Basic ecotouristic information on Xuan Son National Park (Vietnam) - localization, access, characteristic, fauna and flora, possible activities.
Localization
North Vietnam, 45 kilometres west of the confluence of the Red River and Black Rivers. 120 km north-west from Hanoi.
Access
Easy. From Hanoi directly to the park entrance by car or by bus from Hanoi to Thanh Son City and then take a taxi. The drive from Hanoi will take 4-5 hours
Characteristic
150 km2; Hilly karst area with rugged terrain - the extreme south-eastern extent of the Hoang Lien Mountains. Limestone formations create dramatic cliffs, caves, and valleys, providing a unique landscape with three peaks reaching over 1,000 meters. Some caves contain subterranean river systems. Dong Tien Cave is a popular underground system stretches for about 10 kilometers and features a ceiling of stalactites. Dense tropical forests covers more than 80% of the park. The average temperature throughout the year ranges from 22-23ºC. Typical ecosystems: tropical rain forest, montane evergreen forest, karst biotopes, freshwater ecosystems (rivers, waterfalls).
Fauna and Flora
Species List - See the Attachment Below
(Species list may not be complete)
Possible activities
Trekking - many trails of various difficulty.
Caves exploring, swimming.
Note
Park can be visited all the year round. The best time for visit: XI-IV.
The area is home to ethnic minority groups, including the Dao and Muong communities, who maintain traditional lifestyles and customs.
Habitat destruction and illegal hunting have posed threats to its delicate ecosystem.