Table of Contents Show
Each year, when the first summer rains fall, two of Vietnam’s oldest forests — Nam Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong National Parks — transform into a living painting: the butterfly season in Vietnam. Thousands of colorful wings flutter through the forest light, creating a magical scene amid wild nature. This is the perfect time for visitors to admire this rare beauty and feel the harmony between lush forests and vibrant butterflies.
Read more interesting posts here:
- Exploring Timeless Wonders: A Journey Through Sa Huỳnh Cultural Heritage
- A Visitor’s Guide to the Forgotten Nguyen Huu Hao Mausoleum in Da Lat
- A Complete Guide to Exploring 37 Khmer Temples in Tri Tôn District, An Giang
Nam Cat Tien National Park – The Green Lung of Southern Vietnam
Nam Cat Tien is one of the largest primeval forests in Vietnam, spanning across Dong Nai, Lam Dong, and Binh Phuoc provinces. With its rich ecosystem, it shelters countless rare plant and animal species — and during this time of year, it becomes home to swarms of dazzling butterflies.
- Visit Bau Sau, located within Nam Cat Tien National Park. You can navigate and track your route to Bau Sau with ExoTrails here.
Butterfly Season in Nam Cat Tien
From late April to May, as the air turns humid, thousands of butterflies gather across Nam Cat Tien, covering forest trails like a living rainbow. Along the 10 km trekking routes, visitors can easily spot butterflies gliding through the air, swirling in the sunlight, or resting in clusters on the forest floor. The most stunning scenes appear near muddy patches and water puddles, where the largest gatherings take place — an enchanting sight that captures the essence of the butterfly season in Vietnam.
According to records, Nam Cat Tien is home to around 450 butterfly species, including rare ones like swallowtails, skippers, and blue morphos. Each species boasts unique patterns and hues, together weaving a breathtaking natural tapestry.
Cuc Phuong National Park – The Oldest Nature Reserve in Vietnam
Located in Ninh Binh Province, Cuc Phuong is Vietnam’s first national park, famous for its biodiversity and pristine tropical rainforest. It’s not only a sanctuary for rare animals like the Delacour’s langur or civets, but also a true “kingdom of butterflies” during butterfly season in Vietnam.
- Read more about Cuc Phuong National Park on ExoTrails here.
Butterfly Season in Cuc Phuong
Just like Nam Cat Tien, from late April to the end of May, Cuc Phuong bursts into its most vibrant butterfly season. Over 400 species — from large swallowtails to delicate blue morphos — fill the forest, painting a dreamlike picture under the filtered sunlight.
During this butterfly season in Vietnam, flocks of white, yellow, and blue butterflies dance along the walking paths, making visitors feel as if they’ve stepped into a fairy tale. The luckiest travelers might witness hundreds of butterflies clustered on the ground, wings shimmering under the morning sun — a once-in-a-lifetime moment in the heart of the wild.
Tips for the Perfect Butterfly-Chasing Trip
Best Time to Visit:
Morning is the golden hour. As soft sunlight filters through the canopy, butterflies are most active, and their wings sparkle like moving gems in the air.
What to Wear & Bring:
- Lightweight, long-sleeved clothes to protect against branches and insects.
- A hat and insect repellent to stay comfortable during your trek.
- A good camera or phone to capture those magical, fleeting moments.
Respect Nature:
- Don’t catch or touch butterflies — admire them from afar.
- Avoid littering and help keep the forest clean and alive.
A Gift from Nature
The butterfly season in Vietnam at Nam Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong National Parks is nature’s way of rewarding those who seek beauty in its purest form. If you’re yearning for a fresh, soulful adventure deep in Vietnam’s forests, this is your moment.
Pack your bags, set your route on ExoTrails, and let the butterflies lead you into nature’s most poetic season.
