings are rare and mostly occur in remote grassland areas, usually early in the morning or late afternoon. Observation towers offer the best chance, but sightings are never guaranteed.
Is Cát Tiên National Park vegan-friendly?
Vegan options in and around Cát Tiên National Park are limited but manageable. Some accommodations offer vegan meals on request, and local restaurants can often adapt dishes using tofu and vegetables. Planning ahead or choosing the right accommodation makes a big difference.
Is malaria a risk in Cát Tiên National Park?
The risk of malaria in Cát Tiên National Park is considered very low, especially for short-term travelers. Dengue fever is more common than malaria in southern Vietnam. Using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves in the evening, and staying in accommodations with mosquito nets or screens is usually sufficient. For personalized advice, consult a travel clinic before your trip.
Is Cát Tiên National Park safe for travelers?
Yes, Cát Tiên National Park is generally very safe. Crime is rare, and the area is calm and nature-focused. The main things to watch out for are insects, slippery trails during the rainy season, and following park rules when encountering wildlife.
Further Reading
Blog Articles
Traveling to Vietnam:
- Sleeper Bus from Vientiane to Hanoi
- Vietnam Itinerary: North & South Highlights
- Vegan in Hanoi
- Vegan in Ho Chi Minh City
Useful Resources
About the Authors
Lynn & Daniel are the vegan couple behind VanderlustJourney, combining their passion for adventure and plant-based living. They share stories and visuals of natural places, hikes, vegan discoveries, and meaningful encounters from around the world – always striving to travel with kindness.
👉 Follow us on Instagram
✉️ Contact: vanderlustjourney@outlook.com
Such a great guide to Cat Tien! Cat Tien sounds like the perfect escape from the city.
Biking and hiking to Crocodile Lake sounds amazing! I’d love to combine that with a stay at the Quang Minh River View Resort with its incredible views.
this is awesome! im actually planning a trip to the country but somehow their national parks never crossed my radar till now – def gonna give this a thought!
Vietnam is on my bucket list – I hope to visit soon. That giant ancient tree would be the highlight of a hiking day for me as well. It looks surreal even in photos and must be even more impressive in real life.