In Pictures: The morning amidst nature in Bau Sau Swamp

Bau Sau is the name of a vast swamp located in the core area of Cat Tien National Park (in Dong Nai Province). This secluded paradise has only a simple lodging facility, with no phone signal or internet, yet it captivates visitors to the point of "losing their way back" with its breathtaking scenery of lush forests, shimmering waters, and diverse wildlife. The most unique experience here is paddling on the crocodile lake.
At dawn, Bau Sau bursts with life, filled with vibrant colours and the symphony of countless creatures welcoming the new day.
At dawn, Bau Sau bursts with life, filled with vibrant colours and the symphony of countless creatures welcoming the new day.

Recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Vietnam, Cat Tien National Park spans five districts across three provinces: Tan Phu and Vinh Cuu (Dong Nai), Cat Tien and Bao Lam (Lam Dong), and Bu Dang (Binh Phuoc). Known as the "paradise of birds", Cat Tien is home to approximately 350 bird species, accounting for nearly half of Vietnam’s avian diversity.

Beyond its rich birdlife, Bau Sau is a crucial habitat for a population of over 500 freshwater crocodiles. It is one of Vietnam's most strictly protected natural reserves, while also allowing for sustainable ecotourism, green tourism, and educational tourism activities.

Visitors can visit Bau Sau at any time of the day, with a 14-kilometre journey from the entrance of Cat Tien National Park, including 9 kilometres by bicycle or car and 5 kilometres on foot through the forest.

Visitors can visit Bau Sau at any time of the day, with a 14-kilometre journey from the entrance of Cat Tien National Park, including 9 kilometres by bicycle or car and 5 kilometres on foot through the forest.

According to experience shared on travel forums in Vietnam and abroad, the best way to experience Bau Sau’s wildlife is by staying overnight at the Bau Sau Ranger Station and taking a boat ride at dawn.

At around 5 AM, the sunrise paints the sky and water in shades of pink. The observation hut offers a breathtaking view of the wetlands, where the night before, rangers guided visitors through spotlighting tours — revealing the glowing eyes of hundreds of crocodiles in the dark and sharing fascinating stories about the forest's ecosystem.

At around 5 AM, the sunrise paints the sky and water in shades of pink. The observation hut offers a breathtaking view of the wetlands, where the night before, rangers guided visitors through spotlighting tours — revealing the glowing eyes of hundreds of crocodiles in the dark and sharing fascinating stories about the forest's ecosystem.

Managed by the Bau Sau Ranger Station, all visitors must register and buy tickets at the Cat Tien National Park Visitor Centre for 250,000 VND per person. If staying overnight, visitors should reserve accommodation and meals in advance, with affordable prices depending on the food selection.

It is rare to find a place like this, where visitors can eat, rest, and live alongside forest rangers. With no mobile phone signal or internet, and the nearest residential area 20 km away, coming here means temporarily "disconnecting" from the hustle and bustle of modern life and immersing oneself in the wilderness.

It is rare to find a place like this, where visitors can eat, rest, and live alongside forest rangers. With no mobile phone signal or internet, and the nearest residential area 20 km away, coming here means temporarily "disconnecting" from the hustle and bustle of modern life and immersing oneself in the wilderness.
Each boat carries 2-3 guests, accompanied by a forest ranger who provides directions, teaches paddling techniques, introduces various bird and animal species spotted along the way, and, most excitingly, guides the crocodile-watching experience.

Each boat carries 2-3 guests, accompanied by a forest ranger who provides directions, teaches paddling techniques, introduces various bird and animal species spotted along the way, and, most excitingly, guides the crocodile-watching experience.
As soon as the boat leaves the dock, visitors excitedly shout when they see a crocodile splashing vigorously, creating waves on the water.

As soon as the boat leaves the dock, visitors excitedly shout when they see a crocodile splashing vigorously, creating waves on the water.
When the sun rises high and bright, following the rangers' guidance, visitors can easily observe crocodiles along both riverbanks and even right beneath the water’s surface.

When the sun rises high and bright, following the rangers' guidance, visitors can easily observe crocodiles along both riverbanks and even right beneath the water’s surface.
One of the "main characters" of the tour is basking in the sun with half-closed eyes.

One of the "main characters" of the tour is basking in the sun with half-closed eyes.

According to the forest rangers, the crocodiles in Bau Sau are Siamese crocodiles, an ancient native species that once dominated the rivers, lakes, and canals of this region. Over time, their population declined due to environmental changes and excessive hunting by humans. In the 2000s, a project to restore wild freshwater crocodiles was launched, yielding successful results.

In Pictures: The morning amidst nature in Bau Sau Swamp ảnh 8 In Pictures: The morning amidst nature in Bau Sau Swamp ảnh 9

The crocodiles freely swim and dive in their "kingdom."
Visitor Tran Thi Anh Tram from Hanoi spent a 4-day and 3-night vacation at Cat Tien National Park, including one night at Bau Sau. She expressed her excitement and hopes for more eco-tourism experiences like this in Vietnam.

Visitor Tran Thi Anh Tram from Hanoi spent a 4-day and 3-night vacation at Cat Tien National Park, including one night at Bau Sau. She expressed her excitement and hopes for more eco-tourism experiences like this in Vietnam.
At dawn, Bau Sau becomes a perfect symphony of various bird and animal calls from the forest and small islands scattered across the lake.

At dawn, Bau Sau becomes a perfect symphony of various bird and animal calls from the forest and small islands scattered across the lake.
A typical boat tour lasts about 60–90 minutes. At the end of the journey, everyone offers bright smiles and heartfelt thanks to the friendly and enthusiastic forest rangers.

A typical boat tour lasts about 60–90 minutes. At the end of the journey, everyone offers bright smiles and heartfelt thanks to the friendly and enthusiastic forest rangers.
This adventure at Bau Sau deepens our love and pride for our country’s rich natural beauty while also fostering admiration and gratitude for those dedicated to preserving this lush and vibrant wilderness.

This adventure at Bau Sau deepens our love and pride for our country’s rich natural beauty while also fostering admiration and gratitude for those dedicated to preserving this lush and vibrant wilderness.
NDO

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