Night wildlife watching: A must-try experience in Cat Tien National Park

Cat Tien National Park is an attractive destination where visitors can immerse themselves in pristine nature and enjoy a variety of activities, such as trekking, forest cycling, and admiring centuries-old trees.

Among these, the night wildlife watching tour stands out as a truly unique experience, offering rare opportunities to observe wild animals in their natural habitat amid the mysterious ambiance of the jungle after dark.

A herd of deer is grazing peacefully in the grasslands. Photo courtesy of Cat Tien National Park

Every evening at 6:30 p.m., the first vehicle of the night wildlife tour sets off on a round trip of approximately 12 kilometers (6 kilometers each way). Before departure, visitors are given safety instructions and guided on how to observe animals in the dark.

Seated in specialized open-top vehicles and guided by experienced staff, tourists wind through quiet forest trails, heading deep into expansive grasslands where various wild animals often emerge to forage. The cool night air, the hum of insects, and the soft rolling of the wheels along the path enhance the sense of wonder throughout the journey.

Visitors listen to tour instructions before departure. Photo: Thuy Tien

Bui Quoc Vy, a long-time tour guide at Cat Tien National Park, shared: “Cat Tien is almost the only place in Vietnam where visitors can observe wildlife at night in its natural environment. That’s why the night tour is considered a signature experience, helping people better understand forest ecosystems and the importance of wildlife conservation.”

Throughout the journey, visitors are required to remain quiet, avoid using flashlights or pointing lights directly at animals, and refrain from throwing objects to prevent disturbing the animals or their habitat.

Magical moment catching sight of a deer with large antlers. Photo: Thuy Tien

Illuminated only by the sweeping beam of the guide’s flashlight across the grasslands, pairs of glowing eyes flicker into view as a deer grazing leisurely, a group of muntjacs playfully bounding, or a small civet darting in and out of the shadows. Each sighting draws murmurs of delight from visitors, who then quickly fall silent to avoid disturbing the surrounding wildlife.

On fortunate nights, some visitors even encounter wild boars or gaurs, large and rare species that occasionally appear for late-night feeding.

Visitors thrilled to spot deer grazing at night. Photo courtesy of Cat Tien National Park

“Every trip is different,” Vy added. “Depending on the weather and the season, different animals show up. On some nights, we see only a few deer, but on other nights, we encounter large herds. That unpredictability keeps visitors excited and curious.”

The 6-kilometer route winds through diverse landscapes, ranging from forest pathways to open meadows, and reaches the Nui Tuong Ranger Station before looping back to the starting point. The tour lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour, a slow yet immersive journey that offers travelers a genuine connection to the rhythms of the forest.

A civet rests quietly on a tree branch at night. Photo courtesy of Cat Tien National Park

Cu Thi Le Thu from Ho Chi Minh City shared: “This was my first night wildlife tour, thrilling and fascinating at the same time. Tonight, I saw deer, porcupines, civets, and even birds. The most impressive part is seeing them live freely in their natural environment.”

Another visitor, Tran Trung Luong from An Giang province, said: “I’ve visited many national parks, but Cat Tien is truly different. Everything feels wild and vibrant. Seeing deer and muntjacs grazing just a few meters away is an unforgettable experience.”

A family of deer is gathering in the grasslands. Photo: Thuy Tien

Currently, the night wildlife tour operates daily from 6:30 p.m. until before 10:00 p.m., with about 10–12 trips per night. Tickets cost approximately VND 200,000 per person. Visitors are advised to wear long-sleeved clothing, closed shoes, insect repellent, bring drinking water, and strictly follow safety instructions.

Not loud or flashy, the night wildlife tour at Cat Tien National Park draws visitors in with its raw, unspoiled beauty and authenticity, offering a unique experience that provides a deep sense of the wild rhythm of life in the heart of the Cat Tien forest.

By Thuy Tien – Translated by Trieu Ngan, Minho