Patrol with Cat Tien Ranger

Patrol with Cat Tien Ranger Overview

• Exclusive: Maximum 4 guests/group
• Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights
• Age: 18-70 years old
• Tour type: Join-in
• Operation: Year-round
• Pick-up/Drop off: Thiso Mall - 10 Mai Chi Tho Street, An Khanh Ward, HCMC
• Accommodation: 2 nights at National Park Guest House & 1 night at Guided Ranger Hammock Camp in deep jungle
• Price: ~USD 1500 • VND 39,800,000/pax

Step into the role of those who protect Cat Tien National Park, one of Vietnam’s most biologically rich and closely guarded landscapes. Developed by Katien Ranger Patrol, this is a first-of-its-kind conservation mission in Vietnam, offering direct participation in real patrol operations alongside a 7-ranger team responsible for safeguarding over 3,200 hectares of primary forest.

Spanning more than 80,000 hectares of tropical semi-evergreen forest, Cat Tien holds one of the most significant concentrations of wildlife in the region. Patrol with Cat Tien Ranger brings you to the frontline of this ecosystem, where protection is carried out daily under real pressure and real conditions. Designed as an ultra-exclusive experience for just four guests, the journey places you inside active field operations. Over two days, you will cover approximately 20 kilometers of dense jungle terrain, following routes shaped by current threats such as poaching and illegal entry. Every step is purposeful. Every movement is tied to how the forest is protected.

This is a demanding and uncompromising mission. You will learn how to identify signs of intrusion, dismantle animal snares, and understand the procedures used by rangers to secure vulnerable areas. The conditions are raw and unfiltered: long hours on foot, unpredictable terrain, and a night spent in a hammock camp deep in the forest. It is an unparalleled opportunity to experience conservation work at its most direct and operational level.

Back at National Park Guest House, the contrast becomes clear. The National Park Guest House provides a grounded and comfortable base, while the true value of the journey lies beyond it, in the forest, where protection efforts continue relentlessly, often unseen. The National Park Guest House provides a basic, relaxing home base before and after your journey into the wild.

Mission Highlights: Skills & Knowledge Gained

This is a high-intensity, field-based conservation mission, structured to give you direct exposure to how protection work is carried out in real conditions. Working alongside Cat Tien’s ranger team, you will learn:

• Tactical Conservation: Receive direct instruction on how to spot and identify poachers.
• Active Intervention: Learn the procedures for safely dismantling animal snares and traps in the field.
• Law Enforcement Procedures: Understand the protocols for subduing and apprehending poachers, as well as preventing illegal entry.
• Jungle Survival & Navigation: Master essential survival skills, navigation, and the techniques for moving safely through deep, thick forest.
• Ecological Insight: Gain deep knowledge about the region's semi-evergreen tropical forest, its diverse wildlife, and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect it.

Detailed Itinerary

Expand all

Day 1: From City to Wilderness & Mission Briefing

Your private guide and car will pick you up at 7:00 AM in Ho Chi Minh City for a 120km transfer to Cat Tien National Park. Upon arrival at the National Park Guest House, you will meet the core ranger team responsible for protecting over 3,200 hectares of primary forest. After checking in and enjoying a welcome tea, you will have lunch with local forest specialties.

In the early afternoon, your guide will provide a briefing on the route, safety protocols, and field skills, including how to handle encounters with illegal loggers, identifying animal traps, and responding to wildlife such as wild elephants, gaurs, or snakes.

At 15:00, the main journey begins with an introduction to the park’s conservation work. You will travel by off-road vehicle to the Center for Rescue, Conservation, and Development of Species, where rangers care for wildlife rescued from illegal hunting before their return to the forest. The trip continues with a stop at observation towers to take in panoramic views of the jungle from above.

As evening approaches, you will share dinner with the ranger team. This is where the mission takes shape: a detailed briefing on patrol objectives, routes, and real conditions in the forest over the next two days.

Retire to the National Park Guest House to settle into your basic, comfortable jungle accommodations before the mission begins.

❮

❯

×

×

×

Day 2 & Day 3: The Ranger Patrol (2 Days, 1 Night)

The next two days are dedicated to an active ranger patrol mission, taking you deep into the forest alongside the ranger team. Beginning at 7:00 AM on Day 2, you will gear up with the rangers and set out into the field. Equipped for real conditions, you will hike approximately 20 kilometers through dense terrain, with patrol routes determined by seasonal factors and current poaching risks.

You will directly immerse yourself in the duties of a forest ranger, including:

• Operating modern optical camera surveillance systems for forest monitoring.
• Patrolling and securing two high-priority zones to detect and dismantle wildlife traps.
• Deploying tactical formations in sensitive areas and conducting ambushes to intercept illegal logging and poaching.
• Engaging in community outreach to promote forest protection among locals and joining the ranger team on both day and night patrols.

Life in the field is simple and direct. Meals are prepared and shared with the ranger team, and you will spend the night at a wilderness campsite under the guidance of your rangers and guide. You will practice essential skills in setting up tents and tactical hammocks.

Upon completing the mission at Ta Lai field, you will be welcomed by Chau Ma ethnic girls and can relax while watching the sunset over the peaceful landscape.

Afterward, a vehicle will transfer the group back to the National Park Guest House for a final debriefing and patrol report during the farewell dinner. Spend your final night here to rest and recover after the mission.

❮

❯

×

×

×

Day 4: Visit Chau Ma Village - Back to Saigon

Start the final day of your journey with some free time to relax, leisurely soaking in the tranquil and fresh atmosphere in the heart of Cat Tien. After completing the check-out process and enjoying a cozy lunch at the Guest House, the group will set off to visit Ta Lai Village.

Here, you will have the opportunity to visit Ms. Ka Huong’s classroom, witness the meticulous traditional brocade weaving restoration of the Ma people, and stroll around the village to gain a deeper appreciation for the unique local customs. In the afternoon, our vehicle will depart for Ho Chi Minh City. You will arrive back at the drop-off point at approximately 6:00 PM, officially concluding your meaningful expedition.

❮

❯

×

×

×

Weather and Climate

Cat Tien National Park has two distinct seasons throughout the year: the dry season and the rainy season, each offering a different perspective of the forest ecosystem.

From December to May, the dry season brings warmer temperatures ranging from 25 to 35°C. The weather is generally pleasant, with plenty of sunshine, though it can be hotter around midday.

From June to November, the rainy season transforms the forest into a lush and vibrant landscape. This period is characterized by higher humidity and frequent rain showers, contributing to the richness and activity of the park’s biodiversity.

Each season reveals a unique side of Cat Tien, allowing visitors to experience the changing rhythms of the tropical forest. For the most accurate preparation, visitors are encouraged to check the latest weather updates through trusted sources such as AccuWeather before joining the adventure.

Physical fitness requirements

This tour is suitable for guests aged 18 to 70 who are in good health and have prior hiking experience. A reasonable level of fitness is required to comfortably complete the itinerary, especially for activities such as walking on uneven forest terrain and extended outdoor movement. Children are expected to be physically active and maintain a healthy level of fitness.

While some guests may find the itinerary relatively comfortable, others may experience certain challenges depending on their fitness level. Our guides and porters are always available to provide support when needed.

For safety reasons, guides reserve the right to adjust the itinerary, shorten activities, or arrange an early return if a guest encounters significant difficulties during the tour. In such cases, refunds or rescheduling will not be applicable.

Safety and Risk management on tour

Safety is always a top priority on all Katien Ranger Patrol tours, for both guests and our staff. All activities are led by experienced guides who are familiar with the terrain, wildlife behavior, and operating conditions within Cat Tien National Park. Our team is regularly trained in first aid, field safety, and responsible wildlife practices to ensure a safe and well-managed experience.

As the tour takes place in remote forest environments, conditions can be unpredictable and access to medical facilities may be limited. For this reason, careful planning and risk management are essential at every stage of the journey. Guests are required to follow all instructions from guides and porters at all times to ensure both personal safety and the protection of the natural environment.

Communication on tour

Cat Tien Ranger Patrol tours operate deep within the national park. While mobile phone signal is generally available, it can be inconsistent under the dense forest canopy. To ensure seamless coordination and guest safety, our team maintains constant contact via walkie-talkies throughout the journey.

The tour remains within accessible areas, allowing for efficient evacuation to the nearest access point in the event of an emergency. All communication and guided instructions are provided in both English and Vietnamese.

Items to bring

Katien Ranger Patrol tours take place across a variety of forest terrains and changing weather conditions, so proper preparation is essential. Guests are required to wear appropriate clothing for safety and comfort while hiking through the jungle, moving on uneven ground, and spending extended time outdoors.

Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts are recommended to protect against insects, vegetation, and environmental exposure. A good pair of hiking shoes is essential, providing stability and comfort on forest trails. Guests are encouraged to use well-fitted footwear that they are familiar with, and to test their shoes before the trip.

Our team will provide additional guidance to help you prepare appropriately before joining the tour.

Tour price includes

The tour price is 1,500 USD per person, which includes VAT, park entrance fees, and contributions to conservation and forest protection activities within Cat Tien National Park. The following services are included in the tour:

• Service team: Each group (maximum 4 guests) is accompanied by 1 experienced guide and local porter. The team ensures a safe, well-organized, and immersive experience throughout the journey.
• Food & Drinks: All meals are provided during the tour, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Drinking water and soft drinks are included. Vegetarian options can be arranged upon request.
• Accommodation: 2 nights at National Park Guest House and 1 night at Ranger Hammock Camp, comfortable and well-equipped at the Guest House, and a simple, field-based setup in the forest that reflects the realities of conservation patrol work.
• Transportation: Round-trip transportation between Saigon and Cat Tien National Park is included, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
• Activities & Entrance Fees: All guided activities, including jungle hiking and visits to Center for Rescue and Conservation of Species, as well as park entrance fees.
• Equipment: Essential equipment for hiking such as gloves, headlight, and other necessary items will be provided.
• Travel insurance: Basic travel insurance is included for all guests during the tour. Guests are encouraged to arrange additional personal travel insurance for extended coverage.

Top Gallery

❮

❯

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

×

Tour price and available dates for Booking

*Katien Ranger Patrol is a brand operated by Oxalis Company Limited, and all services provided under this program are rendered by Oxalis.

20% off for returning guest & Xiều Oxalis in 2026

Frequently Asked Questions