Vietnam, a country of majestic natural beauty and rich biodiversity, proudly possesses an extensive system of nature reserves. From lush primeval forests to vast oceans, these reserves play a crucial role in protecting the environment, conserving rare flora and fauna, and maintaining ecological balance.
Let’s explore the “green lungs” of Vietnam, where nature is preserved and conserved in the best possible way.
National Parks: A “Common Home” for Precious Flora and Fauna
Vietnam currently has 33 national parks, each with its own beauty and characteristics, serving as habitats for countless rare and precious species of flora and fauna. National parks are not only attractive ecotourism destinations but also important scientific research centers.
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Cuc Phuong National Park: The first national park of Vietnam, famous for its biodiversity and rare primates. Visitors can participate in long trekking tours, explore caves, and learn about conservation efforts.
Cuc Phuong National Park entrance with lush greenery -
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park: Recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site, famous for its magnificent cave system, especially Son Doong Cave – the largest cave in the world.
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Cat Tien National Park: One of the largest humid tropical forests in Vietnam, home to many wild animals such as elephants, gaurs, and Asiatic black bears.
Full list of national parks in Vietnam: Bai Tu Long, Ba Be, Phia Oac – Phia Den, Tam Dao, Xuan Son, Hoang Lien, Du Gia – Dong Van Karst Plateau, Cat Ba, Xuan Thuy, Ba Vi, Cuc Phuong, Ben En, Pu Mat, Vu Quang, Phong Nha – Ke Bang, Bach Ma, Phuoc Binh, Nui Chua, Chu Mom Ray, Kon Ka Kinh, Yok Don, Chu Yang Sin, Ta Dung, Bidoup Nui Ba, Cat Tien, Bu Gia Map, Lo Go – Xa Mat, Con Dao, Tram Chim, Mui Ca Mau, U Minh Ha, U Minh Thuong, Phu Quoc.
Nature Reserves: “Treasures” of Mother Nature
With 59 nature reserves, Vietnam is striving to conserve special ecosystems and maintain biodiversity. Nature reserves not only protect rare flora and fauna but also preserve the traditional cultural values of local communities.
- Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Famous for its pristine natural landscapes, beautiful terraced fields, and the unique cultural identity of the Thai people.
- Son Tra Nature Reserve: Located right in Da Nang city, home to the rare red-shanked douc langur.
- Vinh Cuu Nature Reserve: With a diverse flooded forest ecosystem, it is a habitat for many rare bird species.
Full list of nature reserves in Vietnam: Dong Son-Ky Thuong, Tay Yen Tu, Huu Lien, Nui Pia Oac, Kim Hy, Than Sa-Phuong Hoang, Cham Chu, Na Hang, Bac Me, Bat Dai Son, Du Gia, Phong Quang, Tay Con Linh, Van Ban, Muong Te, Muong Nhe, Copia, Sop Cop, Ta Xua, Xuan Nha, Na Hau, Hang Kia-Pa Co, Ngoc Son-Ngo Luong, Phu Canh, Thuong Tien, Tien Hai, Van Long, Pu Hu, Pu Luong, Xuan Lien, Pu Hoat, Pu Huong, Ke Go, Bac Huong Hoa, Dakrong, Phong Dien, Son Tra, Ba Na-Nui Chua, Ngoc Linh, Song Thanh, An Toan, Hon Ba, Hon Mun, Ran Trao, Krong Trai, Nui Ong, Ta Kou, Ngoc Linh, Kon Cha Rang (Kon Chu Rang). Ea So, Nam Kar, Nam Nung, Binh Chau-Phuoc Buu, Vinh Cuu, Lang Sen, Thanh Phu, Ap Canh Dien, Hon Chong.
Species Conservation Areas: “Safe Homes” for Endangered Species
Vietnam has established 13 species conservation areas to protect endangered flora and fauna. Species conservation areas focus on population recovery, habitat protection, and prevention of illegal hunting and trading activities.
- Cao Vit Gibbon Species Conservation Area in Trung Khanh: A conservation site for the white-cheeked black gibbon, one of the rarest primates in the world.
- Sao La Species Conservation Area in Thua Thien-Hue: Located in the Truong Son mountain range, it is a conservation site for the saola, one of the rarest large mammals on the planet.
- Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve: With a rich wetland ecosystem, it is a habitat for many rare bird species.
Full list of species conservation areas in Vietnam: Cao Vit Gibbon Species Conservation Area in Trung Khanh, Nam Xuan Lac Species and Habitat Conservation Area, Khau Ca Snub-nosed Langur Species and Habitat Conservation Area, Che Tao Species and Habitat Conservation Area, Huong Nguyen Conservation Area, Sao La Species Conservation Area in Thua Thien-Hue, Sao La Species Conservation Area in Quang Nam, Dak Uy Conservation Area, Ea Ral Habitat Conservation Area, Trap Kso Conservation Area, Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve, Bac Lieu Bird Garden Nature Reserve, Dam Doi Bird Sanctuary.
Biosphere Reserves: “Models” for Sustainable Development
With 9 biosphere reserves recognized by UNESCO, Vietnam is moving towards a sustainable development model, combining nature conservation and socio-economic development. Biosphere reserves are testing grounds for effective natural resource management solutions, contributing to improving the livelihoods of local communities.
- Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve: With a diverse mangrove ecosystem, it is a habitat for many important migratory bird species.
- Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve: Known as the “green lung” of Ho Chi Minh City, famous for its mangrove forests and wild animals.
- Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve: With a combination of forests, sea, and mountains, it has high biodiversity and beautiful natural landscapes.
Full list of biosphere reserves in Vietnam: Red River Delta, Cat Ba, Western Nghe An, Cu Lao Cham, Langbiang, Dong Nai, Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, Mui Ca Mau, Kien Giang.
Protected Landscape Areas: “Beauty” Blending Nature and Culture
With 54 protected landscape areas, Vietnam is conserving areas of high aesthetic value, combining natural landscapes and historical-cultural relics. Protected landscape areas are not only attractive tourist destinations but also places to preserve the traditional cultural values of the nation.
- Ha Long Bay Protected Landscape Area: A World Natural Heritage site, famous for thousands of magnificent limestone islands.
- Ba Be Lake Protected Landscape Area: The largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, surrounded by lush primeval forests.
- Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields Protected Landscape Area: With terraced fields winding along hillsides, it is a favorite destination for many photographers and tourists.
Full list of protected landscape areas in Vietnam: Ban Gioc, Thang Hen Lake, Lam Son, Nui Lang Don, Tran Hung Dao Forest Area, Pac Bo, Muong Phang, Den Hung, Nui Na, Yen Lap, Dinh Hoa Safe Zone, Tan Trao, Kim Binh, Da Ban, Yen Tu, Con Son – Kiep Bac, K9 – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Chua Thay, Vat Lai, Huong Son, Hoa Lu, Ngoc Trao, Ba Trieu Temple, Lam Son, Dong Son Pine Forest, Ham Rong, Sam Son, Vuc Mau, Nui Chung, Nui Than Dinh, Ru Linh, Ho Chi Minh Road, Southwest Hue, North Hai Van, South Hai Van, Cu Lao Cham, Nui Ba, Quy Hoa- Ghenh Rang, Nguyen Hue Cam Garden, Deo Ca – Hon Nua, Lak Lake, Dray Sap – Gia Long Waterfall, Nui Ba Ra, Dong Rum Base, Chau Thanh Base, Chang Riec Base, Nui Ba Den, Go Thap, Xeo Quyt, Tuc Dup, Tra Su, Thoai Son, Nui Sam, Hon Khoai Islands.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s nature reserves are not only the “green lungs” of the country but also “common homes” for countless precious flora and fauna. The conservation and sustainable development of these reserves is the responsibility of each of us, contributing to environmental protection, maintaining ecological balance, and promoting the traditional cultural values of the nation. Let’s join hands to protect these natural “treasures” for future generations.