Phuoc Binh National Park

Phuoc Binh sits where the semi-arid country of Ninh Thuan runs up into the highlands towards Bidoup and Da Lat, and that transition is what gives the park its range - dry forest below, evergreen and pine above, over about twenty thousand hectares, adjoining Bidoup Nui Ba across the provincial line so the two form a substantial protected block. It holds gaur, the largest wild cattle in the world, along with black-shanked douc langurs and a long bird list. Raglai communities live in and around the park and run some of the guiding. Visitor infrastructure is minimal and most trails need park guides.

Background

The park lies in Phước Bình commune of Bác Ái District, 62 km north-west of Phan Rang, where Ninh Thuận meets Lâm Đồng and Khánh Hòa provinces. It became a nature reserve on 26 September 2002 and a national park on 8 June 2006. Set on the Đà Lạt plateau's eastern slopes, it has peaks of up to 2,200 m in the west and falls toward the coastal plain in the east. Of its 19,814 ha, 10,766 ha form a strict protection zone. Three streams drain it into the Cai River, which supplies water to the whole province. Surveys list over 1225 plant and 327 animal species, including 69 mammals and 206 birds.

Source: Wikipedia, "Phước Bình National Park"

What's there

• A transition from dry to highland forest - over about twenty thousand hectares.
• Adjoining Bidoup Nui Ba - forming a large protected block.
• Gaur and black-shanked douc - among the park's larger species.
• Raglai communities - living around it and guiding in it.

When to go

December to May, the drier months. Two days.

Things to know

This is not a developed visitor park - guides and arrangements are needed and facilities are basic. Wildlife sightings are unlikely without time and luck. Roads in are rough. Heat in the lower sections is severe.

Nearby

Bidoup Nui Ba is north-west; Phan Rang and the coast are south-east.

Key facts