Vietnam now has 37 national parks, after Ea So in Dak Lak became the newest in July 2026. For a first trip, the best national parks in Vietnam are Phong Nha – Ke Bang for giant caves, Cuc Phuong for primates and old forest near Hanoi, Cat Tien for wildlife near Ho Chi Minh City and Hoang Lien for Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina. Most parks charge 50,000–80,000 VND (about ₹183–293) to enter.

In this guide, Vietnamtour.in compares 12 Vietnam national parks that are easy to add to an Indian family or group itinerary. For each one, you will find highlights, 2026 entry fees, the best months to visit and the latest changes, such as closures and new province names.

National parks in Vietnam at a glance (updated November 2026)

Number of parks: 37 national parks (the 36th and 37th were created in 2026).
UNESCO World Heritage: Phong Nha – Ke Bang (with Laos’s Hin Nam No since 2025) and Cat Ba, as part of Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago (2023).
Easiest from Hanoi: Ba Vi (60 km) and Cuc Phuong (130 km).
Easiest from Ho Chi Minh City: Cat Tien (about 4 hours) and Con Dao (50-minute flight).
Typical entry fee: 50,000–80,000 VND (₹183–293); caves and boats cost extra.
Important 2026 notes: Son Doong Cave is fully booked until 2027; the road to Bach Ma summit is still closed after landslides.

Table of Contents

How Many National Parks Are There in Vietnam?

Vietnam has 37 national parks in 2026. Three were added recently: Xuan Lien in Thanh Hoa (April 2025), Bat Xat in Lao Cai (March 2026) and Ea So in Dak Lak (July 2026). Together, they protect mountains, limestone karst, rainforest, wetlands and coral reefs from the Chinese border down to the Gulf of Thailand.

Several parks also carry international titles:

UNESCO World Heritage: Phong Nha – Ke Bang, and Cat Ba as part of the Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago site.
UNESCO biosphere reserves: Covering parks such as Cat Tien, Cat Ba, Phu Quoc, Bidoup – Nui Ba and, since June 2026, Phong Nha – Ke Bang.
ASEAN Heritage Parks: 12 sites, such as Hoang Lien, Ba Be, Bidoup – Nui Ba and Pu Mat.
Ramsar wetlands: 9 sites, including Ba Be Lake, Bau Sau in Cat Tien and Tram Chim.

Since the administrative reform of 1 July 2025, many provinces have merged. You will see new names in this guide: for example, Phong Nha is now in Quang Tri, Ba Be in Thai Nguyen and Phu Quoc in An Giang.

Best National Parks in Vietnam at a Glance

The table below compares 12 national parks in Vietnam that work well for Indian travellers, from the north to the south.

National park	Province (2026)	Best for	Entry fee	Best months
Phong Nha – Ke Bang	Quang Tri	Caves, river boats	Caves from 150,000 VND (₹549)	March–August
Cuc Phuong	Ninh Binh (also Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa)	Primates, old forest	About 60,000 VND (₹220)	December–May
Cat Tien	Dong Nai and Lam Dong	Wildlife, night safari	60,000 VND (₹220)	November–May
Ba Be	Thai Nguyen	Lake boating, ethnic villages	About 45,000–70,000 VND	September–May
Cat Ba	Hai Phong	Hiking, Cat Ba langur	About 80,000 VND (₹293)	April–June, September–November
Hoang Lien	Lao Cai	Fansipan, trekking	Cable car 850,000 VND (₹3,114)	October–November, March–May
Bach Ma	Hue	Waterfalls, cool forest	60,000 VND (₹220)	February–August
Phu Quoc	An Giang	Rainforest on a beach island	Suoi Tranh about 30,000 VND	November–April
Con Dao	Ho Chi Minh City	Sea turtles, coral	60,000 VND (₹220)	April–November (turtles)
Bidoup – Nui Ba	Lam Dong	Langbiang peak, pine forest	Langbiang 50,000 VND (₹183)	November–April
Ba Vi	Hanoi	Day trip, wild sunflowers	60,000 VND (₹220)	October–December
Tram Chim	Dong Thap	Birdwatching, wetlands	About 60,000 VND (₹220)	September–April

1. Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park

A boat at the mouth of Phong Nha Cave on the Son River

Phong Nha – Ke Bang is the most famous of all the national parks in Vietnam and one of the UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Sites in Vietnam. Its limestone mountains hide hundreds of caves. In July 2025, UNESCO extended the site to include Hin Nam No in Laos, making it Southeast Asia’s first cross-border natural World Heritage Site. In June 2026, it was also named a world biosphere reserve.

Highlights and 2026 prices:

Phong Nha Cave: 150,000 VND (₹549) per person, plus a boat at 700,000 VND (₹2,564) for up to 12 people.
Paradise Cave: 270,000 VND (₹989) for adults; a wooden walkway runs about 1 km inside.
Dark Cave: 450,000 VND (₹1,648) for the zipline, mud bath and kayak package.
Son Doong Cave: The world’s largest cave. The 6-day expedition with Oxalis costs US$3,000 (about ₹2.85 lakh), and all places are booked until 2027.

Location and season: Phong Nha commune, Quang Tri province (formerly Quang Binh), about 45 km from Dong Hoi airport. Visit from March to August; caves can close during floods from September to November.

2. Cuc Phuong National Park

Rescued langurs at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, Cuc Phuong

Cuc Phuong National Park, created in 1962, is Vietnam’s first national park. It covers about 22,400 ha of limestone forest across Ninh Binh, Phu Tho and Thanh Hoa, with the main gate in Ninh Binh. It is about 130 km (2.5–3 hours) from Hanoi, so it pairs well with a Ninh Binh trip.

Highlights:

Endangered Primate Rescue Center: Rare langurs and gibbons in rehabilitation.
The ancient chò tree trail: The famous “1,000-year-old tree” died a few years ago but still stands among giant trees.
Butterfly season: Millions of butterflies fill the forest in April and May.
Night tour: 100,000 VND (₹366) to spot nocturnal animals with a ranger.

Entry fee: About 60,000 VND (₹220). Best time: December to May.

3. Cat Tien National Park

A boardwalk across the grassland in Cat Tien

Cat Tien National Park is the best place to see wildlife in southern Vietnam. It covers more than 71,000 ha of lowland rainforest in Dong Nai and Lam Dong, about 170 km (4 hours) from Ho Chi Minh City. On 6 November 2026, management of the park was handed to Dong Nai City.

Highlights and prices:

Entry: 60,000 VND (₹220) for adults and 10,000 VND for children under 16, including the river crossing.
Bau Sau (Crocodile Lake): A Ramsar wetland reached by a jungle trek; 250,000 VND (₹916).
Night safari: 150,000–500,000 VND per person by jeep, to spot deer and civets.
Wildlife news: Six Eld’s deer were released into the forest in November 2026.

Note: The Dao Tien primate centre is closed, with no reopening date. Best time: November to May (dry season, fewer leeches).

4. Ba Be National Park

Ba Be Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam

Ba Be National Park is built around Ba Be Lake, a chain of three connected lakes and a Ramsar wetland since 2011. It lies in Thai Nguyen province (formerly Bac Kan), about 230–250 km (4.5–5 hours) from Hanoi, so plan at least one night.

Highlights:

Boat trip: 300,000–1,000,000 VND per boat to Puong Cave, Dau Dang Waterfall and Widow Island.
Tay villages: Stay in a stilt-house homestay at Pac Ngoi village.
Cycling and kayaking: Easy, flat routes around the lake.

Food tip: The lake’s speciality is fish, but homestays happily cook rice, bamboo shoots, tofu and vegetables if you ask in advance. Entry fee: About 45,000–70,000 VND. Best time: September to May.

5. Cat Ba National Park

The Cat Ba langur lives only on this island

Cat Ba National Park covers much of Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong. Since 2023, it has been part of the Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago World Heritage Site. It is the only home of the Cat Ba langur (white-headed langur), with only about 100 animals left in the wild.

Highlights:

Ngu Lam peak: A short, steep hike with views over the island.
Trung Trang Cave: Included in the entry ticket.
Frog Lake trail: A full-day jungle trek; a guide is required.

Entry fee: About 80,000 VND (₹293). Getting there: About 3–4 hours from Hanoi by road and ferry, or combine it with a Halong Bay cruise. Best time: April to June and September to November.

6. Hoang Lien National Park

A sea of clouds over the Hoang Lien Son range

Hoang Lien National Park protects the Hoang Lien Son range near Sapa in Lao Cai, including Fansipan Mountain (3,143 m), the “Roof of Indochina”. It is an ASEAN Heritage Park and the favourite national park of Indian travellers, thanks to the cable car.

Two ways to reach the summit:

Cable car: 850,000 VND (₹3,114) for adults, plus an optional funicular; suitable for families and elderly parents.
Trekking: 1–2 days; a forest-entry permit and a licensed guide or porter are required.

Best time: October–November and March–May for clear views. Winter (December–February) can bring frost and, rarely, snow.

7. Bach Ma National Park

Bach Ma National Park, about 1 hour from Hue and 1.5 hours from Da Nang, was a cool hill station in the French era. It covers about 37,500 ha of forest, with waterfalls and rare animals such as the red-shanked douc langur.

Highlights:

Do Quyen Waterfall: About 300 m high, best after the rains.
Five Lakes trail: Swim in clear rock pools.
Birdwatching: One of the best spots in central Vietnam.

2026 warning: Landslides in October 2025 broke the road to the summit, and summit tourism has been suspended since. By mid-2026, the road was still waiting for repairs. Check with us before planning the summit route. Entry fee: 60,000 VND (₹220). Best time: February to August.

8. Phu Quoc National Park

Suoi Tranh stream in the rainforest of Phu Quoc National Park — Suoi Tranh, an easy forest walk inside Phu Quoc National Park

Phu Quoc National Park covers about 36,000 ha in the north of Phu Quoc Island, now a special zone of An Giang province. It is part of the Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve and protects the island’s last lowland rainforest.

Highlights:

Suoi Tranh stream: An easy forest walk; about 30,000 VND.
Jungle treks: Guided trails to Mount Chua.
Combine with the beach: Spend a morning in the forest and an afternoon at Sao Beach or Ong Lang.

Best time: November to April for dry trails; streams are fullest in the rainy season.

9. Con Dao National Park

A forest trail in Con Dao National Park

Con Dao National Park protects about 6,000 ha of island forest and 14,000 ha of sea. Since July 2025, it has been part of Ho Chi Minh City’s Con Dao special zone. In 2025, it joined the IUCN Green List of well-managed protected areas.

Highlights:

Sea turtles: Turtles nest from April to November, with a peak from July to September.
Turtle-release tour: A trip to Hon Bay Canh costs about 790,000 VND (₹2,894).
Coral reefs: Snorkelling and diving around the outer islands.

Entry fee: 60,000 VND (₹220). Getting there: A 50-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City. Read more in our Con Dao Island guide.

10. Bidoup – Nui Ba National Park

Pine forest and Langbiang peak in Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park near Da Lat — Langbiang, the most visited corner of Bidoup – Nui Ba National Park

Bidoup – Nui Ba National Park covers about 64,000 ha of pine and cloud forest on the Lang Biang plateau, just north of Da Lat in Lam Dong. It is an ASEAN Heritage Park and part of the Langbiang Biosphere Reserve.

Highlights:

Langbiang peak: 12 km from Da Lat; 50,000 VND (₹183) entry, plus 120,000 VND for a jeep ride to the viewpoint.
Long treks: Multi-day trails to Bidoup peak need a permit and a guide.
K’Ho culture: Visit the villages of the indigenous K’Ho people at the foot of Langbiang.

Best time: November to April (dry season).

11. Ba Vi National Park

The temple on the summit of Ba Vi, at about 1,296 m

Ba Vi National Park is the easiest park to visit from Hanoi, only about 60 km (1.5 hours) away. In June 2026, management passed to Hanoi City. The cool mountain air and pine forests make it a popular weekend escape for local families.

Highlights:

Uncle Ho Temple: At the summit (about 1,296 m), with views over the Red River plain.
French church ruins: An old church at about 800 m, covered in roots and moss.
Wild sunflower season: Usually mid-October to early December.

Entry fee: 60,000 VND (₹220). Tip: Avoid weekends in sunflower season: on 1 November 2026, 13,000 visitors caused severe traffic jams. Go on a weekday morning.

12. Tram Chim National Park

Water birds over the Tram Chim wetlands

Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap is one of the last pieces of the Plain of Reeds wetland in the Mekong Delta, about 4 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. It became a Ramsar site in 2012 and is famous for water birds such as storks, egrets and cormorants.

Highlights:

Boat trips: Through lotus ponds and Melaleuca forest; about 500,000 VND per boat.
Sarus cranes: 12 cranes brought from Thailand in 2025–2026 live in a conservation area as part of a breeding programme.
Flood-season activities: Fishing, lotus picking and village life from September to November.

Entry fee: About 60,000 VND (₹220). Best time: September to November for the flood season, December to April for birdwatching.

Which National Park in Vietnam Suits Your Trip?

Choose a park that fits your route rather than adding long drives:

Hanoi and the north: Ba Vi for a half-day, Cuc Phuong with Ninh Binh, Cat Ba with Halong Bay and Hoang Lien with Sapa.
Central Vietnam: Phong Nha – Ke Bang between Hue and Hanoi, and Bach Ma between Hue and Da Nang.
Ho Chi Minh City and the south: Cat Tien for wildlife, Tram Chim for birds and Con Dao for turtles.
Beach holidays: Phu Quoc National Park and Con Dao combine forest and sea.
Hill stations: Bidoup – Nui Ba with Da Lat.

Rules and Tips for Visiting National Parks in Vietnam

Permits and guides: Required for Fansipan treks, long Bidoup trails, Cat Ba’s Frog Lake trail and some Phong Nha routes near the border.
Drones: Since 15 December 2025, flying a drone needs registration and a permit; fines reach 40 million VND, and the drone can be confiscated.
Stay on trails: Entering strictly protected forest without permission can bring fines of 4–10 million VND.
Leeches and insects: Wear long socks, trekking shoes and repellent, especially in Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong in the rainy season.
Vegetarian food: Park canteens are basic. Tell your guide in advance, or carry ready-to-eat snacks for long treks.
Visa: Indians need a Vietnam e-visa (US$25, about ₹2,375); see our Vietnam visa for Indians guide.

Plan Your Vietnam Nature Trip

National parks are only one side of Vietnam’s landscapes. For bays, rice terraces and waterfalls, see our list of natural wonders in Vietnam. If you prefer theme parks, gardens and city green spaces, read our guide to the best park in Vietnam for families.

Vietnamtour.in can build a nature itinerary with Indian meals, private transport and English-speaking guides. Browse our tour packages for Vietnam. If you want forest and beach in one trip, our Phu Quoc holidays can include a morning in Phu Quoc National Park. Send us your dates for a free plan.

FAQs about National Parks in Vietnam

How many national parks are there in Vietnam?

Vietnam has 37 national parks as of November 2026. The newest are Bat Xat in Lao Cai (March 2026) and Ea So in Dak Lak (July 2026).

Which is the best national park in Vietnam?

Phong Nha – Ke Bang is the best known for its UNESCO-listed caves. For wildlife, Cat Tien is the best, and for the easiest mountain views, Hoang Lien (Fansipan) is the top choice.

Which Vietnam national park is closest to Hanoi?

Ba Vi National Park is about 60 km (1.5 hours) from Hanoi. Cuc Phuong is about 130 km (2.5–3 hours) away and can be combined with Ninh Binh.

What is the oldest national park in Vietnam?

Cuc Phuong, created in 1962, is Vietnam’s first national park. It is home to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center.

Can you visit Son Doong Cave in 2026?

Not on short notice. The only licensed expedition costs US$3,000 per person, and all places are booked until 2027. You can still visit Phong Nha, Paradise and Dark caves easily.

How much does it cost to enter a national park in Vietnam?

Most national parks in Vietnam charge 50,000–80,000 VND (about ₹183–293) per adult. Caves, boats, cable cars and guided treks cost extra.

Fees, closures and park information were last checked in November 2026 and may change. Please confirm with your Vietnamtour.in travel consultant before booking.

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