The Five Best National Parks of Vietnam

Vietnam is popular not only for its exceptional cuisine, fascinating history and happy inhabitants, but also for its natural beauty. In general, this country is a must-see. Vietnam has numerous bird species, mammals, diverse marine life, insects and magnificent flora. With breathtaking views from its mountain peaks and countless hiking tours to book, you might not know where to look first.

Vietnam is a land of lowland tropics and densely forested highlands, pristine beaches and rolling hills. The Vietnamese have generally lived in close collaboration with nature and are proud of their magnificent country. Today, the level of plastic waste and emissions in Vietnam is similar to that of its Asian neighbors, and fully-fledged cities can be overwhelming due to their lack of urban parks and green spaces. However, you don’t need to look far to find pristine nature, protected by the government. Vietnam’s national parks are as diverse as the geography itself, and many of them offer comprehensive guides to local hiking. Fortunately, we are here to guide you. To make life easier for adventure lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, we have compiled this list. From north to south, discover with us the best national parks in Vietnam!

Vu Quang National Park

The central northern coast hides a biodiversity jewel: Vu Quang National Park. Here you will find the Saola (nicknamed the Asian unicorn, as it is unique and endangered), the giant muntjac and the black deer. The long mountain range and its slopes, as well as its rivers and streams, make this place perfect for hiking. During your visit, you may also spot monkeys. Vu Quang is still little discovered by foreign tourists and remains untouched. It is recommended to spend a day here to fully enjoy the landscape of the Truong Son mountains. Take walks and enjoy the scent of flowers while watching butterflies fly around. The best time to visit the park is the dry season, which begins in May and ends in late summer. Know that when it rains in Vu Quang, it pours.

Cat Ba National Park

Due to its proximity to the capital, Cat Ba Island and its national park are very popular with tourists. It only takes two hours by car from Hanoi to reach this UNESCO-protected bay. You have probably already heard about it, but one of Vietnam’s most popular attractions is Halong Bay. From a geological and technical point of view, this national park and the bay are connected. In addition to the famous boat cruises, you can go hiking here! A five-hour trail takes you to a floating village and Frog Lake. Cat Ba and Halong Bay cover a large area, so you can return and explore other places. We recommend visiting Viet Hai, Trung Trang Cave and Cat Ba town where you can enjoy delicious seafood! Our favorite visiting period is from February to May and from August to November.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Phong Nha-Ke Bang, in Quang Binh Province in central Vietnam, features a unique attraction. It is home to one of the world’s largest caves. If you visit this national park, you will have an unforgettable experience. Boat trips will take you through more than 300 caverns and caves. Rock climbing and jungle hiking are also popular activities.

However, reaching this national park, which is named after the famous Phong Nha cave, presents several challenges. The first is the location between the city of Da Nang and Hanoi. Most people first fly to Da Nang, then make the five-hour journey to Dong Hoi, which is itself about an hour from the park.

Bach Ma National Park

Bach Ma, near the city of Da Nang, consists of three distinct zones with the center being strictly protected. Typical activities include hiking and walking to waterfalls and climbing to the summit of Vong Hai Dai at 1,430 meters. Reaching the summit with an ecotourism guide is the highlight of the visit. If you want to visit Bach Ma National Park, fly to Da Nang. The park is about 60 kilometers from the city. You have three options to reach Da Nang. Either participate in a guided tour, rent a motorcycle, or try your luck with public transportation.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a true hidden gem in northern Vietnam. In recent years, it has established itself as one of the country’s leading ecotourism destinations. Sustainable tourism is well-structured here. The ethnic minority communities living within the park actively participate in home stays and hiking trips, and numerous programs are in place to protect flora and fauna.

Pu Luong is a fascinating landscape of mountains shrouded in mist, hamlets with wooden houses and vast terraced rice fields. The bamboo water wheels that carry vital water from streams to rice paddies are a classic feature of the park. Wherever you visit, you will be treated to spectacular views.

Don’t forget to request your Vietnam E-visa

First and foremost, it is essential that all travelers are well-equipped to enter the country. Fortunately, the visa application process is relatively simple. Since 2018, you can apply for the Vietnam visa electronic visa for Vietnam (e-visa Vietnam) online. The Vietnamese embassy recommends travelers to apply for this electronic visa instead of the visa on arrival. The Vietnam electronic visa is valid for 30 days and is suitable for both vacations and business travel. Submit your electronic visa request quickly and easily by completing an online application form and receive your visa by email.

The advantage of the electronic visa is that you can be sure of having a valid visa before leaving the country and you won’t be left in uncertainty about your entry to the country until your arrival. With an e-visa, you don’t have to queue at your airport arrival and you save the cost of a passport stamp.