HCM City – Cat Tien 2 Day Loop
Route Summary:
Duration: 2 days - 325 kms
There’s two very different ways mapped for this loop. Getting out of the city there will always be traffic but even on the Lakes route we stay off the QL20 where possible. The Cat Tien National Park is the second biggest in the country and its rewarding to take a day off there to explore.
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HCM City - Cat Tien via River
Distance - 165 Kms
Over a decade based in Saigon there mustn’t be a route out to the North I haven’t tried. This is one of two favourites and between the two makes the Cat Tien National Park a great weekend escape.Â
The Park covers an area of 750 km² in the provinces of Dong Nai, Bình Phuoc and Lam Dong and preserves one of the largest areas of lowland tropical forests left in Vietnam. Easy to spend some time there if natural beauty in peace and quiet appeals as a nice change of pace.
(A) Is a nice tourist development nicely located for an interesting rest stop with coffee and food available.Â
(B) A coffee shop more a a way point to keep you off the main arterial. Keep at and enjoy the next stop.Â
(C, D and E) are view points to the Tri An Lake. (C) the better of the lunch options in the area.
(F) Just a short, unavoidable stretch on the main road crossing the Dong Nai river. The fisherman live in these shanty dwellings and store their catch live in nets ready for their time at the market.Â
Some great concrete back roads through the farmland. Just the odd local tending to their rice paddies otherwise you have the place to yourself.Â
(G) is this great photo stop just shy of the night destination. This shot is many years ago. Looks a bit different these days.
(H) One of many accommodation options. I use this one mostly for its proximity to the National Park if having a day off to explore. The cabins on the river bank are basic but comfortable and affordable. The restaurant food, mostly Vietnamese is also good and reasonably priced.Â
The park is a great day out with your partner or children. Lots to see and do. The accommodation has bicycles to hire as motorcycles are not allowed to be taken across the river ferry into the park.
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These are supplied to all our touring bike customers.
(Excluded from the above itinerary)Â
Cat Tien - Cat Lai Ferry
Distance: 160 Kms
The first part of the run to the big smoke around the lake area is the best of it. The waterpark is worth a look and a quick dip. From there it’s back to reality the best way possible in the wet season. Works in the dry too but i have options for that.  Â
(A & B) a lake dam wall. Nice and very different views on each side. Â
(C) a waterpark with falls. I’ve been in for a look but don’t use it. A swim stop or a great option travelling with kids. For the purpose of this a pin to keep you off the highway. Â
We stick to back roads where possible, all sealed. You may question some of the route but it’s mapped to minimise police presence, trucks and buses. Three short stretches are unavoidable.  Â
Plenty of off roads too if you have time and want to follow this loosely. Â
(D, E & F) are coffee stops again primarily pinned to keep the ride interesting and safe. (E) and particularly (F) the better ones. Â
(G) the ferry where the Rat Race awaits. If returning with a hire bike refueling on the way to the shop would be very much appreciated. Don’t worry about cleaning, we have that covered. Â
Log in below to view full route maps, accommodation and food information.
These are supplied to all our touring bike customers.
(Excluded from the above itinerary)Â
Log in below to view full route maps, accommodation and food information.
These are supplied to all our touring bike customers and excluded from the above itinerary.
