12 Best National Parks in Vietnam for Trekking, Camping & Eco-Tours
There are a total of 34 national parks in Vietnam, spread across the northern, central, and southern regions of the country. These protected areas not only serve as havens for rare and endangered species but also provide incredible opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore untouched nature through trekking, camping, and eco-tours.
In this guide, Lua Viet Tours will take you through the 12 best national parks in Vietnam, highlighting their unique landscapes, must-see attractions, and the best activities to enjoy in each.
5 Best National Parks in Northern Vietnam
Northern Vietnam is home to the country’s most spectacular national parks, offering rugged mountain landscapes, dense forests, diverse wildlife, and rich biodiversity. These parks serve as crucial conservation areas while also providing excellent opportunities for trekking, wildlife spotting, caving, and cultural exploration.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Location: Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province
Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s first national park, is known for its ancient rainforest, diverse wildlife, and the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. The park is particularly famous for its butterfly season in April and May, when thousands of butterflies fill the air. Visitors can enjoy trekking through dense forests, exploring limestone caves, and observing rare species in this well-preserved sanctuary.
Butterfly season in Cuc Phuong National Park (Image Source: Internet)
Ba Be National Park
Location: Ba Be District, Bac Kan Province
Ba Be National Park is best known for Ba Be Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam. This park offers breathtaking boat trips, scenic waterfalls, and lush forests. Visitors can trek through the jungle, stay with local Tay ethnic families in traditional stilt houses, and explore caves such as Puong Cave and Hua Ma Cave. It is an ideal destination for those looking for a peaceful nature retreat.
Trekking at Ba Be National Park (Image Source: Internet)
Cat Ba National Park
Location: Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City
As a part of the Cat Ba Archipelago and a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, Cat Ba National Park features limestone karst mountains, dense jungles, and a variety of wildlife, including the critically endangered Cat Ba langur.
Adventurous visitors do not forget hiking trails lead to Ngu Lam Peak to capture the panoramic views of the island, while nearby Lan Ha Bay provides opportunities for kayaking and exploring pristine beaches.
>>> Read more: 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam That Should Be on Your Bucket List
Cat Ba National Park (Image Source: Internet)
Ba Vi National Park
Location: Tan Linh Commune, Ba Vi District, Hanoi City
Ba Vi National Park is a popular escape from the capital. The park is known for its misty mountain peaks, lush pine forests, and remnants of French colonial architecture hidden in the jungle. Visitors can hike to the summit for breathtaking views, explore the ancient temples, and relax in the nearby hot spring resorts. It is a great destination for day trips from Hanoi.
The ancient temples at Ba Vi National Park (Image Source: Internet)
Hoang Lien National Park
Location: Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range, Lao Cai Province
In case you may be surprised, Hoang Lien National Park is home to Fansipan, the “Everest” of Indochina. This park is a favorite among adventure seekers, offering challenging trekking routes, breathtaking landscapes, and opportunities to explore ethnic minority villages. The terraced rice fields surrounding the park add to its stunning scenery, making it an excellent destination for both nature lovers and cultural tourists.
Trekking routes through Hoang Lien National Park (Image Source: Internet)
3 Best National Parks in Central Vietnam
Vietnam’s central region is known for stunning caves, coastal jungles, and rare wildlife. Here are the top 3 best national parks in this area:
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park
Location: Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its extensive cave systems, dramatic limestone mountains, and dense jungles. The park is home to Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest cave, as well as other incredible formations like Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave.
In addition to caving, visitors can enjoy jungle trekking, river kayaking, and wildlife spotting in this protected area, which shelters rare species such as the Asian black bear and Ha Tinh langur.
You should not miss the river kayaking at Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park (Image Source: Internet)
Bach Ma National Park
Location: Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province
Nestled between Hue and Da Nang, Bach Ma National Park boasts cool mountain climates, lush forests, and stunning waterfalls. Once a retreat for the French during colonial times, the park is now a haven for biodiversity, with over 1,500 plant species and 130 animal species.
Visitors can hike to Bach Ma Summit for panoramic views of the coastline, explore the Five Lakes Trail with its cascading waterfalls, and enjoy birdwatching opportunities as the park is home to rare species like the Crested Argus. With its combination of scenic beauty and rich wildlife, Bach Ma is a perfect destination for hiking, photography, and nature retreats.
Five Lakes Trails at Bach Ma Summit for adventurers
Pu Luong National Park
Location: Ba Thuoc District, Thanh Hoa Province
Unlike the more well-known national parks, Pu Luong offers a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience, ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in Vietnam’s rural charm and ethnic minority cultures. Visitors can trek through traditional Thai and Muong villages, witness bamboo waterwheels, and stay in eco-friendly homestays while enjoying breathtaking views of the countryside.
>>> Tour you may like: PU LUONG NATURE RESERVE VACATION TOUR FROM HA NOI
Pu Luong National Park offers peaceful experiences for nature lovers (Image Source: Internet)
4 Best National Parks in Southern Vietnam
Southern Vietnam is home to tropical forests, wetland eco-systems, and island conservation areas, influenced by the weather of the Mekong Delta. That is the reason why each national park offers unique landscapes, diverse wildlife, and exceptional ecotourism experiences.
Cat Tien National Park
Location: In the intersection of 3 provinces which includes Dong Nai, Lam Dong and Binh Phuoc
Cat Tien National Park is one of Vietnam’s most important wildlife conservation areas. Covering more than 70,000 hectares of tropical rainforest, the park is home to rare and endangered species, including gibbons, Asian elephants, and the Siamese crocodile. Visitors can explore the park through jungle trekking, birdwatching, night safaris, and boat tours on the Dong Nai River. With its rich biodiversity and well-preserved nature, Cat Tien is a top destination for those seeking authentic wildlife encounters.
A group of visitors enjoy trekking at Cat Tien National Park (Image Source: Internet)
Tram Chim National Park
Location: Tam Nong District, Dong Thap Province
As a wetland paradise within the Mekong Delta, the national park is home to over 230 bird species, including the rare Sarus crane, one of the tallest flying birds in the world. Visitors can explore Tram Chim via boat tours through the flooded forests and wetlands, where they can observe birds, lotuses, and other aquatic wildlife. The park is an ideal destination for birdwatchers, photographers, and those looking to experience the Mekong Delta’s natural beauty.
Tram Chim National Park is such a paradise for rare bird species (Image Source: Internet)
Con Dao National Park
Location: Con Dao Island, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province
The park is one of Vietnam’s most important sites for sea turtle conservation, with several beaches serving as nesting grounds for endangered green turtles. In addition to snorkeling and diving among vibrant coral reefs, visitors can enjoy hiking trails through dense forests and explore historical sites related to Vietnam’s past. The combination of marine and terrestrial biodiversity makes Con Dao a perfect destination for ecotourism and beach adventures.
Snorkeling at Con Dao (Image Source: Internet)
>>> The tour you may like: LAVISH BEACH RETREAT – CON DAO ISLAND
Phu Quoc National Park
Location: Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province
Covering more than 50% of Phu Quoc Island in Kien Giang Province, Phu Quoc National Park is a tropical paradise with a mix of dense forests, mangrove swamps, and coral reefs. The park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife spotting, and snorkeling in the surrounding waters.
Mangrove forests, Phu Quoc National Park (Image Source: Internet)
It is home to rare wildlife such as langurs, hornbills, and pythons, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With its combination of lush landscapes, untouched beaches, and vibrant marine life, Phu Quoc National Park is a must-visit for travelers looking to explore Vietnam’s largest island.
>>> Tour you may like: PHU QUOC BEACH BREAK
The national parks in Vietnam offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes and diverse outdoor experiences in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time explorer, these 12 best national parks from our recommendations are perfect for trekking, camping, and eco-tours. Nature is calling for your next Vietnam trip; how will you answer?
