Bến En National Park

Bến En Overview

Bến En National Park, located in Thanh Hóa Province, Vietnam, is a stunning natural reserve renowned for its biodiversity and scenic beauty. Spanning approximately 56 square miles (146 square kilometers), the park showcases a harmonious blend of dense forests, rolling hills, and a network of rivers and lakes. The landscape is dominated by lush tropical vegetation, including ancient trees like ironwood, chukrasia, and sindora.

These towering trees form a dense canopy that shelters the park’s diverse ecosystems, while the undergrowth is a tapestry of ferns, orchids, and medicinal plants. Among its notable features is Song Muc Lake, a vast reservoir with 21 islets, adding a picturesque allure to the park. The lake’s serene waters mirror the surrounding greenery, offering visitors a tranquil escape into nature.

Bến En’s terrain is equally varied, ranging from lowland forests to hilly regions. This diversity supports an impressive array of wildlife. The park is home to over 1,400 species of flora and fauna, including several endangered and rare species. Key mammals such as the Asian black bear, sambar deer, and pangolins roam the forests, while smaller creatures like civets and macaques add to the ecological richness.

Bird enthusiasts will be captivated by the vibrant avian life, with species like the white-winged duck, crested serpent eagle, and various hornbills gracing the skies. The park’s biodiversity also extends to its aquatic life, with many fish species thriving in Song Muc Lake.

Visitors to Bến En National Park are drawn to its pristine environment and the range of activities it offers. Hiking through the dense forests allows visitors to immerse themselves in the park’s natural splendor, with trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints and quiet clearings. Boat trips on Song Muc Lake are particularly popular, providing a closer look at its many islets and a chance to observe wildlife along the shores.

Camping is another favorite activity, allowing visitors to experience the park’s nocturnal sounds and star-filled skies. For those interested in cultural experiences, the park is surrounded by ethnic minority communities, offering insights into local traditions and lifestyles.

Conservation is a cornerstone of Bến En’s management. The park has faced challenges such as illegal logging and poaching, threatening its delicate ecosystems. However, concerted efforts by park authorities and local communities have led to significant successes. Reforestation projects and strict anti-poaching measures have helped preserve its rich biodiversity, while ecotourism initiatives promote sustainable practices and provide economic benefits to nearby residents. Education and awareness campaigns further support these efforts, ensuring that visitors and locals alike understand the importance of protecting this natural treasure.

Park Map

Bến En National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Bến En National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with its forests and wetlands providing critical habitats for a variety of avian species. Here are some of the most popular birds found in the park:

Crested Serpent Eagle
This large raptor is easily recognizable by its broad wings and piercing calls. It is often seen soaring above the forest canopy, hunting for snakes and small mammals.

White-rumped Shama
A melodious songbird with a glossy black body, chestnut belly, and white rump, this bird is famous for its beautiful singing. It inhabits dense undergrowth and bamboo forests.

Rufous-necked Hornbill
A striking bird with a large bill and a rufous-orange neck, this hornbill is vital for seed dispersal in the park’s forest ecosystem.

Great Eared Nightjar
This nocturnal bird is known for its camouflage, blending perfectly with forest floors. It is active at night, feeding on flying insects.

Black-and-Red Broadbill
With its vivid plumage of black and red, this small bird is a visual delight. It builds unique hanging nests over water.

Asian Fairy Bluebird
A vibrant bird with iridescent blue feathers and bright red eyes, the Asian fairy bluebird is a fruit-eating species commonly seen in forested areas.

Green Peafowl
The endangered green peafowl, with its stunning iridescent plumage and long train, is a highlight of the park’s avifauna. It prefers open forest and grassland habitats.

Oriental Pied Hornbill
This medium-sized hornbill is distinguished by its white facial markings and long, curved bill. It is a frugivorous bird often spotted in pairs or small groups.

Scarlet Minivet
This small, vibrant bird displays bright scarlet and black plumage in males, while females have yellow and gray coloring. It moves in flocks, feeding on insects in the canopy.

Lesser Adjutant
A large stork species with a bare neck and head, the lesser adjutant frequents wetlands and open fields. It is often seen foraging for fish, frogs, and other small animals.