TOP 10 Most Beautiful National Parks In Vietnam

Vietnam boasts some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in Southeast Asia. While its beaches and rice terraces rank among the most beautiful in the world, the country is also home to many protected national parks that are not to be missed. Let’s explore them, starting from the north.

P.S.: To help you, the complete map is at the end of the article!

In northern Vietnam

Ba Be national park

Ba Be Lake is the destination to escape the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. The largest natural lake in Vietnam impresses with its mystical landscapes (resembling the work of a water dragon), where its limestone mountains reflect almost perfectly in the mirror-like water. Hiking, boating, cycling, and canoeing are all great ways to discover its natural treasures - waterfalls and caves. A true green getaway, often concluded with a delicious meal with your hosts, the Tay, Dao, or H’mong people.

• How much time? To soak in the peaceful atmosphere, spend about 30 minutes. To fully explore the treasures of Ba Be, plan one or two nights there. You can take a half-day or full-day cruise.

Cat Ba national park

The small Cat Ba archipelago is a must-visit destination. In fact, it could be your starting point for a cruise in the Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay. On the island, you'll find the Cat Ba National Park, a world biosphere reserve. Resembling Jurassic Park, the site invites you to climb some steps (moderate difficulty) to get an exceptional viewpoint of the entire park. You might even spot the white-headed langurs, an endangered species.

• How much time? It's hard to say because it depends a lot on your itinerary and the cruise you choose to explore Halong Bay. Landings are usually around 9 AM/10 AM, with departures around 11:30 AM/12:30 PM. You can easily include a night on the island before or after your cruise, though it's also possible to skip it.

Cuc Phuong national park

If Cat Ba is "almost" a must-see, Ninh Binh definitely is. The "Halong Bay of the land" is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in northern Vietnam. Just 1.5 hours by road from Hanoi, Cuc Phuong National Park is very accessible and can be explored by foot, motorbike, or bicycle. The park is home to a wide range of plant species and animals, including several endangered turtle species.

• How much time? To enjoy your visit to Ninh Binh, plan for one or two nights there. In addition to its exceptional landscapes, it’s a place where you’ll feel at peace. 😉

Central Vietnam

Phong Nha national park

A must-visit for aspiring spelunkers! Phong Nha National Park is undoubtedly the most beautiful, best-preserved, and spectacular park in Vietnam. Its fame comes from the hundreds of caves it harbors across its 900 square kilometers. Ce patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO, abrite d’ailleurs Hang Son Doong la plus grande cavité souterraine - un monde dans un monde avec son propre microclimat, sa jungle, ses animaux … Si cette dernière n’est pas accessible (très difficilement), nous vous promettons que ses sœurs valent très largement un coup d'œil.

• How much time? For a successful exploration, plan at least one night on-site. If caves are your passion, two nights will give you more time to explore!

Bach Ma national park

Located about 40 kilometers from Hue, Bach Ma National Park spans 22,000 hectares of pristine forest. Nestled in the Truong Son mountain range, this forested area will satisfy your love for hiking with its exceptional scenery: lakes, waterfalls, rare plants, wildlife, and some historical remnants. The site was once a vacation spot for the French administration. Note that you can only visit this park on foot or by car, as biking and motorbiking are prohibited!

• How much time? A morning departure from Hue for a day trip by car is sufficient. For hiking, you can plan to stay overnight (camping, hotel, or homestay).

South Vietnam

Yok Don national park

Yok Don National Park is one of the largest natural reserves in Vietnam, covering nearly 115,500 hectares of forest. This site is home to exceptional wildlife and flora, despite the threat of poaching: it hosts 67 species of mammals, more than half of which are endangered. In addition to its animal life, the park is also home to a vibrant human community, with around ten ethnic groups, including the Ede and H’mong, being the main representatives. Rich in biodiversity and culture, this lesser-known destination is worth your full attention.

• How much time? To deepen your connection with the elephants, plan at least one night on-site.

Nui Chua national park

Located at the end of the Truong Son mountain range, Nui Chua National Park overlooks one of the best-preserved coastlines in the East Sea. The journey to get there is already a visual treat! In this semi-arid park, you can encounter bears, primates, bats, and thousands of other animal and plant species. The park is especially valuable as its coastline is a nesting site for several endangered turtle species. In short, this park offers stunning landscapes that combine forest, marine, and mountain scenery.

• How much time ? Well-located and easily accessible, a visit to Nui Chua can be a one-day detour or a well-deserved overnight stop in a well-planned itinerary.

Cat Tien national park

Cat Tien National Park is a hidden gem located three hours from Ho Chi Minh City. With its 80,000 hectares, Cat Tien is home to priceless biodiversity resources. Gibbons, deer, and wild boars will accompany you along breathtaking natural trails. If you want to escape the hum of Saigon, settle into one of the many campsites or riverside bungalows.

• How much time? Plan at least one night on-site to fully enjoy all the pleasures offered by this peaceful retreat.

Phu Quoc national park

Phu Quoc Island is an exceptional and highly sought-after destination in southern Vietnam. The island is a paradise that hosts no less than 1,000 plant species and 200 animal species. But that's not all! Among its natural treasures, you'll find forests with towering dipterocarp trees reaching 30 meters in height. In addition to its rich biodiversity and white sandy beaches, Phu Quoc invites you to dive, visit the Phu Quoc detention center turned museum (very poignant), wander around the village of Rach Vem, and discover Vietnam's first safari park.

• How much time? With numerous activities and an exceptional setting, plan to spend at least one night on the island.

Con Dao national park

Comprising 16 islands, the Con Dao archipelago is, like its counterpart Phu Quoc, an exceptional natural destination renowned for its marine and terrestrial national park. Its coral reefs and beaches are among the most pristine in Vietnam. The shores welcome and protect the life of certain species of turtles as well as rare sea cows. It is an exceptional destination for families, enriching experiences... and relaxation!

• How much time? If you choose Con Dao, take the time to visit the museum and the prison on a minimum one-night getaway.

What about a green escape?

Do you need to visit them all? Not unless you have three months to spare. More seriously, it is impossible to travel in Vietnam without stepping foot in one of its reserves: Ninh Binh, Phu Quoc, or Cat Ba being nearly unmissable. The idea here is to help you refine your itinerary for the South/North - North/South route and show that it is possible to avoid the big cities if you wish. Thank you, Ba Be!

Here are some other articles that can help you discover more destinations to refine your travel ideas:

• Les plus belles rizières du Vietnam,
• Les destinations à découvrir au Vietnam
• Les modalités de Visa pour voyager au Vietnam

If you have any questions or would like us to organize your trip, please contact Vietnam Insolite !