Have you ever wondered, amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, where can we reconnect with nature, breathe fresh air, and admire the most pristine and majestic beauty? Vietnam, with its diverse terrain and tropical monsoon climate, boasts countless precious primeval forests. These forests not only conserve rich ecosystems but also offer wonderful travel experiences for visitors. Let’s explore the top 10 most beautiful primeval forests in Vietnam, where you can immerse yourself in nature and discover the wonders that Mother Earth bestows.
1. Nam Cat Tien National Park
Nam Cat Tien National Park, the “green pearl” of Southeast Vietnam, spanning across three provinces – Dong Nai, Binh Phuoc, and Lam Dong, is one of the largest biodiversity conservation areas in Vietnam. It is known for its rich flora, many rare plants, and is home to countless species of birds and animals, many of which are listed in the Red Book of Vietnam. Visiting Nam Cat Tien, you will not only admire the pristine natural beauty but also have the opportunity to explore Bau Sau (Crocodile Lake), the largest wetland in Vietnam, home to many wildlife species.
The ideal time to explore Nam Cat Tien is from December to May, when the weather is dry and favorable for sightseeing activities. If you visit during the rainy season (June to November), keep an eye on the weather forecast to avoid stormy days. Don’t miss the exciting “Night Safari” experience to witness the nocturnal life of wild animals such as deer, sambar deer, squirrels, weasels, wild boars, and more.
Lush green forest canopy in Nam Cat Tien National Park, sunlight filtering through the leaves
2. Ban Ang Pine Forest
Ban Ang Pine Forest, “Little Da Lat” in the heart of Son La, is located in Dong Sang commune, Moc Chau district. With a cool climate year-round, Ban Ang Pine Forest is an ideal destination to escape the summer heat. Two natural lakes nestled among the green pine forest create a poetic and romantic scenery. If you visit Ban Ang on the full moon of January, you will also have the opportunity to participate in the “Xe Cha” festival of the Thai people, a unique cultural feature of the Northwest highlands.
Ban Ang Pine Forest is further adorned with white canola flower hills in winter, creating a stunning landscape painting. Near the pine forest is Chimi Farm, where you can hand-pick ripe strawberries and enjoy them right in the garden.
Tranquil Ban Ang pine forest with a calm lake reflecting the surrounding trees under a clear sky
3. Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s first national park, is located in the territory of three provinces – Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa. This is a nature reserve with rich flora and fauna, typical of tropical rainforests. In Cuc Phuong, you will admire ancient trees hundreds of years old, explore mysterious caves, and learn about the long history of this land.
Cuc Phuong is not only an archaeological destination but also a place preserving prehistoric historical relics. Artifacts such as tombs, stone axes, stone arrowheads, etc., found in caves have proven that humans lived here from 7,000 to 12,000 years ago.
Dense rainforest foliage in Cuc Phuong National Park with diverse plant life
4. U Minh Forest
U Minh Forest, the “green lung” of the Mekong Delta, is divided into U Minh Thuong (Kien Giang) and U Minh Ha (Ca Mau). This is a unique ecosystem with high biodiversity, home to many rare and precious species of flora and fauna. Visiting U Minh, you will immerse yourself in pristine nature, explore intricate canals, admire vast cajuput forests, and romantic purple sim flowers.
The cajuput forest ecosystem of U Minh is particularly attractive to tourists with its 6-month flood and 6-month dry cycle. This is also where you can experience the simple life of Southern Vietnamese people with delicious dishes imbued with homeland flavors.
Boat navigating through the narrow waterways of U Minh Thuong forest surrounded by cajuput trees
5. Tra Su Cajuput Forest
Tra Su Cajuput Forest, a symbol of the Long Xuyen Quadrangle region, An Giang, is a typical flooded forest of the Mekong Delta. It is famous for its diverse and rich ecosystem, home to many species of birds, fish, and other wildlife. In Tra Su, you will sit on a boat weaving through rows of green cajuput trees, watching flocks of birds flying in the sky, and enjoying the fresh, cool air.
Tra Su Cajuput Forest also plays an important role in regulating the climate and protecting the environment for the Bay Nui region. It is also an ideal destination for those who want to learn about the flooded forest ecosystem and explore the unique natural beauty of the Mekong Delta.
Wooden boat gliding through the water fern covered surface of Tra Su cajuput forest
6. Can Gio Mangrove Forest
Can Gio Mangrove Forest, the “green lung” of Ho Chi Minh City, is a world biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO. It has a diverse ecosystem with many mangrove species such as Sonneratia, Avicennia, Rhizophora, Acanthus, Phoenix paludosa, etc. Can Gio Forest plays an important role in disaster prevention and environmental protection for the city.
Visiting Can Gio, you will enjoy the fresh, peaceful atmosphere, completely different from the noisy, bustling city life. You can also participate in activities such as forest walking, visiting the wildlife conservation area, and learning about the life of local people.
Dense mangrove forest in Can Gio with tangled roots visible above the mudflats
7. Pu Mat National Park
Pu Mat National Park, located in Nghe An, is one of the largest forests in North Central Vietnam and is recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve. Pu Mat has beautiful natural landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and is home to many rare species such as saola, Truong Son muntjac, etc.
Visiting Pu Mat, you will explore primeval forests with many precious wood trees such as Fokienia, Cunninghamia, Hopea odorata, etc. You can also participate in activities such as mountain climbing, trekking, waterfall exploration, and learning about the culture of ethnic minorities living in the region.
Lush and mountainous landscape of Pu Mat National Park with dense forest covering the hillsides
8. Bo Bo Pine Forest
Bo Bo Pine Forest, located in Dien Tien, Dien Ban, Quang Nam, possesses pristine and charming beauty, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and explorers. It is likened to “Da Lat of Central Vietnam” with straight Caribe pine hills, a calm lake, and a cool climate year-round.
In Bo Bo, you can organize picnics, camping trips, and enjoy the peaceful space amidst nature. This is also an ideal location for couples who want to take wedding photos amidst the romantic scenery of the pine forest.
Rows of tall pine trees in Bo Bo Pine Forest with sunlight filtering through the branches
9. Tam Dao National Park
Tam Dao National Park, home to Tam Dao Forest, is the largest ecological forest in Northern Vietnam with rich and diverse flora and fauna. It has a cool climate year-round, making it an ideal destination to escape the heat in the summer.
Visiting Tam Dao, you will explore trails leading to unique spots such as Silver Waterfall, Rung Rinh peak, and Ba Chua Thuong Ngan Temple. You can also participate in activities such as trekking, mountain climbing, sightseeing, and learning about the tropical forest ecosystem.
Mist shrouded Tam Dao National Park with evergreen trees and lush vegetation covering the mountains
10. Che Tao Maple Forest
Che Tao Maple Forest, located in Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai, is one of the most beautiful primeval forests in Vietnam. It is famous for its fiery red maple leaves in winter, creating a stunning and romantic scene.
Visiting Che Tao, you will admire the beauty of ancient maple forests, explore the rich flora and fauna, and learn about the culture of the Hmong people. The road to Che Tao may be quite long and difficult, but that journey will be compensated by the wonderful beauty of this forest.
Vibrant red maple leaves in Che Tao Maple Forest during autumn
Primeval forests are not only the “green lungs” of the country but also invaluable treasures of biodiversity and culture. Take time to explore and cherish these forests, so they will forever be wonderful destinations for those who love nature and want to return to the most pristine values.