Phước Bình National Park

Phước Bình Overview

Phước Bình National Park, known locally as “Vườn quốc gia Phước Bình,” is a remarkable protected area in Vietnam. Spanning approximately 95 square miles (246 square kilometers), it is located in Ninh Thuận Province, within the south-central region of the country.

Nestled in the foothills of the Annamite Mountains, the park is characterized by its rugged terrain, lush forests, and unique biodiversity. Its position in the transitional zone between the Truong Son Mountain Range and coastal lowlands makes it a hotspot for ecological diversity and natural beauty.

The landscapes of Phước Bình National Park range from rolling hills and steep mountains to verdant valleys and clear rivers. The highest peak within the park is Núi Chúa (Mount Chua), which rises to an elevation of 1,378 meters (4,521 feet). Rivers like the Tà Lâm and Đa Nhim carve through the terrain, creating picturesque waterfalls and serene swimming spots.

The park’s dense vegetation includes evergreen forests, mixed deciduous woodlands, and unique tropical flora. This diverse plant life is vital for the park’s ecosystem, providing habitats for its extraordinary wildlife.

Phước Bình is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with an impressive array of species to observe. The park is home to several rare and endangered mammals, such as the gaur (Bos gaurus), the yellow-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus gabriellae), and the Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica).

Birdwatchers will be delighted by sightings of vibrant species like the great hornbill (Buceros bicornis), the crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela), and the endangered green peafowl (Pavo muticus). The park’s biodiversity extends to reptiles, amphibians, and insects, further highlighting its ecological importance.

One of the park’s most popular features is the Phước Bình Waterfall, where visitors can marvel at cascading waters and enjoy the serene ambiance. Cultural tourism also plays a significant role, with local ethnic communities like the Churu and Raglai offering insight into their traditional ways of life through homestays, crafts, and performances. Trekking, birdwatching, and guided wildlife tours are among the leading activities for visitors, allowing them to immerse themselves in the park’s natural and cultural wonders.

Conservation efforts in Phước Bình National Park have achieved notable successes, particularly in combating deforestation and protecting endangered species. The park’s management collaborates with local communities to promote sustainable practices, reducing human impact on the environment. However, challenges such as illegal logging, poaching, and climate change continue to pose threats to the park’s delicate ecosystems. Despite these difficulties, Phước Bình remains a shining example of Vietnam’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage for future generations.

Park Map

Phước Bình National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Phước Bình National Park, located in the Ninh Thuận province of Vietnam, is known for its lush landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife. This park serves as a critical refuge for several unique and threatened animal species, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of Southeast Asia. Below are some of the popular animal species found in the park:

Gaur (Bos gaurus)
Also known as the Indian bison, the gaur is the largest wild cattle species. It has a muscular build, dark brown coat, and white lower legs. These shy herbivores are often spotted grazing in the park’s grasslands.

Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus)
This small bear species, with its short black fur and distinctive orange or cream-colored chest patch, is a skilled climber and forages for fruits, insects, and honey in the park’s dense forests.

Marbled Cat (Pardofelis marmorata)
Rare and elusive, this small wild cat has a beautifully patterned coat with marbled spots. It is an agile climber, living in the park’s tropical and subtropical forests.

Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis)
Slightly larger than a domestic cat, the leopard cat has a sleek spotted coat. It is nocturnal and feeds on small mammals and birds in the park’s habitats.

Asian Golden Cat (Catopuma temminckii)
This medium-sized feline has a plain, golden-brown coat. Adaptable to various environments, it is a solitary predator that roams the park’s forested areas.

Pangolin (Manis spp.)
Known for their protective keratin scales, pangolins are nocturnal mammals that feed on ants and termites. These fascinating creatures are unfortunately endangered due to illegal hunting.

Slow Loris (Nycticebus spp.)
With their large eyes adapted for night vision, slow lorises are arboreal primates that move deliberately through the trees. They feed on fruits, tree sap, and small insects.

Southern Serow (Capricornis sumatraensis)
This goat-antelope species is known for its thick fur and curved horns. It inhabits rocky hills and forested slopes, foraging on shrubs and grasses.

Malayan Porcupine (Hystrix brachyura)
A nocturnal rodent with sharp quills for defense, the Malayan porcupine feeds on roots, fruits, and small plants, often seen in the park’s lowland forests.

Indochinese Box Turtle (Cuora galbinifrons)
This critically endangered turtle species has a dome-shaped shell with vibrant patterns. It inhabits freshwater streams and forested areas within the park.

Birds

Phước Bình National Park is also home to an impressive array of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Below are some of the popular bird species found in the park:

Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis)
This large bird is recognized by its black and white plumage and massive, curved bill with a casque on top. It plays an essential role in seed dispersal within the park’s forests.

Chestnut-headed Bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti)
A colorful bird with bright green wings, a chestnut head, and a blue throat. It is often seen catching insects in flight near open forest areas.

Asian Fairy Bluebird (Irena puella)
This striking bird has vibrant blue feathers and red eyes. It inhabits the park’s dense forests, feeding on fruits and insects.

Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela)
A medium-sized raptor with a bold crest, this eagle is often spotted soaring over the forest canopy, hunting for reptiles and small mammals.

White-rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus)
A small, melodious songbird with glossy black feathers and a white rump. It thrives in the undergrowth of the park’s forests.

Scarlet Minivet (Pericrocotus speciosus)
A vividly colored bird, the male has bright red and black plumage, while the female is yellow and grey. They are social and often seen in small flocks.

Bar-bellied Pitta (Hydrornis elliotii)
This shy, ground-dwelling bird is known for its bright plumage with green, yellow, and blue hues. It inhabits the park’s dense undergrowth.

Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus)
The ancestor of domestic chickens, this wild bird has colorful plumage with a mix of reds, golds, and greens. It roams the park’s forested areas.

Silver-breasted Broadbill (Serilophus lunatus)
A bird with a unique, rounded body and a combination of silver, blue, and black feathers. It often builds hanging nests in the park’s forests.

Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris)
This smaller hornbill species is easily recognizable by its black and white plumage and prominent casque. It feeds on fruits, insects, and small reptiles in the park’s trees.