Our adventure began early, with a 6:00 a.m. bus ride from Saigon. The cool morning air and the quiet streets set the perfect mood as we headed towards Nam Cát Tiên, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful and biologically rich national parks. After a comfortable journey, we arrived around 9:30 a.m., greeted by the lush greenery that surrounds the area.
Nam Cát Tiên, located in southern Vietnam, is part of the larger Cát Tiên National Park. It’s famous for its rich biodiversity, dense jungles, rare wildlife, and unique landscapes. The park is home to various species of birds, mammals, and reptiles, many of which are endangered. As we entered the park, we knew we were stepping into a sanctuary for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventurers alike.
After a hearty breakfast, we mounted our bikes for a scenic 9-kilometer ride along the jungle trail. The sound of the jungle surrounded us as we pedaled through, spotting monkeys leaping between trees and deer grazing peacefully in the distance. The ride was breathtaking, especially as we approached one of the park’s treasures: the 400-year-old Tung tree, standing tall and majestic—a living witness to centuries of nature’s stories.
Once our biking adventure concluded, we embarked on a 5-kilometer hike deeper into the jungle, heading toward Bàu Sấu, or Crocodile Lake. Every step took us further into the shaded trails, heightening our senses with the life teeming around us. As we arrived at Crocodile Lake, a beautiful peacock welcomed us. Though shy, it revealed its stunning colors, captivating us with its natural grace. Bàu Sấu is a serene yet thrilling lake, home to over 700 crocodiles. Standing on its banks, we marveled at the calm waters, aware of the powerful creatures just beneath the surface.
As evening fell, we enjoyed a simple yet delicious meal prepared by the kiểm lâm (forest rangers). Earlier, we had watched them venture out into the crocodile lake to fish for our dinner. There’s something magical about dining in the heart of the jungle, surrounded only by nature. When night came, Bàu Sấu revealed its mystique. By flashlight, we saw the red glimmers of crocodile eyes reflecting in the water—a sight both eerie and awe-inspiring, reminding us of the wildness that thrives in these hidden corners of the world.
The next morning, I woke to the chorus of birds, geckos, and peacocks, their calls echoing through the jungle and gently pulling me into the day. After a peaceful stroll through the misty morning trails, I couldn’t help but wonder what animals might be silently watching from the dense bushes. Before leaving, we unrolled our Yoga Nest mats for a yoga session by the lake. Practicing just two meters from a sleeping crocodile hiding beneath the water hyacinth and with a peacock strolling nearby, we felt entirely immersed in nature.
This was the perfect moment to take on poses like Mayurasana (Peacock Pose) and Nakrasana (Crocodile Pose). Both from the Second Series of Ashtanga, these poses helped us build strength in our core and upper body, drawing inspiration from the creatures around us. The peacock, known for its ability to consume poison without harm, reflects how yoga purifies the mind, freeing it from conditioned toxins and allowing us to return to our true nature. The crocodile, with its grounded power and resilience, reminded us to cultivate inner and outer strength—qualities essential for thriving in any environment, much like the crocodiles of the jungle.
As the sun climbed higher, it was time to hike back, but not before we visited another marvel of the jungle: an 800-year-old Tung tree. Towering over us, this ancient tree has witnessed the passage of time in a way no human ever could. Standing beneath its immense canopy, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of respect for the natural world.
Our journey through Nam Cát Tiên was unforgettable, a blend of adventure, wildlife encounters, and peaceful moments of reflection. It reminded me of the deep connection between humans and nature, and the importance of preserving such wild places for future generations.
(To be continued…)
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