Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre

Top choice in Cat Tien National Park


Set on an island in the Dong Nai River, this rehabilitation centre with a stellar reputation hosts golden-cheeked gibbons, pygmy lorises (both endemic to Vietnam and Cambodia), black-shanked doucs and silvered langurs that were illegally trafficked. The eventual goal is to release the primates back into the forest. You can view gibbons in a semi-wild environment and hear their incredible calls.

Hundreds of native fruit-tree saplings were planted on the island to provide the primates with foraging territory and encourage them to learn the necessary skills to move around the forest canopy. The centre's current focus is preserving the pygmy loris from extinction. Sadly, several of the rescued animals will never be released into the wild, as hunters tore out their poisonous teeth, without which they can't fend for themselves. The Dao Tien website allows you to sponsor individual primates.

The centre reopened in 2020 with a maximum of 30 visitors a day. Check online.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cat Tien National Park attractions

2. Cat Tien National Park

3.63 MILES

One of the outstanding natural treasures of the region, the 72,000-hectare Cat Tien National Park comprises an amazingly biodiverse region of lowland…

3. Crocodile Lake

6.25 MILES

Crocodile Lake is home to 200 crocs and is one of Cat Tien National Park's highlights. Getting here involves a 9km drive or bicycle ride from the park…

4. Volcanic Craters

14.68 MILES

Three extinct yet impressive volcanoes can be found near Dinh Quan on Hwy 20. Dating from the late Jurassic period, about 150 million years ago, the…

5. Langa Lake

21.71 MILES

A bridge on the HCMC–Dalat road (Hwy 20) spans this reservoir, which is home to many floating houses. The families who live here fish farm, with the fish…

6. Dambri Falls

25.3 MILES

En route between Bao Loc and Ho Chi Minh City, 130km southwest of Dalat, Dambri Falls are one of the highest (90m), most magnificent and easily accessible…