Cat Tien Family Adventure – 2 Days 1 Night

Journey from Saigon to Cat Tien

Your family adventure begins in the morning at the designated meeting point at Thiso Mall, 10 Mai Chi Tho Street, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, on the Hoang The Thien Street side.

From here, enjoy a comfortable journey of just over three hours towards Cat Tien National Park. As the city gradually disappears behind you, the landscape becomes greener and quieter, setting the scene for your family escape into nature.

On arrival, check in at your riverside campsite inside Cat Tien National Park before enjoying a wholesome lunch featuring fresh seasonal ingredients and local flavours.

After lunch, take some time to settle in and relax before the afternoon's activities begin.

Family Trek Through the Forest

Before setting off, your guide will introduce the itinerary, provide a safety briefing and prepare the equipment needed for the walk.

At around 2:00 PM, begin a leisurely 4-kilometre trek from Nui Tuong Ranger Station.

The route follows mostly flat trails, making it suitable for both adults and children. Rather than rushing through the forest, the walk is designed to give families time to observe their surroundings and learn about the ecosystem together.

The trail follows the Dong Nai River through the restored forests of Ta Lai. This area has undergone forest restoration since 1996 and now forms an important habitat within the buffer zone of Cat Tien National Park.

Along the way, children can look for native trees, forest birds and insects while listening to stories from the guide about Cat Tien's biodiversity.

The trail also passes one of the park's firebreaks, carefully maintained clearings that help reduce the risk of forest fires spreading through the surrounding ecosystem.

Ta Lai Rice Fields & Sundowner

As the forest gradually opens up, you'll reach the beautiful Ta Lai Rice Fields, covering more than 200 hectares and cultivated by local farming families living around the park.

One of the most distinctive features of the landscape is the presence of towering dipterocarp trees rising among the rice fields.

As the afternoon light becomes softer, settle down for a family Sundowner experience overlooking the fields.

Enjoy refreshing drinks and chilled towels prepared by local Ma women while taking in the peaceful scenery after your forest walk.

Your guide will also share stories about the traditions, culture and daily life of the Ma and S'tieng communities, whose connections with Cat Tien span generations.

After sunset, a vehicle will take you back to the campsite for dinner.

Discover Wildlife After Dark

Once darkness settles over the forest, the adventure continues with a guided night-time wildlife observation session.

Using thermal cameras, the team can detect the heat signatures of animals that may be difficult to see with the naked eye. With some luck, you might spot a Sambar deer, muntjac, civet or other nocturnal wildlife moving quietly around the campsite.

For children, this is more than a wildlife-spotting activity. It's an opportunity to discover how rangers and conservation teams monitor animals in their natural environment without disturbing them.

Return to your campsite and enjoy a peaceful night surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.

Overnight: Riverside campsite, Cat Tien National Park.

A Peaceful Start in the Forest

Wake up to the sounds of Cat Tien National Park and enjoy a relaxed morning around the campsite.

Families can take a gentle stroll, breathe in the fresh rainforest air and listen to the birds around the accommodation. With a little luck, you may spot Green Peafowl, Sambar deer or native bird species nearby.

After breakfast, continue to the next part of the adventure.

Discover Cat Tien's Natural Heritage

Visit the Cat Tien Nature Museum, where families can learn more about the history, biodiversity and ecosystems of the national park.

Through exhibits, specimens and engaging stories, both children and adults can gain a better understanding of the plants, animals and natural environments that make Cat Tien important.

The visit provides useful context for everything you have experienced in the forest so far.

Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Centre

Continue to the Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Centre, where injured and rescued animals are cared for and rehabilitated with the aim of returning them to the wild whenever possible.

Your tour leader will introduce the conservation work taking place in Cat Tien and explain the role the park plays in protecting Vietnam's biodiversity.

Families may have the opportunity to see several protected species, including Yellow-cheeked Gibbons, Asiatic black bears and great hornbills.

For children, the visit offers a memorable way to understand that protecting wildlife is not only about seeing animals, but also about protecting the habitats they depend on.

Discover Traditional Ma Brocade Weaving

Leaving the conservation centre, continue to a traditional Ma ethnic weaving house in Ta Lai.

Watch local artisans create intricate brocade patterns by hand and learn about the techniques and traditions passed down through generations.

Families can speak with local artisans and discover more about the cultural heritage of one of the indigenous communities living around Cat Tien.

Lunch with a Local Ma Family

At midday, enjoy a traditional home-cooked lunch at a local Ma family's home.

Sharing food and conversation provides a more personal glimpse into the community's everyday life, customs and culture.

After lunch, depart for Ho Chi Minh City.

Arrival at the original meeting point is expected at approximately 6:00 PM, marking the end of your two-day family adventure.