If Vietnam is a living postcard of Southeast Asia, then its pristine territories are true treasure troves of nature. Vietnam’s national parks are not just protected areas, but entire worlds where ancient caves, dense jungles, azure lagoons, and endangered animal species coexist. Here, there is no need to choose between mountains and sea, between waterfalls and caves — everything is included in one geography.
The natural routes of the country are both a challenge and a meditation. For those seeking what to see in Vietnam, this selection will be a guiding thread through wild landscapes and deep misty forests.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang — the world of underground giants
The reserve in the Quang Binh province is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason: within its depths lie hundreds of kilometers of cave systems, including the world’s largest, Son Doong. Here, Vietnam’s nature looks like a set for a movie about a lost civilization.
Tourists come here for trekking, speleological expeditions, underground rivers, and stalactite cathedrals. Water and stone here create architecture that rivals man-made creations. Among all of Vietnam’s national parks, Phong Nha symbolizes the depth and unfathomable wonders of nature.
Cat Tien — home to rhinoceroses and ancient trees
Located in the southern part of the country, Cat Tien is known as one of the most biodiverse reserves. Here you can see gibbons, crocodiles, wild cats, and even rare birds listed in the Red Book. In the past, the park was the last refuge of the Javan rhinoceros.
The place is ideal for trekking, bird watching, and night safaris. The space here pulsates with life, every sound signaling the presence of the wild world. It’s no wonder that Vietnam’s national parks are highly valued in the field of ecotourism.
Tam Dao — misty coolness in a tropical country
In the north, just an hour from Hanoi, lies the unique mountain park of Tam Dao. It is famous not only for its variety of flora but also for its climate — fresh, humid, and misty, as if in a tropical Sherwood Forest.
Here you can explore mountains, waterfalls, tropical trees, enjoy walks on hanging bridges, and breathe the purest air. This corner seems to be created for recovery after urban noise. For those seeking natural harmony, it is a must-visit on the route.
Phu Quoc — island park amidst turquoise waters
The national park occupies a large part of Phu Quoc Island and amazes with a combination of mangrove forests, mountain trails, hidden beaches, and jungles. Lovers of marine nature will find coral reefs, rare fish, and sea stars here.
Tourism on Phu Quoc is not limited to hotels — its true strength lies in pristine nature. It is such national parks in Vietnam that serve as an example of how to combine leisure and environmental awareness.
Ba Vi — a heavenly symphony of greenery
Ba Vi is mountains covered with moss and dense lianas, temples lost among the clouds, and a climate suitable for rejuvenation. The place is loved not only by tourists but also by locals who come here for tranquility.
The park offers routes of varying difficulty, viewpoints, and historical sites from the French period. Among Vietnam’s reserves, Ba Vi is one of the most romantic and photogenic.
Yok Don — safari in an Asian format
The country’s only park where you can see wild elephants in semi-wild conditions. Yok Don is located in the Central Highlands and is different from the others — it features dry forest savannas with bamboo and acacias instead of humid jungles.
Tourists are offered jeep safaris, animal watching, visits to villages of the Ede people. It’s not just about contact with nature but also immersion in the traditional way of life of local tribes. Such national parks in Vietnam are particularly valuable for their cultural context.
Cat Ba — limestone cliffs and Halong Bay bays
The Cat Ba National Park includes both land and sea parts and is located on the eponymous island near Halong Bay. Here you can find tropical forests, caves, lakes, bays, and rare monkey species.
The park often becomes part of sea excursions, but its terrestrial part deserves special attention. Moss-covered mountains, quiet lakes, and cool paths make it ideal for day hikes.
Kon Ka Kinh — a secluded place for nature connoisseurs
Located on the central plateau, the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, which only adds to its charm. Rare birds, butterflies, and animals typical of Indochina inhabit this area.
For researchers, botanists, and photographers, the park holds special interest. It seems to say, “Welcome to those seeking silence and depth.” If you are interested in what to see in Vietnam, don’t forget to include Kon Ka Kinh in your itinerary.
What to do in Vietnam’s national parks: activities for every taste
Each park offers unique opportunities to interact with nature. Before your trip, it’s useful to know which activities are particularly popular:
- hikes of various difficulty levels — from easy walks to extreme trekking;
- safaris and wildlife observation in their natural environment;
- excursions to caves, underground rivers, and gorges;
- marine excursions with diving and reef exploration;
- visits to ethnic villages and temples in the mountains.
Choose a route based on your interests: whether you want to delve into science or simply relax in the jungles, the tropical corner of Asia offers it all.
What a tourist should consider before traveling to natural areas?
Most parks have their own visitation rules, which are important to follow. To preserve the uniqueness of nature and make your stay safe, pay attention to the following recommendations:
- check the season — in some parks, trails become impassable during the rainy season;
- always have water, repellents, and comfortable footwear with you;
- do not feed animals and do not stray from designated routes;
- respect traditions and religious sites within the parks;
- book entrance and tours in popular reserves in advance.
A responsible approach makes the journey comfortable not only for you but also for the environment.
Choose Vietnam’s national parks and embark on adventures!
Vietnam’s national parks are evidence that the country knows how to preserve its natural uniqueness. From the underground palaces of Phong Nha to the bays of Phu Quoc, from the peaks of Ba Vi to the savannas of Yok Don — each park reveals a different facet of the Vietnamese republic.
If you are looking for what to see in Vietnam beyond beaches and cities, be sure to include at least two reserves in your itinerary. Here, you will not only take beautiful photos — you will return home with a sense of having encountered the true, living breath of the planet.
