Vietnam Park: Unveil the Wonders of Vietnam

Discovering Vietnam parks and entertainment venues offers travelers an enriching journey into the heart of Vietnamese culture and natural beauty. From sprawling national parks teeming with biodiversity to vibrant urban green spaces, Vietnam boasts an array of attractions for every preference. Whether seeking tranquil escapes amidst nature or thrilling adventures in theme parks and water parks, visitors can expect an unforgettable experience that showcases the rich tapestry of Vietnam’s landscapes and leisure offerings.

See more: Vietnam Destinations – Unforgettable Adventures

Unveiling Diverse National Vietnam Parks

Vietnam’s geographical diversity encompasses a stunning range of landscapes, from majestic mountains to lush rainforests and intricate cave systems. Within these landscapes lie Vietnam’s national parks, serving as vital sanctuaries for biodiversity conservation and fostering ecotourism initiatives.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park:

Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, designated as a World Natural Heritage site, is situated within the communes of Tan Trach, Thuong Trach, Phuc Trach, Xuan Trach, and Phong Nha town, Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province. Encompassing an area of 123,326 hectares, the park is divided into three subdivisions: strict protection (100,296 hectares), ecological restoration (19,619 hectares), and administrative and service (3,411 hectares).

Noteworthy are Phong Nha – Ke Bang’s seven outstanding features, including the widest and highest cave entrance, exquisite sandy reefs, enchanting underground rivers and lakes, breathtaking stalactite formations, and expansive dry and water caves. In 2002, UNESCO granted the park World Natural Heritage status for its geological and geomorphological significance. Later, on July 3, 2015, it received a second recognition from UNESCO, this time for its exceptional biodiversity.

Referred to as the “Kingdom of Caves,” Phong Nha – Ke Bang boasts over 368 surveyed caves with a combined length exceeding 231 kilometers. Among these, Son Doong Cave, explored by the British-Vietnamese Cave Exploration Team, stands as the world’s largest cave, housing Vietnam’s deepest Karst sinkhole at over 255 meters, potentially the deepest in Southeast Asia.

The park is home to a rich biodiversity, with 1,394 animal species and 2,952 species of vascular plants recorded. Notably, 82 animal species are listed in the Vietnam Red Book, and 116 species are included in the IUCN Red Book. Moreover, 111 plant species are listed in the Vietnam Red Book, and 121 species are recorded in the IUCN Red List.

Visitors to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park can engage in various tourism activities, including:

• Exploring Phong Nha Cave and Tien Son
• Marveling at Paradise Cave
• Embarking on adventures in the Chay River Tourist Area, Dark Cave, Mooc Spring, Ozo Park, Botanic Gardens, Survival Valley, and Aquarium Cave (Hang E).
• Additionally, adventurous souls can partake in expeditionary routes such as Son Doong, Hang En, and Hang Va

Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is nestled within the Tam Diep mountain range’s serene expanse, centrally located approximately 120 kilometers from Hanoi. Established as Vietnam’s inaugural national park on July 7, 1962, Cuc Phuong spans a vast area of 22,408 hectares, showcasing captivating natural splendor and a richly diverse ecosystem.

The park features a prominent limestone mountain range originating from Son La in the northwest. Comprising natural karst formations dating back approximately 200 million years, this range towers at a height of 636 meters, establishing a striking topographical landmark amidst the surrounding plains. Stretching across approximately 25 kilometers in length and up to 10 kilometers in width, the limestone formations encircle the national park, with a central valley traversing nearly the entire length of the range.

Cuc Phuong National Park also holds significant archaeological significance, serving as a repository of ancient relics dating back some 12,000 years. Discoveries within the park, including graves, stone axes, arrows, seashell knives, and grinding tools found within its caves, provide tangible evidence of human habitation in the region spanning from 7,000 to 12,000 years ago.

Cat Tien National Park

Cat Tien National Park, a designated nature reserve, spans across five districts: Tan Phu, Vinh Cuu (Dong Nai), Cat Tien, Bao Lam (Lam Dong), and Bu Dang (Binh Phuoc), encompassing a total area of 71,920 hectares. Situated approximately 150 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City, Cat Tien holds the prestigious recognition of being named a “World Biosphere Reserve” by UNESCO.

Comprising approximately 50% verdant forests, 40% bamboo groves, and 10% agricultural land, Cat Tien serves as a habitat for a myriad of iconic fauna, including Asian elephants, gaurs, sun bears, moon bears, wild buffalo, tigers, leopards, clouded leopards, and deer. The avian diversity of Cat Tien is equally impressive, with notable species such as black eagles, white-winged mallards, and great hornbills. Notably, Cat Tien shelters 40 species listed in the World Red Book, highlighting its significance in biodiversity conservation.

Within the expanse of Cat Tien, numerous scenic marvels await exploration, including the captivating Troi and Dung waterfalls and the Mo Vet waterfall . Additionally, the park boasts a prominent river system and ponds, further enriching its diverse ecosystem and offering visitors unparalleled opportunities for exploration and appreciation of nature’s wonders.

Vietnam’s City Parks

Addressing the escalating significance of urban green areas in Vietnamese cities.

Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Situated at 02 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden stands as a pivotal conservation site for both flora and fauna within Vietnam. Esteemed as the eighth oldest zoo worldwide, it represents a beacon of environmental preservation and education. Currently, the zoo nurtures over 1,300 animals spanning 125 diverse species, among which are notable rarities such as pheasants, doucs, golden deer, and clouded leopards.

Moreover, the botanical garden boasts a rich tapestry of greenery, comprising over 2,500 trees and preserving more than 900 distinct plant species. This comprehensive preservation effort not only safeguards biodiversity but also fosters public awareness and appreciation of the natural world.

Hanoi Botanical Garden (Hanoi):

Regarded as the “green lung” of the city, the Botanical Garden, also known as the Botanical Park, serves as an oasis of tranquility amidst the urban hustle and bustle. Nestled in the northwest of Hanoi, adjacent to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace, the garden boasts two entrance gates: the primary gate situated at No. 3, Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Ba Dinh, and another at No. 2, Ngoc Ha Street, Ba Dinh.

Established in 1890, the garden initially encompassed over 33 hectares, enveloping the entire complex of French palaces and villas. Beyond its boundaries, the garden serves as a repository for a diverse array of indigenous plant species spanning from the northern to southern regions of Vietnam, alongside introduced varieties from around the globe. Enhancing the visitor experience, aviaries and animal enclosures punctuate the pathways, earning the garden its colloquial moniker as the “Zoo.”

Despite its constrained footprint, the botanical garden boasts an impressive array of rare wood species characteristic of the humid tropical forests of southern Vietnam. Indigenous species constitute over two-thirds of the total tree population, with the remaining one-third comprising imported varieties sourced from diverse continents such as America, Africa, and Oceania. Notable highlights include towering trees with diameters spanning the equivalent of two to three individuals, majestic columnar trees of the areca palm family, and intricate wooden structures adorned with vibrant orchids and ornamental plants, providing visitors with a captivating spectacle of natural splendor.

Vietnam’s Theme Parks

Vietnam’s theme park scene, an emerging hub of entertainment catering to families and thrill-seekers alike. Amidst the vibrant landscape of Vietnam, these parks offer an array of attractions, promising exhilarating experiences and cherished memories for visitors of all ages.

VinWonders Phu Quoc

VinWonders Phu Quoc stands as Vietnam’s premier theme park, encompassing a sprawling area of 50 hectares within the Vinpearl Phu Quoc complex, situated to the north of Ngoc Island, approximately 30 kilometers from Duong Dong town. This expansive park introduces six distinct thematic zones, each offering unprecedented experiences in Vietnam.

The Secret Village transports visitors to a Viking-inspired realm, where Chief Urik and his crew once buried their treasures. Within this enclave, guests explore caves and hidden villages nestled amidst ancient forests, interact with characters from Northern Europe, and immerse themselves in the Viking way of life.

Neptune Palace is the largest and most modern aquarium in Vietnam, covering 15,000 square meters and having three floors uniquely designed to resemble a giant sea turtle

Tornado World, the water park at VinWonders Phu Quoc, boasts an impressive array of colossal water slides, a first in Vietnam. Attractions such as Honolulu Rainbow, Upstream Challenge, and Mysterious River provide thrilling experiences for guests seeking aquatic adventures.

Additionally, other subdivisions including European Avenue, Magic World, and Adventure World further enrich the park’s diverse offerings, promising unforgettable moments for all who visit.

Suoi Tien Theme Park

Situated at No. 120, Hanoi Highway, in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, Suoi Tien Cultural Park stands as an enchanting destination, located 20 kilometers south of the city center. Open to visitors daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and extending its operation hours during holidays until the last customer departs, Suoi Tien offers a plethora of attractions and activities for guests to enjoy.

Among its highlights is the renowned Ngoc Nu Tien Dong Swimming Pool, hailed as Vietnam’s first artificial beach, drawing visitors to its serene shores. The Crocodile Kingdom entices guests with captivating performances by over 15,000 crocodiles, while the aquarium offers an immersive exploration of the mysteries lurking beneath the ocean’s surface, appealing to both children and adults alike.

Furthermore, Suoi Tien Cultural Park boasts a wide array of exhilarating adventure games, totaling over 90 activities tailored for both adults and children, ensuring a memorable experience for all who venture within its enchanting confines.

Dam Sen Water Park

Dam Sen Cultural Park stands as an expansive amusement park situated along Hoa Binh Street, District 11, in Ho Chi Minh City. Spanning an impressive 50 hectares, the park boasts a serene landscape comprising 20% lake surface and 60% lush trees and flower gardens.

Within its sprawling grounds, Dam Sen Cultural Park offers a diverse array of entertainment options, including 13 exhilarating rides such as roller coasters, canyoning, and the Power Surge. Additionally, guests can indulge in five virtual interactive games featuring modern technology, five relaxing activities, and 12 children’s games, ensuring enjoyment for visitors of all ages.

Renowned for its conservation efforts, Dam Sen doubles as a zoo, providing a habitat for rare and endangered species listed in the red book, including Sumatran orangutans, yellow-cheeked gibbons, and the elusive Old pusher bird. Furthermore, the park boasts an extensive aquarium spanning over 3,000 square meters, housing a diverse array of marine species, including sharks and Elephant fish, alongside lush aquatic plants. Home to more than 6,000 aquatic creatures, 40 plant species, and 150 rare animals, the aquarium at Dam Sen Park serves as a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

How Many National Parks in Vietnam?

Presently, Vietnam boasts 34 national parks.

Each national park is mandated to harbor at least two endemic species or over 10 species recorded in Vietnam’s Red Book. Furthermore, the area of the national park must meet certain criteria, with land areas requiring a minimum of 7,000 hectares, sea areas necessitating at least 5,000 hectares, and wetlands mandating a minimum of 3,000 hectares. Importantly, a minimum of 70% of the park’s area must comprise natural ecosystems boasting high biodiversity value.

Among these, Cuc Phuong holds the distinction of being the inaugural national park established in 1966, spanning the provinces of Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, and Hoa Binh. Conversely, the most recent addition to this roster is Song Thanh, inaugurated on December 18, 2020, situated in Quang Nam province. Notably, Phong Nha – Ke Bang claims the title of the largest national park in terms of area, while the mangrove forests encompassed within Xuan Thuy National Park represent the smallest.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Vietnam’s parks and entertainment venues offer a rich tapestry of experiences for travelers of all ages. From the majestic landscapes of national parks to the vibrant allure of urban green spaces and the excitement of theme parks and water parks, Vietnam presents a myriad of options for exploration and leisure. As we cherish these natural and urban sanctuaries, it is paramount to recognize their significance in preserving biodiversity and cultural heritage for future generations. I encourage readers to embark on a journey to discover Vietnam’s diverse array of parks, immersing themselves in the beauty and adventure that awaits, ensuring a truly enriching travel experience.