About
Pù Mát National Park (Vietnamese: Vườn Quốc gia Pù Mát) is located in Nghệ An Province in north-central Vietnam near the border with Laos. Established as a national park in 2001, the park covers approximately 351 square miles (911 sq km) and forms the core zone of the Western Nghệ An Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized conservation area.
Nestled within the Annamite Mountains, Pù Mát protects one of the largest remaining tracts of tropical forest in Vietnam and serves as a critical refuge for many rare and endangered species. The park’s name derives from Pù Mát Mountain, whose peak rises to approximately 6,020 feet (1,837 m).
The park is best known for its pristine forests, exceptional biodiversity, and remote wilderness. Visitors are drawn to its rugged mountain scenery, waterfalls, caves, and opportunities to experience one of Vietnam’s most intact forest ecosystems. The scenic Giăng River flows through portions of the park, offering boat excursions that provide access to otherwise remote areas.
Popular attractions include Khe Kèm Waterfall, a spectacular cascade plunging nearly 500 feet (150 m) through the forest, and traditional villages inhabited by ethnic Thai communities who have lived alongside these forests for generations. The combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes Pù Mát one of Vietnam’s most rewarding ecotourism destinations.
Geographically, Pù Mát National Park is characterized by steep mountain ranges, deep valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and dense evergreen forests. Elevations range from approximately 330 feet (100 m) in river valleys to more than 6,000 feet (1,800 m) on mountain summits. The varied terrain creates a wide range of habitats and microclimates.
Evergreen broadleaf forests dominate much of the landscape, while higher elevations support montane forests and cloud forest environments. Numerous rivers and streams originate within the park, making it an important watershed for the region and supporting a rich diversity of plant and animal life.
Wildlife within Pù Mát National Park is among the most diverse in Vietnam. More than 130 mammal species have been recorded, including Asian elephants, gaur, sun bears, clouded leopards, Asiatic black bears, and several species of deer. The park is part of the globally significant Annamite biodiversity hotspot and provides habitat for rare species such as the saola, one of the world’s most elusive large mammals.
Primates include white-cheeked gibbons, langurs, and macaques. Birdlife is exceptionally rich, with more than 300 species recorded, including hornbills, pheasants, broadbills, kingfishers, and many endemic Annamite species. Reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and thousands of plant species further contribute to the park’s remarkable biodiversity.
Pù Mát National Park plays a crucial role in conserving one of Southeast Asia’s most important forest ecosystems. The park protects critical habitat for endangered wildlife, preserves major watersheds, and helps maintain ecological connectivity across the Annamite Mountains between Vietnam and Laos.
Its conservation significance is often compared to Bach Ma National Park and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park because of its biodiversity, mountain landscapes, and conservation importance. Through its ancient forests, rare wildlife, dramatic waterfalls, and cultural heritage, Pù Mát National Park stands as one of Vietnam’s most valuable protected areas and a vital sanctuary for the natural heritage of the Annamite region.
