Dong Nai is a province in the Southeast region of Vietnam, located east and northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. It has many historical and cultural relics and potential tourist spots. Besides, province is famous for being home to many eco-tourist areas with wonderful landscapes, perfect places for camping, hiking or your picnic trip.
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General information about Dong Nai
Dong Nai (Vietnamese: Đồng Nai) is the gateway and bridge connecting the Central Highlands with the Mekong Delta and Cambodia. This province is located in the key economic region of the South, bordering Lam Dong to the east, Tay Ninh to the west, Ho Chi Minh to the south, and Cambodia to the north and northwest.
In 2025, Binh Phuoc was merged into Dong Nai, increasing the total area of the province to 12,737.17 km². In terms of tradition, history and culture, Dong Nai is one of the oldest prvinces in the South, with a history of more than 325 years of formation and development, closely associated with the process of exploring and shaping the Southern land.
What is the best time to explore Dong Nai?
The province lies in the monsoon tropical zone and be influenced of the Pacific Ocean tropical atmosphere between April and October. The climate is divided into two distinct seasons: the rainy season lasts from March or April to November and the dry season from December to March or April of the following year. So if you want to do trekking or camping, dry season would be the best time for you.
Kayak in Dong Nai river
Accommodation
There are many accommodation options in Bien Hoa and Dong Xoai. Bom Bo Hotel, An Loc Spa & Hotel, My Le are highly rated establishments. Room rates range from 550,000 to about 3.4 million VND per night. Some motels or 1-2 star hotels in Dong Xoai have prices ranging from 150,000 to 500,000 VND per night.
A view from Mira Central park hotel (source: hotel)
Hotels in Bien Hoa city such as The Mira Central Park, Aurora Hotel Plaza, Masion Park Hotel are highly rated establishments. Room rates range from 1,500,000 VND per night. Some motels or 1-2 star hotels in Long Khanh ward cost from 150,000 to 500,000 VND per night. If you want to immerse yourself in nature, you can find accommodation services near Cat Tien or Bu Gia Map National Park such as Orchard Home Resort and Nam Cat Tien homestay.
homestay in Nam Cat Tien
These areas also allows you to camp overnight in the Park, from 100,000 VND per person (you must prepare your own tent).
Tourist attractions in Dong Nai
Dong Nai has long been known by the travel-addicted community as a tourist destination that converges all the elements of the Southern region, including many clean ecological areas, delicious fruit gardens, waterfalls, national parks and picturesque mountains…all promise to be a great tourist destination for everyone.
Nature & wildlife areas
Nam Cat Tien National Park
Cat Tien National Park is a nature reserve located 150km north of Saigon. This is the largest national park in Vietnam which has a diverse and rich ecosystem. It’s a home of more than 1362 plant species and 62 animal species. Many of them are listed in Vietnam’s Red Book or classified as rare species.
In the summer, the climate here is cool, making it the most suitable time for traveling. This is one of the most attractive cultures and eco-tourism destinations in the Southeast Region. Tourists can experience all kinds of tours including camping, trekking, observation of animals at night, visits to ethnic villages, kayaking in the river, and other adventurous tours.
The Nam Cat Tien also has preserved historical sites as it was a revolutionary base making your trip to explore Dong Nai more interesting.
Chua Chan Mountain
Chua Chan Mountain has a name derived from the Cham language – ethnic group in Vietnam, Chơk Chăn (meaning mountain), or another name is Gia Ray, Gia Lao. This is the second highest mountain in the South, after Ba Den (Black Virgin) mountain , with an altitude of 837m above sea level. This is a charming, unique landscape in Dong Nai and a rare sight in the South.
The natural landscape of Chua Chan mountain is beautiful and attractive with many fresh streams all year round hidden under immense forests, along with man-made relics such as Buu Quang pagoda, Lam Son pagoda, Linh Son pagoda, the tea garden of King Bao Dai … forming a unique landscape complex in the Southeast. It was recognized as a national heritage site in 2012.
Location: Xuan Loc commune.
Bu Gia Map National Park
Bu Gia Map National Park is located in the northeast of Dong Nai, about 90 km from Dong Xoai Ward according to TL741. Bu Gia Map is located in the lowlands of the southern Central Highlands, with the highest mountain peak 700 m above sea level. In addition to storing many rare genes with a rich flora and fauna, this is also a suitable destination for those who love adventure and wild nature.
To explore the national park, you need to spend at least 2 days and 1 night. This time is enough to experience many places such as Dak Mai waterfall, Hoa Mai lake, visit heritage trees, immerse yourself in nature, visit the relic of the end of the North-South petroleum pipeline. The evening is a suitable time to organize cultural exchanges, enjoy unique dishes of the Stieng people and go hunting for animals at night in the forest.
Ba Ra Mountain
Located at an altitude of 730 m above sea level, Ba Ra Mountain is considered the third highest mountain in the South, after Ba Den (Tay Ninh) and Chua Chan (Gia Lao Mountain, Dong Nai). Ba Ra is located in Phuoc Long ward, about 50 km from Dong Xoai, and is a destination for many trekking trips. The Stieng people call this mountain “Bônom Brah” which means “God Mountain”. The air is fresh and the scenery is very beautiful.
From the top of the mountain, you can see the surrounding areas or Thac Mo Lake at the foot of the mountain.
Tri An Lake
Tri An Lake has a surface area of 323 km². The lake is designed to supply water to the Tri An Hydropower Plant. Upstream of the lake is Cat Tien National Park – where there are many precious remaining green vegetation with many rare animal species. On Tri An Lake, there are 72 large and small islands, scattered with people living there.
In the dry season, the lake dries up, the grass grows green, creating a vast grassland, a relaxing spot for many tourists to Dong Nai. Visitors can camp overnight with many services by Tri An Lake, prices ranging from 800,000 to 1.8 million VND per person including dinner, BBQ and camping. Guests can choose to take a canoe to O Dong Truong Island in the middle of the lake for 150,000 VND per person. There are many entertainment services here such as renting bicycles and electric cars around the island.
Tri An Lake is also an ideal place to paddle SUP to watch the sunset or sunrise. Guests should wear life jackets and have a guide when experiencing to ensure safety.
Scared temples and pagodas
Soc Lon Pagoda
Soc Lon Pagoda is located in Soc Lon Hamlet, Loc Hung Commune. This is the oldest Khmer pagoda in Dong Nai, built in 1931, with an area of over 1,200 m². At the pagoda, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the spiritual life of the indigenous people and experience many cultural activities and traditional festivals of the Khmer people.
The pagoda is considered a “museum” that helps you have a comprehensive view of the customs, practices, religions, and cultural history of the Khmer people.
Tran Bien temple of Literature
Located on a campus with a total area of up to 15 hectares, in Tran Bien ward, visitors can reach here easily by many different means such as motorbikes, cars to buses. This is the university for students in the south, built in 1715, this temple was established to honor Confucius and other Vietnamese cultural celebrities. Van Mieu Tran Bien was born as a “Temple of Literature Quoc Tu Giam” of the South. One of the symbols of the Vietnamese traditions of learning, temperament and culture. In December 1861 when French troops occupied Bien Hoa, the temple was destroyed and was rebuilt again in the late 20th century so that the generations of today understand the history and culture of Vietnamese education.
Every year, there are 02 major events organized at the temple, the Vinh Xuan in the second lunar month and Thu Vinh in the eight lunar month.
Quang Minh Pagoda
Quang Minh Pagoda is located on a high mound with a large three-door gate in neoclassical architecture, right on Highway 14, in Binh Phuoc Ward. The pagoda was started to be built around 1950 and was restored in 1990. The pagoda impresses from its appearance with its ancient features and characteristic red tiled roofs.
On top of the Quang Minh Pagoda tower hangs a large bell with the idea that the bell’s sound brings peace to everyone.
Waterfalls
Elephant Waterfall is located in the Bu Lach grassland ecological complex. According to long-time residents, in the past, this area had many dead elephants, their bones piled up to form hills, hence the name Elephant Waterfall. With a height of about 15 m, the waterfall is likened to a fairy with long hair. The road to Elephant Waterfall is quite small, bumpy, following the hills. However, after reaching the waterfall, you will be able to admire the poetic and romantic beauty.
Dak Mai Waterfall is one of the quite wild attractions, in Bu Gia Map, adjacent to the National Park. The waterfall is about 50 m wide and 12 m high. To reach this waterfall, you have to overcome steep hill roads. On the water surface is a layer of rocks with uneven shapes and sizes, quite flat due to the erosion of the waterfall’s water. When walking on the rocks, you feel like you have to feel each step.
Dung Waterfall is endowed by nature with unique tectonic features and is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the province. The waterfall is about 5-6m high and about 10m wide, but has a fast, strong flow down the rocks, creating white foam. Below the waterfall are many large rocks and on both sides are lawns and tree canopies. These rocks are also arranged one after another to form a path for visitors to cross both sides of the bank on rainy days when the water flows lightly.
Giang Dien waterfall is Location: 104/4 Hoa Binh Hamlet, Trang Bom Commune. The waterfall has an unspoiled natural beauty. A wild landscape surrounded by green trees, rocks help you to immerse yourself in green nature, away from the bustling urban atmosphere. Giang Dien waterfall eco-tourism area has an area of more than 67 hectares with an ecotourism complex. The waterfall is 17 meters high, composed of 3 waterfalls: Chang, Nang and Giang Dien – the main one. Along the banks of the waterfall are rocks of many overlapping sizes creates beautiful, poetic and charming sights with fresh air.
Giang Dien is an ideal destination for picnic; buffet parties, BBQ parties, outdoor weddings in European style; Organize conferences – seminars – events; camping...
Orchards and traditional villages
Tan Trieu pomelo village
Tan Trieu pomelo village is located in Tan Trieu commune, about 10km from Bien Hoa. It’s well know for its many pomeio orchards. The name “Tan Trieu” means the new court. It was given by Nguyen Anh Imperial and has remained until today. Coming here, you’re likely to be offered fruite samples to taste the variety of pomeios. Furthermore, the pomelo here is famously delicious, and processed into many delicious dishes such as: pomelo tea, pomelo wine, pomelo steamed chicken, pomelo sweetened compote, sugared pomelo, and pomelo salad – one of most delicious dishes, which is made by mixing pomelo with boiled shrimp and pork, some basil and other ingredients like chilli, carrots, peanuts and sugar. This dish is best served dish with griddle cakes and a sour and sweet spicy sauce
It will surely give you an unforgettable experience when visiting a peaceful village with lush green pomelo orchards and enjoying the local specialities.
Long Khanh Fruit Garden
Long Khanh is considered the fruit granary of the Southeast, with guava, mangosteen, durian, jackfruit, rambutan. In the summer, the gardens in Xuan Lap and Binh Loc wards open their doors for visitors to experience free rambutan picking, and after picking, they can buy at the garden.
Some fruit gardens in Long Khanh are located on gentle slopes, so when coming here, visitors feel like they are in the Central Highlands. Overcoming the slopes of the red soil, immersing yourself in the airy space of fruit gardens, rubber trees, … to find relaxing moments on the weekend is the choice of some young people living in Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces. Coming to the fruit garden in the early morning, standing on the top of the slope looking down, the mist is drifting, the cool climate brings a feeling of relaxation and lightness.
Historical sites
Hang Gon tomb
Hang Gon ancient tomb was discovered by Mr. Jean Bouchot, a French engineer, accidentally discovered when opening road No. 2 (now Highway 56) in 1927. The specialty of the tomb is that it’s formed by joined granite rocks and long stone pillars, weighing about 30-40 tons, dating back to the monument identified in 150 years BC to 240 years AD.
According to archaeologists, these type of stones could be found only in Da Lat or Phan Rang. The tomb belongs to the type of “Dolmen” with unique and rare architecture not only in Vietnam but also in the region and the world. It is one of the earliest ranked monuments nationally in 1982. Furthermore, the Cu Thach Hang Gon tomb is the most ancient and the biggest tomb in Vietnam which has been preserved until now.
Hang Gon ancient tomb locates in Hang Gon ward in the 250-meter height of the west of inter-province road number two (From Long Khanh to Ba Ria), 80 kilometers far away from Bien Hoa.
Ecological tourism areas
There are many ecological tourism areas in Dong Nai where not onl you and your family members but also friends can relaxing in the cool fresh air, organize BBQ, camping…Furthermore, a wide variety of games are hosted in these areas, waiting for you. Below are some of the most famous ecological tourism areas:
Buu Long Tourist Area
Located on Huynh Van Nghe Street, Tran Bien ward, around 6km away from the city center. Buu Long tourist area is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations, attracting a lot of tourists inside and outside the province to travel with family and friends, especially on weekends and holidays.
The whole tourist area is 84 hectares. It’s a landscape with mountains, pagodas and the most famous – Long An Lake – an artificial reservoir covering an area of more than 10 hectares. Long An Lake is look like a picture of miniature Ha Long Bay which has crystal clear water and plenty high rocky outcrops look of small islets.
Besides, Buu Long tourist area is also surrounded by places such as Buu Phong ancient pagoda, Long Son Thach Dong pagoda, Thien Hau ancient temple along with National historic site of Van Mieu Tran Bien forming a complex living spiritual area. From the top of Mount Buu Long, you can admire a panorama view of Bien Hoa city, which houses of many factories and green stretch of fields interwoven with branches of Dong Nai river.
Vuon Xoai Tourist Area
Located in 537 Dinh Quang An Street, Phuoc Tan ward, Vuon Xoai Eco-tourism Area is known to many tourists. With an area of over 50 hectares, this place owns many diverse landscapes with forests, lakes, fruit gardens and zoos. Coming here, visitors can participate in games such as ostrich riding, grass sliding, kayaking, and basket boating.
In addition, visitors can also walk to observe wild animals such as crocodiles, tigers, horses, ostriches, wild boars, horses, deer and many rare birds. Sports activities are designed in open spaces such as swimming pools, tennis courts, multi-purpose gymnasiums, and camping areas for groups.
Entrance fees start from 100,000 VND.
Bo Cap Vang Tourist Area
Bo Cap Vang (Golden Scorpion) Tourist Area Located in Hamlet 3, Dai Phuoc Commune. The tourist area is surrounded by rivers and fruit gardens, creating a fresh atmosphere, suitable for organizing family picnics on weekends.
Visitors can participate in many games on the shore, in the water, folk games such as walking on coconut bridges, rope bridges, swing bridges, catching fish, experiencing thrilling games with ziplines in the air or SUP rowing. The tourist area is suitable for team-building activities for guests traveling in groups.
Ticket price for adults is 80,000 VND, children 40,000 VND.
What food should you try during your trip to explore Dong Nai?
Dong Nai is home to many different ethnic groups, so traditional dishes are diverse, combining many ingredients, demonstrating community solidarity.
Free-range pork
This is a specialty of Bom Bo commune. This is a type of pig that is raised free-range, does not use processed food, so the meat is almost fat-free, sweet and chewy, often raised by the Stieng people.
The meat can be processed into many dishes such as grilled, steamed. Grilled pork is served with green bananas, raw vegetables, especially wild vegetables.
Cashew salad
A dish that you must try when coming to Dong Nai is cashew salad. Cashews replace peanuts, combined with pork belly, prawns and herbs, creating a salad with balanced flavors, delicious and cool.
After preparing all the ingredients for the salad, the chief come to the step of mixing the dressing including fish sauce, sugar, lemon, garlic and chili. Put all the ingredients in a large bowl, add the dressing that has been seasoned to taste and mix well.
Cashew fruit salad is best when eaten with rice paper. In addition to shrimp and pork, Binh Phuoc people also creatively add squid or chicken to mix the salad with cashew fruit, which is also very delicious.
Bamboo rice
This is a popular dish of most ethnic people living in old Binh Phuoc. Rice (ordinary or sticky) is put in bamboo tubes, reeds or bamboo shoots mixed with beans to enhance the flavor. The bamboo tubes chosen for cooking are not too young or too old. After the rice is cooked, let it cool, visitors peel off the skin to keep the “bamboo coat”.
When eating, just cut it into small pieces, dip it with peanut salt, sesame salt. Bamboo rice has the natural sweetness of rice mixed with the aroma of bamboo.
Cicadas
This is considered a rare specialty dish, harvested by people to process into dishes and serve guests. In the summer, cicadas live a lot on cashew and rambutan trees. When it gets dark, the cicadas molt from larvae to adults and this process takes place very quickly.
After only about 30 minutes of molting, the wings dry and harden, making them not tasty to eat. And these molts are called milk cicadas. Milk cicadas can be cooked into porridge, fried in flour, stir-fried with onions, but the best is still fried crispy.
Tan Trieu grapefruit salad
Tan Trieu grapefruit has long been a famous specialty name in Dong Nai. It is a large grapefruit with thin skin, yellow segments, lots of juice and a cool, sweet taste. This is not only a famous fruit specialty but also an ingredient that creates many unique dishes such as Tan Trieu grapefruit salad.
Enjoying Tan Trieu grapefruit salad, Dong Nai, you can feel the harmony and specialness in each flavor and color of the dish, which is the sweet, succulent feeling from the grapefruit cloves, combined with the sweet river shrimp, shredded meat and dried meat, add a little peanuts and herbs for a unique flavor.
Steamed chicken with grapefruit
This dish with a strange, curious name is also a specialty of Dong Nai. The finished product is a dish with tender chicken, sweet taste mixed with the aroma of grapefruit, extremely delicious to eat.
The grapefruit chosen as a dish must be just ripe, then the chef skillfully separates the intestines and peel, meticulously trimming the peel to ensure the peel does not fall apart. After cleaning, the chicken is placed inside a grapefruit and marinated with spices then steamed.
When bringing out the steamed grapefruit, the scent of grapefruit and chicken harmonizes with each other along the smoke. The pieces of chicken are golden, sweet and rich in spices, with a hint of Tan Trieu grapefruit making the dish more special. Coming to explore Dong Nai, you must try at least one dish with the presence of Tan Trieu grapefruit.
Bitter melon leaf hotpot
Wild bitter melon lives and grows in abundance in the rural area of Dong Nai. It has a very bitter taste but still has a sweet and rich aftertaste. However, the local people have cleverly turned that special flavor into wild bitter melon leaf hot pot, a unique Dong Nai specialty dish.
When eaten, wild bitter melon leaves are dipped into the sweetness of hot pot broth made from fish or meat,…with some wild bitter melon fruits stuffed with meat in the middle. All of them bring a very special flavor and stimulate the taste buds. If you come to Dong Nai and don’t try forest bitter melon leaf hotpot, it’s a waste.
Specialty to buy as gifts
Dong Nai is famous for its gifts that are specialties of the red basalt land, known to visitors from all over as the capital of cashew nut cultivation with a large export area and output. This is also a product worth buying as a gift.
Coffee is not only famous in the Central Highlands, but in old Binh Phuoc area, this product is also highly appreciated for its characteristic aroma and rich flavor. Diners can buy weasel coffee, pre-ground coffee or whole bean coffee.
Tan Thanh tangerines have a sweet and slightly sour taste. The tangerines here are advertised as being grown using high-quality processes, without using much fertilizer or pesticides, so they are suitable as gifts. Dong Nai is also famous for jackfruit, especially the turmeric jackfruit in Loc An commune because of its high yield, thick, fragrant segments.
Vietdreamtravel also provides package tours and car/bus rental services to explore Dong Nai. Do not hesitage to contact us for any booking requirements.
Source: collected by An
