Dong Nai is located on the south of Vietnam. It is surrounded by Lam Dong in the north, Binh Thuan in the east, Ba Ria - Vung Tau in the south, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc and Ho Chi Minh City in the west.
CLIMATE
There are two seasons: the rainy season lasts from May to October and the dry season lasts from November to April next year. The annual average temperature varies between 25.4 and 27.2ºC.
TRANSPORTATION
Bien Hoa City is 30km from Ho Chi Minh City, 1,684km from Hanoi following National Highway No.1A. It also is 278km from Da Lat, 95km from Vung Tau, 198km from Can Tho. The Thong Nhat Express Train connecting Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, stops at Bien Hoa.
Dong Nai has a convenient transportation system with many arterial roads passing as National Highway 1A, Highway 20, Highway 51; North-South railway; nears the Saigon Port, Tan Son Nhat International Airport … so it is very convenient for visitors to come here.
By public transport
From the nearby provinces, you can buy bus tickets to Dong Nai in the bus station of each province. Dong Nai is quite large, so it is necessary to schedule a visit before deciding to buy tickets to the city or district of this province.
From the distant provinces, you can buy airfare to Saigon, then use a coach, bus or taxi to travel to each location.
Particularly, there is a gas station in Bien Hoa city.
By private vehicles
If you’re come from the neighboring provinces, you can go to Dong Nai on the highways by motorbike or car. When traveling in the territory of Dong Nai province, you have to strictly comply with prescribed speed (there are many speed test points).
BEST ATTRACTIONS
1.Cat Tien National Park
Cat Tien National Park is known for its beauty and diversity, which explains why it’s on the bucket list of most travelers. The park offers an amazing opportunity to explore the great outdoors. Trekking is the most common activity for tourists who want to see the vibrant wildlife.
As far as trekking the Cat Tien National Park goes, you have two options. The first is to visit the Crocodile Lake, and the second is to trek along a short trail leading up to a unique habitat that’s home to diverse wildlife and ancient trees over a hundred years old. When you’re tired, you can book lodgings at the Cat Tien Farmstay, which is only two kilometers away from the Cat Tien National park.
2. Long Thanh Golf Club
The Long Thanh Golf Club was designed and engineered by experienced architects from the world-renowned architecture firm Golf Plan. It’s spread out over 350 hectares of lush foliage in the Phước Tân Village at a distance of about 36 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. The club is famous for its 36-hole golf course, restaurants, central clubhouse, driving range, and luxurious villas.
Moreover, each hole has its characteristic shape, which is challenging and engaging for both professional and amateur golfers alike.
The golf club is maintained in pristine condition throughout the year. Its large, undulating greens and rolling fairways make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. In 2013 Long Thanh Golf Club was voted as the recipient of the “Best Courses in Vietnam” by the Asian Golf Magazine, for its unique combination of modern equipment, helpful staff, and excellent golfing conditions.
3. Suối Mơ Park
Suối Mơ Park is widely believed to be the most popular picnic destination for tourists. It’s described as a paradise thanks to the flowing water from underground valleys surrounded by a natural environment. You can partake in a range of activities such as camping, photography, bathing, and team-building games.
Besides, the park has access to an amazing range of local restaurants that give you a taste of Vietnamese cuisine.
To get to the park, you can take a bike from the city center and head towards the National Road 1 to Dầu Giây Junction. Now, take a turn to the left into National Road 20, travel 48 kilometers and when you arrive at column 48 at Định Quán Peoples Committee, travel another 700m, take a right turn, and go straight into Suối Mơ.
4. Bửu Long Tourist area
Kick-off your tour of Đồng Nai by enjoying the best ecotourism experience in Vietnam at the Buu Long Tourist Area. Although Vietnam is largely focused on the development and use of ultra-modern metropolises, Buu Long offers you an escape from the bustling city life.
An interesting place to visit is Long An Lake in Bửu Long. It’s surrounded by tall cliffs, unique architectural buildings, and sidewinding rivers mixed in with the lush greenery of the grass. There’s a mountain standing in defiance right next to the resort, which makes the entire place looks so candid that it seems as though you’ve walked right into a postcard picture.
Here, you can relax in front of vast lakes or take a boat ride around. Even if you’re not engaging in either of these activities, you can take a stroll around the small mountain lakes. If you were to travel up the mountain, you’ll be able to see the entire city of Bien Hoa in Đồng Nai. Each corner of Buu Long promotes the conservation of Vietnamese ecosystems, culture, wildlife, and community.
5. Thac Mai
Thac Mai is known for its stunning natural hot water springs. There is a lot of potential for waterfall tourism here because the mere sight of the water is enough to add to your experience. You can find clean water baths that the whole family will enjoy. Do keep in mind that the temperature may get a little too at times, which can end up temporarily reddening the skin. It’s best to take breaks after 20 minutes or so.
6. The Chứa Chan Mountain
For the best views, head towards the Núi Chứa Chan Mountain. Nui is Vietnamese for ‘mountain’. It’s a landscape filled with natural sceneries of ancient pagodas and vast lakes that routinely attract thousands of visitors every year. The Núi Chứa Chan is 800 meters above sea level, making it the second-highest mountain in the southern area.
It has gained notoriety for a special pagoda called Buu-Quang that lies at its peak. There you’ll find a strange banyan tree with three roots planted in the mountain’s middle. To get to the mountain you’ll need to arrange your own transportation since the local buses will only take you to the nearby Long Khanh District. We recommend hiring a local guide to help you get here. Or if you’re comfortable enough, rent a motorbike to get there faster. You can also stop on the way for cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee) catch a break.
Once you get to the mountain, prepare for an experience like no other. The locals here live in an elevated neighborhood alongside a paved path to help tourists trek up the jagged, bushy terrain. On your journey to the peak of the mountain, you will see a lot of souvenir shops and small restaurants to rest at. If at all possible, bring a tour guide with you.
Source: Collection and Internet
