Sprawling north-east of Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai is a large province that extends to the lowland tropical forest of Cat Tien National Park. Its western boundary is marked by Vietnam’s largest internal waterway, the Dong Nai River, which skirts the edge of Bien Hoa before meeting the waters of the East Vietnam Sea.
Things to do in Dong Nai
Whether you want to explore the historically rich temples of Bien Hoa or escape to the forested trails of Cat Tien, Dong Nai Province is just waiting to be explored.
Sightsee in Bien Hoa. The largest city in Dong Nai is Bien Hoa, which forms part of Ho Chi Minh City’s urban sprawl. It’s home to several religious landmarks that include the Tran Bien Temple of Literature, an 18th-century complex that was rebuilt after being demolished by the French. Just across the Dong Nai River is the mountaintop Chau Thoi Pagoda, which is famed for its gilded dragon statues and resident monkeys.
Explore Cat Tien National Park. Encompassing one of the largest tracts of lowland tropical forest in Vietnam is Cat Tien National Park, which is also home to grasslands and riparian habitat. It supports a diversity of wildlife that includes golden-cheeked gibbons and smooth-tailed treeshrews, as well as rare birds and reptiles. Just outside the park boundary is the Cat Tien archaeological site, which preserves the excavated temples of an unknown Hindu civilisation.
Relax at the Giang Dien Waterfall Eco Resort. Famed for its photogenic cascades, this relaxing recreational spot is nestled amidst dense jungle on the eastern outskirts of Bien Hoa. You can refresh with a swim at the base of the cascades or sink your toes into the water before dining on authentic Vietnamese fare at one of the surrounding restaurants.
Getting around Dong Nai
Dong Nai Province is around one hour’s drive from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses travel throughout Dong Nai while renting a car gives you greater freedom to explore the province.