3 days Exploring Cat Tien national park from Dalat

Traveling from the charming highland town of Dalat to the lush, wild landscapes of Cat Tien National Park offers an enticing escape into nature. This 3-day tour, offered at around $489 per person, combines scenic drives, wildlife encounters, and immersive jungle experiences, making it ideal for those craving an authentic encounter with Vietnam’s natural side.

Our guide, often friendly and knowledgeable, helps us navigate the diverse sights — from cascading waterfalls to vibrant birdlife — all while staying comfortable with included transport, hotel stays, and entrance fees. What we love most? The chance to see elusive animals during the night safari and the opportunity to wake up to the sounds of bird songs in the jungle.

A potential downside? The long transfer days — around 8 hours each way — can be tiring for some. But if you’re eager to see one of Vietnam’s most pristine wilderness areas without the hassle of planning every detail, this tour offers solid value and authentic experiences. It’s perfect for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and travelers looking for an active, adventure-filled break from city life.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Experience the thrill of spotting animals during the night safari and on daytime hikes.
• Scenic Highlights: Visit Pongour Waterfall, Crocodile Lake, and enjoy boat rides on the river.
• Guided Exploration: Led by English-speaking guides who share insights about the flora, fauna, and local ecosystem.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes transportation, accommodation, entrance fees, and a night safari, providing good overall value.
• Long Transfers: Expect about 8 hours of travel each way, which could be tiring but allows for meaningful exploration.
• Authentic Jungle Sleeping: Spend nights in eco-friendly accommodations close to nature, waking up amidst bird calls.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: From Dalat to Cat Tien – A Scenic Journey with Highlights

The adventure begins with a pickup from your Dalat hotel, followed by an 8-hour transfer to the park. While long, the drive offers its own sights — especially the visit to Pongour Waterfall, the largest in Dalat, renowned for its powerful cascade and volcanic landscape. This quick stop is a real highlight, giving us a chance to stretch our legs and marvel at the roaring water framed by lush greenery.

Next, it’s a stop at a coffee plantation, where you can see how Vietnam’s beloved coffee is grown and processed. Our guide, Linh, shared interesting tidbits about Vietnam’s coffee industry, making the stop both educational and delicious. We learned about the significance of coffee in Vietnamese culture, which added depth to the experience.

After lunch, the journey continues with a boat crossing over the Dong Nai River into the park, a quiet, scenic ride that sets the tone for the wildlife adventures ahead. The first walk is a 5 km trek along an ecological route where you’ll see rare trees like Lagerstroemia Ovalfolia and Cycas tumphii. The canopy walk is gentle but rewarding, offering glimpses of the jungle’s diverse plant life.

As evening approaches, the group heads to the buffer zone for the night safari. Jeep rides at dusk and into the night reveal elusive creatures like civets, owls, and maybe even a leopard cat. The guides are adept at animal spotting, and the thrill of seeing nocturnal wildlife in their natural environment is genuinely exciting.

Day 2: Exploring the Heart of Cat Tien

The second day is packed with walking and wildlife watching. Starting at Crocodile Lake, a peaceful spot that’s home to various bird species, you’ll trek through dense forest, listening to the sounds of the jungle. Our guide pointed out many bird species, including Bronze-winged Jacana and Purple Heron, adding a birdwatching element to the day.

The 5 km hike continues through towering trees and thick foliage, where we saw monkeys swinging in the treetops and deer grazing in the undergrowth. The diversity of the park’s residents makes every step an adventure. We loved the way the guide explained the ecosystems, making the experience both educational and engaging.

In the afternoon, we stayed at Crocodile Lake, soaking in the tranquility and watching for more wildlife. Spending the night here meant waking up to the sounds of the jungle — a truly immersive experience that stays with you long after your trip ends.

Day 3: Return Journey with Wildlife Highlights

The final day begins with a 5 km hike back through primeval forest, where we encountered some of the oldest trees we’ve ever seen — some thousands of years old. The guide explained how these ancient giants are vital to the park’s health and offer a glimpse into the untouched wilderness that still exists.

As we headed back to the park center, we saw monkeys and gibbons again, sometimes startling us with their sudden appearances. We also had a chance to spot colorful birds like the Green Peafowl and Orange-breasted Trogon. The walk offers plenty of opportunities for photos and quiet reflection.

At the park’s center, after checking out, we headed back to Ho Chi Minh City. The transfer is about 8 hours, with a stop for lunch en route. While a long day, it’s a small price for the adventure and wildlife memories you’ll carry with you.

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What Makes This Tour Worth It?

The real strength of this trip is its combination of accessible wilderness and expert guidance. The guides are clearly passionate about wildlife and eager to share their knowledge, which enhances the experience significantly. The chance to see nocturnal animals on the night safari and birds and mammals during the hikes is a highlight for nature lovers.

The included boat rides, entrance fees, and accommodation make it a solid value, especially considering the effort required to organize such an adventure independently. Spending nights in the jungle, waking to bird songs, and witnessing animals in their natural habitat create a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime feeling.

However, be prepared for a long travel day — about 8 hours each way — which could be tiring, especially if you’re eager for more sightseeing on arrival or departure days. It’s best suited for travelers who don’t mind some hours on the road and are genuinely interested in wildlife and natural landscapes.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This itinerary appeals most to adventure travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature lovers who want an authentic experience away from crowded tourist spots. It’s ideal for those willing to spend some time in transit in exchange for a richer understanding of Vietnam’s ecosystems. Travelers seeking comfort might find the long drives a bit taxing, but the immersion into the jungle environment compensates for it.

If you’re looking for a peaceful, educational, and wildlife-focused trip that’s well-organized and offers genuine encounters, this tour fits the bill.

Final Summary

This 3-day exploring adventure to Cat Tien National Park offers a well-rounded, wildlife-rich experience for those eager to connect with Vietnam’s natural environment. The combination of scenic drives, jungle hikes, boat rides, and night safaris provides a diverse range of activities, all guided by knowledgeable locals.

While the long travel days require some patience, the payoff is a series of authentic encounters with wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and peaceful nights immersed in nature. It’s particularly suited for travelers who value ecological experiences over luxury, and who are naturally curious about Vietnam’s wild side.

If your goal is to see rare birds, elusive mammals, and lush landscapes with expert guides, this tour delivers on those promises while offering good value for the price. It’s a chance to escape the bustling cities and step into the quiet, vibrant world of Vietnam’s forests, leaving with stories and memories that will last.

FAQ

How long is the transfer from Dalat to Cat Tien?
The transfer takes approximately 8 hours each way, including stops at Pongour Waterfall and a coffee plantation, which add to the journey’s appeal.

What’s included in the tour price?
The price covers English-speaking guides, transportation (either Easy Rider or private car), all entrance fees, the night safari fee, accommodations with breakfast (for 2 nights), and travel insurance.

Can I expect to see wildlife during the activities?
Yes, the guides are experienced at spotting animals, and you may see creatures like civets, gibbons, deer, birds, and perhaps some elusive mammals during night safaris and daytime hikes.

Is overnight accommodation comfortable?
The tour includes eco-friendly lodging close to the jungle, allowing you to wake up amidst bird calls and peaceful surroundings, although the focus is on nature rather than luxury.

What should I bring?
Long pants, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes suitable for hiking are recommended for the best experience.

Is this suitable for children or older travelers?
While the tour involves some walking and long bus rides, active children or older travelers with good mobility and a love for nature can enjoy the trip with proper preparation.

How flexible are the booking and cancellation policies?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour allows you to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

To sum it up, if you’re after an authentic, wildlife-focused adventure in Vietnam’s wilderness — with knowledgeable guides, stunning landscapes, and a good balance of activity and comfort — this 3-day tour from Dalat offers an unforgettable escape into nature’s quiet beauty. It’s perfect for travelers eager to embrace the wild side of Vietnam and create lasting memories among the trees and creatures of Cat Tien National Park.

You can check availability for your dates here: