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Vietnam's graceful S-shaped coastline is blessed by nature with a long stretch of land embracing countless fascinating landscapes and rich ecosystems. From lush tropical forests where sunlight filters through the foliage creating magical dances of light, to majestic mountain ranges that stand tall like sleeping giants, Vietnam also boasts vast wetlands teeming with life, and pristine beaches where fine white sand stretches beneath cool, shady casuarina trees. This diverse topography and climate have created a Vietnam with one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, a "wonder of biodiversity," as impressively noted by the travel magazine Wanderlust.
Yok Don National Park (Dak Lak)
The alarming situation regarding the number of wild elephants in Vietnam is sounding the alarm about the serious decline of an iconic animal species. Deeply aware of the imminent threat of extinction, the Vietnamese Government has demonstrated strong determination through the implementation of the Elephant Conservation Action Plan in November 2024. This effort is expected to bring practical solutions to protect the last remaining elephants in Vietnam. Looking back, in the 1980s, Vietnam was proud to have about 2,000 Asian elephants (Elephas maximus indicus) living in its vast forests. However, due to the vicissitudes of time and the negative impacts of human activities, the number of this rare elephant species has declined alarmingly, and today only an estimated 200 individuals remain.
"Tourism that doesn't harm elephants" in Yok Don.
In this context, Yok Don National Park, located near the Cambodian border, emerges as an "oasis" of hope, considered the ideal location for tourists to observe elephants in their natural environment. In this characteristic dry forest, visitors can join experienced guides on exciting treks through the jungle. This journey not only offers the chance to learn about the unique living habits of elephants but also to hear touching stories about individuals who once endured captivity and are now back in the wild. If lucky, visitors may even witness a herd of elephants leisurely foraging amidst the majestic natural scenery.
Many tourists come here to have the opportunity to see the elephants.
Yok Don National Park, located in Krong Na commune, Buon Don district, Dak Lak province, about 40 km north of Buon Ma Thuot city center, is not only an important nature reserve but also an attractive ecotourism and environmental education destination. It offers a variety of unique experiences, from observing and learning about the lives of elephants (with responsible tourism activities ensuring animal welfare), camping amidst pristine nature, admiring the beauty of diverse bird species, hiking or cycling under the shady canopy of dipterocarp forests, to cruising on the picturesque Serepok River and enjoying the stunning natural scenery.
There are many other activities at the National Park for visitors to experience.
Cat Ba Island (Hai Phong)
Nestled gracefully on the western edge of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Cat Ba Island (part of Hai Phong city) appears as a picturesque landscape, where rugged limestone mountains rise proudly, covered by vast expanses of pristine green forests. The wonderful blend of majestic mountain beauty and the richness of the tropical forest ecosystem has created a captivating Cat Ba, attracting explorers from all over the world.
The Cat Ba langur – a symbol of Vietnam's natural beauty, proudly and powerfully spreading its influence.
This beautiful island is not only captivating with its magnificent natural landscapes but also home to one of the rarest and most endangered primate species on the planet – the Cat Ba langur, affectionately known as the golden-headed langur. Its distinctive name comes from its shimmering golden fur surrounding its jet-black face, creating a unique and easily recognizable beauty. Cat Ba's unique topography, with its towering limestone formations and extensive forests, provides a special habitat for this endemic species. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Cat Ba possesses not only breathtaking natural beauty but also a strategically important geographical position for the conservation of the region's biodiversity.
Cat Ba National Park is not only a strictly protected area but also welcomes nature lovers and those eager to explore the wild world. Trekking tours organized here offer a fantastic opportunity to observe playful golden langurs in their natural habitat. The journey through winding trails under the cool green forest canopy, listening to the chirping birds and admiring the majestic limestone cliffs, will surely be an unforgettable experience.
Con Dao Island (Ba Ria - Vung Tau)
Proudly rising amidst the vast ocean of the Southern coast, Con Dao appears as a magnificent archipelago of 16 islands, each possessing its own unique beauty, embraced by pristine white sandy beaches and majestic mountains covered in lush tropical forests. This place is not only a testament to a tragic and heroic history but also a crucial sanctuary for sea turtle conservation in Vietnam. It boasts an incredibly rich and diverse marine ecosystem, captivating visitors with its vibrant coral reefs, home to the gentle dugongs, frolicking dolphins, and countless other fascinating marine creatures.
Con Dao during the turtle nesting season.
Every year, when the breeding season arrives, thousands of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), rare and endangered species, travel thousands of nautical miles to the pristine, tranquil beaches of Con Dao Island to undertake the sacred journey of laying eggs and perpetuating their species. Visitors fortunate enough to arrive on the island during the breeding season will have the opportunity to participate in meaningful turtle nesting tours, professionally organized and guided by dedicated staff of Con Dao National Park.
Although not yet as prominent on the international wildlife tourism map as some other countries, Vietnam still harbors hidden gems – carefully preserved natural areas. Here, the tireless efforts of environmental activists are quietly underway, with the noble goal of restoring the fragile balance of the ecosystem and protecting biodiversity "hotspots" that concentrate rare and highly endangered plant and animal species. These areas represent enormous potential for Vietnam to assert its position on the world ecotourism map, offering unique and meaningful wildlife exploration experiences for tourists.
