Top 8 National Parks in Vietnam for South African in 2024

1. Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong is one of the oldest national parks in northern Vietnam, just over 100 kilometers from Hanoi. Covering an immense area of 25.000 hectares, Cuc Phuong is a natural museum showcasing tremendous diversity of different species of flora and fauna and spectacular limestone formations. As one of the most accessible national parks near Hanoi Vietnam, Cuc Phuong offers authentic natural experience, especially suitable for animal lovers. Trekking along the mountain trails, biking along the fantastic views of the tropical jungle and limestone mountain and bird watching are some off-beaten-track activities you should not miss.

Its wide range of landscape from a variety of limestone formations, mysterious caves, karst mountains, and lush valleys never fails to enchant any adventure seekers.

Note: If you want to explore the astounding diversity of Cuc Phuong National Park butterflies, check it out during spring months (April and May), but the weather could be very hot.

• Location: Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam
• Entrance fee: 60.000 VND per pax

2. Bach Ma National Park

Nestled in the west of Hue imperial city, Bach Ma National Park is listed as one of the best national parks in central Vietnam. Stretching in an area of 22,030 ha, this protected area is widely famous for its incredible diversity of 2148 floras and 1500 fauna including many endangered species. It is also home to some of the most verdant vegetation and pristine jungles in central Vietnam. Bach Ma National Park weather is often pleasant with low temperature and humidity. Its mild climate along with majestic mountains, evergreen forests, natural waterfalls, and lovely grassland and incredible biodiversity make it a picturesque place for nature lovers.

One can find the outstanding Bach Ma Peak- one of the most beautiful mountains in Vietnam- offering some of the best Bach Ma National Park trails through amazing nature. If you’re going to visit Bach Ma National Park on your own, you can choose to camp or stay in one of the rejuvenated villas with unique French architecture – one of the best Bach Ma National Park accommodations.

Note: Best time to visit Bach Ma National Park is in autumn (from August to November) when the weather is extremely cool and pleasant, suitable for any adventurous activities.

• Location: Phu Loc- Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
• Entrance fee: VND 40,000 per person

3. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park is undoubtedly the most famous national parks in Vietnam- noted for some of the oldest karst mountains in Asia.

Spreading over a broad area of nearly 900 square kilometers, this magical land is blessed with a jaw-dropping landscape of jungle-topped karsts, primitive forests and stunning underground rivers and historic ruins, which offers you the opportunity to explore the untouched nature in Central Vietnam

This well-preserved national park is also home to the best-known Song Doong Cave- the largest cave in the world. This wonder of Creator is packed with awe-inspiring stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Its typical landscapes offer numerous thrilling activities from biking, zip lining, camping, trekking, kayaking and much more. It is a cannot-afford-to-miss place for any adventure enthusiasts.

• Location: Phong Nha, Bo Trach district, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam
• Entrance fee: No entrance fee except for specific attractions

4. Cat Tien National Park

If you are in Ho Chi Minh City and finding a treasure trove of natural beauty and thrilling adventure, Cat Tien National Park is the place for you. This is home to one of the largest of the few remaining lowland forests in Vietnam. This 72,000-hectare national park offers tourists a wide range of opportunities to participate in adventurous activities like hiking, trekking, camping, cycling, mountain biking, and bird-watching.

The natural trails are well maintained and extensive with excellent off-beaten-track experience. Its rich biodiversity of fauna and flora with a number of enticing outdoor activities makes it an ideal place to get deep into nature. Cat Tien National Park accommodation is also varied with an excellent variety of lodging from lovely riverside bungalows to impressive campsites, making it a perfect getaway to escape from the madness of Ho Chi Minh City.

Note: You can choose to explore this natural marvel on your own or with a guided tour. If you’re going to travel independently, make sure you book the accommodation in advance and get a Cat Tien National Park map for the best preparation.

The weather in Cat Tien National Park is divided into 2 separate seasons: dry and heavy season. The best time to visit the park is during the dry season, from December to July to avoid heavy rains which could prevent you from a jungle expedition.

• Location: Tan Phu District, Dong Nai, Vietnam
• Entrance fee: VND 60,000 per person

5. Ba Vi National Park

Ba Vi National Park is a popular getaway of many adventure lovers traveling in Hanoi. It’s one of the famous Vietnam national parks near Hanoi. Just 50 kilometers west of Hanoi city, you can find a hidden gem with incredible biodiversity of varied wild species and outstanding natural beauty. Ba Vi National park day trip is the most popular option of adventure seekers, which is filled with amazing places for exploring, enjoying and experiencing. In terms of Ba Vi National Park accommodation, one can choose to rent local tents for a beautiful overnight stay right at the heart of nature.

Apart from marvelous landscapes, appealing adventure, Ba Vi National Park also features with a sacred Mountain God temple offering superb views and vistas of the Red Delta region and the mystical backdrop of the jungle, clouds, and greenery.

Ba Vi National Park weather is pleasant all year round, but the outlook is at its best from April to December when Hanoi can even be seen from a distance.

• Location: Ba Vi District, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Entrance fee: VND 40,000 per person

6. Ba Be National Park

Situated in Bac Kan Province, a bit further away from Hanoi city, Ba Be National Park is one of the beautiful Vietnam national parks. Its exotic scenery and rich biodiversity make it an ideal eco-site which is associated with mysterious legends. The hidden treasure of Bac Can boasts gushing waterfalls, beautiful rivers, plunging valleys, and mysterious caves. Just get lost in the grandeur and glitz of nature with a fascinating trek along the undiscovered trails, mountain paths, unspoiled lands with a variety of activities to do.

In addition to idyllic natural beauty, this picturesque natural retreat is also an enticing spot to experience the unique culture and traditions of ethnic minorities living peacefully around the park. Tourists can witness the simple but enchanting way of life of the locals while exploring the lake. For those who have limited time, a tour to Ba Be Lake- one of the most unique and beautiful attractions in Vietnam, is also a good option to get a glimpse of this amazing wonderland.

• Location: Ba Be District, Bac Kan Province, Vietnam
• Entrance fee: No entry fee, except for specific attractions and services.

7. Cat Ba National Park

Nestled in the lap of Cat Ba Island, Cat Ba National Park is the biggest of its kind in the north of Vietnam which is recognized as a World Heritage Site. This biosphere reserve covers an area of 263 square kilometers and is home to a number of different species from mammals, birds, reptiles to fish and corals.

Floating amongst the majestic limestone karts in the Gulf of Tonkin, Cat Ba National Park lures tourists for its compelling landscapes, beaches and the mind-blowing views of jungles creeping all the way up to the mountains.

Soaking up the spectacular views from the mountains, and trying your fitness on an amazing trail winding through the national park is some one-of-a-kind experiences tourists may wish to explore.

• Location: Tran Chau Commune, Cat Hai, Hai Phong City, Vietnam
• Entrance fee: VND 40,000 per person

8. Yok Don National Park

If your fancy is all about wild nature, untouched terrains and landscapes and off beaten track experience, then Yok Don National Park is somewhere for you. Less crowded than most of the other national parks in Vietnam, Yok Don is a good place to trek through the offbeat trails, mingle in the grandeur of wild nature and discover the cultural diversity of ethnic groups living around the park.

The national park is home to various species of trees, birds, and mammals, many of them are endangered animals and belong to the Red List. Some fascinating outdoor activities including trekking, elephant riding, mountain climbing, camping, boating, and fishing are the most favorite experience while discovering this untouched wildland.

• Location: Krong Na commune, Buon Don district, Dak Lak province, Vietnam
• Entrance fee: No entry fee, but for a group of 1-4 people, it costs VND 500,000 per day for guide

With the list of national parks in Vietnam from North to South, you can cherish your desire of conquering Vietnam’s nature without much effort to sort out and decide. 

See more our useful guides for more memorable adventures in Vietnam.