Top 10 National Parks in Vietnam You Must Visit in 2025

In this article, Cat Ba Expedition will take you on a journey to explore the most stunning National Parks in Vietnam. the emerald forests of the North to the peaceful wetlands of the South, each park offers its own charm and adventure. You’ll uncover hidden trails, rare wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes that showcase Vietnam’s incredible biodiversity. Get ready to experience nature at its purest form.

Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park is located on Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong province, in northern Vietnam. Covering around 15,200 hectares, this park protects a rich combination of primary forests, limestone mountains, and freshwater lakes. Its strategic location near Ha Long Bay creates a stunning landscape where tropical forests meet the unique karst islands of the Gulf of Tonkin.

The park is renowned for its biodiversity, hosting numerous endangered species such as the critically endangered Cat Ba langur (white-headed langur). Visitors can also discover a wide variety of flora and fauna unique to this region.

Beyond its wildlife, Cat Ba National Park offers breathtaking scenery, including towering limestone cliffs, dense tropical rainforests, hidden caves, and pristine beaches. These features make it a prime destination for eco-tourism, where activities like hiking, trekking, birdwatching, and cave exploration allow travelers to experience the island’s natural beauty up close.

As a protected area, the park plays a vital role in conservation and scientific research, ensuring the preservation of its rare species and delicate ecosystems. For anyone exploring national parks in Vietnam, Cat Ba National Park is an unmissable highlight that combines adventure, biodiversity, and natural splendor.

Entrance Fees (2025):

Note: Prices are subject to change. It's advisable to check the official website or contact the park directly for the most current information.

Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is located in Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province, about 120 km southwest of Hanoi, in northern Vietnam. Covering an area of approximately 22,000 hectares, it is the first national park in Vietnam and protects a wide range of ecosystems, including primary tropical forests, limestone mountains, caves, and freshwater streams. Its strategic position in the Tam Diep limestone range creates a unique combination of forest and karst landscapes, attracting researchers and nature lovers alike.

The park is famous for its biodiversity. It is home to over 2,000 plant species, more than 300 bird species, and numerous mammals and reptiles, including endangered species like the Delacour's langur and black giant squirrel.

Visitors to Cuc Phuong National Park can enjoy hiking through dense forests, exploring caves, observing wildlife, and visiting the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. The park also features natural landmarks such as the Thousand-Year-Old Tree, picturesque streams, and limestone formations, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring national parks in Vietnam.

Entrance Fees (2025):

Note: Additional fees may apply for guided tours, bicycle rentals, or conservation center visits.

Ba Vi National Park

Ba Vi National Park is located approximately 50 km west of Hanoi, in northern Vietnam. Covering over 10,000 hectares, the park is nestled in the Ba Vi mountain range, featuring three main peaks: Vua (King), Tan Vien, and Ngoc Hoa, with Vua Peak reaching 1,296 meters above sea level. Its strategic location near Hanoi makes it an ideal destination for eco-tourism, trekking, and nature exploration.

The park is renowned for its biodiversity. It hosts more than 2,000 plant species, including cypress and wildflowers, and is home to a variety of wildlife such as birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Ba Vi National Park also offers significant cultural and historical landmarks, including French-era church ruins, Tan Vien Temple, and the President Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage.

Visitors can enjoy trekking, camping, photography, and seasonal flower viewing, especially during sunflower and cypress blooming seasons. The park’s temperate climate provides a refreshing escape Hanoi’s heat, making it one of the must-visit national parks in Vietnam.

Entrance Fees (2025):

Note: Additional services such as guided tours, parking, or specialized activities may incur extra fees. Prices are subject to change, so checking the official website before visiting is recommended.

Tram Chim National Park

Tram Chim National Park is located in Tam Nong District, Dong Thap Province, in southern Vietnam, approximately 150 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Covering 7,313 hectares, the park lies within the Dong Thap Muoi (Plain of Reeds) and is recognized as a Ramsar wetland of international importance, making it one of Vietnam’s most significant ecological areas.

The park is famous for its seasonal wetlands, submerged for up to seven months each year, supporting a diverse ecosystem. It is home to over 230 bird species, including the endangered Sarus crane (Grus antigone), making it a prime destination for birdwatching, eco-tourism, and nature photography.

Visitors to Tram Chim National Park can enjoy boat tours, walking trails, observation platforms, kayaking, and cycling on water, offering close encounters with its wildlife and serene landscapes. Special experiences include visiting breeding bird colonies, learning traditional farming and fishing practices, and overnight stays in the park. The best time to visit is during the wet season (July to December) for water-based activities or the dry season (January to June) for birdwatching.

Entrance Fees & Services (2025):

Note: Prices may vary depending on season and services. Check with the park for the most up-to-date rates.

Nui Chua National Park

Nui Chua National Park is located in Ninh Thuan Province, along the southern coast of Vietnam, approximately 30 km north of Phan Rang - Thap Cham. Covering an area of 298.65 km², the park features a mix of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, including semi-arid forests, coastal areas, and coral reefs.

The park is renowned for its biodiversity, with over 1,500 plant species and 756 animal species, including endangered species such as the black-shanked douc langur, pygmy loris, and green sea turtles. The diverse landscapes, pristine forests to coral-rich waters, make Nui Chua a prime destination for eco-tourism, wildlife observation, and marine exploration.

Visitors can explore iconic areas like Hang Rai, known for its dramatic coastal rock formations, and Vinh Hy Bay, which offers stunning natural scenery and opportunities for snorkeling, hiking, and photography. Nui Chua National Park provides both adventure and relaxation for nature lovers seeking unique experiences in Vietnam.

Entrance Fees (2025):

Note: Additional services such as guided tours, snorkeling, and overnight stays may incur extra fees. Prices are subject to change, so check with the park before visiting.

Pu Mat National Park

Pu Mat National Park is located in Nghe An Province, Vietnam, approximately 350 km southwest of Hanoi, near the border with Laos. Covering over 94,804 hectares, the park spans the districts of Tuong Duong, Con Cuong, and Anh Son. It forms part of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, renowned for its rich biodiversity and ecological importance.

The park is famous for its tropical rainforest ecosystem, hosting over 2,400 plant species and 370 animal species, including rare and endangered species such as the Saola, Indochinese tiger, and Owston’s civet.

Visitors can explore Khe Kem Waterfall, trek dense forest trails, and experience local culture with ethnic communities like the Thai, Mong, and Kho Mu. Wildlife observation, photography, and eco-tourism activities make Pu Mat National Park a top destination for nature enthusiasts.

Entrance Fees (2025):

Note: Additional fees may apply for guided tours, camping, or specialized activities. Prices are subject to change; check with park management for the latest information.

Ba Be National Park

Ba Be National Park is located in Bac Kan Province, approximately 250 km north of Hanoi, Vietnam. Covering over 10,048 hectares, the park features a diverse landscape of tropical forests, limestone karsts, caves, and freshwater lakes, making it one of Vietnam’s most beautiful and biodiverse national parks.

The park’s centerpiece is Ba Be Lake, Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater lake, formed by the confluence of three rivers: Pe Lam, Pe Lu, and Pe Leng. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush forests, the lake offers visitors opportunities for boat tours, kayaking, and nature photography.

Other highlights include:

Puong Cave (Dong Hua Ma): A limestone cave with a river running through it, home to thousands of bats.

Dau Dang Waterfall: Scenic waterfall cascading over rocky terrain.

Ethnic Minority Villages: Communities of the Tay, H’mong, and Dao people, offering cultural experiences and homestays.

Trekking Trails: Paths through dense forest and along rivers, suitable for all skill levels.

Entrance Fees & Attraction Tickets (2025):

Note: Additional fees may apply for guided tours, boat rentals, or specialized activities. Prices are subject to change; visitors should check with the park before arrival.

Tam Dao National Park

Tam Dao National Park is located about 75 kilometers northwest of Hanoi, covering parts of Vinh Phuc, Thai Nguyen, and Tuyen Quang provinces in northern Vietnam. With a total area of over 36,000 hectares, this is one of the most beautiful and accessible national parks in Vietnam, ideal for weekend getaways and eco-adventures.

The park lies at an elevation of 900 to 1,400 meters above sea level, giving it a cool and pleasant climate all year round. Because of its misty mountains and lush green scenery, Tam Dao is often referred to as the “Da Lat of the North.” The park’s landscape features tropical forests, steep valleys, and diverse ecosystems that attract countless nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Tam Dao National Park boasts rich biodiversity, with more than 1,200 species of plants and over 200 animal species, including rare and endangered wildlife such as the Tam Dao salamander and black gibbon. Visitors can explore Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac), a stunning cascade surrounded by dense jungle, or visit the Tam Dao Ancient Church, a charming remnant of French colonial architecture.

The park also offers several trekking routes through bamboo forests and mountain slopes leading up to Tam Dao Peak, which stands at 1,592 meters high. the top, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of mist-covered valleys and distant villages.

Tam Dao National Park is a perfect escape for travelers seeking eco-tourism, hiking, and relaxation in nature just a short trip away Hanoi.

Entrance Fees (2025):

Note: Prices may vary slightly depending on the season or management regulations. Additional fees may apply for guided tours or photography permits.

Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park

Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is located in Quang Binh Province, Central Vietnam, about 500 kilometers south of Hanoi. Covering more than 123,000 hectares, it stands among the largest and most stunning national parks in Vietnam, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its exceptional geological formations and rich biodiversity.

Nestled within the Annamite Mountain Range and bordering Laos, the park is world-famous for its extensive karst landscape, which dates back more than 400 million years. Beneath the limestone mountains lies a vast network of caves, underground rivers, and hidden ecosystems, making Phong Nha – Ke Bang a top destination for both scientists and adventure travelers.

The park is home to hundreds of caves, including some of the most remarkable in the world. Phong Nha Cave features 44.5 kilometers of passageways with breathtaking stalactites and underground rivers. Paradise Cave (Thien Duong Cave) stretches over 31 kilometers and is known for its vast chambers and spectacular limestone formations.

Among them, Son Doong Cave holds the record as the largest cave in the world, big enough to fit a 40-story skyscraper inside. Visitors can also explore the Dark Cave (Hang Toi) for zipline and kayaking experiences, or relax in the turquoise waters of Mooc Spring and Hava Valley.

Beyond caves, the park shelters diverse flora and fauna, including over 100 mammal species and 300 bird species. Its lush forests, rugged mountains, and rivers make it a paradise for trekking, photography, and eco-tourism.

Yok Don National Park

Yok Don National Park, located in Dak Lak Province near the Cambodia border, is the largest national park in Vietnam, covering over 115,000 hectares. It’s one of the few places in Southeast Asia preserving dry deciduous forests, home to elephants, gaurs, deer, and more than 300 bird species.

The park is renowned for its ethical elephant experiences, where visitors can observe elephants living freely in their natural environment instead of riding them. Yok Don also offers diverse activities such as trekking, cycling, birdwatching, camping, and boat trips on the Serepok River, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in both nature and local Ede culture.

With its untouched beauty and strong focus on conservation, Yok Don National Park is an ideal destination for eco-travelers seeking authentic wilderness adventures in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.

Entrance Fees (2025):

Beyond the entrance ticket, visitors can join eco-tours such as trekking, cycling, birdwatching, or even ethical elephant experiences - all designed to promote conservation and sustainable travel. The park also offers camping, local cooking classes, and cultural shows that highlight the Ede ethnic heritage. With its vast landscapes and rich biodiversity, Yok Don National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers seeking authentic adventures in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.

Exploring National Parks in Vietnam is more than just sightseeing, it’s a journey the heart of the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Each park tells a unique story, limestone caves and tropical jungles to majestic mountains and serene lakes. Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker, Vietnam’s parks promise unforgettable memories. Let Cat Ba Expedition be your trusted companion in discovering these wonders of nature.