2days to Cat Tien park from Dalat/ Saigon

Exploring Vietnam’s Natural Wonders in Two Days: A Detailed Review of the Cat Tien Park Tour

If you’re craving an escape from Vietnam’s bustling cities and want to dive into some of the country’s most stunning natural scenery, this 2-day tour to Cat Tien National Park offers an impressive combination of waterfalls, wildlife, and authentic jungle experiences. With highly praised guides, comfortable transport, and a mix of adventure and relaxation, it’s a package that promises memorable moments.

What we really love about this tour is how it balances organized excursions with enough free time to soak in the sights and sounds of the forest. The chance to see wild animals at night—a highlight for many—adds a layer of excitement many travelers seek. However, one consideration is that the itinerary involves quite a bit of walking and trekking, so it’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to see Vietnam’s lush landscape beyond the usual tourist spots, especially nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. If you’re after a well-organized adventure that combines cultural highlights with outdoor exploration, this tour checks both boxes.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 2-day adventure with a mix of waterfalls, wildlife, and jungle trekking
• Highly rated guides known for their knowledge, humor, and passion for nature
• Includes all entrance fees and accommodation, offering convenience and value
• Long but rewarding treks through the park’s core areas, suitable for moderate fitness levels
• Night safari provides a unique chance to observe animals in their natural habitat
• Comfortable transport from Dalat or Saigon with door-to-door pickup

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Day 1: Nature and Culture Encounters

Your journey begins early, with pickup from Dalat or Saigon, heading towards an immersion in Vietnam’s highland scenery. The first stop at Pongour Falls introduces you to the widest waterfall in the Central Highlands. Expect a brief, 3-minute walk but plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the cascading waters. This is a pretty spectacular sight, especially after rain, and a great way to kick off your adventure.

Next, you’ll visit Me Linh Coffee Plantation, renowned for its unique weasel coffee—a specialty that’s worth tasting if you’re into coffee culture. You’ll get to enjoy a cup while taking in the plantation’s lush greenery. This stop is relaxed, and the free admission makes it a convenient break in your day.

The tour then takes you to Linh An Pagoda, the largest and most beautiful temple in the area. Here, the Lady Buddha and Happy Buddha statues are highlights, and visitors often find it a peaceful place to make wishes or simply enjoy the intricate architecture.

Afterward, the wild scenery intensifies at Elephant Waterfall, which is imposing and scenic (35m high and 40m wide). You’ll also explore Wind Cave, a narrow entrance between cliffs that opens into wide, wind-filled chambers—impressive for its thunderous sounds and cool breeze.

A cultural twist comes with a visit to Thien An Cricket Farm, where you can learn about rice wine making and sample edible insects—an experience that might challenge your taste buds and give insight into local protein sources.

The day culminates with a walk through Cat Tien National Park’s core area—a roughly 3-hour trek covering about 10 km. As described by reviewers, walking through hundreds of years old trees and dense forest, you’ll likely spot various wildlife and appreciate the serenity of Vietnam’s jungles. The guides are praised for their knowledge, often sharing insights about the flora and fauna, making the trek both educational and immersive.

In the evening, a night jeep safari offers the chance to observe nocturnal animals, with many travelers noting the thrill of spotting wild creatures such as rhinoceros drinking or hearing their calls echoing through the jungle.

Day 2: Wake Up and Wildlife Watching

Your second day kicks off with a relaxing morning listening to native bird songs and having breakfast. The real highlight is the trek to Crocodile Swamp (Bau Sau)—a 4-hour adventure that involves a 10 km transfer by bike or jeep, followed by a 5 km walk through the forest.

Here, you’ll have the opportunity to see crocodiles in their natural habitat, along with gibbons, monkeys, deer, wild boars, and a variety of old trees. The reviews mention that this part of the tour is not only about wildlife spotting but also about appreciating the peacefulness of the dense jungle.

Many reviewers appreciated the well-organized transport—safe, punctual, and comfortable—making the long day manageable. The entire trek is free of extra charges, adding to the overall value of the experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Guides and Personal Touches
Numerous reviews highlight the guides’ enthusiasm, knowledge, and humor, making the experience more engaging. For instance, reviewers mention guides like Jacky and Tom, who are praised for their ability to share insights about Vietnam’s wildlife and environment, turning a simple trek into a learning adventure.

Diverse and Authentic Experience
From waterfalls and temples to a cricket farm and night safari, the itinerary offers a balanced mix of natural beauty and local culture. The inclusion of specialty coffee and local rice wine adds flavor to the cultural aspect.

Comfort and Convenience
All entrance fees are covered, and accommodation is described as comfortable with features like air conditioning, mosquito nets, and private bathrooms. The transportation is also well-rated, providing a hassle-free way to cover the distance between Dalat or Saigon and Cat Tien.

Wildlife Watching
The night safari and daytime treks have garnered praise for their opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat—a true highlight for wildlife fans.

The Value of $324.36 Per Person

Compared to the cost, this tour offers quite a bit of value. It includes all entrance fees, transportation, accommodation, and guided activities, which if booked separately, could quickly add up. The small group size (max 50 travelers) ensures more personal attention, and reviews indicate that guides go above and beyond to make the experience memorable.

Travelers also seem to appreciate the timing and pacing, with early starts and careful planning that maximize daylight hours for maximum wildlife sightings and scenic views.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the tour is packed with adventures, it’s not for everyone. The long treks require moderate physical fitness, and some travelers might find the amount of walking challenging. The itinerary involves outdoor activities in potentially humid conditions, so packing appropriate clothing, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes is essential.

Plus, while the inclusion of meals and soft drinks is not covered, the stops at local eateries and the chance to try local delicacies like insects and rice wine may result in extra expenses.

Finally, the tour is weather-dependent; poor weather can lead to cancellations or alterations, but the company offers full refunds or rescheduling options.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to see Vietnam’s wild side without sacrificing comfort. It’s well-suited for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and culture seekers alike. If you prefer guided experiences with knowledgeable guides who can share insights and entertaining stories, this tour delivers.

Those who enjoy trekking, birdwatching, and night safaris will find this experience especially rewarding. It’s also ideal for families or groups seeking a structured yet immersive outdoor adventure.

FAQs

Is transport included from Dalat and Saigon?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from Dalat or Saigon, with comfortable transport arranged for the entire trip.

What is the best time to take this tour?
While specific dates aren’t mentioned, the tour requires good weather, so it’s best during Vietnam’s dry season, typically from February to August.

Are meals included in the price?
No, meals and soft drinks are not included, but the tour stops at local eateries and markets, allowing you to try regional specialties.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Expect moderate trekking and walking. The schedule involves distances of around 10 km on day one and 5 km on day two, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.

Can I see wildlife at night?
Yes, the night safari is specifically designed to give you the chance to spot animals like rhinoceros drinking at the waterholes, a truly special experience.

What accommodation is provided?
The tour includes comfortable lodge-style accommodations with air conditioning, mosquito nets, private bathrooms, and a balcony overlooking the river.

What’s the maximum group size?
Up to 50 travelers, which helps keep the experience personal and manageable.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the activities are generally suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, so families with children who meet that criteria should be fine. Always check with the provider for specific age recommendations.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day Cat Tien National Park tour from Dalat or Saigon offers a fantastic way to experience Vietnam’s rich natural scenery and vibrant wildlife. With knowledgeable guides, well-organized activities, and a balanced itinerary, it’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting an authentic outdoor adventure. The mix of waterfalls, cultural stops, and wildlife encounters makes it a well-rounded trip that’s both educational and exhilarating.

While it demands a degree of physical activity, the overall experience is rewarding—especially if you’re eager to see the wild side of Vietnam in a structured, safe, and comfortable setting. For nature lovers, wildlife buffs, and those craving a break from city buzz, this tour delivers genuine value and unforgettable moments.

If you’re ready to explore Vietnam’s lush forests and meet its fascinating creatures, this tour is definitely worth considering.