Visit the giant ancient tree garden
Nam Cat Tien has no shortage of ancient trees. But the 400-year-old Tung tree is famous for its most vocal name - Thunder Lizard, which is the most impressive. The stump of the Thunder Lizard tree stands like a low, zigzag wall creeping 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 for about 1km to reach this Tung tree. Don't forget to ask for directions to the more than 700-year-old Uncle Dong tree, the hundred-stemmed tree more than 400 years old, and the strange six-pointed mausoleum tree!
Photo: My Tran, Nguyen Doan
Watching birds nesting in Bau Sau
Choose to stay overnight in Bau Sau, you won't regret it! This poetic wetland is home to Siamese crocodiles. Sunrise and sunset are the two most beautiful times of the day to come to Bau Sau. When the sun sets, flocks of birds spread their wings to nest. Colorful pheasants, storks, and squirrels walk to feed on the floating grass. If you're lucky, you'll encounter nests of golden-browged toucans, and even migratory birds such as the white-browed gull and red-necked warbler. With more than 300 species of birds, Nam Cat Tien is always on the list of top bird watching spots in Vietnam.
Photo: Viettrektravel
Camping in the forest
From December to May, the weather in Nam Cat Tien is dry, with little rain, which is very suitable for overnight camping. Especially around March and April, hundreds of species of brilliant butterflies come to the green shade of the forest. In the morning, I woke up to the sound of birds chirping, opened the tent door to meet a flock of sparkling white butterflies, took a sip of hot coffee in a small pot, and watched the sun gradually rise. There is nothing happier than that! In the forest, there are certain spots where tents are allowed. Check with the rangers carefully to avoid disturbing the animals and keep yourself safe.
Image: Orchard Home Resort Nam Cat Tien
Nocturnal Animal Watching
As night fell, the predators of the Southern Cat Tien began to forage. A special open-top car will take you to herds of deer hidden in the vast grass, wild boars, wild boars, porcupines, and ferrets that are going to fill their hungry stomachs. Let's go in the dry season, you will have the opportunity to meet more animals. They rarely appear in the rainy season or on moonlit nights. Pay attention to the instructions so as not to startle the animal!
Photo: Phuoc Tuan VnE
Understanding Chau Ma ethnic culture
Sustainable tourism has three components: 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 the indigenous people, recreating the life of the Chau Ma people. From brocade weaving, can winemaking, to blowing prisons and, beating gongs, the Chau Ma ethnic people here are always ready to share with you their long-standing traditions. Participating in picnic activities and shopping for handicraft products here is to contribute to preserving national culture and developing community tourism.
Photo: Nguyen Doan
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.
Synthetic Migo