Chu Mom Ray National Park – How to Explore wild & Nature in 2023

Chu Mom Ray Wildlife guide – update 2023

Chu Mom Ray National Park is a protected natural area located in the Kon Tum Province of Vietnam. The park covers an area of over 56,000 hectares and is named after the Chu Mom Ray mountain range, which dominates the landscape. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many rare and endangered species.

Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities, such as hiking, camping, bird watching, and wildlife spotting. There are also several picturesque waterfalls and lakes within the park, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The park is also home to several ethnic minority communities, including the Xe Dang, Ba Na, and Gie Trieng. Visitors can learn about their traditional way of life and cultural practices through community-based tourism activities.

Chu Mom Ray National Park is a unique and ecologically important area, known for its stunning natural beauty and cultural diversity.

Find out about: Vietnam Birding Tours & National Park Tour

Fact: One interesting fact about Chu Mom Ray National Park is that it is home to the largest volcanic cave system in Southeast Asia. The cave system, known as Krong No, is over 30 kilometers long and features a complex network of tunnels and underground rivers. The cave system was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago and is considered a significant geological and natural wonder of Vietnam. The cave is not open for general tourism due to its fragile ecosystem, but visitors can explore a small section of the cave with a local guide.

Chu Mom Ray is a must-visit for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Here are 9 highlights to look forward to:

Here are 9 more highlights for wildlife and nature enthusiasts to look forward to in Chu Mom Ray National Park:

1. Rare Species: Chu Mom Ray National Park is home to a wide variety of rare and endangered species, including the Indochinese tiger, the Asian black bear, the clouded leopard, and the sun bear. Visitors may have the opportunity to see some of these elusive animals in their natural habitat.
2. Birdwatching: The park is home to over 300 species of birds, including several endemic species. Visitors can go birdwatching and spot birds such as the grey-crowned crocias, the black-headed parrotbill, and the Annam Prinia.
3. Trekking: The national park offers a variety of trekking trails for visitors to explore. The trails take visitors through lush forests, past waterfalls, and up to mountaintops for breathtaking views.
4. Camping: There are several campsites in the park where visitors can spend the night surrounded by nature. Camping is a great way to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the park and listen to the sounds of the forest at night.
5. Rafting: The Sesan River, which runs through the national park, is a popular spot for rafting. Visitors can take a rafting tour and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river.
6. Mountain Biking: The park’s rugged terrain is perfect for mountain biking. Visitors can rent a bike and explore the park’s trails and roads.
7. Ethnic Minority Culture: Chu Mom Ray National Park is home to several ethnic minority groups, including the Ba Na, E De, and Gia Rai people. Visitors can learn about the local culture and customs by visiting these villages and interacting with the locals.
8. Waterfalls: The national park is home to several stunning waterfalls, including Krong Kmar Waterfall, Chu Pah Waterfall, and Dao Duy Tu Waterfall. Visitors can hike to these waterfalls and enjoy a refreshing swim in the pools at the base.
9. Flora: The park is home to a wide variety of flora, including several endemic species. Visitors can see beautiful orchids, rhododendrons, and magnolias while exploring the park’s trails

Visit Chu Mom Ray for wildlife.

Chu Mom Ray National Park is a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Here are some highlights to look forward to on a wildlife-focused visit to the park:

1. Indochinese Tiger: The park is home to one of the largest populations of Indochinese tigers in Vietnam. Although sightings are rare, visitors may have the opportunity to spot one of these majestic big cats in their natural habitat.
2. Asian Black Bear: The Asian black bear is another elusive species that can be found in the park. Visitors may spot them foraging for food in the forest.
3. Gibbons: Several species of gibbons, including the endangered northern white-cheeked gibbon, can be found in the park. Visitors can listen to their distinctive calls echoing through the forest.
4. Langurs: The park is home to several species of langurs, including the douc langur and the black-shanked douc. These primates can often be seen swinging through the trees and feeding on leaves and fruit.
5. Birds: Chu Mom Ray National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 300 species of birds recorded in the park. Visitors can spot rare species such as the grey-crowned crocias, the black-headed parrotbill, and the Annam barbet.
6. Reptiles: The park is home to several species of reptiles, including the king cobra, the green pit viper, and the Malayan water monitor.
7. Insects: Chu Mom Ray is also home to a diverse array of insects, including several species of butterflies and moths.
8. Night Safari: Visitors can participate in a guided night safari to observe the park’s nocturnal animals, such as civets, porcupines, and slow lorises.
9. Wildlife Conservation: The park is actively involved in wildlife conservation efforts, including habitat restoration, anti-poaching patrols, and community education programs. Visitors can learn about these efforts and support them through responsible tourism practices

Tips

Visit Chu Mom Ray

Chu Mom Ray National Park is a beautiful destination located in the Kon Tum Province of Vietnam, and is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here are some highlights of the park and tips for your visit:

1. Trekking: The park offers a range of trekking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, that take you through lush forests, past waterfalls and up to mountaintops for spectacular views. The trails are well-marked and guided tours are available for those who prefer a more structured experience.
2. Camping: There are several campsites in the park where visitors can spend the night surrounded by nature. Camping is a great way to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the park and listen to the sounds of the forest at night.
3. Wildlife Watching: Chu Mom Ray is home to a variety of rare and endangered species, including Indochinese tigers, Asian black bears, gibbons, langurs, and several species of birds. Visitors may have the opportunity to see some of these animals in their natural habitat while trekking or participating in a night safari.
4. Waterfalls: The park is home to several stunning waterfalls, including Krong Kmar Waterfall, Chu Pah Waterfall, and Dao Duy Tu Waterfall. Visitors can hike to these waterfalls and enjoy a refreshing swim in the pools at the base.
5. Ethnic Minority Culture: Chu Mom Ray National Park is also home to several ethnic minority groups, including the Ba Na, E De, and Gia Rai people. Visitors can learn about the local culture and customs by visiting these villages and interacting with the locals.
6. Mountain Biking: The park’s rugged terrain is perfect for mountain biking. Visitors can rent a bike and explore the park’s trails and roads.
7. Rafting: The Sesan River, which runs through the park, is a popular spot for rafting. Visitors can take a rafting tour and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river.
8. Flora: The park is home to a wide variety of flora, including several endemic species. Visitors can see beautiful orchids, rhododendrons, and magnolias while exploring the park’s trails.
9. Weather: The best time to visit Chu Mom Ray is from November to April, when the weather is dry and cool. The rainy season is from May to October, and the park can be difficult to access during this time

There is no ATM here so its better that take cash with you

Go with local guide

We don’t tell you this to sell more tours, but simply because it’s the best way to see more wildlife.

And not to get lost…

The local guides know the park from the inside out and know where the animals often forage. More importantly, the guides have well-trained eyes that will help you to discover everything from the smallest to the largest wonders of Chu Mom Ray national park. You will be surprised what you would have walked past without noticing had you been visiting on your own!

Visit on weekdays

Chu Mom Ray national park is Vietnam’s most popular national park. 80% of the visitors in Chu Mom Ray are Vietnamese. It is great to see that locals are enjoying their own nature parks, which will only make them more aware of what still survives there. And hopefully helps in the protection of these wonderful places. But you might be looking for a place to get away from your busy daily life.

Try to avoid weekends and national holidays. If your planning only allows a visit on the weekend, it is definitely still worth visiting. But you will have to share the roads and the main attractions like the trails with many locals.

Like in other parks around the world with high visitor numbers, wildlife has learned that people are not to be feared. That’s why the popular parks often offer better wildlife observation opportunities than nature reserves with very low visitor numbers and therefore often bigger problems with poaching. The good news is that generally speaking, Vietnamese do not really like walking. Even less when it is in a jungle. So, even on busy weekends, you might still have the forest to yourself.

Do NOT feed the animals

Most people understand you should not feed the wildlife. In Chu Mom Ray, the wildlife is quite shy but if you find some young macaque or mammals “DON’T FEED THEM”

Feeding wild animals can significantly change their behavior. Feeding or leaving unattended food to large animals, such as bears, can lead them to aggressively seek out food from people, sometimes resulting in injury. Feeding can also alter animal behavior so that animals routinely travel in larger groups, which can make disease transmission between animals more likely.

Bring a Outdoor clothings

Most of the time in Chu Mom Ray quite humid and hot, you should prepare suitable clothing and suncream

Bring a compass

This really only applies if you are visiting without a guide. Even though there has been some improvement on the more popular trails, still some trails in there are not well-marked. And besides that, there are no good trail maps available. Often (wildlife) trails branch off the original tourist trails and might cause confusion.

All people we have met who thought they had a good sense of direction, get totally disoriented in these jungles. It is easy when following e.g., a river. But once you get into the continuous forest it is really hard. Even the most basic map can help you if you bring a compass. Study the map before you start the trek.

If you do get lost, and know there is a road to the east that cuts through the entire park, a compass will help you find it. Without it, you are completely lost and will rely mostly on luck!

A compass and some basic study of the area/map would have solved this situation. Phone signal has improved a bit in recent years. But still, once you are deeper in the jungle, you won’t be able to call for help. With an analog compass, you do not rely on battery life.

The souvenir shop in the park at the visitor center might have cheap compasses in stock. But to be sure, better bring one from home or buy it before you enter the park, and test if it indeed points in the right direction…

Park restaurants close early?

Where you eat will largely depend upon where you stay as you’re likely to eat most of your meals dinner at least at your hotel or guesthouse. If you are out and about in the national park, you can eat at one of the restaurants at HQ. The Restaurant is located next to the information center and is a better option than Dipterocarpus doesn’t ask in terms of food and surroundings.

The menu consists of reasonably priced Vietnamese rice, noodle, meat, and fish dishes – expect to pay around 150,000 VND for a dinner of stir-fried chicken, rice, and a vegetable side with a drink, less if you just want noodles or a stir-fried rice.

Buy leech socks and insect repellent

On our tours, we provide leech socks when necessary, but if you’re visiting the park on your own and plan on trekking in the jungle, especially in the months of Jun to October, buy a pair of leech socks and insect repellent in the souvenir shop in the park.

And wear long pants that you can tuck into these leech socks. You will probably regret wearing shorts.It sounds more scary than it is, leeches are small worm-like creatures of 1 to 3 cm long. They don’t transmit diseases. Though there have been some unusual cases of hookworm entering the bite site.

This is not scary either and definitely not common. But if you start to notice a strong itch a couple days after and see a red trail meandering just below your skin starting from the leech bite site, then it is wise to either take deworm medication or freeze it with nitrogen ice or the freeze spray used for sports injuries.

The leech bite does not hurt, usually, you don’t feel anything at all. The only ‘problem’ with leeches is that if they attach long enough, more than 30 seconds or so, they will inject anticoagulant. When you remove them afterward, they will keep bleeding for quite a while. So, getting blood stains on your clothing is the only real trouble.

For some people, just the idea of being ‘attacked’ by leeches is the biggest issue Lol.

Accommodations

Traveling to Chu Mom Ray you will not have to worry about the accommodation to stay overnight. There are many options for you to choose from, from the homestay to the resort. Below are some options for accommodation in Chu Mom Ray National Park you can choose to stay.

What is there to see?

Chu Mom Ray National Park is a beautiful destination located in the Kon Tum Province of Vietnam, and there are many things to see and explore. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Waterfalls: The park is home to several stunning waterfalls, including Krong Kmar Waterfall, Chu Pah Waterfall, and Dao Duy Tu Waterfall. Visitors can hike to these waterfalls and enjoy a refreshing swim in the pools at the base.
2. Wildlife: The park is home to a variety of rare and endangered species, including Indochinese tigers, Asian black bears, gibbons, langurs, and several species of birds. Visitors may have the opportunity to see some of these animals in their natural habitat while trekking or participating in a night safari.
3. Trekking: The park offers a range of trekking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, that take you through lush forests, past waterfalls and up to mountaintops for spectacular views. The trails are well-marked and guided tours are available for those who prefer a more structured experience.
4. Ethnic Minority Culture: Chu Mom Ray National Park is also home to several ethnic minority groups, including the Ba Na, E De, and Gia Rai people. Visitors can learn about the local culture and customs by visiting these villages and interacting with the locals.
5. Flora: The park is home to a wide variety of flora, including several endemic species. Visitors can see beautiful orchids, rhododendrons, and magnolias while exploring the park’s trails.
6. Mountain Biking: The park’s rugged terrain is perfect for mountain biking. Visitors can rent a bike and explore the park’s trails and roads.
7. Rafting: The Sesan River, which runs through the park, is a popular spot for rafting. Visitors can take a rafting tour and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river.
8. Night Safari: Visitors can participate in a guided night safari to observe the park’s nocturnal animals, such as civets, porcupines, and slow lorises.
9. Camping: There are several campsites in the park where visitors can spend the night surrounded by nature. Camping is a great way to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the park and listen to the sounds of the forest at night.

Other activities

In addition to the highlights mentioned earlier, there are several other activities to enjoy in Chu Mom Ray National Park:

1. Photography: With its breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife, Chu Mom Ray National Park is a paradise for photographers. Visitors can capture stunning images of waterfalls, wildlife, mountains, and local people.
2. Bird Watching: The park is home to over 300 bird species, including several rare and endangered ones. Visitors can go bird watching to observe these feathered creatures in their natural habitat.
3. Fishing: The Sesan River is also a great spot for fishing. Visitors can rent fishing gear and try their luck at catching fish like catfish, carp, and snakehead.
4. Kayaking: The park’s rivers and streams offer opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Visitors can rent kayaks and explore the park’s waterways while taking in the surrounding scenery.
5. Sightseeing: Visitors can also explore the nearby attractions, such as the Kon Tum Museum, Dak To Hot Springs, and the nearby villages. These places offer insights into the local culture, history, and traditions.
6. Relaxation: The park’s tranquil environment makes it an ideal place for relaxation. Visitors can unwind by taking a dip in the river, meditating in the forest, or simply enjoying the fresh air and peaceful surroundings.

How to get to Chu Mom Ray National Park?

Chu Mom Ray National Park is located in the Kon Tum Province of Vietnam and can be reached by various means of transportation. Here are some options:

1. By Air: The nearest airport is Pleiku Airport, which is about 40 kilometers away from Kon Tum City. From there, visitors can take a taxi or hire a car to reach the national park.
2. By Bus: Visitors can take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Hanoi to Kon Tum City. There are several bus companies that operate on this route, such as Phuong Trang, Hanh Cafe, and Mai Linh. From Kon Tum City, visitors can hire a taxi or rent a motorbike to reach the park.
3. By Motorbike: Renting a motorbike is a popular option for visitors who want to explore the park on their own. There are several rental shops in Kon Tum City, and visitors can rent a bike for a reasonable price.
4. By Car: Visitors can also hire a car with a driver to reach the park. This option is more expensive than the other options, but it provides more comfort and convenience.

Once visitors reach the park, they can hire a local guide to help them explore the park’s trails and attractions. It’s important to note that the roads in the park can be narrow and steep, so it’s recommended to hire a guide or use a four-wheel drive vehicle to ensure a safe and comfortable journey

Weather & Climate in Chu Mom Ray National Park

Chu Mom Ray National Park is located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, and the weather in the region is characterized by a tropical highland climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.

The dry season in the park lasts from November to April, and the temperature during this time ranges from 18°C to 28°C. This is the best time to visit the park, as the weather is pleasant and the trails are dry and easy to hike.

The rainy season in the park lasts from May to October, and the temperature during this time ranges from 20°C to 30°C. The park receives heavy rainfall during this season, and the trails can become muddy and slippery. However, the rainy season brings lush greenery and a surge in the park’s waterfalls and streams, making it a beautiful time to visit.

Overall, visitors should be prepared for the park’s climate by packing appropriate clothing and gear for the season they plan to visit. It’s also a good idea to check the weather forecast before heading to the park, especially during the rainy season, to avoid any potential weather-related hazards.

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