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Vietnam has over 20 national parks which preserve mountain ranges, caves, dense forests, and several endangered species. Each park provides a different perspective on Vietnam’s natural landscape, from the limestone peaks of Ninh Binh to the underground wonders of Quang Binh. With Vietnam tour packages from India, travellers can explore these natural wonders with ease.
You can camp, climb, canoe through tunnels, and interact with local people who have coexisted with the forests for many generations here. In certain parks, ecotourism as well as conservation are the main priorities, which make your visit fulfilling and responsible.
This guide talks about some of the best national parks in Vietnam where people who love nature can connect with the wild in significant ways.
1. Ba Be National Park (Bac Kan)
Ba Be National Park is located in the Bac Kan Province of Northern Vietnam and spans around 10,048 hectares. It is known for Ba Be Lake, the country’s largest natural freshwater lake, along with its crystal-clear rivers and dense forests. The park is home to wildlife such as Francois’ langurs, pangolins, and the Asiatic black bear, which take shelter in the limestone mountains and forests.
You can also ride a boat on Ba Be Lake to the limestone cave of Puong, hike forest trails, and visit waterfalls such as Thac Bac. Also, you can cycle to local villages such as Khuoi Ky, which lets you experience local culture.
2. Ba Vi National Park (Ha Noi)
Just 60 km from Hanoi, Ba Vi National Park is a refreshing escape into nature with cool mountain air and lush greenery. Spread across 9,700 hectares, the park invites travellers to trek up its three peaks—King, Tan Vien, and Ngoc Hoa and enjoy panoramic views over the Red River Delta.
Along the way, you can see hidden temples, colonial French ruins, and scenic streams. Whether it’s hiking forest trails, visiting Tan Vien Temple, or simply enjoying the peaceful waterfalls, Ba Vi offers a perfect day trip for nature and adventure seekers.
3. Cat Ba National Park (Hai Phong)
Cat Ba National Park is located on Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong and spans over 15,000 hectares of forests, mangroves, and coastal habitats. It is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and shelters rare wildlife, including the critically endangered Cat Ba langur, macaques, hornbills, and black giant squirrels. It is considered one of the must-see places to visit in Vietnam for nature lovers.
Visitors can hike to Ngu Lam Peak for panoramic views of Lan Ha Bay, explore the fascinating Trung Trang and Hospital Caves, or kayak through the park’s scenic waterways. Cycling to Viet Hai Village offers a glimpse of rural life, while limestone karsts, hidden waterfalls, and bird species like the Scaly-breasted Munia and Banded Broadbill make the park a haven for nature enthusiasts.
4. Cuc Phuong National Park (Ninh Binh – Hoa Binh – Thanh Hoa)
Cuc Phuong National Park is located around 120 km southwest of Hanoi and is Vietnam’s first national park, which was established in 1962. It spans 22,200 hectares and is a paradise for nature lovers, with its limestone mountains, dense forests, and prehistoric caves.
It is home to over 300 bird species and 71 mammal species, which include rare primates like the Delacour’s langur. Explore the Primate Rescue Centre, walk through towering ancient trees, and join night safaris to spot nocturnal wildlife like lorises and bats. You can also spot various bird species, such as the red-whiskered bulbul and the Asian paradise flycatcher, in this complete biodiversity hotspot.
5. Pu Mat National Park (Nghe An)
Pu Mat National Park is located in Nghe An Province, which is about 120 km from Vinh City. It is one of Vietnam’s largest protected areas, covering about 94,000 hectares. The park is known for its tropical forests, limestone mountains, and rivers, apart from being home to over 2,500 plant species and nearly 1,000 animal species.
Here, you can trek through Khe Thoi Forest, relax at Khe Kem Waterfall, take a boat ride along the Giang River, or visit ethnic villages like the Thai and Dan Lai, which are some of the top things to do in Vietnam. You can also spot animals like elephants, saola, langurs, macaques, and deer, as well as birds such as hornbills, hill mynahs, and red-whiskered bulbuls.
6. Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park (Quang Binh)
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is in Bo Trach District within the Quang Binh Province and covers more than 200,000 hectares. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its limestone mountains, tropical forests, and over 400 caves, which includes Son Doong, the largest cave in the world.
Here you can trek through the forest and explore Phong Nha and Paradise caves, apart from kayaking on underground rivers. You can spot animals such as saola, giant muntjac, tigers, bears, langurs, and deer. Moreover, you can also see bird species like Edwards’s pheasant, hornbills and kingfishers, and reptiles like Vietnamese salamanders.
7. Bach Ma National Park (Thua Thien Hue)
Bach Ma National Park, which is located in Thua Thien Hue Province, covers an area of more than 37,000 hectares and is known for its rich biodiversity as well as cool mountain climate. This park is home to more than 2,400 plant species and 1,700 animal species, which include rare creatures like the saola. It is also a refreshing stop that can be included in a Vietnam family tour package for those who love nature.
Here, you can set out to explore waterfalls such as Do Quyen waterfall and reach the top of Bach Ma Summit to admire views of the entire park. You can also spot over 300 species of birds, which include the Red-collared Woodpecker, Blyth’s Kingfisher, and White-winged Magpie.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s national parks are filled with adventure, wildlife, and culture, as each park offers you something special to remember. You can either explore the giant caves in Phong Nha – Ke Bang or the waterfalls in Bach Ma. Hike through forests, watch rare animals, discover hidden caves, and meet local communities. Moreover, birdwatchers can spot many rare species of birds, and explorers can enjoy trails, rivers and mountains. These parks are not just about nature but also about unique stories and experiences. So, start your journey and see the wild heart of Vietnam.