Cat Tien Wild Gibbon and Crocodile Trek 2D1N

Cat Tien Wild Gibbon and Crocodile Trek 2D1N 

(Available year-round)

Experience one of Vietnam’s finest wildlife adventures, tracking endangered wild gibbons family through pristine rainforest before trekking to Crocodile Lake—home to one of Southeast Asia’s last wild populations of Siamese Crocodiles.

Tour Highlights

• Observe the endangered Southern Yellow-cheeked Gibbon (Nomascus gabriellae) in its natural habitat during an early morning trek.
• Visit Crocodile Lake, one of the most important wetland ecosystems within Cat Tien National Park.
• Search for the spectacular Black-shanked Douc Langur (Pygathrix nigripes), one of the world’s rarest primates.
• Walk through magnificent evergreen rainforest with towering ancient trees.
• Learn about tropical forest ecology, conservation and wildlife monitoring from experienced local naturalist guides.
• Small-group experience designed for wildlife observation and photography.

 

Tour Itinerary

Experience the remarkable biodiversity of Cat Tien National Park, one of Southeast Asia’s most important remaining lowland tropical forests and a UNESCO-recognised Biosphere Reserve. This carefully designed two-day wildlife tour offers an exceptional opportunity to observe endangered primates, explore ancient rainforest, and visit the famous Crocodile Lake (Bau Sau), one of the last strongholds of the critically endangered Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) in the wild.

Designed for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, photographers and nature lovers, this tour combines expert interpretation, responsible ecotourism and unforgettable encounters with Vietnam’s extraordinary biodiversity.

Tour Information: Meeting point or Cat Tien national park

Transportation: Car or Bike or Walking

Day 1: Grassland Wildlife and Green Peafowl Exploration

08:00 AM: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City or Da Lat and travel to Cat Tien National Park

15:00 PM: Explore the grasslands and photograph wildlife a range of species including Green Peafowl, Sambar Deer, Wild Boar, Muntjac, Various ground-dwelling birds.

Day 2: Wild gibbon Encounter and crocodile lake trek 

04:45 AM: Southern Yellow-cheeked Gibbon (Nomascus gabriellae) tour

Begin your early morning wild gibbon trek, following the calls of Southern Yellow-cheeked Gibbon (Nomascus gabriellae) through the evergreen forest. Other wildlife may include: Black-shanked Douc Langur (Pygathrix nigripes), Pig-tailed Macaque, Malayan flying Lemur, Eastern striped and Pallas’ squirrel

You will have the opportunity to observe and photograph the Southern Yellow-cheeked Gibbon (Nomascus gabriellae) as it forages, cares for its young and communicates with other family members during the early morning. Witnessing the gibbons’ remarkable dawn chorus in their natural habitat is one of the most memorable wildlife experiences in Cat Tien National Park.

The Southern Yellow-cheeked Gibbon is found only in southern Vietnam and eastern Cambodia. Adult males have black fur with distinctive golden-yellow cheeks, while adult females and juveniles are pale yellow to buff in colour. Like all apes, gibbons have no tail and possess exceptionally long arms, enabling them to move effortlessly through the forest canopy.

Their spectacular “morning song” is one of the defining sounds of Cat Tien National Park. At sunrise, family groups perform loud, coordinated vocalisations that strengthen pair bonds, maintain family cohesion and advertise their territory to neighbouring gibbon groups. During the dry season, these calls can travel more than 3 kilometres through the forest.

Young gibbons remain with their parents for up to 8–10 years, learning essential survival skills, including how to locate seasonal food resources, navigate the forest canopy and interact within their family group before dispersing to establish their own territories.

Southern Yellow-cheeked Gibbons are among the world’s most agile primates, capable of brachiating—moving hand over hand through the treetops—at speeds of up to 55 km/h, making them the fastest tree-dwelling apes on Earth.

The species is currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, primarily due to habitat loss, forest fragmentation and illegal hunting.

07:30 AM: Crocodile lake adventure in Cat Tien national park

By car or by bike 09 km through the forest, followed by a 05 km walk (each way) toward Crocodile Lake. Along the forest trail your guide will interpret the ecology of one of Vietnam’s most important tropical forests. Afzelia xylocarpa, Elephant-ear Plant, Tung trees, Perfect photo opportunities for nature lovers., Orange-breasted trogon, White-crested laughingthrush , Common flameback, oriental Pied hornbill, White-bellied woodpecker and primates. Crocodile Lake supports the largest confirmed wild breeding population of the Critically Endangered Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) in Vietnam and one of the largest remaining populations in Southeast Asia. By early 2025, more than 500 individuals had been recorded. Following a reintroduction programme that began in 2001, the species has successfully re-established and bred in its natural wetland habitat. Upon arrival, spend time quietly observing Siamese Crocodiles from the observation tower, which offers magnificent panoramic views across the lake and surrounding forest.

Enjoy a traditional Vietnature lunch at the Crocodile Lake Ranger Station before beginning the return walk.

11:30 AM: The return trek provides another opportunity to search for elusive rainforest species such as Great Hornbill, Bar-Bellied Pitta, Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant and more.

13:30 PM: Depart Cat Tien national park

We appreciate your trust and look forward to welcoming you again

What’s Included: Professional English-speaking wildlife guide, National Park entrance fees, Crocodile Lake conservation permit, Park transportation (where applicable), One night’s accommodation, Vietnature lunch at Crocodile Lake Ranger Station, Bottled drinking water, Wildlife interpretation and ecological guiding

What’s Not Included: Meals and beverages (unless specified), Transport to and from Cat Tien National Park, Personal expenses

Wildlife check list for Cat Tien Wild Gibbon and Crocodile Trek 2D1N / Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam

Mammals: Guests may encounter such as Southern Yellow-cheeked Gibbon, Black-shanked Douc Langur, Southern Pygmy Loris, Long-tailed Macaque, Northern Pig-tailed Macaque, Black Giant Squirrel, Eastern striped Squirrel, Yellow-throated Marten, Sambar Deer, Red Muntjac, Wild Boar, Gaur (occasionally)

Birds: Cat Tien National Park is recognised as one of Vietnam’s premier birdwatching destinations such as Great Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant, Green-legged Partridge, Orange-breasted Trogon, Banded Kingfisher, White-bellied Woodpecker, Pale-headed Woodpecker, Bar-bellied Pitta, Blue-rumped Pitta, Black-and-red Broadbill, White-crested Laughingthrush, Scarlet Minivet,Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and more

Reptiles & Amphibians: Depending on weather and season, visitors may observe such as Siamese Crocodile, Chinese Water Dragon, Forest Lizards, Tokay Gecko, Various frogs and tree frogs, Native snakes (occasionally)

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