Trekking in Nam Cat Tien National Park 3 Days

Day 1: Saigon – Nam Cat Tien (L/D)

Leave busy Saigon behind for the serenity of the lush forests of Cat Tien National Park, one of Vietnam’s top national parks. After a local ferry to the other side of the Dong Nai River followed by lunch, transfer by the lodge buggy to the National Park Centre to begin your short trek through the jungle to observe wildlife up close. Return to the lodge for dinner before heading back to the National Park Centre where you’ll transfer to a car for an exciting night excursion deep into the park using a spotlight to see the nocturnal wildlife. Return to your lodge by buggy where you’ll enjoy a good night’s rest with the sounds of the jungle as nature’s soundtrack.
Overnight at Forest Lodge Floor (Lunch, Dinner).

Day 2: Nam Cat Tien Trekking (B/L/D)

After breakfast, be transferred by lodge buggy to the National Park Centre followed by a 30min drive through the forest to the starting point of our trek. We trek 5km (3mi) to the crocodile lake, stopping often to view the myriad varieties of birds and possibly larger mammals. The lake is home to the endangered Siamese crocodile and is one of the last places in the world where they can be seen in the wild. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way. Return to the lodge by buggy or trek your way back before settling in for a well-earned rest and dinner.

Overnight at Forest Lodge Floor (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Nam Cat Tien – Saigon (B/L)

In the morning, be transferred by lodge buggy to the National Park Centre for a short trek around the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre, a rescue and rehabilitation centre for endangered primates including gibbons with the aim of returning them to the wild. Nam Cat Tien National Park is home to several species of gibbon, including the gold-cheeked and black-crested varieties. Return to the lodge by buggy around midday for lunch. Take a local ferry ride to return to the other side of the river where your driver awaits to bring you back to Saigon.

NOTES: Suggested departure time: 08:00; Estimated arrival time at Saigon: 16:00

Barely longer than an inch or two, terrestrial leeches are commonly found in the tropical forests in Vietnam all year round and especially during the rainy season from May to November. While a nuisance, leeches are part of the ecosystem and should not impact your enjoyment of the trek.

Services Included

• Two nights of eco-lodge accommodation based on double or twin sharing.
• Forest Floor Lodge – Deluxe Tropical Tent or Vietnamese Traditional House Room for the Premium 4-Star Eco-Lodge package.
• Forest Floor Lodge – best available premium accommodation for the Luxury 5-Star-Service Eco-Adventure.
• Two breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners as stated in the itinerary.
• Packed trekking lunch on Day 2.
• One basic trekking snack or seasonal fruit on Day 2.
• Private door-to-door pick-up and drop-off at hotels in central Ho Chi Minh City.
• Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver for road transfers.
• A seven-seat private vehicle for four travellers or a private minibus for five to six travellers, subject to luggage requirements.
• Experienced English-speaking guide throughout the scheduled itinerary.
• Authorised national-park or forest guide where required.
• Dong Nai River ferry crossings required by the itinerary.
• Cat Tien National Park entrance fees.
• Lodge buggy transfers during scheduled activities.
• Approved forest vehicle transfers required for the trekking program.
• Guided introductory jungle trek on Day 1.
• Authorised night wildlife excursion by park vehicle.
• Spotlight wildlife observation according to national-park regulations.
• Guided forest trek to Bau Sau Crocodile Lake.
• Entrance and conservation fees for Bau Sau when required.
• Wetland and Siamese-crocodile habitat observation.
• Guided visit to Dao Tien Primate Rescue Centre or an authorised alternative, subject to access.
• Bottled drinking water during private road transfers.
• Drinking water for the scheduled trekking program.
• Leech socks for the Luxury 5-Star-Service package.
• Basic trekking poles for the Luxury 5-Star-Service package, subject to availability.
• Fuel, road tolls, parking fees and driver expenses.
• Local taxes and service charges for included ground arrangements.
• 24/7 local assistance during the journey.

Services Not Included

• International flights to and from Vietnam.
• Domestic flights within Vietnam.
• Vietnam visa or e-visa fee.
• Personal travel insurance covering trekking, medical treatment, cancellation, emergency evacuation and baggage.
• Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and beverages not included in the confirmed meal plan.
• Additional snacks, energy bars and personal dietary supplements.
• Personal trekking shoes, boots, rainwear, backpacks and specialist equipment.
• Binoculars and professional photographic equipment.
• Guaranteed exclusive use of national-park vehicles or ferries.
• Guaranteed sightings of crocodiles, gibbons, larger mammals, birds or nocturnal wildlife.
• Optional private Ben Cu River cruise unless specifically confirmed.
• Optional gibbon-dawn trek unless specifically added to the program.
• Activities not authorised or listed in the confirmed national-park itinerary.
• Minibar, laundry, telephone calls and personal expenses.
• Single-room supplement.
• Additional room required for an odd-numbered group unless included in the final quotation.
• Tips for guides, drivers, lodge staff, park rangers and local service providers.
• High-season, Christmas, New Year, Lunar New Year and Vietnamese public-holiday supplements.
• Additional costs caused by heavy rain, flooding, trail closure, wildlife-protection measures or national-park restrictions.
• Emergency medical treatment, rescue or evacuation costs.
• Any service not clearly listed under “Services Included”.