Tam Đảo National Park

Tam Đảo Overview

Tam Đảo National Park, known locally as Vườn Quốc gia Tam Đảo, is a breathtaking protected area located in northern Vietnam. Spanning approximately 87.48 square miles (227 square kilometers), the park lies in the Tam Đảo mountain range, which stretches across the provinces of Vĩnh Phúc, Thái Nguyên, and Tuyên Quang.

Positioned just 43 miles (70 kilometers) north of Hanoi, Tam Đảo offers a cool, temperate escape from the tropical lowlands. Its name, meaning “Three Islands,” refers to three prominent mountain peaks that rise dramatically above the forest canopy, creating a striking visual identity for the region.

The terrain of Tam Đảo National Park is defined by steep slopes, dense forest cover, and a rugged mountainous landscape. The highest peak, Mount Tam Đảo, reaches 5,866 feet (1,785 meters) and is often shrouded in mist, lending the park an ethereal quality. Streams and waterfalls punctuate the lush greenery, with the Silver Waterfall (Thác Bạc) being one of the most famous and accessible cascades.

The park’s vegetation ranges from subtropical to temperate, with an array of evergreen forests, bamboo groves, and montane shrubs. Over 1,400 plant species have been identified within the park, including rare orchids and medicinal plants, making it a botanist’s paradise.

Wildlife enthusiasts will find Tam Đảo National Park teeming with biodiversity. The park is home to over 840 animal species, including 239 bird species and 64 mammal species. Key mammals include the Asiatic black bear, the clouded leopard, and the Tam Đảo salamander, an endemic amphibian.

Birdwatchers are drawn to the vibrant populations of colorful species such as the red-vented barbet, silver pheasant, and laughing thrushes. Butterflies flutter through the forest in a dazzling array of colors, enhancing the park’s vibrant ecosystem.

Among the park’s popular features is the Tam Đảo Hill Town, a charming area offering panoramic views, colonial-era architecture, and cool, refreshing air. Visitors also enjoy trekking to viewpoints like Heaven’s Gate (Cổng Trời), exploring ancient temples like Tây Thiên, or embarking on birdwatching and wildlife tours led by local guides. The park’s trails cater to all levels, ranging from leisurely walks to challenging hikes, with each journey revealing unique flora, fauna, and vistas.

Tam Đảo faces significant conservation challenges, including habitat loss from illegal logging, poaching, and human encroachment. However, concerted efforts by park authorities and conservation organizations have made strides in preserving this biodiverse haven. Awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of protective regulations have contributed to safeguarding endangered species and reducing threats to the environment.

Park Map

Tam Đảo National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Tam Đảo National Park, located in northern Vietnam, is a haven for biodiversity, boasting a wide array of fauna that thrives in its lush forests and mountainous terrain. The park is especially known for its rich population of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Here are some of the more popular species you might encounter in Tam Đảo National Park:

Indochinese Tiger
This majestic big cat is a rare sight in Tam Đảo. The Indochinese tiger is an apex predator, known for its strength, agility, and distinctive orange coat with black stripes, which helps it blend into the dense forest.

Clouded Leopard
The elusive clouded leopard is another marvel of Tam Đảo. Its beautifully patterned coat and arboreal nature make it an expert at navigating the park’s dense forest canopies.

Asiatic Black Bear
Commonly called the “moon bear” due to the white crescent marking on its chest, the Asiatic black bear roams the park’s forests, foraging for fruits, insects, and honey.

Southern Serow
This agile, goat-like animal is known for its rugged appearance and ability to scale steep rocky terrains. It is a symbol of resilience in Tam Đảo’s mountainous environment.

Asian Small-Clawed Otter
The smallest otter species in the world, this playful mammal can often be spotted near streams and rivers, hunting fish and crustaceans.

King Cobra
The king cobra, one of the most venomous snakes in the world, is a notable reptile in Tam Đảo. It plays an essential role in the ecosystem by preying on other snakes and rodents.

Tam Đảo Salamander
Endemic to this region, the Tam Đảo salamander is a rare and brightly colored amphibian that thrives in the park’s cool, moist habitats.

Asian Golden Cat
This medium-sized feline is known for its diverse coat colors, ranging from golden to dark brown. It is a solitary and secretive animal of Tam Đảo.

Burmese Python
A giant constrictor, the Burmese python inhabits the park’s wetlands and forests, where it preys on small mammals and birds.

Crested Porcupine
This nocturnal rodent is distinguished by its long, sharp quills, which it uses as a defense mechanism against predators.

Birds

Tam Đảo National Park is also renowned for its diverse birdlife, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The park is home to both resident and migratory species, many of which are rare and colorful. Here are ten of the more popular bird species found in the park:

Blue-Naped Pitta
A strikingly beautiful bird with a bright green body, blue nape, and orange underparts, this pitta is a shy ground-dweller that thrives in the dense undergrowth.

Bar-Backed Partridge
This partridge is known for its distinctive barred pattern on its back and its melodious calls echoing through the forest.

White-Browed Scimitar Babbler
With its curved bill and white eyebrow marking, this babbler is a highly social species often found in noisy flocks.

Silver Pheasant
A symbol of elegance, the silver pheasant features striking silver and black plumage in males, while females are more subdued in color.

Sultan Tit
A small but vibrant bird, the sultan tit is distinguished by its yellow crest and contrasting black body. It is often seen foraging in mixed-species flocks.

Rufous-Throated Partridge
This bird is recognized by its reddish throat and finely barred flanks. It typically inhabits the park’s lower montane forests.

Black-Breasted Thrush
The black-breasted thrush is a striking bird with a black head, breast, and bright orange underparts, often spotted in the park’s forest clearings.

Mountain Bamboo Partridge
As its name suggests, this partridge prefers bamboo-rich habitats and is known for its cryptic plumage that blends well with the forest floor.

White-Crested Laughingthrush
This highly social bird is famous for its loud, raucous calls and distinctive white crest, often found in flocks throughout the park.

Red-Headed Trogon
With its vivid red body, green back, and patterned wings, the red-headed trogon is one of the most colorful birds in Tam Đảo. It is typically found in forested areas.