Overview of Dong Nai province

Dong Nai is a large province in the Southeast region of Vietnam. The province has a particularly important strategic location, being both an important economic gateway to the East of Ho Chi Minh City and a land border with Cambodia. This is a vital traffic hub connecting the Southern key economic region with the Central Highlands and South Central Coast provinces.

Province location Dong Nai on the map map

The North and East of Dong Nai province borders Lam Dong province, the South borders Ho Chi Minh City, the West borders Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh and Cambodia. With a natural area of more than 12,700 km², Dong Nai's terrain is very diverse, including plains, fertile basalt highlands and primeval forests, notably Cat Tien National Park and Bu Gia Map National Park, creating rich eco-tourism potential.

Outstanding destinations in Dong Nai

Cat National Park Tien

Cat Tien National Park

Cat Tien National Park is one of the world biosphere reserves recognized by UNESCO in Vietnam, with most of the area and tourist center located in Nam Cat Tien and Ta Lai communes (Dong Nai province). This is the giant "green lung" of the Southeast region, famous for its extremely rich flora and fauna, including many rare species. Visitors to Cat Tien can experience trekking through the forest, cycling, watching wildlife at night, and especially boating to explore the Bau Sau wetland - home to freshwater crocodiles.

Buu Long tourist area

Buu Long tourist area

Located right in Tran Bien ward (new administrative center area of the province), Buu Long tourist area is known as the "miniature Ha Long Bay" of the Southeast region. This population stands out with a large clear blue lake, surrounded by clusters of limestone mountains with unique shapes. Visitors coming here can experience riding a duck boat, sightseeing at a mountain pagoda (Buu Phong pagoda), visiting the Love Bridge and participating in many entertaining games. This is an ideal picnic and relaxation spot for families on weekends.

The Amazing Bay Water Park (Magic Bay)

The Amazing Bay

Located in Long Hung commune, The Amazing Bay is one of the largest water parks in Vietnam, part of the Son Tien Tourist City super project. This park has established 5 national records, including "Largest artificial sea" and "Highest artificial wave". With unique thrilling slides, a winding lazy river and a large artificial beach, Magic Bay offers a world-class entertainment and cooling experience for visitors of all ages.

Ba Ra Mountain

Ba Ra Mountain

Ba Ra Mountain, located in Phuoc Long ward and Phuoc Binh ward, is the highest and most majestic mountain in the Southeast region. With an altitude of over 730m, this is not only an important historical revolutionary site but also a challenging trekking and spiritual destination. Visitors can conquer the mountain top by cable car to visit the pagoda and admire the Buddha statue, or try climbing thousands of steps through the forest. From the top of the mountain, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the romantic Thac Mo hydroelectric lake.

Bu Gia Map National Park

Bu Gia Map National Park

Located in Bu Gia Map commune and Dak O commune (area bordering Cambodia), Bu Gia Map National Park is the "roof" of primeval forests and many rare flora and fauna species. This place plays an important role in protecting water sources for hydroelectric dams and is an ideal destination for ecotourism and discovery. Visitors can participate in trekking tours through the forest, camping, learn about the culture of the indigenous S'Tieng and M'Nong ethnic groups and immerse themselves in the cool water of streams and natural waterfalls.

Standing Waterfall

Standing Waterfall

The Standing Waterfall is a unique natural masterpiece located in Bu Dang commune. Unlike other soft-flowing waterfalls, Standing Waterfall is made up of thousands of hexagonal basalt columns stacked on top of each other like a giant honeycomb, causing the water to pour down with white foam. This is a provincial-level scenic relic, with wild, majestic beauty and an impressive check-in point for those who love to explore geology and amazing nature.

Below are suggestions for other attractions in Dong Nai in addition to the 6 outstanding locations mentioned above:

  • Tambo Viet Tourist Village (Nhon Trach Commune): Biotourism Area River landscape with architecture entirely made of bamboo, outstanding with river games and country cuisine.

  • Giang Dien Waterfall Tourist Area (Trang Bom Commune): A complex of waterfalls, natural streams and riverside amusement and picnic areas.

  • Ba Chong Rock (Dinh Quan Commune): A famous scenic spot with three giant rocks stacked unevenly on top of each other, creating an interesting landscape.

  • Tri An Lake (Tri An Commune, La Nga Commune): The largest artificial lake in Vietnam, an extremely famous camping, SUP boating and sunset viewing spot.

  • ChanTâraṁsay Pagoda (Dong Xoai Khmer Pagoda - Binh Phuoc Ward): Khmer pagoda has brilliant and unique architecture, is the cultural and religious center of the Khmer community.

  • Suoi Mo tourist area (Tan Phu Commune): Park with clear natural swimming pool, spring water exploited from underground veins, creating "sea above the forest".

  • Long Khanh Bishop's Palace (Long Khanh Ward): A majestic and ancient religious architectural work, a symbol of the Long Khanh area.

  • Southern Department Central Base (Tan An Commune): A special national historical relic, where the headquarters of the Southern revolution was stationed during the resistance period.

Best time to travel

Dong Nai province is characterized by the tropical climate of the Southern monsoon, divided into two distinct seasons: dry season and rainy season. Because the province's area stretches from low plains (such as Bien Hoa and Long Thanh areas) to semi-mountainous areas and highlands (such as Phuoc Long, Bu Dang, Tan Phu), the weather has slight differences between areas. In general, visitors can arrange a trip to Dong Nai at any time, depending on the purpose of the experience.

This is considered the most ideal time to fully explore the beauty of Dong Nai. The weather at this time is dry, sunny, and the air is cool and pleasant. The dry season is a great opportunity to conquer long-term trekking routes at Cat Tien National Park (Nam Cat Tien commune) or Bu Gia Map National Park (Bu Gia Map commune) without worrying about getting muddy. This is also the perfect time to climb Ba Ra mountain (Phuoc Long ward) to see Thac Mo lake, or enjoy outdoor entertainment activities at The Amazing Bay Water Park (Long Hung commune) and Buu Long Tourist Area (Tran Bien ward).

The rainy season brings abundant beauty and fresh, cool air. This is the "golden" time to admire the waterfalls in their most majestic state, especially Standing Waterfall (Bu Dang commune), when the water rushes in, creating white foam on the base of basalt columns. Furthermore, this season is also the fruit season in the "capital" of Long Khanh (Long Khanh ward, Binh Loc commune), visitors can freely visit and enjoy rambutan, durian, and mangosteen right at the garden. However, the rain often comes suddenly in the afternoon, visitors should prepare raincoats and plan reasonable travel.

Travel information

Travel by air

Currently, to get to Dong Nai by air, visitors will take a flight to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. This is the largest airport in Vietnam, receiving all domestic flights (from Hanoi, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Can Tho...) and international.

From Tan Son Nhat Airport, visitors can easily travel to Dong Nai by taxi, technology vehicle or passenger car:

  • To the administrative center of Tran Bien ward (Bien area) Hoa): About 30-45 minutes (depending on traffic condition).

  • To other areas: There are many direct bus routes from the airport or neighboring bus stations to Long Khanh, Dong Xoai...

Train to Dong Nai

Bien Hoa Station

  • Hanoi – Dong Nai

    • Departure station: Hanoi Station / Saigon Station

    • Travel time (estimated): 30 – 34 hours (from Hanoi) / 45 minutes – 1 hour (from Ho Chi Minh City)

    • The North-South railway runs through the southern part of the province, with two main passenger stations: Bien Hoa Station (in Bien Hoa ward) and Long Khanh Station (in Long Khanh ward). This is an option for tourists who want to experience sightseeing along the way.

Passenger bus to Dong Nai

  • TP. Ho Chi Minh - Bien Hoa / Long Khanh area

    • Departure station: Mien Dong bus station

    • Travel time (estimated): 45 minutes – 1.5 hours

    • This is a bus route with high frequency With hundreds of trips per day from companies such as Phuong Trang, Thinh Phat, and many inter-provincial bus routes, it is very convenient for traveling during the day.

  • TP. Ho Chi Minh - Dong Xoai / Phuoc Long area

    • Departure station: Mien Dong Bus Station

    • Travel time (estimated): 2.5 - 4 hours

    • To go to the northern communes of the province, Tourists can choose specialized bus companies such as Phu Hung, Thanh Cong, Chin Teo, running straight to the center of Binh Phuoc ward (Dong Xoai area) or Phuoc Long ward.

  • Hanoi - Dong Nai

    • Departure station: Nuoc Ngam bus station, Bus station Giap Bat

    • Travel time (estimated): 32 - 36 hours

    • North-South sleeper bus companies (Hoang Long, Mai Linh, A Ba...) all have routes through Dong Nai, often stopping to drop off passengers along National Highway 1A (Bien Hoa, Long Khanh area) and National Highway 14 (Binh Phuoc ward area).

Moving within Dong Nai province

Because the province has a very large area, moving between areas (for example from Tran Bien ward in the south to Bu Gia Map commune in the north) can take several hours of driving.

  • Taxis and technology vehicles: Taxi companies (Mai Linh, Vinasun, Lado) and ride-hailing applications (Grab, Be, Gojek) operate very strongly in centers such as Tran Bien ward, Tam Hiep ward, Long Khanh ward, Binh Phuoc ward, Phuoc Long ward.

  • Intra-provincial buses: Dong Nai has a developed, connected public bus system most communes and major tourist destinations. Bus routes are an economical means of traveling from Bien Hoa center to Long Khanh, or from Dong Xoai center (old) to Bu Dang, Phuoc Long.

  • Motorbike rental, self-driving car:

Motorbike rental service (Bien Hoa area):

  • Gia Bao motorbike rental: Located at 110/53/1B, 30/4 street, Trung Dung ward (now in Tran Bien ward). Reference price: 100,000 - 150,000 VND/day.

  • Motorbike rental Mr. Ky: Located at Alley 487, Cach Mang Thang 8 Street, Quang Vinh Ward (now in Tran Bien ward). Providing a variety of vehicles, with door-to-door delivery service.

Self-driving car rental service (Bien Hoa area):

  • Thinh Phat self-driving car rental: E99, Vo Thi Sau, Thong Nhat Ward (now in Tran Bien ward). Providing 4-7 seater cars (Vios, Innova, Fortuner...), reference price: 700,000 - 1,200,000 VND/day.

  • Nhat Thuy Travel Company Limited: 211 Pham Van Thuan, Ward Tan Tien (near Tam Hiep ward). Specializing in self-driving 4-7-seat car rental, reference price: From 800,000 VND/day.

Rent a car at tourist destination (Northern area of ​​the province):

  • Rent a car at Cat Tien National Park: Contact the Park Management Board at Nam Cat Tien Commune. This place provides specialized bicycle and jeep rental services (with driver) to explore the forest.

Accommodation information in Dong Nai

Luxury

The Mira Central Park

The Mira Central Park

Address: 1809 Nguyen Ai Quoc, Tran Bien ward, Dong Nai province - price from 1,500,000 VND/night

The Mira Central Park is one of the most luxurious 5-star hotels, located in the administrative center of the province. With modern architecture, the hotel offers 200 luxury rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a system of Asian and European restaurants and professional spa services. This is the ideal choice for tourists and businessmen who want to experience classy service.

Aurora Hotel Plaza

Address: 253 Pham Van Thuan, Tam Hiep ward, Dong Nai province - price from 1,200,000 VND/night

Located on a busy street, Aurora Hotel Plaza is a 4-star hotel. The hotel stands out with 140 elegant and comfortable rooms. The hotel has a rooftop swimming pool with panoramic views, a gym and a buffet restaurant. Convenient location helps visitors easily access shopping and culinary centers in the surrounding area.

Resort

Long Thanh Golf Club and Residences

Address: Highway 51, Phuoc Tan ward, Dong Nai province - price from 2,000,000 VND/night

This is a world-class resort - golf course complex. Located in a large green space, the resort offers luxurious villas and hotel rooms with absolute tranquility. Guests can enjoy services at the 36-hole golf course, large swimming pool, high-class restaurant and fresh air, separate from the noise of the city.

Other experiences (Hotel & Homestay)

Mansion Park Hotel

Address: 19/52 N11 Street, Tran Bien Ward, Dong Nai province - price from 650,000 VND/night

Mansion Park Hotel is an outstanding choice in the mid-range segment in the central area. The hotel impresses with its modern interior design, cozy tones and clean amenities. This is a suitable accommodation for both tourists and business travelers, with a convenient location to explore the area's bustling dining and shopping spots.

Dong Xoai Hotel

Address: 828 Phu Rieng Do, Binh Phuoc ward, Dong Nai province - price from 600,000 VND/ night

As one of the familiar and large-scale hotels in the northern region of the province, Dong Xoai Hotel provides reliable accommodation services. This place has spacious rooms, serving a variety of needs from individual guests to groups. The hotel has a frontage location, making it easy to get to administrative offices and attractions in the area.

In addition, if you want more options for your vacation in Dong Nai, here are a few other accommodation suggestions worth considering - suitable for many different styles and budgets:

  • Meliá Vinpearl Phuoc Long: ĐT Street 741, Phuoc Binh ward, Dong Nai province

  • Golden Palace Hotel: Phu Rieng Do Street, Binh Phuoc ward, Dong Nai province

  • Orchard Home Resort Nam Cat Tien: Hamlet 1, Nam Cat Tien commune, Dong Nai province

  • The NANA Hotel: Vo Thi Sau Street, Tran Bien Ward, Dong Nai Province

  • Dong Xoai Hotel: 828 Phu Rieng Do, Binh Phuoc Ward, Dong Nai Province

Local festival cuisine and culture

Restaurant famous

Wellington Restaurant & Cafe: January 36, 25 April 30 Street, Tran Bien Ward, Dong Nai Province

Home Wellington restaurant

If you want to find a luxurious space to enjoy European-American cuisine (steak, grilled ribs, pasta), Wellington is the top choice in the (old) Bien Hoa area. The restaurant impresses with its classic, cozy design, very suitable for romantic dates or meetings with partners. The menu specializes in imported steaks, BBQ ribs and deliciously prepared pastas. Sophisticated space, professional service and price are considered commensurate with the quality. Reference price is about 300,000 - 700,000 VND/person, depending on main dish and drinks.

Dat Do Restaurant: 866 Phu Rieng Do, Binh Phuoc ward, Dong Nai province

Dat Do Restaurant makes a strong impression in the (old) Dong Xoai area with a large ecological space, including many leaf huts, fish ponds and green trees, creating a cool, rustic feeling. The menu is diverse, specializing in country dishes, forest specialties and fresh seafood. This is an ideal place for family parties and meetings of friends who want to enjoy the outdoor atmosphere. Dishes are served on private trays and huts, providing a comfortable, intimate dining experience. Reference prices range from 150,000 - 350,000 VND/person.

Local cuisine

Steamed chicken with grapefruit (Nam Hue grapefruit village) - 109/7 Tan Trieu Hamlet, Tan Trieu Ward, Dong Nai Province

Arrival Dong Nai cannot miss the specialty of Tan Trieu grapefruit village, and the most famous dish is steamed chicken with grapefruit. At Nam Hue Grapefruit Village, free-range chicken is steamed in grapefruit, making the chicken fragrant and imbued with a characteristic sweet taste. The restaurant is located in a garden eco-tourism area, where diners eat and drink while enjoying the fresh air.

Wood-roasted cashew nuts (Ba Tu Facility) – Highway 14, Binh Phuoc ward, Dong Nai province

The northern region of the province is the "capital" of cashew trees. Wood-roasted cashew nuts at reputable establishments like Ba Tu are famous brands, suitable for buying as gifts. Cashew nuts are roasted by hand using firewood, retaining their crunch, greasiness and unique aroma.

Cuisine discovery experience

5 Ri shrimp hot pot - 12 Dong Khoi, Tam Hiep ward, Dong Nai province

This "legendary" shrimp hot pot restaurant is a familiar dining spot of local people. Famous for its rich sweet and sour shrimp hotpot, served with grated water spinach and vermicelli. The restaurant is always bustling with customers, providing an authentic culinary experience, affordable prices but outstanding quality.

Mango Tree Noodle Soup - Phu Rieng Do Street, Binh Phuoc Ward, Dong Nai Province

This is one of the famous and long-standing snakehead fish noodle soup shops in the area. Hot bowl of banh canh with soft and chewy rice flour, fresh snakehead fish meat, sweet and rich broth. The restaurant is always crowded, especially in the morning, and is a popular dish that cannot be missed.

In addition to the restaurants mentioned above, people can refer to some other famous restaurants such as:

  • Doi Restaurant 1 - Huynh Van Nghe, Tran Bien ward, Dong Nai province

  • Ba Bon grilled spring rolls - 448 Le Quy Don, Binh Phuoc ward, Dong Nai province

  • Buu Long Be village - Huynh Van Nghe, Tran Bien ward, Dong Nai province

  • Long Khanh Pho - Cach Mang Thang 8 Street, Long Khanh Ward, Dong Nai Province

Dong Nai Cultural Experience

>Ong Pagoda Festival (That Phu Ancient Temple)

Ong Pagoda

Location: Hiep Hoa Ward, Dong Nai Province

The festival takes place every 2 years (in even years), lasting from the 10th to the 13th of the first lunar month. This is one of the biggest festivals of the Chinese community in the South. The festival stands out with a majestic palanquin procession and praying rituals.

Rain Praying Festival (Of the S'tieng people)

Location: Bom Bo commune, Dak Nhau commune, and Bu Gia Map commune, Dong Na province

Usually held around the third and fourth months of the lunar calendar. This is an important traditional ritual of the S'tieng people, praying for good weather and good harvests. Visitors will witness unique rituals and immerse themselves in the gong space.

Some other cultural experiences in Dong Nai:

  • Fruits Festival - Long Khanh ward and Binh Loc commune, takes place around May and June of the solar calendar.

  • Sayangva Festival (New Rice Celebration of the S'tieng people) – Usually takes place in Bom Bo commune after the harvest season.

  • The ritual of worshiping the Forest God (of the M'Nong people) - Bu Gia Map National Park area (belonging to Bu Gia Map commune).

  • Ba Thien Hau Pagoda Festival - 4 Nguyen Trai, Tran Bien ward, Dong Nai province, takes place on the full moon day of the first lunar month.

Amusement area

Suoi Mo Park tourist area

Suoi Mo Park

Suoi Mo Park, located in the commune Tan Phu, is a unique eco-tourism area, famous for the concept of "sea over forest". The most attractive point is the giant natural swimming pool with an area of ​​thousands of square meters, the water source is exploited from natural underground circuits, clear and cool. Visitors here can comfortably swim, participate in games such as water skiing, boating, or relax at huts and lakeside restaurants.

Reference ticket price:

  • Adults (over 1.3m): 100,000 VND/ticket (weekdays), 120,000 VND/ticket (weekends, holidays).

  • Children (0.7m - 1.3m): 80,000 VND/ticket (weekdays), 100,000 VND/ticket (weekends, holidays).

  • Children under 0.7m: Free.

Some other amusement parks in Dong Nai:

  • Giang Dien Waterfall Tourist Area - Located in Trang Bom commune, an eco-tourism complex with natural waterfalls, visitors can bathe in the waterfall, camp and picnic.

  • Tamboo Viet Tourist Village (The Bamboo) - Located in Dai Phuoc commune, a river eco-tourism area with unique bamboo architecture, specializing in team games and sports on the river (rowing, cycling water).

  • Soc Bom Bo Cultural Conservation Area - Belongs to Bom Bo commune, where the culture and history of the S'tieng people are recreated, combining visiting long houses, listening to gongs and experiential activities.

  • Thac Mo Lake Ecotourism Area - Located in Phuoc Long ward, tourist destination along Thac Mo lake, combining sightseeing, boating on the lake and tourism local food.

Suggested tour

Experience tour

1-day Dong Nai tour - Return to the source of the war zone

  • Itinerary: City. HCM – Tan An Commune (Visit the Central Base Relic of the Southern Department) – Bom Bo Commune (Visit Soc Bom Bo Cultural Conservation Area) – City. HCM

  • Transportation: Car

  • Reference tour price: 850,000 VND

  • Organizing unit: Fiditour Travel

Dong Nai 1 day tour - Explore the "Fruit Capital"

Garden grapefruit in Dong Nai

  • Itinerary: City. HCM - Long Khanh Ward & Binh Loc Commune (Visit and enjoy fruit at rambutan and durian gardens) - City. HCM

  • Transportation: Car

  • Reference tour price: 750,000 VND

  • Organization unit: Saigontourist

Adventure tour

Trekking Bu Gia Map National Park 2 days 1 night

  • Itinerary: City. HCM – Bu Gia Map Commune (Hiking through primary forests, camping, waterfall bathing, exploring flora and fauna) – City. HCM

  • Transportation: Car + walking

  • Reference tour price: 2,500,000 VND

  • Organizer: PYS Travel

Family tour

The Amazing Bay Water Park Fun Tour 1 day

  • Itinerary: City. HCM - Long Hung Commune (Full entertainment package at Ky Dieu Bay Super Water Park) - Tran Bien Ward (Visit Buu Long Tourist Area) - City. HCM

  • Transportation: Car

  • Reference tour price: 950,000 VND (entrance ticket included)

  • Organizer: Vietfun Travel

Eco-tourism

Cat Tien National Park Discovery Tour 2 days 1 night

  • Schedule: City. HCM – Nam Cat Tien commune (Forest trekking, visiting Bau Sau to see crocodiles, watching night animals) – City. HCM

  • Transportation: Car + jeep

  • Reference tour price: 1,850,000 VND

  • Organization unit: Saigon Adventure

Shopping and Souvenirs

Dong Nai is not only a land of vibrant industrial parks and majestic national parks, but also the "capital" of many famous agricultural products, specialties and handicrafts. Visitors coming here can easily choose meaningful gifts with strong local flavor to bring home.

Handicraft gifts & souvenirs

  • Bien Hoa fine arts ceramics: Famous traditional ceramic line with characteristic patterns and unique colored glazes. Visitors can find and buy products such as vases, statues, and tea sets at long-standing ceramic kilns, concentrated mainly in Tran Bien ward.

  • S'tieng and M'nong ethnic brocade goods: Sophisticated handwoven products such as bags, scarves, wallets, dresses with typical patterns of ethnic minorities. Tourists can find and buy them at cultural tourist areas such as Soc Bom Bo (Bom Bo commune) or at Bu Gia Map commune.

  • Stone crafts (Buu Long Stone Village): Artistic sculptures from natural stone, from feng shui statues, jewelry, to sophisticated decorative items. This traditional craft village is also concentrated in Tran Bien ward.

  • S'tieng wine: A unique cultural souvenir, showing the characteristics of ethnic minorities in the northern region of the province. Wine is brewed in jars, used to drink during festivals, and is often sold in Bom Bo commune or community tourist attractions.

Support information and other information

Dong Nai Provincial Police

  • Address: 161, Pham Van Thuan, Tam Hiep ward, province Dong Nai.

    Emergency phone number: 113

  • Phone: 0693.480.100

Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dong Nai province

  • Address: No. 2, Nguyen Van Tri Street, Tran Bien Ward, Dong Nai Province

  • Phone: 0251.3822038

Dong Nai Province Market Management Department (Consumer Protection)

  • Address: 201/8 Phan Trung Street, Tan Tien Ward

  • Phone: 02513.822 242

With the blend of rich nature from forests, waterfalls, lakes to sweet fruit gardens, Dong Nai is an ideal ecological destination, promising to bring diverse relaxation and discovery experiences right at the gateway to Saigon.