Top 15 Best National Parks in Vietnam – Nature, Wildlife & Hidden Escapes

1. Cuc Phuong National Park – Home of the Delacour’s Langur

When I arrived in Cuc Phuong on a May morning, thousands of white butterflies filled the forest air — it felt like stepping into a fairytale. Every few steps, wings fluttered around me, covering the mossy trail in a soft shimmer of white.

Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong is Vietnam’s first national park — a lush, accessible ecological gem only 2.5 hours from Hanoi. It’s Vietnam’s answer to Borneo’s jungles, but more intimate and untouched.

Highlights: The rare Delacour’s Langur – one of the world’s most endangered primates

Experiences:

• Trek to the Thousand-Year Tree.
• Explore the Cave of Prehistoric Man.
• Stay overnight in a Muong homestay on stilts.

Tips: Visit in April–May for butterfly season, bring insect repellent and trekking shoes

A French traveler once told me, “It feels like stepping back into prehistoric times — but with the gentle warmth of Vietnamese hospitality.”

2. Ba Vi National Park – The Green Paradise Near Hanoi

Just two hours from Hanoi, Ba Vi feels like another world. Mist wraps around pine trees, and the earthy scent of wet soil replaces the noise of the capital.

Legend says this is the home of Son Tinh, the Mountain God. Deep inside the forest stands an abandoned French church, its mossy stone walls straight out of a gothic fairytale.

Highlights: Ba Vi Peak, Ancient French Church, wild sunflowers (October–December)

Tips: Bring a jacket – it’s cool even in summer. Stay overnight at Melia Ba Vi Retreat for misty mountain mornings

A German visitor once said, “Ba Vi feels like a European mountain retreat — but with a Vietnamese soul.”

3. Cat Ba National Park (Hai Phong) – Where Jungle Meets the Sea

Cat Ba is the perfect blend of tropical forest and emerald bay. One moment you’re trekking under a canopy of green, the next you’re kayaking through the turquoise waters of Lan Ha Bay.

Highlights: Rare Golden-headed Langurs, limestone islands, coral reefs

Experiences:

• Hike through Kim Giao Forest
• Climb Ngu Lam Peak for panoramic views
• Kayak and sleep overnight on a Lan Ha Bay boat

Best time: April–October

A British traveler told me, “Kayaking through Lan Ha felt like exploring a secret paradise.”

4. Tam Dao National Park – The “Da Lat” of the North

When Hanoi hits 35°C, Tam Dao sits cool at 20°C — wrapped in mist and pine. The small mountain town, with its stone church and mossy forests, feels like a scene from Europe.

Experiences:

• Trek to Silver Waterfall and Rung Rinh Peak
• Visit Ba Chua Thuong Ngan Temple
• Stroll through misty streets at dawn

Tips: Go on weekdays to avoid the crowds. Bring a light jacket

5. Xuan Thuy National Park (Nam Dinh) – The Paradise of Migratory Birds

Recognized as Vietnam’s first Ramsar wetland, Xuan Thuy turns into a giant natural stage every winter. Thousands of egrets, herons, and sandpipers take flight above the mangroves.

Highlights: Birdwatching (October–April), mangrove boat tours, clam farms

Tips: Bring binoculars and a zoom lens. Join a local tour for expert guidance

6. Bach Ma National Park (Hue) – The “Da Lat of Central Vietnam”

Standing atop Bach Ma Peak, clouds drift below your feet while the blue sea of Lang Co stretches beyond. The park’s cool mountain air and colonial ruins make it a dream for hikers.

Top Spots: Do Quyen Waterfall, Five Lakes Trail, French villas in the forest

Tips: It rains often — pack a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes

7. Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park (Quang Tri) – The Kingdom of Caves

This UNESCO site is one of the most jaw-dropping places I’ve ever seen. Home to Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest, it’s truly an alien landscape.

Experiences:

• Explore Son Doong (4–7 day expedition)
• Take a boat into Phong Nha Cave
• Trek through the jungle and swim in underground rivers

Tips: Visit between March–September and book tours months in advance

8. Kon Ka Kinh National Park (Gia Lai) – The Central Highlands Jungle

Thick rainforests, waterfalls, and the call of grey-shanked doucs — Kon Ka Kinh is wild and mysterious.

Highlights: Rare primates, Bahnar ethnic villages, deep jungle trekking

Tips: Always go with a local guide; it’s easy to get lost

9. Yok Don National Park (Dak Lak) – Savannas and Forest Elephants

Unlike dense jungles, Yok Don features open dipterocarp forests — resembling African savannas.

Experiences:

• Bike through dry forest trails
• Meet semi-wild elephants with ethical conservation tours
• Visit traditional Ede villages

Tip: Visit in the dry season (December–April) for the best wildlife viewing. Avoid elephant rides

10. Chu Mom Ray National Park (Kon Tum) – Vietnam’s Wild Border

Located near the Laos–Cambodia border, this untouched region feels like the “last frontier.”

Highlights: Ancient rainforest treks, minority villages, and mountain viewpoints

Tips: You may need travel permits near the border. Best for adventurous travelers

11. Bidoup Nui Ba National Park (Lam Dong) – The Roof of the Central Highlands

Just an hour from Da Lat, Bidoup offers a true trekking challenge. I spent two days hiking through pine forests and waterfalls, camping under starlight.

Highlights: Bidoup Peak (2,287m), ancient pines, night camping

Tips: Bring warm clothing and a sleeping bag — nights are cold

12. Cat Tien National Park (Dong Nai – Lam Dong) – Southern Vietnam’s Rainforest Gem

At night, I joined a jeep safari through the dark forest. When the flashlight caught glowing animal eyes, my heart raced — pure wilderness.

Experiences:

• Night wildlife tours
• Visit bear and rhino rescue centers
• Cycle along forest trails

Tips: Go in the dry season (December–May). Stay overnight at the Forest Lodge inside the park

13. Tram Chim National Park (Dong Thap) – Land of the Red-Crowned Crane

During flood season, Tram Chim transforms into a floating painting of lotus fields and water birds.

Highlights: Watch red-crowned cranes (December–May), boat rides through wetlands, taste sour fish soup and linh fish

Tips: Visit early morning for birdwatching. Bring binoculars

14. U Minh Thuong National Park (Kien Giang) – Vietnam’s Melaleuca Forest

Cruising by canoe through flooded melaleuca forests, you can smell the aromatic leaves of this southern wetland.

Highlights: Boat tours, local fishing, grilled snakehead fish

Tips: Go in the dry season for easier travel

15. Phu Quoc National Park (An Giang) – The Emerald Island

While most know Phu Quoc for its beaches, over 70% of the island is forested. Trek through violet myrtle forests in the morning, and swim in crystal-clear water by afternoon.

Highlights: Tranh Stream, Da Ban Waterfall, Ham Ninh Fishing Village, coral diving at Hon Thom

Tips: Best season is November–April. Rent a motorbike to explore freely