Photo : Jeremy

1. Cuc Phuong National Park - Best for Jungle Hike

One of Vietnam's most significant protected areas, this national park was established in 1962 and is located three hours south of Hanoi. What you should expect to see in this park are 336 bird species, 135 mammal species, 122 reptile species, and over 2000 plant species.
The primary activity in this park is hiking. Short walks include a 220-step trail leading to the Cave of Prehistoric Man, which has human graves and tools dating back 7500 years, making it one of Vietnam's oldest sites of human habitation.
Longer hikes involve a challenging 15km journey to Kanh, a Muong village, where visitors can spend the night with local families and raft on the Buoi River.
Multi-day treks are available for the private tour only. For this option, do not hesitate to contact us. 

How to get to Cuc Phuong?

There are local buses from Hanoi to Cuc Phuong every day. It is advisable to take the bus at 8.00 am or 11.30 am. The journey takes about 3 hours.
There is no daily tourist bus like the route Hanoi to Halong Bay so if you want something really comfortable, expect to rent a car with a driver. 

How long should I spend at Cuc Phuong National Park?

Many travelers choose to do a day trip that focuses on the main walking trail with a short visit to the animal-protected area. However, the best is to have 2 days trip with 1 night at the Cuc Phuong guest house. 
Book your experience in advance with the park to ensure your opportunities to spot wildlife. 

2. Babe National Park - Best for waterfall and lake experience

This Vietnam national park is a perfect choice to escape from any typical tourist trail. It features towering limestone mountains, deep valleys, and evergreen forests. The stunning landscape is comprised of waterfalls, caves, and lakes that support over 550 different plant species and hundreds of unique bird and animal species.
Visitors can explore the natural wonders of Ba Be by boat, trekking, or mountain biking. After an exciting day, unwind and recharge in the charming homestays and guesthouses of the local Tay ethnic minority village.
Babe lake can stand itself as a very luring Vietnam Travel destination or a connecting site to access Ban Gioc waterfall. 

How to get to Babe national Park?

The distance between Hanoi and Ba Be national park is about 240km and it takes about 5 hours to drive. 
There are local buses from Hanoi with options of day bus or overnight sleeping bus. The tourist bus is the best option if you do not join any group tour. 
It is advisable to arrange the transfer with your guest house/ hotel in Ba Be national park.

How long should I spend in Babe national park?

3 to 4 days is the best time to unearth all the spectaculars of Babe national park. 

What are the trekking tours available for Ba Be national park?

In this Vietnam national park, local tour operator provides 2 to 4 days trekking tours. Please keep in mind that during the trek, you will do homestay which means sleeping with a local family in a separate room. You`ll be served all meals with traditional Vietnamese foods. 

3. Pu Luong Nature Reserve - best for rice terrace spotting

Nestled in Thanh Hoa province, Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a hidden treasure that has recently become a sought-after ecotourism destination in the country. The reserve has a well-structured sustainable tourism framework, with the active involvement of ethnic minority communities in numerous programs to safeguard the park's flora and fauna.
Pu Luong offers a picturesque landscape of misty mountains, hamlets with wooden houses, and extensive terraced rice fields. The park's classic bamboo waterwheels are a charming sight. Pu Luong's relatively challenging accessibility ensures that it maintains its off-the-beaten-track vibe.

How to get to Pu Luong?

A private car or taxi is the best option for travel to Pu Luong. Since it is about 3,5 hours drive from Hanoi city. 
Another way is to book the transfer direct with the hotel you are about to stay in Pu Luong. They may have their own transfer or they will arrange the door-to-door service in case. 

Where to stay in Pu Luong?

Visitors can choose from a range of accommodation options, from humble village homestays to luxury eco-lodges.  These are the most recommended ones:
Pu Luong Retreat
Pu Luong Eco Lodge
Pu Luong Jungle Lodge

4. Cat Ba National Park - best for easy hikes with magnificent views

Cat Ba, the largest island in the Cat Ba archipelago off the coast of Hai Phong in Lan Ha Bay. It is renowned for boat trips and water activities, but many people don't realize is that it also houses a lush national park in its interior. With limestone mountains, deep caves, and mangrove forests set against a backdrop of jade-green waters, Cat Ba National Park is one of the most picturesque places in Vietnam.
The best way to appreciate the views and wildlife, including the critically endangered Cat Ba Langur (only found on the island), is through trekking or mountain biking. From there, visitors can take part in other Cat Ba activities, such as kayaking on the Gulf of Tonkin and climbing Ngu Lam peak (which offers breathtaking views).

How to get to Cat Ba Islands?

There are ways to get to Cat Ba island including private car or taxi,  bus, ferry, and cable car. 
By any means of transport, you need to travel from Hanoi to Hai Phong city from where you can take a boat/ ferry to Cat Ba island. 

How long should I spend on Cat Ba island?

For ordinary sightseeing, we recommend you to take 1 day to explore Cat Ba national park and 1 day to see Lan Ha Bay. 
For more active travel, book a 3 days trip to Cat Ba. This program allows you to see all the attractions on the island as well taking a 1-day trek through the thick, beautiful Cat Ba national park. 

Where can I book a cruise to Cat Ba islands?

You can book online or visit a travel office in Hanoi city, which is the tourism hub of north Vietnam. There are several tours to choose ranging from 2 days sailing via Halong Bay or only-Cat Ba waterways to 3 days overnight in the middle of the ocean. 

 

5. Bai Tu Long National Park: Best for an ocean cruise

Another charming neighbor of Halong Bay is Bai Tu Long national park. The park is relatively underdeveloped and quieter, making it an ideal destination for those looking to experience the natural beauty of Vietnam without crowds.
To fully appreciate the majestic seascape of towering limestone pillars and tranquil waters, an overnight cruise is highly recommended. On such a cruise, passengers can soak up the sun on one of the island's secluded beaches, paddle out into the calm blue waters on a kayak, or simply unwind on deck watching the mesmerizing sunset over the bay. It's an incredibly leisurely way to explore the national park's treasures.

6. Bach Ma National Park: best for a unique wildlife Experience

Many travelers tend to focus their travel in central Vietnam on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hue and Hoi An, there exists a hidden gem in the form of Bach Ma National Park. Located inland from Danang and Ba Na Hills, this park can provide a much-needed respite from the typical itinerary. It exhibits lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, dense forests, and striking mountain ranges.
For those seeking adventure, a trek up Bach Ma Mountain promises uninterrupted panoramic views, while those in search of inner peace may find solace at the tranquil Truc Lam monastery. Alternatively, one could take a refreshing dip in the stunning Do Quyen waterfall, or indulge in a cooling swim in one of the park's five emerald-colored lakes.


Photo: flickr.com

7. Phong Nha National Park - Best for Caving

When you search for The World`s largest cave, you`ll find Son Doong in Phong Nha national park.  The park of Phong Nha is characterized by its rugged hills draped in the rainforest and mountain rivers that snake through dramatic ravines. However, delving underground reveals an even more compelling reason to include this area on any Vietnamese itinerary.
For the fortunate traveler with a budget of $3000, the four-day expedition to Hang Son Doong, one of the world's largest caves, is an unforgettable experience.
The cavernous chambers, akin to a grand cathedral, leave a lasting impression. More affordable multi-day tours that feature other caves, such as the sprawling Hang En - complete with its own beach - are available at a fraction of the cost. These cave tours offer a unique and enthralling perspective of the region.


Photo: Arnaud Samie

8. Con Dao National Park - best for island marine life

Vietnam's national parks aren't all about exploring dense jungles or vast caves. Some of these parks are located on tropical islands off the coast, such as Con Dao National Park. Situated off the eastern coast of Vung Tau Province, Con Dao can be reached by taking a flight from either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, or by embarking on a long boat journey.
This idyllic destination boasts a blend of essential marine habitats, pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and verdant tropical rainforests. A notable highlight is trekking in the dense mangrove canopy, while the colorful reefs present an excellent opportunity for snorkeling and diving.
Of the 15 islands that form the archipelago, 14 are uninhabited, allowing visitors to relish in more secluded 'island safaris' either via motorbike or guided tours. Do not miss the chance to witness the stunning sunset from Mũi Cá Mập, located on the eastern edge of the main island.
Con Dao is listed as one of the best Vietnam Road Trips by Lonely Planet travel site. 

How to get to Con Dao islands?

By flight: there are 2 flight routes to Con Dao airport. Hanoi to Con Dao and Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao. Keep in mind that they are not daily flights, please check the website of Vietnam Airlines to get the seasonal schedule. 
By boat: 3,5 hours is the time it takes for a boat trip from Vung Tau city to Con Son island. 

How long should I stay in the Con Dao islands?

You should spend at least 3 days experiencing the essential charm of Con Dao. The reason is Con Dao is still out of the tourism radar like the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar. Beaches here are just some of the best in Asia. Diving sites are so original and the park has a wide range of interesting points to tempt you. 
We strongly recommend this archipelago for your honeymoon in Asia if you expect a quiet island with private, romantic beaches. 

9. Nam Cat Tien National Park - best for birding

Speaking of birding in Southern Vietnam, Cat Tien National Park is an ideal answer.  Covering an area of 72,000 hectares, it is home to an incredibly diverse region of lowland tropical rainforest, making it one of the best destinations in the country for hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching.
While the park's larger animals, such as elephants and leopards, are rare sights for visitors, they do live deep within the jungle. However, spotting primates like pygmy lorises and langur monkeys, as well as gibbons (which are the focus of early morning guided tours), is highly likely.
The park's birdlife is equally impressive, with rare species such as the orange-necked partridge and Siamese fireback. Like other parks on this list, Cat Tien can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. For a more peaceful experience, plan to visit during the week.

Another article about national parks in Asia: Myanmar National Parks

10. Phu Quoc National Park - Best for beach and snorkeling

When it comes to relaxation, Phu Quoc is the perfect destination to unwind and enjoy the laid-back coastal lifestyle of Vietnam. However, this island has a rugged side that shouldn't be missed.
For those who can pull themselves away from the beach, Phu Quoc National Park is a vast UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that dominates the island's northern Vietnam region and offers plenty of activities.
The park is home to over 1,000 plant species and more than 200 animal species, with most of it consisting of evergreen old-growth forests. Exploring the park is possible by hiking or by navigating back roads on a motorbike. For those who want to explore the marine environment of the park, scuba diving or snorkeling on the reef is an excellent option. Forest camping is also available and offers a nice contrast to the flashy resorts found elsewhere on the island.

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Vietnam National Parks Frequented Asked Questions 2023 - 2024

How many national parks are in Vietnam?

In total, there are 36 national parks and nature reserve areas throughout the country of Vietnam. 

What is the highest national park in Vietnam?

Hoang Lien Son is the highest national park. It is situated at an elevation of 1,600m above sea level. Its tallest peak is Fansipan which perches on an elevation of 3,143m. It is called the roof of Indochina ( Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos)

What is the largest national park in Vietnam?

Yodon national park which covers 115,00 hectares is the largest Vietnam national park. Its boundary reaches the borderline of Vietnam-Cambodia. 

Do I need a permit to visit a Vietnam National Park?

You do not need any permit to visit a Vietnam national park. Parks are open to all visitors. You will need to pay the entrance fee and tour guide fee if you book a trip organized by the park managing company.