Cat Tien National Park, around 150 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, will be an awesome travel spot if you would like to learn more about the beauty of the wild nature. The followings are some things to do in Cat Tien National Park, helping you have a smooth Vietnam day trip to this land. Let’s see!
Trekking through the forest to gaze into rare species of flora
Ancient Tung Tree
Among dozens of things to do in Cat Tien National Park, trekking in the forest is seemingly common for most tourists who wish to seek the vibrant wildlife. In fact, there are two options for a trek when you come to this national park; one is trekking to Crocodile Lake, and the other is trekking along a short trail to peer down at unique species of flora and learn about a world of giant trees hundreds of years old, surely stunning you so much. While many domestic tourists prefer trekking alone to freely explore the wildlife’s scenery, you are highly advised that requiring an English-speaking tour guide to go with you will help you understand more the growing history of those species of flora.
Cycling in the nearby village
Cycling in nearby Nam Cat Tien village
Before hitting the Cat Tien National Park, you are forced to get the ticket in Nam Cat Tien Village for crossing the river. One thing you will be amazed is that Nam Cat Tien Village is supposed to be an ideal place for sightseeing on two wheels. The village is where you can find surprisingly poetic paddy fields at the foot of green hills and hospitable inhabitants. To cycle through narrow village paths to get a sense of the tranquility and fresh air is a plus point for this cycling trip. If you have much time, it is great to visit the nearby pagoda on the hillside.
Staying overnight at a new form of homestay – “Cat Tien Farmstay”
Cat Tien Farmstay is the name of a homestay in a special form, two kilometers away from the Cat Tien National Park. It is strongly recommended that you should not ignore this experience since it is designed to let you feel closer to nature, ranging the outside to each room inside. The whole homestay is depicted as a miniature of an idyllic village with a few houses surrounded by striking flower gardens, and there are a few rooms in each of these houses. The most special thing is that the new and impressive design is found in each of the bathrooms here, which you have never imagined before. It deserves a try for sure!
Exploring Crocodile Lake
Exploring Crocodile Lake
Crocodile Lake is home to over two hundred crocodiles and portrayed as a phenomenal picture of nature. Although the lake’s name sounds quite scaring, it is indeed a peaceful place to chill out. However, be mindful that boating on the water is a completely forbidden activity while even you can find some ranger is rowing without any protection around. To reach this spot, trekking along an intriguing narrow trail full of the tall trees’ shadow and cool breeze is done first, and it will be an interesting thing to do in Cat Tien National Park for your things to do during your Vietnam trekking tour. This trekking allows you to uncover interesting species of flora, ranging from seasonal mushrooms, thick canopies of vines to dazzling huge trees.
Going to see wild animals at night
To see wild animals at night requires a ticket which will let you join a group transferred by a small or big truck through a zone of the forest. During the trip at night, it is a chance for you to witness the life of some wild animals roaming to seek for their food. In recent years, it seems that the wild animals have moved back to the deeper areas of the forest to avoid the humans’ hunting; that is the reason why the trip probably lets you down a little.
Visiting Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Center
Visiting Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Center
Both domestic and international tourists are highly advised to reach this center – it is totally a must thing to do in Cat Tien National Park. The center is situated in a small isolated island and where endangered primate species like golden-cheeked gibbons, back-shanked douc, silvered langur, and pygmy loris are taught basic skills before being sent back to the wildlife. Even wonder why those primate species must be trained as such? It is because all of them have been rescued from the humans’ capture for illegal trade and forgotten their own instinct to survive in the wildlife. It is really a big effort of volunteers in the center and the trip is clearly valuable in enhancing the humans’ awareness of protecting the primates from the threat of extinction.
