Top 10 Amazing National Parks in Vietnam - The Gifts From Nature

Vietnam: Home to an Array of National Parks

According to Statista, Vietnam boasts a vast forest area encompassing 14.8 million hectares. Thanks to conservation efforts, this green expanse has been on the rise, growing steadily by over a million hectares in the last decade alone.

Let’s put it into perspective.

While Vietnam’s forests may not be the biggest in the area, they’re certainly no slouch compared to Thailand’s 19 million hectares or Laos’s 16.6 million hectares.

But it’s not just about numbers. It’s about the spectacular biodiversity thriving within these forests. From rare animals to unique plant species, Vietnam’s wilderness is home to a myriad of species vital for ecosystem stability and economic prosperity.

And who are the guardians of this massive ecosystem? None other than the national parks.

National parks in Vietnam play a pivotal role in safeguarding this wealth of biodiversity. Acting as sanctuaries, they protect and conserve endangered species, preserve unique habitats, and provide essential ecological services.

Moreover, national parks serve as hubs for scientific research, eco-tourism, and education, fostering environmental awareness and appreciation among locals and visitors alike.

Top 10 Amazing National Parks in Vietnam

Next time you plan a trip, consider venturing into one of these national parks in Vietnam. These amazing attractions provide a variety of fun, distinctive, and life-changing experiences that are unattainable anywhere else.

1. Ba Vi National Park, Ha Noi

Located just 60 kilometers from Hanoi, Ba Vi National Park is a haven of tranquility, offering a much-needed getaway from the city’s hustle and bustle. As a vast area of 10,815 hectares, this park is a treasure trove of diverse ecosystems and breathtaking landscapes, making it a unique destination for nature lovers.

Ba Vi National Park is dominated by three peaks, the highest of which is King Peak, which reaches an elevation of 1,296 meters.

The park has a rich biodiversity, with over 1,200 species of flora and 342 species of fauna, including rare and endangered species like langurs and civets. Its geological formations, including limestone karsts and caves, add to its natural allure.

Visitors to Ba Vi National Park can enjoy a range of activities, including:

• Hiking through lush forests.
• Birdwatching.
• Exploring the park’s numerous caves and waterfalls.

Ba Vi National Park, Ha Noi.

2. Tam Dao National Park, Vinh Phuc

Located in Vinh Phuc Province, 70 kilometers northwest of Hanoi, Tam Dao National Park is a verdant haven spanning 36,883 hectares.

Tam Dao National Park is characterized by its picturesque mountain landscapes, dense forests, and diverse wildlife. The park has over 490 plant and 160 animal species, including the cheek black monkey, snakehead fish, and silver pheasant wood grouses. Its terrain features dramatic waterfalls, streams, and pristine lakes.

Tam Dao National Park is recognized as one of the most important conservation areas in Vietnam as it protects critical habitats for endangered species.

Visitors to Tam Dao National Park can enjoy a range of activities, including:

• Exploring the park’s lush trails.
• Trekking.
• Wildlife spotting.
• Birdwatching.
• Hiking to the park’s highest peak, Tam Dao Mountain (1,591 meters), for panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Tam Dao National Park, Vinh Phuc.

3. Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh

Situated in Ninh Binh Province, Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam’s first national park, spanning an area of 22,200 hectares.

Cuc Phuong National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, encompassing diverse habitats such as limestone karsts, evergreen forests, and wetlands.

The park is home to over 2,000 plant species, 97 species of mammals, and 336 bird species, including the rare langurs. Its geological formations are dotted with caves, some holding prehistoric artifacts dating back thousands of years.

At the 2023 World Travel Awards (WTA), which took place on September 6, Cuc Phuong National Park was named “Asia’s Leading National Park” for the 5th time in a row.

Visitors to Cuc Phuong National Park can enjoy a range of activities, including:

• Exploring its network of hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, caves, and ancient trees.
• Participating in educational programs about conservation and local biodiversity.

Monkey at Cuc Phuong National Park.

4. Cat Ba National Park, Hai Phong

Located in Cat Ba Archipelago in Hai Phong Province, Cat Ba National Park covers an area of 15,200 hectares.

Cat Ba National Park is renowned for its stunning karst landscapes, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems. The park has over 1,500 plants and 282 animal species, including the endangered Cat Ba langur. Its geological formations include towering limestone cliffs, hidden caves, and emerald-green lagoons.

Cat Ba National Park is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, highlighting its importance in conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development.

Visitors to Cat Ba National Park can enjoy a variety of activities, including:

• Hiking.
• Rock climbing.
• Kayaking.
• Snorkeling.
• Enjoying breathtaking views from hiking trails.
• Swimming and sunbathing in coastal areas.
• Embarking on guided tours to spot rare species like the Cat Ba langur.

Cat Ba National Park Hai Phong.

5. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh

In Quang Binh Province, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning 123,326 hectares.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is renowned for its spectacular karst landscapes, extensive cave systems, and diverse ecosystems. The park has over 2,700 plant species, 200 bird species, and 154 mammal species. Its geological formations include some of the world’s largest caves, such as Son Doong Cave and Phong Nha Cave, adorned with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.

Visitors to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park can enjoy a variety of activities, including:

• Embarking on guided cave tours provided by Oxalis Adventure.
• Trekking through lush forests.
• Swimming in crystal-clear rivers.
• Zip-lining over breathtaking landscapes.
• Wildlife spotting, with chances to encounter rare species like the Hatinh langur.

Visitors to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park can also stay in nearby accommodations and eco-lodges, such as Tu Lan Lodge, immersing themselves in the park’s natural beauty while supporting local communities and conservation efforts.

Hang Son Doong, nestled within Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park.

6. Bach Ma National Park, Hue

Located in Thua Thien Hue Province, Bach Ma National Park is nestled between Hue and Da Nang, covering an area of 37,487 hectares.

Bach Ma National Park is renowned for its diverse landscapes, ranging from tropical rainforests to mountain peaks. The park has over 2,000 plant species, 1,029 insect species, and 363 bird species. Its geological formations include rugged mountains, cascading waterfalls, and pristine rivers.

Recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2022, Bach Ma National Park is home to the world’s sole breeding habitat for the critically endangered saola.

Visitors to Bach Ma National Park can enjoy a range of activities, including:

• Hiking through lush forests.
• Birdwatching.
• Swimming in natural pools beneath waterfalls.
• Guided tours to historical sites, such as the Bach Ma Summit and the Hai Vong Dai observation tower.

Bach Ma National Park, Hue.

7. Yok Don National Park, Dak Lak-Dak Nong

Located in the Central Highlands region, Yok Don National Park spans across Dak Lak and Dak Nong provinces, covering an area of 115,545 hectares.

Yok Don National Park is characterized by its vast tracts of pristine forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The park has over 1,000 plant species, 300 bird species, and 90 mammal species, including the endangered Indochinese tiger and the Asian elephant. Its geological formations include ancient volcanic mountains, meandering rivers, and seasonal floodplains, providing critical habitats for diverse wildlife.

Yok Don is the second-largest national park in Vietnam after Phong Nha-Ke Bang and the only one dedicated to preserving the country’s dry deciduous dipterocarp forests (DDF).

Visitors to Yok Don National Park can enjoy a range of activities, including:

• Exploring its network of hiking trails and spotting wildlife.
• Observing traditional hunting and gathering practices of local ethnic minorities.
• Elephant trekking tours.

Elephant riding at Yok Don National Park.

8. Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai

Located in Dong Nai Province, Cat Tien National Park spans an area of 73,878 hectares and is one of the largest protected areas in Vietnam.

Cat Tien National Park stands out for its unique blend of ecosystems, encompassing tropical rainforests, wetlands, and seasonal floodplains. The park boasts an impressive biodiversity, with over 1,700 plant and 700 animal species, including the critically endangered Javan rhinoceros and the Siamese crocodile.

The park also has ancient volcanic mountains, limestone karsts, and scenic rivers, which create a stunning backdrop and serve as crucial habitats for rare and endemic species.

Cat Tien National Park is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is Vietnam’s second biggest biosphere reserve.

Visitors to Cat Tien National Park can enjoy a range of activities, including:

• Exploring hiking trails for wildlife spotting and birdwatching.
• Guided night spotting to observe nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat.
• Visiting conservation centers, such as the Endangered Primate Rescue Center.

Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai.

9. Tram Chim National Park, Dong Thap

Located in Dong Thap Province, Tram Chim National Park spans an area of 7,588 hectares and is renowned for its rich biodiversity and wetland habitats.

Tram Chim National Park is home to over 300 bird species, including the endangered Sarus crane and the Oriental darter. The park’s wetland habitats, including seasonally flooded grasslands and melaleuca forests, provide critical breeding grounds and stopover sites for migratory birds. Its geological formations include meandering rivers, lakes, and floating water hyacinths, creating a unique and picturesque landscape.

Tram Chim National Park is recognized as the 4th Ramsar Site in Vietnam and the 2,000th in the world, highlighting its significance as a wetland for migratory waterbirds.

Visitors to Tram Chim National Park can enjoy a range of activities, including:

• Exploring bird-watching towers and observation hides.
• Guided boat tours for navigating through winding waterways.

Chàm Chim National Park, Dong Thap.

10. U Minh Thuong National Park, Kien Giang

Located in Kien Giang Province, U Minh Thuong National Park covers an area of 21,100 hectares and is one of the last remaining peat swamp forests in Vietnam.

U Minh Thuong National Park is characterized by its unique peat swamp forests, mangrove ecosystems, and seasonal floodplains. The park has over 130 plant species, 147 bird species, and 32 mammal species. Its geological formations include ancient peat deposits, interlacing water channels, and floating vegetation mats, creating a dynamic environment.

U Minh Thuong National Park is acknowledged as the 8th Ramsar site in Vietnam, and it is a part of the Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve and ASEAN Heritage Park.

Visitors to U Minh Thuong National Park can enjoy a range of activities, including:

• Exploring trails for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and nature photography.
• Guided boat tours for discovering hidden corners of the swamp forests.
• Learning about traditional fishing and farming practices in local villages.

The Enchanting Beauty of U Minh Thuong National Park, Kien Giang.

How Can We Enjoy and Protect National Parks?

The national parks in Vietnam offer both its people and nature innumerable benefits in terms of economy and ecosystem stability. However, the challenge is, for future generations to enjoy what we’re blessed to be enjoying now, how can we use these national parks while protecting them simultaneously?

Together, we must foster a culture of conscious participation among visitors.

Each of us must encourage ourselves to minimize our environmental footprint by practicing Leave No Trace principles, such as proper waste disposal and respecting wildlife habitats.

As a part of this principle, Oxalis Adventure actively promotes Net Zero tourism, far and wide, to all corners of the travel map. Net Zero tourism aims to offset the carbon emissions from tourism activities through sustainable practices and conservation efforts.

Ban Doong: A Gem of Tranquility and Culture in Phong Nha Ke Bang.

By implementing measures like tree planting, waste reduction, and renewable energy usage, we collectively minimize our environmental impact and promote ecosystem restoration.

Embracing such initiatives not only enhances our visitor experience but also ensures the sustainability and protection of Vietnam’s national parks for future generations to enjoy.

Bottom Line

Vietnam’s national parks offer a diverse range of experiences, from tranquil hikes through lush forests to exhilarating adventures in underground caves.

Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure enthusiast, or a cultural explorer, these parks have something to offer for everyone. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure with Oxalis and discover Vietnam’s natural wonders.

The Oxalis Experience.