Dong Nai is home to forest landscapes, farming communities, and Cat Tien National Park, one of Vietnam’s most important protected areas. Near the park’s edge, Ta Lai offers students a meaningful setting to explore the close relationship between community life and the natural world.
This program brings students between Ta Lai and Cat Tien through community-led cultural learning, shared storytelling, and ranger-guided conservation experiences. As they engage with local practices, wildlife, and biodiversity, students explore how culture, collaboration, and environmental care are woven into everyday life.
Moving between the village and the forest, students are encouraged to see the connections between plants, animals, people, and place—and to reflect on the responsibility of caring for the ecosystems they share.
Whispers of All Beings
Day 1
Morning: Depart for Ta Lai Longhouse, a community-based eco-lodge located on the edge of Cat Tien National Park and established as part of an eco-tourism initiative supported by WWF and DANIDA.
Afternoon: Take part in high-impact community projects focused on traditional fabric dyeing/ bamboo weaving. Listen to the lives of locals and the cultural beauty of ethnic minorities.
Evening: End the evening with a lively bamboo dance and music performance using ancestral instrument that, filled with singing and laughter.
Sample Itinerary
Day 2
Morning: Dedicate the morning to the heart of the park’s mission: wildlife conservation. Visit Save Vietnam Wildlife and enjoy an intimate look at the animal rehabilitation centers, witnessing the vital work being done to protect the Yellow-cheeked Gibbon and other rare species.
Afternoon: After a comprehensive safety briefing and outfitting, head into the brush with an expert ranger to Crocodile Lake, passing varied jungle terrain, including sections with enormous trees and visible bomb craters from the American War, providing excellent opportunities for spotting birds and other animals.
Evening: Gather back at the ranger station for a group dinner, sharing stories from the day’s adventures.
Day 3
Morning: Herbal Medicine Workshop: students explore traditional ecological knowledge and how communities understand relationships between plants, forests, and well-being.
Afternoon: In the afternoon, students will engage in preparation for the Web of Life activity. All participants will be asked to circle back to the community garden and identify living objects for the activity.
Evening: After dinner, embark on the Cat Tien Night Walk guided by forest rangers. Learning and appreciating the nightlife and biodiversity of a forest
Day 4
Morning: Build on the preparation, students will start the Web of Life and learn about the interconnectedness of the ecosystem.
Afternoon: After lunch, depart to HCMC
Reminder: Every school trip is unique! We’re happy to tailor the trip length, activities, and accommodations to match your school’s needs and learning objectives.
Contact us to create a personalized educational travel experience for your students!
