Visit the huge ancient orchard
Nam Cat Tien has no shortage of old trees. But the 400-year-old Tung tree is famous by its loudest name, the Thunder Lizard, which is most impressive. The stump of the Thunder Lizard tree stood like a low wall, zigzagging through the dry leaves on the ground. From the national park headquarters, you walk or cycle for more than 2km on the main road, then go deep into the forest about 1km to reach this Tung tree. Don't forget to ask for directions to the more than 700-year-old Uncle Dong percussion tree, the hundred-trunked tree over 400 years old, and the strange six-topped mausoleum tree!
Bird watching at the nest at Bau Crocodile
Choose to spend a night in Bau Crocodile, you won't regret it! This romantic wetland is home to Siamese crocodiles. Sunrise and sunset are the two most beautiful times of the day to come to Bau Crocodile. When the sun sets, flocks of birds spread their wings to the nest. Brightly colored pheasants, storks, and bugs walk feeding on the floating grass. If you're lucky, you'll come across golden poisonous copper nests, and even migratory birds like white-browed teals and red-necked turns. With more than 300 species of birds, Nam Cat Tien is always on the list of Vietnam's top birdwatching spots.
Camping in the woods
From 12 to 5 months, Nam Cat Tien weather is dry, with little rain, very suitable for overnight camping. Especially around March 3 and 4, hundreds of brilliant butterflies find themselves in the green shade of the forest. Waking up in the morning to the chirping of birds, opening the door of the tent to meet a flock of sparkling white butterflies, taking a sip of hot coffee carried in a small vase, watching the sun gradually rise. Nothing like it! In the forest there are certain spots where tents are allowed. Check carefully with the ranger team to avoid disturbing the animals and keep yourself safe.
Nocturnal animal observation
As night fell, the predators of Southern Cat Tien began to feed. A special convertible car will take you to the herds of deer hidden in the vast grass, wild boars, hogs, hedgehogs, ferrets are going to fill your hungry stomach. Go in the dry season, you will have the opportunity to meet more animals. They seldom emerge in the rainy season or moonlit nights. Pay attention to the instructions so as not to startle the animal!
Learn about Chau Gal ethnic culture
Sustainable tourism has three components: the planet, people, and profit. It is impossible to talk about sustainable experiences in Nam Cat Tien without Ta Lai longhouse. This place is managed by indigenous people, recreating the life of the Chau Ma. From weaving brocade, to making cannabis wine, to blowing prisoners and, beating gongs, the Chau Gal ethnic people here are always ready to share with you their long-standing traditions. Participating in picnic activities, shopping for handicraft products here is contributing to preserving national culture and developing community tourism.
Nam Cat Tien Forest
- Address: Nam Cat Tien, Tan Phu, Dong Nai
- Visiting hours: 7:30 to 18:30
- Phone: 0251 3669 228
- Website: www.cattiennationalpark.com.vn.