Pu Mat National Park
National Park Vietnamese national park protecting montane forests and biodiversity
Pu Mat National Park in Nghệ An protects lowland and montane rainforest, home to endangered mammals and limestone outcrops. Trekking, wildlife surveys and visits to ethnic minority villages draw researchers and adventurous eco-travelers.
Pu Mat National Park is a protected area in Nghệ An province on the western flank of Vietnam’s Annamite Range and is recognised for high biodiversity within the region. The park protects large tracts of evergreen and montane forest that form part of an important conservation landscape in central Vietnam.
The park contains a mixture of lowland and montane habitats supporting diverse flora and fauna, including numerous bird and primate species and populations of large mammals. Trails, river valleys and forested ridges are the main attractions for nature-oriented visits rather than built attractions.
Pu Mat was established to conserve the forested watershed and its wildlife and has been managed for both strict protection and sustainable use in buffer zones. Conservation efforts have focused on protecting habitat and wildlife from hunting and logging.
The park sits in western Nghệ An province within the Annamite Range, occupying rugged terrain and river valleys. It lies inland from Vietnam’s central coast and is administered from district towns in Nghệ An.
- When to go: Best visited in the dry season when trails are easier and wildlife viewing is more reliable.
How to Get to Pu Mat National Park #
Pu Mat is accessed by road from Hanoi via Vinh and local roads into Nghệ An province, typically involving a drive to the district towns and then smaller roads to park headquarters. Local guides and park authorities can advise on the final leg and permits.
Tips for Visiting Pu Mat National Park #
- Use a local guide for wildlife spotting and to understand access rules for patrol zones.
- Expect humid, thick jungle; a lightweight insect-repellent garment and mosquito netting for overnight stays are recommended.
- Plan trips in the dry season for safer river crossings and clearer trails.
Best Time to Visit Pu Mat National Park #
Best visited in the dry season (November-April) when trails and river crossings are most manageable.
Weather & Climate near Pu Mat National Park #
Pu Mat National Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with hot summers (peaking in June) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 12°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1626 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 8 mm.
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Heavy rain (226 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (201 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (323 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (293 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Heavy rain (295 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.