Lo Go Xa Mat National Park – How to Explore wild & Nature in 2023

Nestled near the Cambodian border in southern Vietnam, Lo Go Xa Mat National Park spans 200 square kilometers of dense forests, rolling hills, and meandering streams. This protected area is a haven for diverse plant and animal species, including rare and endangered wildlife such as the Asian elephant, Malayan sun bear, and Siamese crocodile.

For nature enthusiasts, the park offers hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting, with well-maintained trails leading through breathtaking landscapes. Campsites scattered across the park allow visitors to immerse themselves in nature, spending a night under the stars in this biodiverse sanctuary.

Find out about: Vietnam Birding Tours & National Park Tour

Fact: One interesting fact about Lo Go Xa Mat National Park is that it is home to the largest remaining intact area of lowland dipterocarp forest in Vietnam. This type of forest is characterized by its tall trees and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to the region. The park is also an important area for conservation efforts, with several rare and endangered species found within its borders.

Lo Go Xa Mat National Park is a must-visit for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Here are 9 highlights to look forward to:

1. Dipterocarp Forests: The park is known for its large, intact lowland dipterocarp forests, which are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species.
2. Wildlife Viewing: Visitors can spot many rare and endangered species in the park, including Asian elephants, sun bears, and Siamese crocodiles.
3. Birdwatching: With over 300 bird species recorded in the park, it is a popular destination for birdwatchers.
4. Hiking: The park offers several well-maintained trails that lead visitors through the forest and past some of the area’s most spectacular natural features.
5. Camping: There are several campsites located throughout the park, providing visitors with the opportunity to spend a night under the stars and experience the natural beauty of the area up close.
6. Waterfalls: The park is home to several stunning waterfalls, including the Lo Go waterfall, which is one of the tallest in Vietnam.
7. Lakes: Visitors can explore the park’s tranquil lakes, such as Crocodile Lake, which is home to several crocodiles.
8. Cultural Sites: The park is also home to several cultural sites, including a Cham tower and a Khmer temple.
9. Border Crossing: The park is located near the border with Cambodia, and visitors can cross the border into Cambodia at the nearby Moc Bai border gate.

Visit Lo Go Xa Mat National Park for wildlife.

Visitors to Lo Go Xa Mat National Park can embark on guided wildlife tours with experienced local guides or explore the scenic trails independently to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. To ensure the preservation of this rich ecosystem, visitors should respect park regulations and practice responsible wildlife viewing.

For nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, Lo Go Xa Mat offers an unforgettable experience, where the sights and sounds of the forest bring Vietnam’s biodiversity to life.

Tips

Visit Lo Go Xa Mat National Park

Visitors can visit Lo Go Xa Mat National Park for a variety of activities and experiences, including:

1. Wildlife Viewing – Encounter rare and endangered species like Asian elephants, sun bears, and Siamese crocodiles in their natural habitats.
2. Hiking – Explore well-maintained trails that lead through dense forests, rolling hills, and stunning landscapes.
3. Birdwatching – With over 300 bird species, the park is a paradise for birdwatchers.
4. Camping – Spend a night under the stars at designated campsites, immersing yourself in nature.
5. Waterfalls – Visit breathtaking waterfalls, including Lo Go Waterfall, one of Vietnam’s tallest.
6. Lakes – Discover Crocodile Lake, home to several crocodiles and a peaceful spot for wildlife observation.
7. Cultural Sites – Explore historical sites like a Cham tower and a Khmer temple within the park.
8. Border Crossing – Located near Moc Bai border gate, the park offers easy access for travelers heading into Cambodia.

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

Go with local guide

It’s simply the best way to see more wildlife, and not to get lost…

Local guides understand the park’s landscape and wildlife habits, helping you spot everything from hidden creatures to grand natural sights. Their trained eyes reveal details you might otherwise overlook. You’ll be amazed at what you might have walked right past without even noticing!

Visit on weekdays

Lo Go Xa Mat is Vietnam’s most visited national park, with 80% of visitors being local. It’s encouraging to see people connecting with their natural heritage, fostering awareness and conservation efforts.

For a quieter experience, visit on weekdays, as weekends and holidays can be busier. That said, wildlife here is accustomed to human presence, often making sightings easier than in less-visited reserves. And since hiking isn’t a local favorite, even on busy days, the deeper trails remain peaceful.

Plan a trip for Lo Go Xa Mat National Park

Do NOT feed the animals

Most people understand you should not feed the wildlife. In Lo Go Xa Mat, 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 Lo Go Xa Mat 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 Lo Go Xa Mat Np. 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 Lo Go Xa Mat National Park you can choose to stay.

What is there to see?

There are several amazing things to see in Lo Go Xa Mat National Park, including:

1. Wildlife: The park is home to a diverse range of rare and endangered species, including Asian elephants, Malayan sun bears, Siamese crocodiles, and many species of birds.
2. Waterfalls: The park has several beautiful waterfalls, including the Lo Go Waterfall, which is one of the tallest in Vietnam. Visitors can take a refreshing dip in the cool water or simply admire the breathtaking natural beauty.
3. Lakes: The park is home to several tranquil lakes, including Crocodile Lake, which is home to several crocodiles. Visitors can explore the lakes and surrounding forest, and take a relaxing boat ride.
4. Forests: The park’s dense forests are home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. Visitors can explore the forests on foot, or take a guided wildlife tour.
5. Cultural Sites: The park is home to several cultural sites, including a Cham tower and a Khmer temple. Visitors can learn about the area’s rich cultural heritage and explore these ancient structures.
6. Border Crossing: The park is located near the border with Cambodia, and visitors can cross the border into Cambodia at the nearby Moc Bai border gate

Other activities

In addition to wildlife viewing, hiking, birdwatching, camping, and visiting waterfalls, lakes, and cultural sites, there are several other activities visitors can enjoy in Lo Go Xa Mat National Park, including:

1. Cycling: Visitors can rent bicycles and explore the park’s many trails on two wheels. This is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the natural beauty of the park.
2. Photography: The park is a paradise for photographers, with stunning landscapes, amazing wildlife, and cultural sites providing endless opportunities for taking beautiful photos.
3. Fishing: Visitors can try their hand at fishing in the park’s lakes and rivers. Some of the fish species found in the park include catfish, carp, and snakehead fish.
4. Boating: Visitors can rent boats and explore the park’s tranquil lakes. This is a great way to relax and enjoy the peaceful natural environment.
5. Picnicking: There are several picnic areas located throughout the park, providing visitors with the opportunity to relax and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature.
6. Border Market: Visitors can explore the nearby border market, which offers a variety of local products and handicrafts. This is a great opportunity to experience the local culture and interact with the friendly locals

How to get to Lo Go Xa Mat National Park?

Lo Go Xa Mat National Park is located in the Tay Ninh province of Vietnam, near the border with Cambodia. Here are some ways to get to the park:

1. By car or motorbike: The park is approximately 150 km from Ho Chi Minh City, and it takes around 3 hours to drive there. Visitors can rent a car or motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City and drive to the park. It’s best to take the QL22 and QL785 highways.
2. By bus: There are several bus companies that offer services from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh city, which is the nearest city to the park. From Tay Ninh city, visitors can take a taxi or motorbike to the park. The journey takes around 4-5 hours.
3. By motorcycle taxi: Visitors can take a motorcycle taxi from Tay Ninh city to the park. This is a popular and affordable option, but visitors should negotiate the fare beforehand.
4. By private transfer: Visitors can arrange a private transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to the park through a travel agency. This is a more comfortable and convenient option, but it can be more expensive.

Once visitors arrive at the park, they can explore the area on foot or by renting a bicycle or motorbike from local vendors. It’s also possible to hire a local guide to explore the park’s wildlife and natural beauty

Weather & Climate in Lo Go Xa Mat National Park

Lo Go Xa Mat National Park is located in the southern part of Vietnam, and its weather and climate are affected by the tropical monsoon climate of the region. Here are some key features of the weather and climate in Lo Go Xa Mat National Park:

1. Temperature: The average temperature in the park is around 27°C (81°F). The hottest months are from April to June, with temperatures sometimes reaching up to 35°C (95°F). The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures sometimes dropping to 18°C (64°F).
2. Rainfall: The park receives most of its rainfall between May and November, with the heaviest rains occurring in August and September. During this time, the park can experience heavy downpours and occasional flooding. The dry season runs from December to April.
3. Humidity: The park is humid throughout the year, with humidity levels ranging from 70% to 90%.
4. Typhoons: The park is sometimes affected by typhoons, which can bring heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding. The typhoon season in Vietnam typically runs from July to November.

Visitors to Lo Go Xa Mat National Park should pack appropriate clothing for the weather, including lightweight clothing for hot and humid days, as well as rain gear for the wet season. It’s also important to stay hydrated and use sunscreen and insect repellent when exploring the park