Saigon has entered the hot summer season. These days, I crave a place where I can be alone with nature, immersed in the old forest, listening to the rustling of trees. After a while of searching for information, Cat Tien National Park appeared as an answer that met all my wishes: near Ho Chi Minh City, close to nature, convenient to travel. Without much hesitation, I set off the next morning.
Cat Tien National Park is located in 5 districts: Tan Phu, Vinh Cuu (Dong Nai), Cat Tien, Bao Lam (Lam Dong) and Bu Dang (Binh Phuoc). This is considered an extremely important biosphere reserve forest with an area of over 70,000 hectares. To get here, I will have to travel about 150km to the North, taking about 4 hours by motorbike.
The beauty of Cat Tien National Park in the dry season
It is known that the best time to visit the park is from December to May. During this time, the forest has low rainfall and the roads are dry and airy. So it is very convenient for you to participate in activities such as rowing, camping, cycling, trekking, etc. Especially, every March, the national park will be dyed a pure white color of butterflies fluttering throughout the forest.
If you want to explore Cat Tien from June to November, you should check the weather carefully before going. Because during this time, Cat Tien has quite a lot of rain, the roads are slippery. So it is not suitable for outdoor activities such as participating in trekking tours here.
Cycling here, butterflies fly all over you, creating a magical scene.
I stopped at the welcome gate, parked my bike, bought a ticket and took a boat across the river. Sitting on the boat, listening to the ranger tell stories and ask questions, I suddenly felt so close. Once I reached the dock and reached the garden, I rented a bicycle and started my journey to explore the forest alone.
Cycling smoothly on this forest road. I took a deep breath of the clean air of the forest. Looking around, I was satisfied with the lush green of the dense bushes. The cycling journey was quite convenient because the terrain here is very flat, suitable for everyone. In case you want to experience the feeling of conquering challenges, the road outside the forest will satisfy that desire.
The poetic cycling path through the forest
Cat Tien National Park has a diverse primeval forest system with more than 1,600 plant species, along with towering ancient trees, hundreds of years old. However, the unique beauty of this place is honored by a rare tree, the giant Tung tree. With a height of up to 20m, a diameter of up to 10m, the Tung tree has become one of the valuable assets of the park. Its size makes hugging the Tung tree an interesting challenge, with more than 5 people being able to hug around the trunk.
In addition, the huge tree roots, protruding from the ground like giant pythons, are one of the highlights that attract the attention of any visitor when coming here. Exploring deeper into the forest, you will also find a series of other giant trees such as the Si tree, the Lagerstroemia tree... An adventure to explore here will bring visitors wonderful experiences, endless surprises.
The giant Tung tree is the first attraction on the journey.
After visiting the Tung tree, I went to Ben Cu rock reef, the next attraction on the journey. When it is dry season, the lake gradually dries up, revealing rocks lying close together, creating special shapes. This is also an ideal check-in spot for young people. I took off my shoes, walked barefoot on the rocks, sat and swung my legs, letting the water caress my feet like a massage. A magical connection. Throughout my steps here, I only dared to walk very softly. Perhaps because of my imagination, I kept thinking that even a single noise or an unintentional action would be disrespectful to the Forest God.
Ben Cu Rock
After a journey through the winding, twisting roads, I stopped at Bau Sau. A poetic scene appeared before my eyes - a large lagoon, surrounded by endless green trees. Only the sound of the wind gently blowing, sending leaves drifting on the water surface, bringing this space peace and quiet.
Here, I experienced the exciting boating service, was guided by the rangers to visit, and watched up close the big crocodiles swallowing everything on the way. This is the place of wild animals, each time they appear, they create memorable and impressive moments.
Cute Bear in the Garden
Compared to previous natural exploration sites, Cat Tien impressed me with its rich ecosystem and pristine wildness, especially the Bau Sau swamp area. Every month, just one trip back to nature like this, I think I have enough energy to return to my busy daily life.
To visit Cat Tien National Park, visitors should note:
- Prepare sporty and discreet clothing, bring water, insect repellent, walking sticks (if needed) and personal hygiene items.
- Check the weather before going and pre-order food with the rangers to fuel up.
- You should go to the forest from November to April, avoid the rainy season.
- Please note that ferry times are limited, visitors need to plan a specific and accurate schedule to catch the return ferry in time.
- It is important to prepare well, rest if you feel tired and bring enough water.
