Travel Guide to Cattien Eco Backpackers Hostel, Dong Nai

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Nam Cat Tien village, just steps from one of Vietnam’s most biodiverse national parks, Cattien Eco Backpackers Hostel is the perfect base for budget-focused nature lovers and adventure travelers. Far from the crowded tourist hubs of Ho Chi Minh City (just a three-hour drive north), this laid-back eco-hostel blends affordable comfort with authentic local access, making it a top pick for backpackers, solo travelers, and small groups exploring the untouched wilderness of Dong Nai province.

Hotel Overview

Located at 875, Ấp 1 Xã Nam Cát Tiên, Huyện Tân Phú, Tỉnh Đồng Nai, this welcoming hostel speaks to both budget and eco-conscious travelers, with English and Vietnamese-speaking staff to help plan every step of your trip. All guest rooms include access to clean shared bathrooms with free toiletries and private showers, and most rooms open out to peaceful garden or jungle views. Free Wi-Fi is available across the property, and free private pre-bookable parking is offered for guests driving from Ho Chi Minh City.

On-site, you’ll find a casual restaurant and snack bar serving local Vietnamese dishes, kid-friendly meals, and custom special diet menus, plus an on-site coffee shop serving fresh local fruit. Outdoor space abounds: relax on the sun terrace, grill up a local feast at the shared barbecue facilities, or wander the hostel’s lush private garden. Pets are welcome by prior request (for a small extra fee), and amenities including daily housekeeping, luggage storage, currency exchange, and paid laundry and shuttle services make extended stays comfortable. For adventure, the hostel organizes paid activities including cooking classes, cultural walking tours, cycling trips, canoeing, and fishing, with equipment rental available on-site.

Local Attractions

• Cat Tien National Park: Vietnam’s one of the most important lowland tropical rainforest reserves, located just 10 minutes from the hostel. Hike through ancient jungle to spot rare golden-cheeked gibbons, Asian elephants, and sun bears, or visit the ancient 1,000-year-old banyan tree that’s become the park’s iconic landmark.
• Ben Cu Relic Site: A moving historical site 30 minutes from the hostel, this former Viet Cong base during the Vietnam War features preserved underground tunnels, bunkers, and guided tours that share the region’s rich wartime history.
• Da Te Lake: A serene, glassy freshwater lake surrounded by jungle, perfect for a lazy afternoon of kayaking, birdwatching, or picnicking. Catching local freshwater fish here is a popular activity arranged directly through the hostel.

Travel Tips

Book your activities and airport shuttle from Ho Chi Minh City directly through the hostel a week in advance, as tours fill up quickly during peak dry season (November to April). Pack bug spray and sturdy hiking boots for jungle excursions, as mosquitoes and uneven terrain are common. The hostel is closed to large tour groups, so you’ll enjoy a quiet, intimate atmosphere—ideal for connecting with other like-minded travelers. If traveling with a pet, notify the hostel at the time of booking to confirm your pet’s stay and any extra fees.