Vietnam’s New National Parks 2026: Song Thanh and Bac Me Visitor Guide

Song Thanh National Park in Quang Nam officially opened its gates to international travelers on July 15, 2026, marking a significant step in Vietnam’s push for sustainable tourism. Just weeks later, Bac Me National Park in Ha Giang welcomed its first foreign visitors on August 1, 2026, following a two-year conservation upgrade. Both parks are part of a national initiative to expand eco-tourism options and relieve pressure on Vietnam’s more established protected areas.

Song Thanh covers over 100,000 hectares of primary forest and river valleys, with new infrastructure designed to minimize environmental impact. Foreign visitors pay an entry fee of 120,000 VND (about $5 USD), with guided treks and wildlife tours available. The park’s eco-lodges, starting at $35 per night, are built with local materials and operate on renewable energy. A direct shuttle bus from Da Nang International Airport now connects travelers to the park in under three hours, making access straightforward for those arriving from abroad.

Bac Me National Park, set in the limestone highlands of Ha Giang, emphasizes low-impact exploration and cultural interaction. Entry is 100,000 VND (around $4 USD), and English-speaking rangers lead group hikes through karst landscapes and minority villages. The park’s recent upgrades include marked trails and a visitor center, but food services remain limited, so visitors are advised to bring supplies. Both parks require advance booking for overnight stays and enforce mandatory passport registration at the entrance, reflecting a commitment to visitor safety and conservation.

These 2026 openings reflect Vietnam’s broader commitment to eco-friendly travel, offering new alternatives for nature-focused visitors while prioritizing habitat preservation and community engagement.

Travelers heading to Song Thanh National Park in Quang Nam can now take advantage of a dedicated shuttle bus service launched in July 2026. The shuttle departs from Da Nang International Airport four times daily, covering the 2.5-hour journey directly to the park entrance. Tickets cost 180,000 VND (about $7.50 USD) for a one-way trip, and seats can be reserved through the park’s official website or at the airport arrivals desk. This new route eliminates the need for multiple transfers, making Song Thanh more accessible for international visitors arriving in central Vietnam.

For Bac Me National Park in Ha Giang, the closest airport is Ha Giang Domestic, which began offering direct flights from Hanoi in June 2026. The flight takes roughly 1 hour and is operated by several Vietnamese carriers, with fares typically starting at 900,000 VND ($38 USD) one-way. From Ha Giang airport, local taxis and park-arranged transfers are available for the 45-minute drive to Bac Me’s main gate. Travelers should note that shuttle and flight schedules may shift seasonally, especially during the rainy months, so it’s best to confirm times and availability on official park or airline websites before booking.

Both Song Thanh and Bac Me require advance booking for overnight stays—at least three days ahead—due to limited eco-lodge capacity. While English-language signage and guides are available at main entrances, some remote trails may be less clearly marked. Carrying a passport and proof of health insurance is mandatory for entry, and registration is completed at the park gates upon arrival.

Entry to Song Thanh National Park in Quang Nam costs 120,000 VND (about $5 USD) for international visitors, with optional guided tours starting at 600,000 VND per person. Bac Me National Park in Ha Giang sets its entry fee at 100,000 VND (roughly $4 USD), and offers group hikes led by English-speaking rangers at no additional charge for the basic experience. Both parks accept payment in Vietnamese dong at the main entrance gates, and receipts are issued for all ticket types.

Advance booking is mandatory for any overnight stay in either park, with a minimum reservation window of three days. Reservations for Song Thanh’s eco-lodges (from $35/night) and Bac Me’s homestay options can be made through each park’s official English-language website. During peak travel months (December to April), it’s advisable to book as early as possible, as capacity is limited and walk-in accommodation is not permitted.

Foreign visitors must present their passports at the park entrance and complete a registration form before entry. In addition, proof of valid health insurance is required for all international guests, with documentation checked by park staff at the gate. Insurance policies must cover medical emergencies and evacuation within Vietnam; digital or printed copies are accepted. These requirements apply to both day visitors and overnight guests, and entry will be denied without proper documentation. Travelers should also be aware that park rules prohibit open fires, off-trail hiking without a guide, and the removal of plants or wildlife.

Gibbon spotting is a main draw at Song Thanh National Park, where early morning treks with English-speaking guides give visitors a chance to glimpse endangered northern yellow-cheeked gibbons swinging through the canopy. The park’s orchid trails, accessible via well-marked paths, showcase over 100 native species—peak bloom is from March to May. Waterfall hikes are another highlight: the Khe Lim and Dak Pring falls are each reachable via half-day guided walks, with swimming permitted at designated pools. For those wanting more immersion, Song Thanh’s eco-lodges (from $35/night) offer simple but comfortable accommodation and can be reserved online; overnight stays must be booked at least three days in advance.

Bac Me National Park in Ha Giang offers a different landscape, with dramatic limestone karst formations and deep valleys. Guided treks lead visitors through these rugged terrains and into Red Dao and Tay minority villages, where cultural exchanges include traditional textile demonstrations and local meals (advance arrangement required). The park’s newly mapped cave systems, opened to visitors in 2026, can be explored with rangers on half-day or full-day tours—helmets and headlamps are provided. English-speaking guides are available for all group hikes, and wildlife observation includes chances to spot langurs and rare bird species.

Both parks emphasize sustainable, small-group experiences. While Song Thanh focuses on forest biodiversity and waterfalls, Bac Me’s appeal lies in its karst landscapes and living ethnic cultures. Advance booking is essential for overnights and guided activities, and visitors should bring snacks and water, as food options inside the parks remain limited.

Trail conditions in Song Thanh and Bac Me National Parks are best from December through August, when rainfall is minimal and paths remain dry. The rainy season, which runs from September to November, can make several trails muddy or impassable; park authorities update trail status regularly on their official websites, so check before departure. Shuttle bus and flight schedules may also shift during this period, so confirm transport options in advance.

English-language signage and guides are available at main park entrances and for popular routes, but some remote trails—especially in Bac Me’s cave systems and minority village areas—still lack clear markings. If you plan to venture beyond the established paths, consider hiring an English-speaking ranger or joining a guided trek, which can be booked online or at the visitor centers. Carry a passport and proof of health insurance, as both are checked at entry gates.

Food options are limited inside both parks. Song Thanh’s eco-lodges offer basic meals, but menu choices are sparse and may not suit all dietary needs. Bac Me has small village eateries, but hours and selection are unpredictable. Pack enough snacks and water for your hike, especially if you’re staying overnight or exploring less-trafficked areas. As of August 2026, there are no COVID-19 entry restrictions for either park, but health insurance remains mandatory for all visitors.