Exploring Cat Tien National Park with My Little One 🌳
Sharing our unforgettable experience at Cat Tien National Park with my adventurous 4-year-old! Get ready for some wildlife encounters and lush greenery.
Our Cat Tien Adventure: A Detailed Review
- Early Start: We kicked off our day bright and early at 5 AM from Ho Chi Minh City (Cung Van Hoa Lao Dong). The journey took us along the Cao Toc Highway onto National Route 20.
- Pit Stops: Conveniently, QL20 offers clean rest stops and breakfast spots. We stopped at Thanh Son 1 Petrol Station (super clean!) and grabbed a quick, yummy breakfast at Hu Tieu Hoang nearby.
- S'Tieng Village: Before diving into the park, we made a heartwarming detour to the S'Tieng ethnic minority village to spend time with locals and share gifts.
- Entering Cat Tien: At the park entrance, you'll need tickets and a short ferry ride (60k VND per ticket). Since we joined a tour, our amazing tour guide pre-booked our park accommodations, so we dropped off our luggage before the fun began!
Touring the Park: Open-Top Jeep is the Way to Go!
Opting for the open-top jeep tour was a brilliant decision! It was breezy, comfortable, and perfect for my little one as it minimized walking. I highly recommend it for families with young children (even toddlers!).
Food & Fun: Fueling Up for Adventure
- Lunch at Cay Dau Restaurant: Inside the park, you'll find two restaurants: Cay Dau and Tre Vang. Make reservations in advance, especially on weekends! We loved Cay Dau so much that we dined there twice.
- Playtime: The park has a designated play area where children can burn off some energy.
- Museum and Rescue Center: We explored the animal museum (blessedly air-conditioned!) and the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. My daughter was mesmerized by the peacocks, otters, snakes, flamingos, porcupines, owls, and especially the gibbons!
- Stream Time at Ghenh Ben Cu: A refreshing dip in the cool, shallow stream at Ghenh Ben Cu was the perfect way to end the afternoon. It's safe and clean for kids to splash around.
Night Safari: A Unique Experience
The night safari was an interesting experience! We spotted deer, civets, and porcupines. It's worth trying once for the thrill of being deep in the jungle at night and stargazing under the clear sky. However, next time I'll skip this, as it was too slow for my kid.
Day 2: Exploring on Two Wheels
- Morning Bike Ride: After breakfast at Cay Dau, we rented bikes and cycled towards the night safari area. The round trip to the K'nia tree is 12km so we skipped this and just enjoyed the fresh air.
- More Playtime: We let our little one burn off some energy at the playground before heading back for lunch and checkout.
Suoi Mo Waterfall: A Refreshing Stop
On our way back to Ho Chi Minh City, we stopped at Suoi Mo Waterfall for some playtime in the water. It was a wonderful way to cool off before the final leg of our journey.
Final Thoughts: Family-Friendly and Safe
Despite being an adventurous trip, Cat Tien National Park is surprisingly safe and manageable with young children. The jeep tours minimize walking, and the park offers a variety of activities. The accommodations are basic but adequate (mosquito nets and insect repellent are a must!). As for leeches, we didn't encounter any! According to one of the park rangers, they are currently absent. We visited during the dry season, so the weather was sunny but not too hot, and butterflies were everywhere!
Would I Go Back? Absolutely!
I'm already planning our next visit, hoping to experience Cat Tien National Park during the blooming season or the rainy season. Each visit unveils something new and exciting.
What to Pack for Your Little Explorer:
- Swimsuit
- Brightly colored t-shirts and shorts
- Ankle socks
- Waterproof, non-slip shoes
- Long pants for car rides (it can get chilly)
- Mosquito repellent
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Wide-brimmed hat