Vietnam, with its rich natural beauty, is not only famous for its long stretches of beaches and majestic mountains but also known for its lush, biodiverse primeval forests. These forests are not just the green lungs of the country but also attractive destinations for nature lovers who want to discover the wonders of creation. Let’s explore the most famous primeval forests in Vietnam with Discovery To Wonders, where you can immerse yourself in wild nature and experience exciting things.
Discovering the Magnificent Beauty of Vietnam’s Primeval Forests
1. Nam Cat Tien National Park
Nam Cat Tien National Park, located in the territories of three provinces: Dong Nai, Binh Phuoc, and Lam Dong, is one of the largest nature reserves in Vietnam. This place is famous for its biodiversity, home to many rare and precious flora and fauna, including species listed in the Red Book.
With about 40 species listed in the World Red Book, Nam Cat Tien is an ideal destination for those who want to explore the typical tropical rainforest ecosystem. In particular, Bau Sau area, the largest wetland in Vietnam located within the forest area, is home to many wild animals.
The best time to explore Nam Cat Tien is from December to May, when the weather is dry, favorable for long walks and wildlife observation. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a night tour to witness firsthand the nightlife of animals such as deer, muntjac, squirrels, civets, and wild pigs.
Lush green and diverse vegetation in Nam Cat Tien National Park
2. Ban Ang Pine Forest
Ban Ang Pine Forest, located in Dong Sang commune, Moc Chau district, Son La province, is considered a “miniature Da Lat” of the Northwest region. With green pine hills stretching over an area of 43 hectares, along with two poetic natural lakes, Ban Ang is an ideal destination for those seeking peace and harmony with nature.
Coming to Ban Ang during the full moon of the first lunar month, visitors have the opportunity to participate in the “Xe Cha” festival of the Thai people, a unique cultural feature of this land. The cool climate all year round, along with the beautiful natural scenery, Ban Ang offers visitors unforgettable experiences.
Around Ban Ang Pine Forest, there are also vast canola flower gardens, creating a poetic and romantic setting. Especially, near the pine forest area, there is also Chimi Farm, a famous strawberry garden, where visitors can pick ripe strawberries themselves and enjoy their sweet taste.
Green pine trees and clear lake in Ban Ang Pine Forest
3. Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park, located in the territories of three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa, is the first national park of Vietnam. This place is a nature reserve with rich flora and fauna, characteristic of a tropical rainforest.
Cuc Phuong is not only a place to conserve rare and precious flora and fauna but also an important archaeological site. Artifacts of prehistoric people, dating back about 12,000 years, have been found in the caves here, proving that humans have lived in this area for a very long time.
Coming to Cuc Phuong, visitors can participate in ecotourism programs, explore the diverse flora and fauna, admire the beautiful natural scenery, camp, relax, and learn about the culture and history of this land.
Ancient trees and diverse vegetation in Cuc Phuong National Park
4. U Minh Forest
U Minh Forest, divided into Upper U Minh and Lower U Minh by the Trem River, belongs to the territories of two provinces: Kien Giang and Ca Mau, is one of the largest waterlogged cajeput forests in Vietnam. This place is the source of vitality of the Mekong Delta, with a diverse and rich ecosystem.
U Minh Forest is home to 252 species of plants, 24 species of mammals, and 185 species of birds, many of which are listed in the Red Book. Coming to U Minh, visitors will immerse themselves in wild nature, admire the amazing scenery of reeds, vast cajeput forests, and romantic purple sim flowers.
Exploring U Minh forest by boat, weaving through intricate canals, is an exciting experience that helps visitors better feel the life of the Southern people, with delicious dishes imbued with local flavors.
Waterlogged landscape and rich vegetation in Upper U Minh Forest
5. Tra Su Cajeput Forest
Tra Su Cajeput Forest, a symbol of the West of the Hau River region, belongs to An Giang province, is a flooded forest with a diverse and rich ecosystem. This place is not only valuable in terms of environment but also an attractive tourist destination, attracting visitors by its wild and majestic natural beauty.
Tra Su Cajeput Forest is home to 70 species of birds, including herons and storks, two of which are listed in the Vietnam Red Book: the Indian cormorant and the Oriental darter. The ecosystem here also has 22 species of reptiles, 11 species of mammals, and 23 species of aquatic animals, many of which are of scientific value and are facing the risk of extinction.
Boating on the green water surface covered with water hyacinth, listening to the melodious birdsong, visitors will have unforgettable experiences when exploring Tra Su cajeput forest and the typical flora and fauna ecosystem of the West of Hau River region.
Green water hyacinth carpet and diverse ecosystem in Tra Su Cajeput Forest
6. Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve
Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, just over 50 km south of Saigon, is a world biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO. With an area of nearly 76,000 hectares, Can Gio is one of the largest mangrove forests in Vietnam, playing an important role in environmental protection and disaster prevention.
Can Gio mangrove forest is home to many mangrove plant species such as Sonneratia, Avicennia, Rhizophora, Acanthus, Phoenix paludosa, forming a diverse and unique flora and fauna ecosystem. Coming here, visitors will enjoy the fresh, peaceful atmosphere, completely different from the noisy, bustling life in the city.
Unique and diverse ecosystem in Can Gio Mangrove Forest
7. Pu Mat Primeval Forest
Pu Mat National Park, located about 120 km southwest of Vinh city, is a large forest in North Central Vietnam, recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve. Pu Mat means “high hills” in Thai language, reflecting the rugged hilly terrain of this area.
With a vast area of natural forest and diverse flora and fauna, Pu Mat is an ideal destination for those who love to explore wild nature. This place has more than 2,400 species of plants, many of which are rare and precious species listed in the Vietnam and World Red Books. Animals in Pu Mat are also very diverse, with more than 240 species of mammals, including elephants, tigers, Truong Son muntjacs, and saola – the rarest animal in the world.
Magnificent natural landscape and biodiversity in Pu Mat Primeval Forest
8. Bo Bo Pine Forest
Bo Bo Pine Forest, belonging to Dien Tien commune, Dien Ban town, Quang Nam, possesses wild and charming beauty, an ideal location for nature lovers and explorers. With straight rows of Caribbean pine trees, calm lakes, and a cool climate all year round, Bo Bo is a favorite destination for many young people and couples to take wedding photos.
The cool, airy climate throughout the year makes Bo Bo an ideal stop for visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the peaceful space amidst nature. This place is not only a new tourist destination but also considered the “Da Lat” of the Central region.
Green pine trees and peaceful atmosphere in Bo Bo Pine Forest
9. Tam Dao Primeval Forest
Tam Dao Forest, belonging to Tam Dao National Park, is the largest ecological forest in the North, with forest area accounting for 70% of the total area of 34,995 hectares of the park. With trails leading to unique spots, this area gives a rustic, majestic, and mysterious feeling.
Tam Dao National Park is divided into two distinct slopes: the East and West slopes, creating diversity in climate, flora, and fauna. In this area, visitors will discover many unique plant species such as red camellia, yellow camellia, Anoectochilus setaceus, Podocarpus fleuryi, Cibotium barometz, Fairy flower… The fauna is also very diverse with outstanding species such as Tam Dao swordtail butterfly, Tam Dao salamander, black giant squirrel, red-faced monkey.
Wild beauty and rich ecosystem in Tam Dao Primeval Forest
10. Che Tao Maple Forest
Che Tao Maple Forest, belonging to Mu Cang Chai district, Yen Bai, located on the majestic Hoang Lien Son range, is considered the most beautiful primeval forest with many types of broadleaf trees, conifers, and rich vegetation. The International Fauna and Flora International (FFI) has recorded 788 species of higher plants and diverse animals, with rare species such as black crested gibbon, wreathed hornbill, Edwards’s pheasant, gray-shanked douc langur.
Coming to Che Tao Species and Habitat Conservation Area, visitors will experience the richness of nature, the beauty of culture, and the warmth of human kindness. The road to Che Tao forest may be quite far and difficult, but that journey will be compensated by the old forest with red maple trees in winter, creating a surprisingly wonderful scene.
Red maple trees in winter in Che Tao Maple Forest
Conclusion
The primeval forests in Vietnam are not only attractive tourist destinations but also important nature reserves, contributing to protecting biodiversity and ecological balance. Come and explore these forests to feel the majestic beauty of Vietnamese nature and appreciate the values they bring. A trip to these primeval forests will surely be a memorable experience in your life.