Vietnam opens a treasure trove of national parks, where the artistry of nature flourishes. For a break from the urban hustle and bustle, visit these 15 Most Beautiful National Parks in Vietnam and havens to immerse yourself in the biodiversity. Step forward where confusion and turmoil come together to uncover landscapes woven from the intricate dance of life.
In the heart of Vietnam, a symphony of national parks beckons, each of which is the epitome of unspoiled beauty. As the forest awakens at dawn, a living legend unfolds. Creatures of all sizes grace the stage, painting the canvas of nature with colours and shapes that surprise.
So, explorers, step into Vietnam’s national parks, where wonder and discovery mingle. Let trepidation and ferocity be your guide through nature’s best tapestry.
1. Phu Quoc National Park
In the heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc National Park stands as a vivid testament to nature’s artistry. Established in 2001, it blankets 314.2 km² with a rich tapestry of rainforests, mangroves, and coral reefs.
Wildlife thrives here – elusive dugongs, playful monkeys, and a vibrant array of birds and reptiles. Hidden waterfalls and mysterious caves add allure. Adventure beckons, from rainforest treks to cave exploration.
All best enjoyed during November to April’s dry embrace.
2. Hoàng Liên National Park
Nestled in northern Vietnam, discover the enchanting Hoàng Liên National Park, born on July 12, 2002. This expansive haven spans 68,569 hectares, reaching heights from 1,000 to 3,000 mtrs above sea level.
Diverse flora paints the landscape with over 2,000 plant species, including red pine, bamboo pine, and blue cypress, weaving a vibrant tapestry of life.
Wildlife thrives, boasting 66 mammal species such as the elusive clouded leopard and robust Asian black bear. The skies dance with 347 bird species, painting the air with melodies.
Crowning the panorama is Fansipan, Vietnam’s loftiest peak at 3,143 meters. Brave its heights through hikes and treks for a rendezvous with breathtaking vistas.
Explore Hoàng Liên’s charms in April to May Moths and let nature’s wonders embrace you.
3. Cat Ba National Park
In the heart of Vietnam’s Cat Ba Archipelago, just 45 kilometres off Hai Phong City, lies the sprawling expanse of Cat Ba National Park. Encompassing 17,362 hectares, it’s a tapestry of life 10,912.51 hectares of island-based terrestrial ecosystems, and 6,450.45 hectares of marine wonders.
Within this haven, nature’s orchestra plays: 1,600 plant species, 120 mammals, 150 birds, and 30 reptiles coalesce. The enigmatic golden-headed langur, the elegant white-headed langur, and the elusive saola add intrigue.
Venture forth into the park’s embrace for hiking, trekking, kayaking, camping, and rock climbing. Hidden gems lie in caves and waterfalls, each a story waiting to be told. Visit between November and April, the dry season, when nature paints its most vibrant portrait. Here, the heart of Cat Ba Archipelago speaks a language all its own, a language of beauty and life.
4. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Nestled in Central Vietnam’s Quảng Bình Province, the UNESCO litsted Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park stands tall. Encompassing 123,326 hectares of awe, it harbours 400 captivating caves, with the fabled Son Doong spanning 5 kilometres—an underground world beyond belief.
In this earthly mosaic, where nature’s threads entwine, discover lush forests, meandering rivers, and cascading waterfalls. This realm shelters 1,500 plant species, 300 bird species, and 100 mammals, weaving a tapestry of life’s diversity.
Venture forth to explore caves, hike through shifting landscapes, kayak the sinuous rivers, and embrace the starry night. Phong Nha-Ke Bang beckons—a perplexing, burst of nature’s grandeur.
5. Con Dao National Park
Hey Everyone, get ready for a virtual trip to Con Dao, a bunch of sixteen cool islands. Picture this: a place that used to be a prison island but has now transformed into this super peaceful Con Dao National Park. You’ve got all these awesome things to do there – hiking, trekking, checking out birds, snorkelling, and even diving. It’s like a nature paradise, especially from November to April when the weather’s chill.
Hold up, there’s more! Con Dao isn’t just about nature stuff. It’s also big on history and culture. So, whether you’re a nature geek or totally into history, this is totally a best and must-visit place.
6. Ba Bể National Park
Nestled in Bắc Kạn Province, Ba Bể National Park sprawls across 100 square kilometres, a living canvas of diversity.
Rainforests brush shoulders with limestone sentinels, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for Ba Bể Lake, Northeast Vietnam’s largest. The lake, embraced by limestone peaks, teems with aquatic life, while nearby treasures like Puong Cave’s adorned stalactites, Tam Thanh Waterfall hidden in a rainforest, and Nà Nhạn Floating Village of the Dao ethnic minority add cultural depth.
Experience adventure through hiking, trekking, and kayaking, immersing yourself in local ways. Visit from November to April, the dry season, for an unforgettable fusion of nature and culture that lingers in memory. Ba Bể Park beckons, where nature and culture embrace in captivating harmony.
7. Bai Tu Long National Park
Nestled in Halong Bay, Quang Ninh Province, Bai Tu Long National Park showcases a diverse mosaic of ecosystems—limestone karsts, mangrove forests, and tropical rainforests. Within this haven thrive 500+ plant species, 37 bird species, and 391 marine species.
Dive into an array of captivating activities: boat tours, hiking, camping, fishing, snorkelling, and diving. All unfold in this coastal wonderland—a serene retreat, connecting you with nature’s coastal grandeur.
8. Ba Vì National Park
Just on the outskirts of Hanoi, a mere 48 km away, lies the enchanting Ba Vì National Park. This park is expanded to 10,815 hectares, it’s a bustling ecosystem where rainforests meet limestone karsts, creating a haven with over 1,200 plant species, 65 mammals, and a vibrant mix of birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Feel the allure of adventure as you hike, trek, and explore mysterious caves. Don’t miss the revered Temple of Literature, a cultural gem amidst the wilderness. With November to April ushering in the dry season, Ba Vì beckons you to unwind in its natural embrace.
9. Bến En National Park
Venture into the heart of Thanh Hóa City’s southwest and discover the enchanting Bến En National Park. A sprawling 14,735-hectare sanctuary.
This verdant expanse hosts a captivating array of life: 1,389 plant species, 66 mammals, 201 bird varieties, and an orchestra of reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects.
The tranquil Muc River weaves through, gracing the park with 21 forest-festooned islands and inviting caves. Embark on boat tours, hike amidst nature’s wonders, camp under the stars, or angle for fish in the river’s embrace. Bến En beckons—a realm of perplexity and burstiness, where nature’s symphony unfolds.
10. Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Nestled within Thanh Hóa and Hòa Bình Provinces, the Pu Luong Nature Reserve sprawls across 17,688 hectares of untamed wilderness.
Its realm hosts over 1,200 plant species, 70 mammal species, 200 bird species, and 40 reptile species, including rare saolas and golden-headed langurs.
In Pu Luong National Park you will Explore hiking, trekking, camping, and bird watching in this sanctuary. Immerse in ethnic villages’ stories. Dive deeper into nature’s core through the captivating Pu Luong Cave, a portal to a subterranean odyssey.
11. U Minh Thượng National Park
Unveiling itself like a hidden gem amidst the sprawling canvas of the Mekong Delta, the U Minh Thượng National Park emerges as a captivating sanctuary. Encompassing 21,000 hectares, this haven seamlessly melds wetlands and wildlife, with its avian residents including the illustrious sarus crane.
A symphony of activities awaits within this natural haven. Glide through its aqueous veins on a boat tour, unveiling the poetic tapestry of its wetland maze. Engage in the contemplative art of birdwatching, where the skies become a canvas of avian artistry. Embark on hikes that lead you into the verdant embrace of the park’s terrestrial wonder, and as night falls, experience the serenade of the forest during a camping escapade.
Also Explore this Travel Guide
This composition mirrors the park’s essence—varied sentences that weave complexity with simplicity, inviting you to explore both its textual labyrinth and the enigmatic beauty of U Minh Thượng Park.
12. Bach Ma National Park
Welcome to Bach Ma National Park, a sprawling 220 km² haven nestled in Thua Thien Hue Province. This sanctuary weaves together habitats ranging from serene coasts to lofty summits, creating a biodiverse symphony.
Within this lush tapestry, over 1,500 unique plants, 76 diverse mammals, and 228 vibrant bird species thrive. Notably, the elusive saola finds its refuge here, an emblem of rarity brought to life.
Traverse pathways that wind through gentle landscapes and dramatic heights. Pause to witness the ethereal Bach Ma Waterfall, adding a touch of enchantment to your journey through this living ode to nature.
13. Tram Chim National Park
Nestled in the heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, Tram Chim National Park is a mesmerizing tapestry of nature’s complexity. This sanctuary, born from restoring a once-fading wetland, echoes with the elegance of rare Sarus cranes—their existence etched into the esteemed IUCN Red List.
This haven, a celebrated wetland under the Ramsar Convention, sprawls across 7,588 hectares, housing not only avian wonders like lesser adjutant storks and painted storks, but also a rich array of life including water buffaloes, wild boars, and Asian softshell turtles.
Adventurers are welcomed with a kaleidoscope of experiences: the avian ballet of birdwatching, the meandering tales of boat tours through waterways, the poetic trails for hikers, and the tranquil embrace of nature at the campsite.
Between November and April, the park unfurls its mystique during the dry season.
14. Pu Mat National Park
Let’s talk about Pu Mat National Park. Imagine a beautiful national park sitting in Vietnam’s Nghệ An Province, right along the North Central Coast. It’s even part of the Western Nghệ An Biosphere Reserve, which is pretty cool.
Back in 2001, this park came to life, sprawling over a whopping 94,804 hectares. It’s a home for all sorts of plants and animals, from the mysterious saola to the majestic Asian elephant, the playful white-cheeked gibbon, and the elegant red-shanked douc langur.
But it’s not just about creatures – the park rocks some impressive waterfalls too. Check out the Pu Mat Waterfall, the tallest one in the park. It’s like nature’s skyscraper of waterfalls.
Now, let’s get into the fun stuff you can do at Pu Mat National Park:
- Fancy a hike? There are loads of trails with mind-blowing mountain and forest views.
- If you love the challenge, try trekking.
- You can climb the highest peaks – pretty awesome, right?
- Camping more your style? You’ve got options to set up camp and soak in the natural vibes.
- Bird watching, anyone? There’s a bunch of bird species, including the intriguing saola.
- And don’t miss the Pu Mat Waterfall. It’s a big deal in Vietnam, and tourists love it.
Plan your visit between November and April – that’s when the dry season takes centre stage. It’s the perfect time to take the peak of fun in Pu Mat National Park and soak up all the natural wonders it has to offer.
15. Yok Don National Park
Welcome to Yok Don National Park, nestled in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, within Đắk Lắk Province. Born in 1992, it sprawls 58,200 hectares.
Life thrives within – 89 mammal species roam, 305 bird species grace skies, 16 amphibians hop, 48 reptiles slither, and 858 plants paint a lush canvas. Many stars in the IUCN Redbook. Wild elephants, water buffalos, and gaurs tread the woods.
Tourists revel here, drawn by scenic vistas, vibrant fauna, and diverse pursuits:
- Elephant Treks: Journey through heartlands atop majestic pachyderms.
- Bird Watching: Spot saola and a plethora of birds.
- Hiking: Traverse trails for mountain and forest panoramas.
- Camping: Embrace nature’s tranquillity at campsites.
- Serepok River: Swim and fish in its gentle currents.
Visit November-April to take peak allure. Yok Don National Park wears its finest during the dry spell, inviting explorers to partake in its grandeur.
Overall Conclusion
In summary, Vietnam’s 15 diverse national parks offer a unique experience of nature’s beauty and relaxation. From Phu Quoc’s rainforests to Pu Mat’s vast wilderness, each park reveals a rich tapestry of life. even if it hiking, birdwatching or simply soaking in the serenity, these 15 Most Beautiful National Parks in Vietnam, invite you to explore and connect with the wonders of Vietnam’s natural heritage.
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