The Central Highlands of Vietnam has emerged as a new destination attracting the most knowledgeable tourists because of its unspoiled nature and rich culture of ethnic minorities. Ta Dung National Park, formerly known as Ta Dung Nature Reserve, is a favorite destination on the Central Highlands travel itinerary of many people.

Located in Dak Glong district, Dak Nong province, Ta Dung National Park is surrounded by Dak Nong and Di Linh plateau. This 22,000-hectare area consists of about 40 islands scattered across a huge lake, home to countless species of natural creatures. Ta Dung Lake evokes the wonder scene of Ha Long Bay, a famous destination in the North of Vietnam, so it is also known as “Ha Long Bay inland” in the Central Highlands. In addition to being a tourist destination, the reserve also plays a key role in the study and conservation of the primeval environment and rare species.

Ta Dung Geopark

Scenic spots

Visiting Ta Dung National Park, you will have a special impression with the eternal landscape. With a total area of ​​​​about 5000 hectares, Ta Dung Lake has more than 40 islands and peninsulas of different sizes, undulating on the beautiful surface. On spring days when the water level is still high and the sky is clear blue, you can even observe schools of fish swimming among the green algae in the lake. This area also has an extremely diverse ecosystem, including more than 1,000 species of animals and plants with certain rare names in the Red Book of Vietnam. Ta Dung forest is home to leopards, langurs, gibbons, pythons and many special snakes.

As a nature reserve, Ta Dung National Park has limited man-made impacts in the entire area. So, you won’t find many activities and entertainment but spend most of your time discovering the pure beauty of the wildlife and enjoying the fresh, relaxing atmosphere not found elsewhere. bustling city.

Activities

Sightseeing by boat

Ta Dung Lake evokes the image of a giant green mirror, blending with the green color of the mountains and forests. There is no better place to see the whole area than to take a boat trip in the middle of the lake. Sneaking into the oases, you’ll get a clearer view of the lake’s unique topography. Besides, when traveling around, you also have the opportunity to see many floating rafts of the local Ma people who live by fishing, and learn about their culture through mythological stories.

Explore streams and waterfalls

Walking deep into the forest on summer days, the freshness and coolness from the springs will immediately cool you down, making you an extremely refreshing trip. You will find Dak N’teng and Dak P’lao streams flowing through the rocks creating majestic waterfalls such as Sun waterfall, Dak Plao waterfall. On the journey to the falls, you have to cross large rocks and many old trees. Further inside is the Digne Klan waterfall with its flat rocks and large trees, an ideal spot for night camping.

Camp

Ta Dung National Park is one of the top camping spots in Vietnam’s Central Highlands thanks to its pristine conditions and great conservation efforts by the local community. Camping at Ta Dung Lake is one of the interesting experiences that you cannot miss when coming to Ta Dung. After the boat ride, visitors who have chosen an overnight camping site will be taken to an existing camping site. All basic tools have been prepared such as rent, blankets, kitchen utensils, etc. You can bring your own food or order a BBQ at the service center.

Camp and watch the sunrise on Ta Dung

Best time to visit

The weather of the Central Highlands is similar to that of the southern regions of Vietnam, divided into rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season lasts from May to October, while the dry season lasts for other months. As a reservoir of Dong Nai Hydropower Plant, the water volume of Ta Dung Lake changes during the year. So, to enjoy Ta Dung National Park to the fullest, plan your trip from July to December, when the rising water levels create a crystal-like jade surface. You can come to Ta Dung in the rainy months because it rains mainly at night, this usually does not affect your daytime exploration. Occasional rains during the day will cool down for a more pleasant atmosphere.

Coming to Ta Dung at the weekend, you can also join the weekly market of the H’Mong to discover their native life.

How to get there

Ta Dung National Park is about 300km from Ho Chi Minh City and 160km from Buon Ma Thuot City. You should take a shuttle bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Gia Nghia town lasting 5 hours for 120,000 – 400,000 VND. Accordingly, you can take a taxi or rent a motorbike to Ta Dung about 1 hour.

The second way, especially for backpackers, is to travel by motorbike from Buon Ma Thuot. You can go to Dak Nong or Di Linh plateau, then follow Highway 28 to Ta Dung National Park. The trip is quite long, about 4 hours, but the majestic scenery of the mountains along the way is totally worth the effort.

For visitors from the North, the most convenient means of transportation is to fly from Hanoi, Hai Phong to Buon Ma Thuot, before going by taxi or private vehicles to reach the final destination.

Ticket details

Please pay 50,000 VND to buy an entrance ticket to Ta Dung National Park to explore the entire natural landscape in the area. Ta Dung Lake, which is the highlight of this place, is a must-visit when you’re here. To see things around, visitors can consider taking a boat excursion. Boat rental is 1,000,000 VND for a group of up to 15 guests. However, if your group is not large enough, the staff will be very attentive to help combine different groups of tourists, to save costs for visitors and also give you the opportunity to gather with new friends during your trip. Go.

Useful information

• Location: Ta Dung, Daknong, Vietnam

• Best for: All Visitors

• Admission: 50,000 VND

• Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm

• Distance to city center: 57.1km (35.5 mi)