Cat Tien National Park day trip: Jungle trek & wildlife

A 5km trek through the forest canopy reaches Crocodile Lake, where monkeys and rare birds live in their natural habitat.

A full-day guided tour from Ho Chi Minh City to Cat Tien National Park with hotel pickup, jeep transport, jungle trekking, and a boat ride along the Dong Nai River. You travel 9km by jeep, then trek 5km through the forest to Crocodile Lake to spot wildlife, eat lunch surrounded by greenery, and return by boat along the river with a local guide pointing out animals along the banks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Cat Tien National Park

• Pick up from hotel in District 1
• Travel to Nam Cat Tien National Park
• Jeep ride 9km through forest
• 5km trek to Crocodile Lake
• Explore and relax at Crocodile Lake
• Enjoy lunch in the forest
• Relax in a hammock
• Boat ride on Dong Nai River
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City

The experience

The day starts with pickup at 7:30 am from your hotel in District 1, then a drive south in an air-conditioned vehicle to Nam Cat Tien National Park. Once you arrive, a 9km jeep ride takes you into the forest, followed by a 5km trek under the canopy of ancient trees. This is the core habitat of the park: the trail passes through territory where monkeys, birds, and other rare species live. The trek ends at Crocodile Lake (Bàu Sấu), an area known for its pristine landscape and dense flora.

At Crocodile Lake you have free time to explore, photograph, and rest before lunch. A meal is served in the forest, and afterward you can relax in a hammock and take in the views. The return journey follows the Dong Nai River by boat. The local boatman shares stories about the animals that live along the banks and points them out as you pass. The tour concludes around 4:30 pm with the drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.

A local English-speaking guide leads the entire day. The group size varies depending on which option you choose. You can book a private tour for 2 to 9 people, or join a shared group tour. Pickup from your hotel in central HCMC is included, as are the entrance fee to Crocodile Lake, jeep transport, lunch, and the boat ride.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from District 1 in central Ho Chi Minh City.
• entrance fee to Crocodile Lake.
• jeep transport through the forest.
• lunch served in the forest.
• boat ride along the Dong Nai River with a local guide.
• English-speaking guide for the full day.

Options for this experience

5 options

Private tour for 8 to 9 peopleUp to 9 people · Guide in English or Vietnamese · 07:00Lunch, minivan, jeep and boat; includes pickup

Group tour to Nam Cat TienUp to 14 people · Guide in English or Vietnamese · 07:00Adventure of 12 hours with biking and trekking, using car or minivan, boat and jeep; pickup is included

Private tour for 5 to 7 peopleUp to 7 people · Guide in English or Vietnamese · 07:00Lunch, jeep and boat; includes pickup

See 2 more options

Private tour for 3 to 4 peopleUp to 4 people · Guide in English or Vietnamese · 07:00Lunch, jeep and boat; includes pickup

Private tour for 2 peopleUp to 2 people · Guide in English or Vietnamese · 07:00Lunch, private car, jeep and boat; includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish and Vietnamese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by The Sun Tourist

Is this one for you?Book a private tour if your group wants to set your own pace and skip the shared departures. The group tour option works well if you prefer to travel with other visitors and keep costs lower. Either way, the 12-hour commitment means you leave early and return late, so plan the rest of your HCMC day around it.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Vietnamese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 10 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals might I see on the trek to Crocodile Lake?

Monkeys, birds, and other rare species live in the forest around Crocodile Lake, which is the core habitat of Nam Cat Tien National Park. The trek passes through their natural territory, so sightings depend on the time of day and season, but the guide will point out signs of wildlife along the trail.

How difficult is the 5km trek through the jungle?

The trek is described as light trekking under the forest canopy and is suitable for all physical fitness levels. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers, and children under 12 are not advised to join because of the forest terrain.

What is included in the price of the tour?

The tour includes hotel pickup from District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, entrance to Crocodile Lake, jeep transport through the forest, the 5km trek, lunch in the forest, a boat ride along the Dong Nai River, and a local English-speaking guide for the entire day.

What time does the tour start and end?

Pickup begins at 7:30 am from your hotel in central Ho Chi Minh City. The tour concludes around 4:30 pm, when you board the vehicle for the return trip to the city.

Can I book this as a private tour, or do I have to join a group?

You can choose either a private tour or a shared group tour. Private options accommodate groups of 2 to 9 people, so you can book for your own party or join other travelers on the group departure.