Duration: 3 Days 2 Nights
Depature: Upon customer's request
Tour type: Join-in
Exclusive: Maximum 8 guests/group (12-70 years old)
Pick-up/Drop off: Thiso Mall - 10 Mai Chi Tho Street, An Khanh Ward, HCMC (Hoang The Thien Street front)
Accommodation: National Park Guest House
Overview of Cat Tien Wild Trekking Adventure - 3 Days 2 Nights
This 3-day, 2-night Cat Tien trekking tour offers a deeper look at one of Vietnam's important biodiversity landscapes and is an ideal addition to your Saigon tours. From the forest trails around Ta Lai to the wetlands of Bau Sau (Crocodile Lake), you'll experience several distinct ecosystems while learning about the wildlife and conservation efforts that help protect them.
The journey combines guided trekking, wildlife observation, a night trek, conservation experiences and local culture. You'll have the time and space to explore Cat Tien at a more personal pace, accompanied by an experienced guide and local porter.
Along the way, you may encounter wildlife in its natural environment, discover traces of larger animals, observe water birds and Siamese crocodiles at Bau Sau, and use thermal imaging equipment to look for nocturnal species after dark.
The experience ends with a visit to wildlife rescue facilities and a traditional Ma community brocade weaving house in Ta Lai Village, offering a meaningful connection between Cat Tien's natural environment, conservation work and local culture.
Why You'll Love This Tour
✧ Trek deeper into Cat Tien National Park
✧ Discover the diverse ecosystems of Cat Tien
✧ Reach Bau Sau, Cat Tien's famous Crocodile Lake
✧ Experience the forest after dark
✧ Look for wildlife in its natural habitat
✧ Connect nature with conservation
✧ Meet the local Ma community
Full Itinerary of Cat Tien Wild Trekking Adventure - 3 Days 2 Nights
Your journey begins at 7:30 AM with pickup from Thiso Mall – 10 Mai Chi Tho Street, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, at the Hoang The Thien Street entrance.
Settle into your private vehicle for the approximately three-hour journey to Cat Tien National Park. As the urban landscape gradually gives way to greener surroundings, you'll begin to experience the transition from Saigon to the forest.
On arrival, check in at the National Park Guest House before enjoying a fresh local lunch.
At approximately 2:00 PM, you'll receive a safety briefing and prepare your trekking equipment before heading into the forest with an experienced ranger and tour guide.
The first trek covers approximately 6 kilometres, taking you through noticeably different forest environments. The trail moves from areas of mature, towering trees into lighter bamboo groves, allowing you to see how the character of the forest changes along the route.
Rather than simply walking from one attraction to another, this part of the journey is about understanding the forest as a living ecosystem. Your guide will help you notice the plants, sounds, tracks and other details that can easily be missed when travelling through the park too quickly.
The trek eventually brings you to the expansive Ta Lai Rice Fields, where the dense forest opens into a wide rural landscape.
Take a well-earned break with a cold drink and enjoy the changing light as the sun sets over the rice fields.
At around 5:30 PM, a safari vehicle will take you back to the National Park Guest House, giving you time to freshen up before dinner.
Enjoy a multi-course dinner at approximately 7:00 PM before settling in for your first night surrounded by Cat Tien's natural landscape.
Overnight: National Park Guest House.
Day 2 is the most active part of the journey, taking you deeper into Cat Tien on an approximately 10-kilometre forest trek towards Bau Sau, also known as Crocodile Lake.
The trail passes through dense jungle and areas of large old-growth trees, while also revealing unexpected reminders of the area's history. Along the way, you'll encounter bomb craters dating from the American War, now gradually reclaimed by the surrounding forest.
As you travel deeper into the park, the sounds and signs of wildlife become an important part of the experience.
You may spot a monitor lizard crossing the trail or catch a glimpse of Germain's peacock pheasant. You may also find tracks or other signs left by larger animals such as gaur, wild boar and deer.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but every track, call or movement adds another piece to the story of this living forest.
Discover Bau Sau Wetland
After the extended trek, arrive at Bau Sau (Crocodile Lake), one of Cat Tien's most significant wetland environments.
Bau Sau is a recognised Ramsar site, and the landscape here feels very different from the dense forest you've just travelled through. Take time to rest and enjoy the panoramic views from the ranger station while observing the surrounding wetland.
This is also an excellent setting for spotting water birds and Siamese crocodiles in their natural habitat.
Your guide will also share stories about the conservation and reintroduction work associated with the area's crocodile population.
Night Trek Through the Forest
As the sun begins to disappear, enjoy an early dinner prepared by the rangers overlooking the lake.
At approximately 6:30 PM, begin a guided 5-kilometre night trek back through the forest.
After dark, Cat Tien becomes a completely different environment. With fewer visual distractions, you'll rely more heavily on sounds, movement and the expertise of your guide to discover nocturnal life.
Thermal imaging equipment will be used to help identify animals that may otherwise remain hidden in the darkness.
Around 8:30 PM, a vehicle will meet the group and transfer you back to the National Park Guest House.
Overnight: National Park Guest House.
Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation
After breakfast, begin the final day with a visit to Cat Tien's wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facilities.
Here, you'll learn more about the conservation work protecting rescued and endangered species, including Yellow-cheeked Gibbons and other protected wildlife.
This experience provides a different perspective on the national park, showing the work that takes place beyond the forest trails to protect animals affected by illegal trade and other threats.
Off-Road Safari Through the Grasslands
Continue by vehicle through the park's open grasslands, where the landscape changes once again from dense forest to wide, open terrain.
The off-road safari offers another opportunity to observe larger wildlife that may be present in these open areas.
As with any genuine wildlife experience, sightings depend entirely on natural conditions and animal behaviour.
Discover Ma Culture in Ta Lai Village
Return to the National Park Guest House to check out before continuing towards Ta Lai Village.
Visit a traditional brocade weaving house belonging to the local Ma community, where you'll discover the intricate patterns and craftsmanship behind their handmade textiles.
Your visit also offers an opportunity to learn more about the lifestyle, customs and cultural traditions of the Ma people who live around Cat Tien.
Lunch at a Local Home & Return to Saigon
For lunch, enjoy a simple and welcoming meal at a local resident's home, adding a personal touch to your final day.
After lunch, board the vehicle for the journey back to Ho Chi Minh City.
You are scheduled to arrive at the original meeting point at approximately 6:00 PM, bringing your three-day Cat Tien trekking experience to an end.
Tour Inclusions:
- Transportation: Private round-trip transportation between Saigon and Cat Tien National Park
- Accommodation: 2 night at National Park Guest House
- Food & Drinks: All meals are provided during the tour, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
- Activities & Entrance Fees: All guided activities, including jungle trekking, park entrance fees, visits to Center for Rescue and Conservation of Species
- Basic equipment: Essential equipment for trekking such as gloves, and other necessary items will be provided.
- Guide & Support: Each group (maximum 8 guests) is accompanied by 1 experienced guide and local porter
- Travel insurance
Important Information Before You Book This Tour
This is a genuine trekking experience in a protected natural environment. The itinerary involves extended walking, uneven forest terrain and a night trek, so a good level of physical fitness and previous trekking experience are recommended.
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Animals move freely within their natural habitat, and the experience is focused on observing the ecosystem responsibly rather than guaranteeing encounters with specific species.
Weather and trail conditions may also affect the itinerary. Your guide may make reasonable adjustments when necessary for guest safety, environmental conditions or responsible wildlife practices.
Cat Tien National Park has two main seasons: dry season and rainy season, and each offers a different experience of the tropical forest.
Dry Season: December – May
Temperatures generally range from 25°C to 35°C, with warmer and sunnier conditions. The weather is usually pleasant for outdoor activities, although midday temperatures can feel hot.
Rainy Season: June – November
The rainy season brings higher humidity and frequent rain showers, transforming the forest into an especially lush and vibrant environment.
Rain can make forest trails wetter and more challenging, so suitable clothing and footwear are particularly important during this period.
For the latest weather conditions before departure, check a reliable weather forecast such as AccuWeather.
As this is an extended trekking experience, packing appropriately is important for your comfort and safety.
Essential Clothing
- 1 medium-sized backpack for personal belongings
- 2 quick-dry, bright-coloured long-sleeved shirts
- 2 pairs of quick-dry long trekking trousers
- 1 lightweight waterproof jacket
- 2 sets of clothes for staying at the National Park Guest House
- 1–2 additional sets of clothes
- 1 pair of good-grip trekking shoes
- 2 pairs of calf-length, thick socks
Personal Items
- Camera or mobile phone
- Power bank
- Personal medication
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Passport
Equipment Provided
The tour team provides:
- Safety gloves
- Headlight
- Water bottle
- Water filter
- First-aid kit and medical rescue equipment
- Thermal camera
- Hand fan
- Secure storage at the office
This is a physically active trekking experience and is recommended for guests aged 12 to 70 who are in good health and have prior trekking experience.
The itinerary includes extended walking on uneven natural terrain, including an approximately 10-kilometre trek to Bau Sau followed by a 5-kilometre night trek on Day 2.
A reasonable level of fitness is therefore essential to comfortably complete the itinerary.
Guests should be prepared for prolonged outdoor activity, changing weather conditions and forest trails that may vary in difficulty.
Our guides and porters will provide support when needed, but guests should be confident in their ability to undertake an extended trekking itinerary.
For safety reasons, the guide may adjust or shorten activities, or arrange an early return if a guest experiences significant difficulty.
Refunds or rescheduling will not be applicable in such circumstances.
Safety is a priority throughout the tour, particularly because several activities take place in remote forest environments.
The tour is led by experienced guides familiar with Cat Tien's terrain, wildlife behaviour and operating conditions. The team is regularly trained in first aid, field safety and responsible wildlife practices.
Because the tour takes place in a natural environment, conditions can change unexpectedly and access to medical facilities may be limited.
Guests are required to follow all instructions from guides and porters throughout the journey. This helps protect both guests and the surrounding environment while ensuring that wildlife encounters are conducted responsibly.
The tour operates deep inside Cat Tien National Park, where mobile phone coverage can become inconsistent beneath the dense forest canopy.
To maintain communication and coordinate the group, the team uses walkie-talkies throughout the journey.
The tour operates in accessible areas, and emergency evacuation to the nearest access point can be arranged when necessary.
Guiding and communication are provided in English and Vietnamese.
Happy Moments of Customers in Cat Tien Wild Safari Adventure - 3 Days 2 Nights
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