Cat Tien Wildlife Tours
Birding — Mammal Watching — Herping — Butterflies & More
A fully private and customisable wildlife tour in one of Indochina’s premier national parks, tailored to your ideal length, pace and targets. Whether a quick 2-day adventure or an immersive week long experience, we craft the perfect itinerary to match your interests.
Details
Summary
– Flexible Tour Lengths: Short 2-4 day options or fully customised extended trips available
– Bookings Available Year-Round
– Includes all meals, accommodation, guide, driver and more
– Departs from Saigon, Da Lat, and nearby regions
– Private tours for individuals or small groups with options for larger groups available upon request
Prices (for standard 3-day tour):
Single Person: $760 per person
Group of 2: $520 per person
Group of 3: $450 per person
Group of 4: $405 per person
Cat Tien Wildlife Tours
Tour Code: SG0201
Summary
Cát Tiên National Park is Vietnam’s premier national park, renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and status as a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Covering over 700 km² of lowland tropical forest, it is home to an incredible diversity of birds, mammals, primates, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies and more. With its vast range of habitats (evergreen forests, wetlands, grasslands, and riverine areas), Cát Tiên offers unparalleled opportunities for nature lovers to experience some of the rarest and most fascinating species in Southeast Asia.
Join us for a private, fully customised wildlife-watching adventure, tailored to your specific interests and targets. Whether you’re passionate about birding, mammals/primates, herping, butterflies, photography, general nature, or a combination of all of the above, we design each tour to suit your goals.
Our standard tour length is 3 days / 2 nights, providing ample time to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems. However, we can extend or adjust the itinerary to fit your schedule, preferences and wildlife targets. With expert private guides and a dedicated driver, we ensure you have the best possible wildlife encounters.
For nocturnal enthusiasts, spotlighting sessions offer the chance to search for rare mammals, reptiles, and nocturnal birds such as owls, frogmouths, and nightjars. Whether you’re a dedicated birder, a mammal specialist, a herping enthusiast, or a general naturalist, every excursion is customised to maximise your experience.
Stay in comfortable eco-lodges within the park, offering clean rooms and essential amenities. All meals and non-alcoholic drinks are included. Your journey can begin from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, or other locations upon request, and we can arrange additional days or extensions with other Next Continent tours.
Let us craft the perfect Cát Tiên wildlife adventure, designed around your interests, targets, budget, and schedule.
Top Target Birds
Cat Tien has recorded over 350 different species of bird, living up to its reputation as one of Indochina’s premier birding locations. Some of the most frequently targeted and specialist species include: Orange-necked Partridge, Green Peafowl, Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant, Siamese Fireback, Indochinese Frogmouth, Great-eared Nightjar, Lesser Adjutant, Asian Woolly-necked Stork, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Collared Falconet, Violet Cuckoo, Orange-breasted Trogon, Great Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Banded Kingfisher, Blue-rumped Pitta, Bar-bellied Pitta, Black-and-red Broadbill, Dusky Broadbill, Heart-spotted Woodpecker, Black-and-buff Woodpecker, Grey-faced Tit-Babbler, Golden-crested Myna, Blue-winged Leafbird, and many more. A comprehensive list can be viewed on eBird.
A typical 3-day tour (season depending) can see us target around 60-100 Cat Tien specialist species.
Top Target Mammals
Cat Tien is home to a diverse range of mammals, including some that are particularly difficult to find elsewhere in Vietnam and Indochina such as the Black-shanked Douc Langur and Annamese Langur. For the best chances of observing a greater variety of species, we recommend a 3-day, 2-night itinerary, as many specialist targets require time and patience. Our mammal-focused tours primarily take place during early morning and late-night spotlighting sessions to maximise sightings.
Primates: Southern Pygmy Slow Loris, Black-shanked Douc Langur, Annamese Langur, Long-tailed Macaque, Northern Pig-tailed Macaque, Southern Yellow-cheeked Gibbon
Deer: Lesser Oriental Chevrotain, Northern Red Muntjac, Sambar
Rodents: Greater Bandicoot-Rat, Southeast Asian Porcupine, Black Giant Squirrel, Pallas’ Squirrel, Indochinese Ground Squirrel, Common Giant Flying Squirrel, Red-cheeked Flying Squirrel, Particolored Flying Squirrel
Treeshrews: Northern Treeshrew, Northern Smooth-tailed Treeshrewshrew
Carnivores: Mainland Leopard Cat, Southeast Asian Palm Civet, Small-toothed Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet, Javan Mongoose, Crab-eating Mongoose, Yellow-throated Marten, Large-toothed Ferret Badger, Asian Small-clawed Otter
Larger Mammals: Asian Elephant, Gaur, Wild Boar
Bats: Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bat, Lesser Short-nosed Fruit Bat, Woolly Horseshoe Bat, Indochinese Horseshoe Bat, Grand Roundlead Bat, Ratanaworabhan’s Fruit Bat, Greater False Vampire Bat, Lesser False Vampire Bat, Thick-thumbed Myotis
Top Target Herps
Herping in Cat Tien National Park offers a rewarding experience, with a diverse array of fascinating species, including several endemics unique to southern Vietnam. As with most herping in Indochina, the best time to explore is after dark when many species are most active, particularly during the warmer months.
However, it’s important to note that nocturnal herping in Cat Tien NP is often restricted. In recent years, we’ve conducted most of our extended and specialist herping activities in Nui Dinh and Thai Mai, both located west of Cat Tien and just a few hours from Ho Chi Minh City. For more details on our herping opportunities, please get in touch with us directly or visit our Herping Tour pages.
Key Species we target in Cat Tien NP:
Lizards: Sphenomorphus maculatus, Gekko gecko, Calotes bachae, Eutropis multifasciata, Varanus nebulosus, Cyrtodactylus cattienensis, Calotes versicolor, Hemidactylus platyurus, Acanthosaura coronata, Eutropis macularia, Draco indochinensis, Hemidactylus frenatus, Draco maculatus, Lipinia microcerca, Takydromus sexlineatus, Physignathus cocincinus, Gehyra mutilata, Lygosoma siamense, Dasia olivacea, Scincella nigrofasciata, Acanthosaura capra, Lygosoma angeli, Bronchocela vietnamensis, Lipinia trivittata
Crocodiles: Crocodylus siamensis
Snakes: Trimeresurus rubeus, Psammodynastes pulverulentus, Rhabdophis siamensis, Ahaetulla prasina, Trimeresurus albolabris, Pareas berdmorei, Oligodon deuvei, Chrysopelea ornata, Bungarus fasciatus, Bungarus candidus, Lycodon laoensis, Lycodon davisonii, Fowlea flavipunctata, Dendrelaphis pictus, Dendrelaphis ngansonensis, Boiga cyanea, Calliophis maculiceps, Malayopython reticulatus, Subsessor bocourti, Ptyas korros, Pareas margaritophorus, Oligodon cinereus, Lycodon subcinctus, Xenopeltis unicolor, Boiga siamensis, Pareas carinatus, Oligodon taeniatus, Oligodon fasciolatus, Gonyosoma oxycephalum, Ptyas mucosa, Python bivittatus, Indotyphlops braminus, Enhydris enhydris, Ophiophagus hannah
Frogs & Toads: Polypedates megacephalus, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Occidozyga martensii, Kalophrynus interlineatus, Kaloula pulchra, Microhyla mukhlesuri, Micryletta erythropoda, Microhyla heymonsi, Fejervarya limnocharis, Theloderma vietnamense, Chirixalus nongkhorensis, Glyphoglossus guttulatus, Hoplobatrachus chinensis, Microhyla butleri, Limnonectes poilani, Humerana lateralis, Hylarana taipehensis, Rhacophorus annamensis, Microhyla minuta, Microhyla berdmorei, Hylarana macrodactyla, Sylvirana montosa, Hylarana erythraea, Feihyla hansenae, Ingerophrynus galeatus, Feihyla vittata, Microhyla pulchra, Occidozyga lima, Odorrana chloronota
Caecilians: Ichthyophis nguyenorum
Other Notable Species
Like many of Vietnam’s national parks, Cat Tien National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to an extraordinary range of specialist wildlife groups. This lush lowland forest supports an exceptional diversity of butterflies, making it a prime destination for photography and observation. For moth enthusiasts, we set up large moth sheets and use LepiLED lamps to attract a fascinating array of nocturnal species. Our expert team can accommodate a wide range of interests, from insects to rare plants, ensuring a tailored experience for those seeking to explore the park’s unique ecosystems.
Butterflies & Moths: Yellow Pansy, Yellow Orange Tip, Clipper, Great Mormon, Green Dragontail Butterfly, Grey Pansy, Common Pierrot, Indian Wanderer, Striped Blue Crow, Common Jay, Common Lascar, Marbled Map, Green-spotted Triangle, Five-barred Swordtail, Chocolate Pansy, Orange Tiger, Knight, Common Imperial, Common Yeoman, Redtail Marquis, Purple Leaf Blue, Lesser Zebra, Common Gull, Common Sailer, Striped Albatross, Lemon Migrant, Great Orange Tip, Magpie Crow Butterfly, Dark Blue Tiger, Lemon Pansy, Large Grass-Yellow, Common Five-Ring, Common Grass-Blue, Common Rose Swallowtail, Common Tit, Straight-line Map-Wing, Commander, Common Nawab, Red Helen Swallowtail, Common Posy
Dragonflies: Chalky Percher, Crimson Marsh Glider, Euphaea masoni, Russet Percher, Plain Flashwing, Golden Gem, Slender Skimmer
Insects: Pyrops coelestinus, Macrotermes carbonarius, Armed Spiny Ant, Green Tree Ant, Phlaeoba antennata, Black-kneed Meadow Katydid, Siamese Rhinoceros Beetle
Slugs & Snails: Yellow-shelled Semi-Slug, Sarika resplendens, Cambodian Amphidromus, Amphidromus baolocensis, Tropical Leatherleaf Slug, Sarika lactoconcha, Amphidromus cruentatus
Spiders & Scorpions: Giant Golden Orbweaver, Chinese Swimming Scorpion, Heterometrus silenus, Pantropical Huntsman Spider, Asian Hermit Spider, Orange-and-black Pear Spider, Hasselt’s Spiny Spider, Long-horned Orbweaver, Black-and-white Spiny Spider, Common White-flanked Water Spider, Jade Jumping Spider
Plants & Trees: Kapong Tree, Cycas inermis, Lagerstroemia calyculata, Pagoda Flower, Red Leea, Giant Sensitive Plant, Asian Watermoss, Giant Crepe-Myrtle, Etlingera megalocheilos, Shampoo Ginger, Red Silk Cotton Tree, Bird’s Nest Fern, Memecylon caeruleum, Calamus poilanei, Curcuma xanthella, Dipterocarpus alatus, Platycerium coronarium, Java Cassia, Phanera cardinalis, Japanese Glorybower
Tour Pace
Conditions in Cat Tien are typically Easy to Moderate with nice, well-maintained paths and roads for easy walking. However, it should be noted that there are some optional steep climbs and more-demanding tracks.
Group Size
Private tours for individuals or small groups with options for larger groups available upon request
Habitats
Cat Tien National Park features a diverse range of habitats, including primary and secondary evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, vast bamboo thickets, and open grasslands. Seasonal wetlands and riverine forests along the Dong Nai River contribute to the park’s ecological complexity. The terrain ranges from lowland floodplains to gently rolling hills, with elevations mostly between 100 and 400 meters above sea level, creating a variety of microhabitats influenced by seasonal changes in water levels and forest composition.
Climate & Weather Conditions
Warm and tropical year-round. Mornings often start with a light mist, especially near the rivers and wetlands. Humid conditions with frequent rain showers, particularly from May to November.
Tour Inclusions
- Private guide specialising in wildlife and natural history
- Dedicated driver for convenience
- All accommodation whilst on tour
- Transfer to and from Ho Chi Minh City (or other places on request)
- All meals (B, L, D)
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Water bottles and snacks available in the vehicle
- All necessary entrance tickets and permits
- Comprehensive insurance coverage
- First aid and a COVID-safe environment
Photography Opportunites & Notes
Cat Tien offers excellent photographic opportunities, though conditions can be moderately challenging due to typical low-light environments and dense forest cover. Photographers can take advantage of a range of settings, from open grasslands and riverbanks to shaded forest trails and seasonal wetlands. There is access to designated bird hides, providing a chance for unobtrusive observation and photography. However, we strictly adhere to ethical photography practices and do not use baiting to attract wildlife. As photographic opportunities vary greatly depending on target species, season, and weather conditions, we recommend discussing specific photography goals with the Next Continent team to plan the best approach for your visit.
Related Tours & Experiences
If you’re interested in other natural history tours around the Southern Vietnam area, we suggest exploring the options below to complement your trip to Cat Tien. Let us know if you’re considering multiple tours, as we may be able to create a tailored package for you.
Discover vibrant birding experiences in Southern Vietnam’s expansive mangroves, scenic coastlines, spectacular evergreen forests, and renowned wetlands. Choose from Half-Day, Full-Day, Spotlighting, or Custom Tours
Embark on a Full-Day Adventure from Sai Gon to Can Gio: Explore Vietnam’s Rich Wildlife and Historical Heritage in Pristine Ecosystems
Explore one of Vietnam’s most renowned plateaus, home to endemic species, montane and coniferous forests, and extraordinary birding opportunities. Choose from Half-Day, Full-Day, Spotlighting, or Custom Tours
Why Choose Us?
Our Cat Tien Wildlife Tours offer an immersive and comprehensive wildlife experience in one of Vietnam’s most diverse and ecologically significant landscapes. Led by expert guides with extensive training, this tour is ideal for passionate wildlife enthusiasts and specialists eager to explore the unique biodiversity of Cat Tien. We cater to birders, mammal watchers, herpers, butterfly enthusiasts, botanists, wildlife photographers, and all naturalists in between.
With in-depth knowledge of the park’s trails, conditions, and ecosystems, our guides ensure you encounter the best that Cat Tien has to offer. Before your tour, you’re welcome to consult with your guide to discuss target species, tour conditions, or any other aspect to personalize your experience.
Whether you’re capturing stunning wildlife photos or aiming to add new species to your list, our team is committed to providing a seamless experience, with tailored service and 24/7 support. We’re dedicated to making your journey as enjoyable as it is memorable.
Beyond Cat Tien, we offer a range of custom eco-tours throughout Vietnam, designed to help you discover the country’s natural wonders and wildlife. From trekking to birdwatching, our tours are crafted with the same expertise and attention to detail, ensuring unforgettable adventures aligned with your interests.
Tailor Your Experience
Looking to enhance your experience? Whether it’s adding an extra day, making an additional stop, arranging pick-up from a distant location, hiring a camera, or combining your tour with another one of our amazing experiences, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch today, and let our experts craft a private, customised itinerary with dates and prices tailored to your needs
Tour Reviews
Still have questions? Get in touch with us directly
- [email protected]
- Office: (+84) 236 730 2199
- WhatsApp / Zalo: (+84) 328 955 019
- Frequently Asked Questions
