Jungle & National Parks
Despite decades of deforestation (and Agent Orange defoliation), Vietnam still possesses significant forest areas with an astonishing diversity of species:
- Phong-Nha-Kẻ-Bàng NP (UNESCO): 857 km² of karst and jungle. Caves, primary forest, 300+ bird species.
- Cát Tiên NP: 720 km² of lowland rainforest north of HCMC. Langurs, crocodiles, gibbons. Night hikes possible.
- Cúc Phương NP: Vietnam's first national park (1962), 140 km southwest of Hanoi. Known for the primate rescue center (langurs, lorises).
- Ba Bể NP: Limestone, lake, and primary forest in Bắc Kạn. One of Vietnam's most tranquil parks.
- Côn-Đảo NP: Marine and terrestrial — sea turtles, coral reefs, dugongs.
Vietnam is home to some of the rarest animals in the world: The Saola (Asian unicorn, discovered only in 1992), the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey (fewer than 200 specimens), and various species of langurs are fighting for survival.
