Tran Hung Dao Forest Travel Guide 2025 & Top Hotels in Kon Tum You Must Know

Vietnam has always been a land of contrast — where bustling cities exist alongside untouched forests, and spiritual temples rise in harmony with natural landscapes. But if you're looking for a destination that offers history, greenery, and raw natural charm far from the touristy trails, Tran Hung Dao Forest in Vietnam is calling your name.

Tucked away in the northeastern Cao Bang province, this forest isn't just about trees and trails — it’s a living memory of Vietnam’s heroic resistance history. And if you're planning a trip to Vietnam in 2025, consider this your offbeat escape into the heart of Vietnam’s past, surrounded by the calm of dense green landscapes.

This guide covers everything — from how to reach Tran Hung Dao Forest, what to explore, nearby gems, and even where to stay if you're venturing further south to explore hotels in Kon Tum in Vietnam, another underrated destination in the Central Highlands.

🌳 Why is Tran Hung Dao Forest Important?

Named after the revered Vietnamese military leader Tran Hung Dao, this forest holds historical, cultural, and environmental significance.

During the First Indochina War, this was the secret base of Vietnam’s People’s Army. In fact, it’s often considered the birthplace of the modern Vietnamese army, founded here in 1944.

But it’s not just history that draws you in — the forest is also part of the protected national reserve, home to unique flora, medicinal plants, and tranquil hiking trails that transport you to another time.

📍 Where is Tran Hung Dao Forest Located?

Tran Hung Dao Forest is located in Nguyen Binh District, in Cao Bang Province, in Northeast Vietnam — not far from the Chinese border. The forest lies about 45 km from Cao Bang City and is accessible by road.

This makes it a perfect day trip or overnight stop for anyone exploring northern gems like Ban Gioc Waterfall, Pac Bo Cave, or Ba Be Lake.

🧭 How to Reach Tran Hung Dao Forest

Here’s how you can reach the forest:

• From Hanoi: Take a bus or train to Cao Bang (approx. 7–8 hours)

• From Cao Bang City: Hire a motorbike or car to Tran Hung Dao Forest (~1.5–2 hours drive)

Pro tip: Travel early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise-lit drive through winding roads and misty hills.

🥾 Things to Do in Tran Hung Dao Forest

🏕️ 1. Visit the Historical Site (The Army Founding Area)

The exact site where General Vo Nguyen Giap officially established the Vietnam People’s Army in 1944 is now preserved as a memorial. Expect to see:

• Wooden barracks

• Vietnamese flags and military insignia

• Educational boards telling the story of the resistance

🌲 2. Nature Walks & Eco Trails

This is an eco-tourism zone, so hiking and exploring nature are highly encouraged. The air is fresh, the surroundings are quiet, and the trails are moderate enough for most fitness levels.

🐦 3. Spot Local Flora & Fauna

The forest is rich in biodiversity. While it’s not a full-on wildlife safari, you’ll encounter:

• Medicinal herbs used by local tribes

• Native birds, butterflies, and squirrels

• Thick groves of bamboo and evergreen trees

🧘 4. Meditation & Forest Bathing

Silence is golden here. Find a quiet spot, put your phone away, and try forest bathing — a Japanese practice of immersing yourself in nature, deeply inhaling its scents, sights, and sounds. Therapeutic, to say the least.

🏞️ Best Time to Visit Tran Hung Dao Forest

The forest is accessible year-round, but the best months are September to November and March to May, when the weather is cooler, drier, and ideal for hiking.

Avoid the monsoon season (June–August) due to slippery trails and leeches.

🧳 What to Pack

This isn’t your city walk — here’s what you should bring:

• Comfortable trekking shoes

• Long pants and full-sleeve shirts (to avoid insect bites)

• Eco-friendly insect repellent

• Refillable water bottle

• Light snacks or packed lunch

• Rain poncho (just in case)

• Power bank and torch

🌱 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips

Tran Hung Dao Forest is a national heritage and protected eco-zone. Help keep it that way:

• Don’t litter. Carry your trash back with you

• Avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife

• Stick to the marked trails

• Support local eco-tourism by hiring guides or buying handicrafts

🏯 Nearby Attractions Worth Exploring

While you’re in Cao Bang Province, extend your trip to include these gems:

💧 Ban Gioc Waterfall

About 2 hours away from the forest, this is Vietnam’s largest waterfall, shared with China. Absolutely breathtaking.

🕳️ Pac Bo Cave

A historically significant cave where Ho Chi Minh lived during the resistance period. It’s peaceful, sacred, and a must-visit for history buffs.

🧚 Nguom Ngao Cave

An otherworldly limestone cave filled with dramatic stalactites and cool temperatures.

🏨 Hotels in Kon Tum in Vietnam – Where to Stay If You Head South

After exploring the cool forests of northern Vietnam, many travelers continue their journey south toward Kon Tum, located in the Central Highlands. Why? Because Kon Tum is charming, less touristy, and culturally rich — especially with its hill tribes and French-era churches.

Whether you're traveling on a budget or seeking comfort, here are some of the best hotels in Kon Tum, Vietnam, to consider:

⭐ 1. Indochine Hotel Kon Tum

A comfortable 3-star stay in the heart of the city with good food and friendly staff.

🏡 2. Window 2 Hotel

Clean, affordable, and a favorite among backpackers.

🏕️ 3. Eva Homestay

For a more local feel — wooden bungalows, great views, and tribal hospitality.

🏰 4. Hnam Chang Ngeh Hospitality Training Center

A unique stay run by a local hospitality school. Super ethical and community-focused.

🍜 What to Eat in Kon Tum

After all that forest adventure, reward yourself with:

• Kon Tum bamboo-tube rice (Com Lam)

• Mang Den mushrooms

• Fresh river fish curry

• Locally brewed rice wine

💡 Bonus Tips for Forest & Highlands Travel in Vietnam

• Connectivity: Mobile signal is weak in many forest and highland zones. Download offline maps.

• Cash is king: ATMs are rare in remote areas. Always carry some VND in cash.

• Cultural sensitivity: Be respectful when interacting with tribal communities. A smile and small gestures go a long way.

• Health: Carry motion sickness pills if you’re prone to car-sickness. The roads are winding.

💬 Final Thoughts

The Tran Hung Dao Forest in Vietnam is one of those places that quietly changes you. It doesn’t boast towering skylines or busy nightlife, but it teaches you to slow down, breathe deeper, and feel more.

When paired with a stay in the gentle highlands of Kon Tum, this journey becomes a blend of history, nature, culture, and peace — exactly what most of us are craving in a world of constant noise.

So if you're looking for a unique trip to Vietnam in 2025 — beyond the beaches and party towns — this is your sign. Go forest trekking in the north, sip wine in tribal villages down south, and fall in love with a side of Vietnam you’ve never seen before.