Have you ever dreamed of a night in the deep forest, completely separated from the hustle and bustle of the city, to listen to the chirping of insects and gaze at the starry sky? If yes, then a camping experience in Nam Cat Tien National Park is for you. Nam Cat Tien National Park, a green gem of Southern Vietnam, is not only an ideal destination for day trips to explore nature, but also a wonderful place to experience camping in the old-growth forest, enjoying the unspoiled wilderness and tranquility that is unparalleled. Let’s explore this unique camping journey with “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around The World) and feel the difference that Nam Cat Tien brings.
Cost and Transportation to Nam Cat Tien for Your Camping Trip
For a smooth camping experience in Nam Cat Tien National Park, careful preparation regarding costs and transportation is essential. Below is detailed information to help you plan your finances and choose the most suitable way to travel:
Estimated Costs for the Trip
- Bus ticket: Bus tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Nam Cat Tien range from around VND 80,000/one way. You can choose reputable bus companies that have routes passing through Nam Cat Tien National Park.
- National Park entrance fee: VND 60,000/adult. This is a mandatory fee for you to visit and camp in the forest.
- Tent rental: Tent rental prices at Nam Cat Tien National Park vary, depending on the type of tent and the number of people. A 4-person tent costs about VND 220,000/day, and there may be an additional land rental fee of about VND 20,000/person. In total, the tent rental cost is approximately VND 280,000/tent/day. You should contact the park management or service providers in advance to book a tent and find out detailed price information.
- Food: Food costs depend on your choice. If you bring your own food to cook, the cost will be more economical. However, you can also choose to eat at restaurants or eateries in the area near the National Park, with an average price of about VND 100,000/person/day for 3 meals. If traveling in a group, this cost can be shared and more economical.
- Transportation within the forest: To explore attractions in the forest, you can choose to walk, rent a bicycle (VND 100,000 – 150,000/bike/day), or rent a car (about VND 500,000/round trip for a group). Walking is a great way to immerse yourself in nature, but it will take more time and effort. Renting a bicycle is a popular option, especially in the dry season, making it easy to travel on main roads. Car rental is suitable for large groups or those who want to save travel time.
- Other incurred costs: You should budget for additional expenses for personal activities, souvenir shopping, or other services during camping.
Transportation to Nam Cat Tien
There are two main means of transport for you to choose to travel to Nam Cat Tien:
Bus
Bus is a popular and cost-effective public transport option. You can take a bus from Mien Dong Bus Station (Ho Chi Minh City) to Nam Cat Tien or neighboring provinces such as Dong Nai and Lam Dong.
- Morning routes: Contact bus companies at phone numbers 0984.693.172 – 0984.693.875 – 0918.327.578 to find out schedules and book tickets.
- Afternoon routes: Contact bus companies at phone numbers 0917.853.383 – 0913.873.557 – 0979.309.283 to find out schedules and book tickets.
- Kim Hoan Bus Company: You can also buy Kim Hoan bus tickets to Nam Cat Tien at Mien Dong Bus Station, ask counter number 5 for directions.
When you arrive in Nam Cat Tien, you can get off at the National Park gate or stops near the camping area.
Motorbike
Motorbike is an ideal means of transport for those who love freedom and exploration. The road to Nam Cat Tien is quite easy and the scenery along the way is very beautiful.
- Route: From Saigon, follow National Highway 1A to Dau Giay intersection (about 67km). Then, turn left onto National Highway 20 and go for another 58km to Ta Lai intersection (kilometer 125). From this intersection, continue to follow the signs to Nam Cat Tien National Park.
Important note: When asking for directions, you should clearly state Cat Tien National Park (belonging to Dong Nai province) to avoid confusion with another Cat Tien location in Lam Dong province.
Green and peaceful space at Nam Cat Tien campsite, where you can set up tents and enjoy the forest night.
Must-Do Activities When Camping in Nam Cat Tien
Camping in Nam Cat Tien National Park is not just about camping, but also an opportunity for you to explore the diverse and pristine beauty of nature here. Nam Cat Tien National Park offers countless exciting activities, from trekking through the forest, admiring majestic waterfalls, to cycling around and discovering the rich flora and fauna.
Trekking to Explore the Forest Ecosystem
Trekking is the best way for you to fully appreciate the beauty of Nam Cat Tien forest. The National Park has many different trekking routes, suitable for all fitness levels and exploration preferences.
- Tung Tree and Go Bac Dong Tree Route: This is a popular trekking route loved by many visitors. You will admire the thousand-year-old Tung tree with its massive root system, and the towering Go Bac Dong tree, a symbol of Nam Cat Tien forest. The route is about 3km from the campsite, you can walk or rent a bicycle to get to the starting point.
- Bau Sau (Crocodile Lake) Route: Bau Sau is a large wetland area, home to many rare and endangered wild animals, especially freshwater crocodiles. To get to Bau Sau, you can walk (about 9km) or combine cycling and walking. The Bau Sau trekking journey will take you through dense forests, small streams, and vast meadows.
- Night Safari: A unique and unmissable experience when camping in Nam Cat Tien is the night safari tour. You will be taken by jeep deep into the forest at night to observe nocturnal wildlife such as deer, wild boar, civets, and weasels. Night safari tours are usually organized in the evening and need to be booked in advance with the park management.
Exploring the thousand-year-old Tung tree
Visiting Waterfall of Heaven (Thac Troi) and Waterfall of Uprightness (Thac Dung)
Nam Cat Tien not only has old-growth forests but also possesses beautiful waterfalls. Waterfall of Heaven (Thac Troi) and Waterfall of Uprightness (Thac Dung) are two famous waterfalls that you should visit.
- Waterfall of Heaven (Thac Troi): Waterfall of Heaven has a wild and majestic beauty with white water cascading down from above, weaving through rocks and green forests. The path to Waterfall of Heaven is quite easy, you can walk or cycle.
- Waterfall of Uprightness (Thac Dung): Waterfall of Uprightness is more gentle and poetic than Waterfall of Heaven. The water flows gently through many rapids, forming small, clear blue lakes. The scenery of Waterfall of Uprightness is perfect for you to relax, enjoy the scenery, and take photos.
Although the waterfalls in Nam Cat Tien are not as tall as waterfalls in the Central Highlands, they have a unique beauty, harmonizing with the surrounding forest landscape, creating a natural picture that is both majestic and poetic.
The poetic beauty of Nam Cat Tien waterfall
Cycling Around the Forest
Renting a bicycle is an interesting option for you to explore Nam Cat Tien comfortably and proactively. The cycling paths in the forest are mainly flat concrete roads, easy to ride. On both sides of the road are green forests, romantic reed meadows, and small wildlife.
- Cycling routes: You can cycle on the main roads in the forest to reach attractions such as the Tung tree, Waterfall of Heaven, bear rescue center… Or simply cycle leisurely to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful natural scenery.
- Scenery along the way: On the cycling route, you will have the opportunity to see rare forest trees, white reed meadows, fluttering butterflies, and chirping birds. Nam Cat Tien is truly a paradise for those who love nature and want to find unique “virtual living” spots.
Leisurely cycling on tree-lined paths, enjoying the fresh air of Nam Cat Tien forest.
Camping in Nam Cat Tien Forest: A Unique and Memorable Experience
Camping in Nam Cat Tien National Park brings a completely different feeling compared to staying in a hotel or resort. You will immerse yourself in the wild nature, listen to the sounds of the forest at night, and feel absolute silence.
Camping Area and Preparation
Nam Cat Tien National Park has a separate camping area, located near the forest headquarters and basic amenities such as toilets and dishwashing areas. The campsite is usually an open space under the forest canopy, cool and quiet.
- Tent rental and setting up camp: You can rent a tent directly at the National Park or bring your own tent. If you rent a tent, staff will assist you in setting up the tent. However, if you want to experience setting up a tent yourself, please notify in advance for guidance and support.
- Preparing camping gear: For a comfortable and safe camping trip, you need to prepare all necessary items such as tent, sleeping bag, flashlight, lighter, multi-tool knife, water bottle, food, drinking water, personal medication, insect repellent, raincoat, and warm clothes (especially at night or in the rainy season).
- Safety when camping: Always comply with the regulations of the National Park on camping, maintain general hygiene, do not litter indiscriminately, do not make noise that affects wildlife. When making a campfire, ensure safety and extinguish the fire completely before going to bed or leaving.
Enjoying Nam Cat Tien Forest Night
Nam Cat Tien forest night is a completely different world from daytime. When night falls, the forest becomes quieter and more mysterious than ever.
- Sounds of the forest at night: Listen to the chirping of insects, the rustling of leaves in the wind, the hooting of owls echoing from afar… All those sounds create a unique symphony of the forest night, helping you feel the vitality of nature.
- Stargazing: If the weather is nice, you will have the opportunity to see a sparkling starry sky. Far from city lights, the sky of Nam Cat Tien becomes clearer and more sparkling than ever.
- Feeling relaxed and peaceful: Sleeping in a tent in the old-growth forest, you will feel unusually relaxed and peaceful. Temporarily forgetting the worries and busyness of life, you will be deeply connected with nature and find balance in your soul.
End of Trip and See You Again Nam Cat Tien
The camping experience in Nam Cat Tien National Park concludes with unforgettable memories and wonderful emotions. Although there may be many places not yet explored, what Nam Cat Tien has brought will surely make you want to return here many more times.
Nam Cat Tien is not just a tourist destination, but also a lesson in nature conservation and living in harmony with the environment. Come and experience it, to feel the unspoiled beauty, biodiversity, and cultural values that Nam Cat Tien National Park brings. See you again in Nam Cat Tien in the next exploration journeys!
Contact information of Nam Cat Tien National Park:
- Address: Hamlet 5, Nam Cat Tien Commune, Tan Phu District, Dong Nai Province.
- Phone number: 02513 669 985
- Hotline: 0917 40 44 44
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://orchardresort.vn/