Cat Tien National Park
One of the outstanding gems of the region, the 72, 000-hectare Cat Tien National Park (/fax 669 228; adult/child 50, 000/20, 000d; 7am-10pm) comprises an amazingly biodiverse region of lowland tropical rain forest. The hiking, mountain biking and bird-watching are easily the best in Southern Vietnam. Always call ahead for reservations as the park can accommodate only a limited number of visitors.

In the 2nd century AD the Cat Tien area was a religious centre of the Funan empire, and ancient Oc-Eo cultural relics have been discovered in the park. Cat Tien was hit hard by defoliants during the American War, but the large old-growth trees survived and the smaller plants have recovered. Just as importantly, the wildlife has made a comeback and in 2001 Unesco added Cat Tien National Park to its list of biosphere reserves. Since then, infrastructure has improved markedly with decent overnight options. It’s worth spending at least two full days here, if possible.

Getting there & away
Whichever way you come, you’ll be dropped off at the park office, 100m before the ferry across the Dong Nai River to park headquarters. Buy your entrance ticket from the park office, which will include the price of the ferry crossing.

The most common approach to the park is from Hwy 20, which connects Dalat with HCMC. To reach the park, follow the narrow 24km road, which branches west from Hwy 20 at Talai Junction (Nga Ban Talai), 125km north of HCMC and 175km south of Dalat. The road to the park is signposted at the junction, and with your own wheels getting there shouldn’t be a hassle.

By bus, take any Dalat-bound service (35, 000d, four hours) and tell the driver to let you off at Vuon Quoc Gia Cat Tien. From this junction, you can hire a motorbike (they’re always around) to take you the remaining 25km to the park (around 40, 000d).

Another approach to Cat Tien National Park is to take a boat across Langa Lake and then go by foot from there. Dalat Holidays/Phat Tire Ventures (063-829 422; www.phattireventures.com) is a reputable ecotour operator in Dalat and is a good place to inquire about this and other access options from the central highlands area (including mountain-biking to the park from Dalat).

Although many travel agencies from HCMC operate tours to the park, we’ve received mixed reviews from the budget agencies. For a reputable customised birding, bike or hiking tour, contact Sinhbalo Adventures.

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