The enormous biodiversity of Vietnam means that it is home to many different kinds of wild animals. The terrain of Vietnam varies greatly, spanning from a riverine plain in the south to a middle rainforest and, finally, high mountain ranges in the north. A network of more than 30 national parks and UNESCO Biosphere Reserves protects flora, fauna, and trees present in this tourist destination. So, in this post, let’s explore nature and wildlife in Vietnam. Contact us for more details!
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Hotspots for nature and wildlife in Vietnam and notable animals
1. Mekong Delta
This is among the best destinations to get a glimpse of nature and wildlife in Vietnam. The Mekong River flows through six nations throughout its almost 5,000-kilometer course. It begins on the Tibetan Plateau and ends in the South China Sea. The Greater Mekong is one of the world’s most ecologically varied regions, with more than 1,200 freshwater species.
The Mekong Delta is a beautiful and verdant area in Vietnam where the river divides into nine smaller rivers that form the delta itself. The world’s highest-flying bird, the sarus crane, is one among more than 240 bird species you may expect to see along the route. You can also witness water buffalo and massive freshwater stingrays.
2. Visit Yok Don National Park to witness elephants
The Asian elephant, the largest primate in Asia, is one of Vietnam’s most remarkable wild animals. The sad truth is that wild elephants are very rare and almost extinct in Vietnam. Yok Don National Park has thankfully replenished the wild elephant population. Previously, tourists and timber haulers used these majestic creatures as a means of transportation.
Although these mother elephants are free to roam the national park as they please, strict monitoring ensures they never leave the sanctuary.
3. Nature and wildlife in Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh Zoo
If you’re looking for a zoo in Vietnam where you can see tigers, this is a wonderful option. Unfortunately, the last recorded sighting of a tiger in Vietnam was through a camera trap in 1997. Almost no one believes that tigers still inhabit Vietnam today. If they still exist, the biggest one may be found in Kon Tum’s Chu Mom Ray National Park. This massive park shares a border with Cambodia’s Virachey National Park.
Loss of habitat and poaching have been the primary causes of the extinction of tigers in Vietnam. A large portion of the Vietnamese population maintains the concept that tiger essence has medicinal potential.
4. Visit the Cat Tien National Park to witness Sun Bears
In the past, central Vietnam was home to a multitude of sun bears. These days, seeing one in the wild is almost unheard of. Wildlife cameras near Dalat in Bidoup National Park caught sight of yet another bear in 2020. To make matters worse, Stropeij is a major player in the extinction crisis.
Cat Tien National Park is home to the Bear Rescue Center, an organization that helps rehabilitate bears who have been victims of poaching or captivity.
5. Vietnamese flying squirrels
When observing nature and wildlife in Vietnam, these amazing, adorable creatures deserve a mention. They may resemble bats at first glance as they dart from perch to perch and duck into the gaps cut into tree trunks. Flying squirrels, on the other hand, are related to ordinary squirrels and have evolved wings that allow them to fly short distances.
Like their non-winged relatives, they live in flocks. You will find it amazing that they can change orientation mid-flight and glide up to 300 feet.
6. Nature and wildlife in Vietnam: Phu Quoc National Park
One of the park’s most well-known inhabitants is the Horned Sea Star. It would be easy to mistake the horned sea star for a common starfish. But don’t underestimate these beasts. Their glaring black horns will scare away any would-be enemies. Their bone trade is so lucrative that it threatens their very survival.
Upon closer inspection, the color of these horn stars resembles chocolate chips on a cookie. They are red or brown with black horns that stick out of them.
7. Vietnam’s national animal
The water buffalo is the national animal of Vietnam. This giant beast is a significant component of nature and wildlife in Vietnam. Because Vietnam has always taken immense pleasure in its agricultural achievements, this national animal is a wonderful representation of Vietnamese culture and ideals. The water buffalo holds significant historical and cultural value in Vietnam. Throughout rural agricultural landscapes, these majestic creatures have played a crucial role for ages. Vietnamese art and literature often depict these majestic creatures alongside rural scenes, farmers, and rice paddies, a nod to the country’s long history of farming.
The Vietnamese people hold the qualities of perseverance and diligence in high regard, and the water buffalo is a symbol of both. Experiencing Vietnam’s national animal in its rural regions is a delightful experience.
8. Ninh Binh
Many tourists visit Vietnam’s more popular attractions, but Ninh Binh boasts one of the country’s most captivating landscapes. People refer to this location as “Ha Long Bay on land” because of the striking limestone peaks of Vietnam that rise from the nearby rice paddies. Encircling the immaculate Van Long Nature Reserve are the world-renowned limestone cliffs.
The Mua Cave and Trang An are only two of several caves in the area. Last but not least, one of the most significant protected sites in the nation is Cuc Phuong National Park, which spans more than 200 square kilometers and is home to fertile tropical forests. Ninh Binh is a more accessible and reasonably priced way to see the rustic and genuine side of Vietnam.
9. Dong Van Karst Plateau
The Dong Van Karst Plateau is home to some of Vietnam’s most breathtaking alpine scenery and is a UNESCO Global Geopark. Famous features include steep valleys, twisting roads that provide stunning vistas at every bend, and spectacular karst formations.
In addition to breathtaking landscapes, the plateau is rich with the traditions of indigenous peoples who have adapted to and thrived in this harsh environment for generations. This destination is a must-visit for those who love to explore nature and wildlife in Vietnam.
10. Son Tra Nature Reserve
Son Tra Nature Reserve is more than 4,400 hectares in size. It is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, earning it the nickname “green lung” of Danang.
Among the more than a hundred animal species found in Son Tra are those that are considered critically endangered. These species include the red chickens and some water creatures that are part of the Red Book’s worldwide conservation efforts. The brown-tailed langur, sometimes called the queen of primates, is a unique resident of this reserve. The area is home to a large number of long-tailed monkeys and over 400 langurs.
