About Vu Quang National Park
Vu Quang National Park is a protected area in Vu Quang District, Ha Tinh Province, in north-central Vietnam along the Annamite Range near the Laos border. Established as a nature reserve in 1986 and designated a national park in 2002, it covers about 52,000-56,000 hectares of primary evergreen and limestone forest. It is internationally notable as the site where the saola and Vu Quang muntjac were first discovered in the 1990s, highlighting its exceptional biodiversity.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a remote, densely forested national park in the Annamite Range with primary evergreen forest, limestone karst, rivers and the Ngan Truoi Lake reservoir. The park is managed for conservation and ecotourism; access is mainly via guided treks on forest trails. Visitors can see diverse flora and fauna, birdlife, scenic valleys and forest landscapes, and learn about conservation at the park's visitor centre. Facilities are basic and exploration requires a guide.
Key highlights
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One of Vietnam's most biodiverse protected areas in the Annamite Range
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Discovery site of the saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) in 1992 and Vu Quang muntjac and giant muntjac in the 1990s
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Extensive primary evergreen and limestone forest covering over 52,000 hectares
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Ngan Truoi Lake and river system offering scenic boat trips and landscapes
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Habitat for rare and endemic species including primates, birds and reptiles
History of Vu Quang National Park
Originally established as Vu Quang Nature Reserve in 1986 to protect forest ecosystems of the Annamite Range. Designated as Vu Quang National Park in 2002 under Decision 102/2002/QD-TTg. Gained international scientific importance in 1992 when the saola, a new large mammal species, was discovered here, followed by discoveries of the Vu Quang muntjac and giant muntjac in 1994, establishing the park as a globally significant biodiversity site.
Culture & Context
Located in a region inhabited by Kinh and ethnic minority communities with traditional forest-based livelihoods. The park represents the natural heritage of north-central Vietnam and plays an important role in environmental education, conservation awareness and sustainable ecotourism for Ha Tinh Province.