Vietnam’s jungle landscapes offer unforgettable adventures, featuring lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and thrilling activities like trekking and camping. Whether you’re exploring hidden caves or kayaking through serene rivers, Vietnam’s jungle tours provide a perfect mix of adventure and nature.
1. Phong Nha: The real jungle
Phong Nha is home to Vietnam’s most authentic jungle experience, with dense forests, flowing streams, and wildlife-filled hills. The real highlight, however, lies underground, as Phong Nha boasts hundreds of caves, including Hang Son Doong, the largest cave in the world. Whether you take an easy walk through accessible caves or embark on multi-day jungle treks, Phong Nha is an adventurer’s paradise.
Jungle tours in Phong Nha
Jungle trekking, camping & caving expeditions
Most jungle hikes in Phong Nha are combined with caving tours, ranging from single-day treks to multi-day adventures that include camping in the jungle or even inside a cave. Expect to walk through streams, swim inside caves, and, for the boldest explorers, abseil and climb in some of the more challenging routes.
Trekking through the Botanical Gardens
Despite its name, the Botanical Gardens in Phong Nha is pure jungle. With trails ranging from 30 minutes to over two hours, you can explore waterfalls, natural pools, and paths without the need for a guide. Perfect for those seeking a short and independent jungle experience.
2. Cuc Phuong National Park: The most accessible jungle
Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s oldest national park, was established under the guidance of Ho Chi Minh to preserve its rich biodiversity. Located in Ninh Binh, a popular tourist province just three hours from Hanoi, the park is surrounded by famous sites like Tam Coc and Trang An, making it one of Vietnam’s most accessible jungle experiences. Featuring prehistoric caves, dense forests, and serene lakes, Cuc Phuong is a perfect destination for those looking to combine cultural and natural exploration.
Jungle tours in Cuc Phuong National Park
Trekking through the jungle
The park offers various trekking routes, from easy one-hour hikes to challenging five-hour trails. All paths are well-maintained, making them ideal for trekkers of all experience levels.
Kayaking
You can kayak on two different lakes: the man-made Mac Lake or the natural Yen Quang Lake. Kayaks are available for rent near the park entrance, offering a peaceful way to explore the lush surroundings.
Cycling through the jungle
Cycling is one of the best ways to experience the park’s beauty, allowing you to cover more ground and spot elusive wildlife. Mountain bikes can be rented from the visitor center, making it an easy and enjoyable way to explore.
Endangered Primate Rescue Center
Although not a true jungle activity, a visit to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center is a unique way to connect with the animals native to the region. The center rehabilitates and protects rare primates, offering insight into the vital conservation efforts taking place in the park.
3. Yok Don National Park: Ethical elephant tours
Yok Don National Park, one of the largest national parks in Vietnam, is located in the Central Highlands near Buon Ma Thuot. This park is known for its ethical elephant tours, which focus on observing elephants in their natural environment rather than offering rides. Beyond elephants, Yok Don is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare bird species, and its vast forests are perfect for jungle adventures.
Jungle tours in Yok Don National Park
Ethical elephant tour
These tours allow you to observe elephants as they roam freely in their natural habitat. Formerly used for logging or tourism rides, the elephants here now live a peaceful life, and you’ll have the chance to learn about their history and conservation efforts.
Jungle walks
Tailored jungle walks take you to waterfalls and streams where you can swim, with guides pointing out medicinal plants and identifying the calls of native birds. Whether you choose a day trek or an overnight expedition, a guide is essential due to the park’s proximity to the Cambodian border.
Boat tours
The Serepok River runs through Yok Don, providing opportunities for scenic boat tours. Float along this majestic waterway while enjoying bird-watching or sunset views. Boat trips can be combined with other activities, offering a serene way to experience the jungle.
4. Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve: Stunning waterfalls
Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve is a true jungle paradise, far off the beaten path and rarely visited by tourists. Located in the Central Highlands, it offers untouched wilderness for an authentic jungle experience. Its crown jewel is the K50 Waterfall, one of Vietnam’s most impressive, surrounded entirely by dense forest. This hidden gem is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking solitude and raw natural beauty.
Jungle tours in Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve
Hike to the K50 Waterfall
The hike to K50 Waterfall is a half-day adventure that requires trekking through dense jungle and a bit of scrambling over rocks. The journey is rewarded with breathtaking views of the waterfall and the surrounding canopy. You can also cool off in the river’s natural pools, making this trek both challenging and refreshing.
Trekking & camping in the nature reserve
Beyond the K50, the reserve boasts numerous waterfalls and remote jungle trails. A two-day trek with camping allows you to immerse yourself fully in this pristine environment, exploring multiple waterfalls and experiencing the jungle’s vibrant ecosystem.
5. Cat Tien National Park: Lots of jungle activities
Cat Tien National Park, located about 150 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, is a lush haven of biodiversity and one of Vietnam’s most activity-packed jungle destinations. The park is home to rare wildlife, ancient trees, and serene waterways. With a wide range of activities such as trekking, cycling, kayaking, and even night safaris, Cat Tien offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation.
Jungle tours in Cat Tien National Park
Trekking
The park’s well-maintained trails cater to all levels of hikers, from short nature walks to challenging full-day treks. A guide is highly recommended for spotting wildlife and learning about the jungle’s flora and fauna.
Cycling
Cat Tien is one of Vietnam’s top destinations for jungle cycling, with scenic paths winding through dense forest and along rivers. Bikes are available for rent, making it easy to explore at your own pace.
Kayaking
Paddle along the park’s tranquil rivers and lakes to experience the jungle from a different perspective. Kayaking is an excellent way to enjoy the serenity and spot birds and other wildlife.
Night safari
A night safari in Cat Tien is a thrilling experience, offering the chance to see nocturnal animals like civets, porcupines, and deer. The guided safari takes place in an open vehicle, adding to the excitement of exploring the jungle after dark.
Centre of Rescue and Conservation of Species
Located near the park headquarters, this center houses rescued sun bears, black bears, and other animals. It’s a great opportunity to learn about conservation efforts and see these majestic creatures up close in a safe and ethical setting.
6. Pu Mat National Park: Off the beaten track experience
Pu Mat National Park is one of Vietnam’s most remote and untouched jungle regions, offering an authentic wilderness experience. Bordering Laos, this area is home to some of the world’s rarest and most endangered animals. With dense jungles, majestic waterfalls, and winding rivers, it doesn’t get more real than this. Getting to Pu Mat is part of the adventure—it’s at least a six-hour drive from Hanoi, and the closest city is Vinh, about 2.5 hours away. Since Vinh isn’t a typical tourist spot, Pu Mat remains largely off the beaten path, making it a perfect destination for an amazing jungle experience.
Jungle tours in Pu Mat National Park
Trekking
The best way to explore Pu Mat is by embarking on a trekking tour. Several options are available, all starting from the National Park Headquarters. The most popular hike leads to the Kem Waterfall, a stunning natural attraction. From there, you can continue to the Khe Bu Valley or challenge yourself by climbing Pu Loong Mountain, one of the park’s highest peaks, which takes about 6 to 8 hours for the round trip.
Boat tours
If you prefer a more relaxed adventure, consider a boat trip along the Giang River that flows through the park. As you glide through the jungle, you might spot monkeys swinging from the branches overhead. Even without wildlife sightings, the journey offers impressive views of dense jungle, towering limestone mountains, and native plants like cycads and orchids growing along the riverbanks.
