| Set up | Prime Minister’s Decision 08/CT of 13 January 1992, joining the South Cat Tien forest (1978) and the West Cat Tien reserve (1986) |
|---|---|
| Status | a world biosphere reserve |
| Birds | about 300 species, nearly 50% of Vietnam’s total |
| Butterflies | more than 450 species, over 50% of Vietnam’s total |
| Dao Tien primate rescue station | on a 57 ha island |
Nam Cat Tien National Park is set up in January 13th, 1992 and listed in protected area then. The most outstanding characteristic of this park is wet and lowland tropical forest. There is a myth about the formation of Cat Tien National Park. Long time ago, a hunter saw a strange and sparkling cylinder; he was so curious that he shot into that cylinder. Suddenly, from the holy cylinder, a strong current angrily flowed forming a vast wetland area and huge lakes. On the sand near the lake, tales were playing and singing. Deer, herds, rhinos were grazing around the stream, birds were singing and butterflies were flying over blooming flowers making up peaceful and romantic scenery like in the fairy tale. Cat Tien in Vietnamese means the place of gods and fairies.
Nam Cat Tien National Park not only has beautiful scenery with different terrains of river, stream, waterfall, wetland area, mountains but also the rich and diverse flora and fauna with many endemic and rare species in protected list. Especially, Bau Sau – one in two wetlands in Vietnam is an interesting destination. Moreover, Nam Cat Tien National Park is living place of Stieng and Ma ethnics in Vietnam. With traditional lifestyle, unique cultural features and authentic festivals of buffalo sacrifice, tales and myths, and sole musical instruments, life of Stieng and Ma ethnic in Nam Cat Tien National Park will fascinate tourists’ desire of exploring.
Thanks to tourism potential, managers of Nam Cat Tien National Park have promoted different types of tourism for different goals: discover academic research, relax, volunteer, so on. Wonderful nature, beautiful landscapes, unique and diverse ecosystem, fresh atmosphere, Nam Cat Tien National Park is absolutely a great destination.
The park
Vietnamese Wikipedia says Cat Tien National Park was set up by Decision 08/CT of 13 January 1992 by joining the South Cat Tien forbidden forest (created by decision 360/TTg of 7 July 1978) and the West Cat Tien nature reserve (decision 194/CT of 9 August 1986). It is now one of Vietnam’s world biosphere reserves. It holds about 300 bird species, nearly half of the country’s total, and more than 450 butterfly species, over half of the total. The Dao Tien Endangered Primate Rescue Station on a 57-hectare island looks after animals such as the southern yellow-cheeked gibbon. We have not verified the legend in the older text or trail and boat details, so check them before you go.
Sources (read in Vietnamese, Vietnamese Wikipedia): Vườn quốc gia Cát Tiên. Last checked November 2026.
Cat Tien: FAQ
When was Cat Tien National Park set up?
On 13 January 1992, by Decision 08/CT.
Is Cat Tien a biosphere reserve?
Yes, it is one of Vietnam’s world biosphere reserves.
How many bird species live in Cat Tien?
About 300, nearly 50% of Vietnam’s species.
What is the Dao Tien station?
A primate rescue station on a 57-hectare island.
How many days do you need at Cat Tien?
One or two nights, usually from Ho Chi Minh City.