Life | Travel

The Asian Safaris: Vietnam's Cat Tien National Park comes alive at dusk

No poor cousin of African safaris, the highly affordable Asian safaris offer equally thrilling adventures from forest excursions and river rides to land expeditions, plus exotic animals like Royal Bengal tigers and four-horned antelopes – from just $500 a person

By Hayley Tai - 27 Dec 2019

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A 15km trek into Cat Tien National Park will lead you to Bau Sau Crocodile Lake.

While many safaris are best explored at the break of dawn, Vietnam’s oldest wildlife reserve comes alive at dusk. The night safari programme is unique to Cat Tien National Park as the animals there are mostly nocturnal.

A three-hour bus ride from Ho Chi Minh City, the national park is a regular spot for wildlife aficionados.

Minh Tu, a part-time wildlife guide at Cat Tien National Park, says: “At night, you can see animals like the elusive clouded leopard, Owston’s civet, and even Asian elephants in the national park.”

The main reason why it’s so affordable to visit this national park is because it provides a free-and-easy safari tour.

Here, eco-friendly walkways made out of reclaimed wood are strategically placed so visitors can still explore the reserve without a jeep.

You pay a fixed fee of about $4, and you’re free to roam the park. But having a guide will increase your chances of getting up close with the safari animals.

Native langur. Photo Alamy.com

Minh Tu adds: “You can still spot the native langurs in the day, but it’s best to get a guide for the night safari. Visitors also have the option of taking a jeep, all-terrain vehicle or renting a bicycle to explore the fauna at the national park.”

You can either pay for a guide from one of the tourist booths located at the entrance of the park, or book a safari tour from travel companies such as Natural World Safaris.

A two-day tour costs $500 by Natural World Safaris.

Where to stay

Forest Floor Lodge Everything is back to basics at this fuss-free stay with a jungle experience.

Nestled in Cat Tien National Park, the lodge has some rooms that overlook the beautiful river rapids. G

uided walking tours are also available.

The facilities include a restaurant, room service and free Wi-Fi. From $120 a night. www.forestfloorlodges.com

ALSO READ: TIPS ON HOW TO SPOT ANIMALS ON A SRI LANKAN SAFARI TRIP

This story was first published in Her World's Dec 2019 issue.