Cat Tien National Park

Cat Tien National Park is located 150 km north of Ho Chi Minh City, this natural national park is one of the largest in Vietnam with no less than 70,000 hectares. This region is filled with a dense rainforest where hundreds of species of animals are dwelling. Whether it is a woodpecker or a crocodile, numerous wildlife and tropical flora are present in this huge natural biosphere. It is a place for relaxation and discovery, ideal for the adventurers.

There is an archaeological site on the northern bank of the Dong Nai river (just outside Nam Cat Tien, facing in). The site consists of a group of temples, belonging to a previously unknown Hindu civilization which probably inhabited it between the 4th century and 9th centuries AD (and possibly later). Excavations carried out between 1994 and 2003 have yielded a large number of a number of gold, bronze, ceramic, coloured stone, and glass artefacts, many of which are now in the Dalat museum.

Cat Tien national park was protected initially in 1978, then the Cat Loc sector was incorporated in 1992 upon the discovery of a small rhinoceros population (an endemic sub-species of the Javan rhino); unfortunately this was hunted and was declared extinct in 2011. Although poaching other species remains a serious problem, better protection can be achieved in Nam Cat Tien, which is half surrounded by the Dong Nai river.

Many visitors come to Cat Tien National Park to see primates: especially gibbons and langur monkeys, and birds: including such specialities as Germain’s peacock pheasant, bar-bellied pitta and the rare endemic orange-necked partridge; although less rare, birds such as the Siamese fireback and green peacock are notoriously easy to see here.

There are two animal rescue centres that are worth seeing and supporting:

Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre: is situated on Dao Tien Island, 5 min up-stream by boat from the landing near Park HQ (boats depart at 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.). The centre specializes in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of endangered primates, all victims of the illegal wildlife trade and naturally found in the region, including: golden-cheeked gibbons, black shanked douc, silvered langur and pygmy loris.

Cat Tien Bear Rescue Centre accommodates sun bears and Asian black bears, which have been rescued from the cruel and illegal trade in bile: a traditional medicine. In the morning, black bears can be seen in a semi-wild area from a viewing platform, but by early afternoon they prefer to return to their cages for shelter. There is also a crocodile, peafowl and a few gibbons to see in this area, adjacent to the Park Headquarters.