This three-day, two-night expedition offers a rare opportunity to explore Cat Tien National Park in depth, one of Vietnam’s most important and least understood biodiversity landscapes. Designed for small groups, the journey moves across forest, grassland, and wetland ecosystems, revealing how each environment shifts, connects, and comes alive in its own way.
From Saigon, the transition into the park unfolds gradually. The city fades, the air changes, and the forest begins to take over. Núi Tượng Ranger Station sits quietly between dense jungle and open grassland, setting the tone for what lies ahead. The first day opens with a guided hike through strikingly different habitats, from towering, shaded forest to lighter bamboo groves, before emerging at the vast Ta Lai Rice Fields. As the light softens across the landscape, the scale of the park becomes clear, wide, open, and unexpectedly still.
The second day goes further, both in distance and in depth. The route to Bau Sau (Crocodile Lake) cuts through the core of the forest, where the experience sharpens and every detail begins to matter. Tracks pressed into the soil, sudden movement in the undergrowth, and the constant presence of birdlife turn the forest into a living system rather than a backdrop. Along the way, the trail passes by large bomb craters, remnants of the American War, now quietly reclaimed by the forest. Encounters can be fleeting but unforgettable: a monitor lizard darting past just behind you, the distinctive flash of a Germain’s peacock pheasant, or fresh signs of larger animals such as gaur, wild boar, and deer moving through the same terrain.
At Bau Sau, the landscape shifts dramatically into wetland, one of the park’s most ecologically significant zones and a recognized Ramsar site. Electric boats glide silently across the water, bringing you closer to a world rarely seen: rare water birds, herons, fish beneath the surface, and freshwater crocodiles resting along the banks in their natural habitat.
As the day moves into evening, the forest changes character once again. The return journey takes place after dark, when the absence of light heightens every sound and movement. With the support of thermal imaging, the forest reveals another layer of life: nocturnal species emerging quietly, often unnoticed by the human eye. It is a rare chance to witness behavior that exists almost entirely out of sight.
The final day shifts the focus toward conservation. Visits to rescue and rehabilitation centers bring you closer to the stories behind the wildlife, from endangered primates to animals recovering from illegal trade. The journey ends with a clearer understanding of the fragile balance that sustains Cat Tien National Park, and the ongoing work required to protect it.
Your journey begins at 8:00 AM, with a private pickup from your hotel in Saigon for a scenic three-hour drive to Cat Tien National Park. Upon arrival, settle into the Núi Tượng Ranger Station before enjoying a fresh, local lunch.
The afternoon is dedicated to true exploration. At 2:00 PM, after a comprehensive safety briefing and outfitting, you’ll head into the brush with an expert ranger and our tour guide. This 6-kilometer hike showcases the jungle’s dramatic evolution from the shadows of ancient, towering giants to the whisper of bamboo groves. Your efforts are rewarded at the Ta Lai Rice Fields, where you’ll toast the day with a cold drink and a spectacular sunset.
A safari vehicle will whisk you back to the ranger station by 5:30 PM, leaving you plenty of time to freshen up before a multi-course dinner at 7:00 PM.
Day two is the most active part of the journey, centered around an extended hike to Bau Sau, also known as Crocodile Lake. You will follow a forest trail of approximately 10 kilometers through varied jungle terrain, including dense jungle sections, large old-growth trees, and historical remnants - bomb craters from the American War.
As you move deeper into the forest, you are stepping directly into the natural habitat of wildlife. Along the way, there are opportunities to encounter species unique to Cat Tien, such as monitor lizards or Germain's peacock pheasant, while also observing tracks and signs left by larger animals including gaur, wild boar, and deer. The forest is constantly alive with sound, from the calls of common birds to the distant songs of rarer species, offering a rich and immersive sensory experience.
Upon reaching Bau Sau, the expedition takes a serene turn. Guests will board silent electric boats to explore the vast wetlands with a unique, 360-degree panoramic view from the very heart of this distinctive Ramsar site. This approach allows for intimate encounters with shy wildlife, it’s easy to spot rare water birds, herons, and the famous freshwater crocodiles basking along the banks, as well as various fish species in their natural habitat.
An early dinner prepared by rangers is enjoyed as the sun sets over the lake. The return is a unique experience: a five-kilometer guided night hike beginning at 6:30 PM, specifically designed to spot rare species active only after dark, before a UTV pickup at 8:30 PM transfers everyone back to the station.
Following breakfast, immerse yourself in a morning of meaningful conservation. You’ll visit the park’s rescue and rehabilitation centers for an intimate look at the Yellow-cheeked Gibbons and other protected species, followed by an off-road safari across the sweeping open grasslands, where larger wildlife may be observed.
After checking out of the Núi Tượng Ranger Station at 11:00 AM, enjoy a leisurely lunch on-site before departing for Saigon. You will arrive back at your hotel by approximately 6:00 PM.
Cat Tien National Park has two distinct seasons throughout the year: the dry season and the rainy season, each offering a different perspective of the forest ecosystem.
From December to May, the dry season brings warmer temperatures ranging from 25 to 35°C. The weather is generally pleasant, with plenty of sunshine, though it can be hotter around midday.
From June to November, the rainy season transforms the forest into a lush and vibrant landscape. This period is characterized by higher humidity and frequent rain showers, contributing to the richness and activity of the park’s biodiversity.
Each season reveals a unique side of Cat Tien, allowing visitors to experience the changing rhythms of the tropical forest. For the most accurate preparation, visitors are encouraged to check the latest weather updates through trusted sources such as AccuWeather before joining the adventure.
This tour is suitable for guests aged 12 to 70 who are in good health and have prior hiking experience. A reasonable level of fitness is required to comfortably complete the itinerary, especially for activities such as walking on uneven forest terrain and extended outdoor movement. Children are expected to be physically active and maintain a healthy level of fitness.
While some guests may find the itinerary relatively comfortable, others may experience certain challenges depending on their fitness level. Our guides and porters are always available to provide support when needed.
For safety reasons, guides reserve the right to adjust the itinerary, shorten activities, or arrange an early return if a guest encounters significant difficulties during the tour. In such cases, refunds or rescheduling will not be applicable.
Safety is always a top priority on all Katien Ranger Patrol tours, for both guests and our staff. All activities are led by experienced guides who are familiar with the terrain, wildlife behavior, and operating conditions within Cat Tien National Park. Our team is regularly trained in first aid, field safety, and responsible wildlife practices to ensure a safe and well-managed experience.
As the tour takes place in remote forest environments, conditions can be unpredictable and access to medical facilities may be limited. For this reason, careful planning and risk management are essential at every stage of the journey. Guests are required to follow all instructions from guides and porters at all times to ensure both personal safety and the protection of the natural environment.
Cat Tien Ranger Patrol tours operate deep within the national park. While mobile phone signal is generally available, it can be inconsistent under the dense forest canopy. To ensure seamless coordination and guest safety, our team maintains constant contact via walkie-talkies throughout the journey.
The tour remains within accessible areas, allowing for efficient evacuation to the nearest access point in the event of an emergency. All communication and guided instructions are provided in both English and Vietnamese.
Katien Ranger Patrol tours take place across a variety of forest terrains and changing weather conditions, so proper preparation is essential. Guests are required to wear appropriate clothing for safety and comfort while hiking through the jungle, moving on uneven ground, and spending extended time outdoors.
Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts are recommended to protect against insects, vegetation, and environmental exposure. A good pair of hiking shoes is essential, providing stability and comfort on forest trails. Guests are encouraged to use well-fitted footwear that they are familiar with, and to test their shoes before the trip.
Our team will provide additional guidance to help you prepare appropriately before joining the tour.
Essential clothing
Personal items
The tour price is 400 USD per person, which includes VAT, park entrance fees, and contributions to conservation and forest protection activities within Cat Tien National Park. The following services are included in the tour:
*Katien Ranger Patrol is a brand operated by Oxalis Company Limited, and all services provided under this program are rendered by Oxalis.
20% off for returning guest & Xiều Oxalis in 2026
20% off for return guests & Xiều Oxalis (Applied for 2026)
