Nomia Garden Retreats - a great stopover for the trip from Saigon to Nam Cat Tien
- GARDEN NOMIA
- Nov 24
- 5 min read
Cat Tien National Park (Nam Cat Tien) is always on the "bucket list" of international tourists when visiting Southern Vietnam. The attraction of the tropical rainforest, the opportunity to see rare gibbons or cycling under the canopy of ancient trees is undeniable.
However, there is a reality that few travel guides mention in detail: the schedule or the route. Sitting in a car for 4-5 hours straight from the hustle and bustle of Saigon to the forest entrance can drain your energy before the exciting adventure really begins.
Why rush when you can make the journey part of the experience? Located right in the middle of that main artery, Nomia Garden Retreats on the banks of Tri An Lake is not just a place to rest, but a perfect "junction". This is where you stop, breathe and recharge before entering the wild world.
Here are the reasons why professional backpackers and tourists often choose Nomia Garden Retreats as a great stopover for their trip from Saigon to Nam Cat Tien.
Stage 1: Saigon – Nomia Garden Retreats (The Gentle Escape)
A short, pleasant journey to start the journey
Instead of having to wake up at 4-5am in Saigon to get to Nam Cat Tien before the hot noon, choosing Nomia as your first destination allows you to have a much more leisurely schedule.
From the center of Ho Chi Minh City, it only takes you about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours to travel to Nomia. This is a great distance, far enough for you to completely shake off the dust and noise of the city, but also close enough for you not to feel tired from sitting in the car for too long.
You can leisurely enjoy lunch in Saigon, start your journey in the early afternoon and arrive at Nomia at the most beautiful moment of the day: Sunset over Tri An Lake.
A Necessary State Transition
For foreign visitors, traffic in Vietnam can be a culture shock. Moving straight from the chaotic center to the absolute silence of the jungle can sometimes be too abrupt a change.
Nomia acts as a gentle "buffer zone". As you drive off the highway and onto the small, tree-lined road leading to the resort, your heart rate will automatically slow down. The cool air from the lake will replace the stuffy city. This is a gentle warm-up for your body and mind to get used to nature.
The Nomia Experience: "Recharge" Before "Explore"
Our philosophy for this stop is simple: Pamper yourself before you embark on a challenge.
Nam Cat Tien Forest is a place of long treks, wet trails, insects and nights sleeping in the sounds of the wild. It's a great experience, but it requires physical strength. So the night before entering the forest, you deserve the best sleep and the most refreshed body.
Quality sleep in rustic luxury
At Nomia Garden Retreats, we offer what budget guesthouses near the forest entrance often lack: Refined Comfort.
Instead of basic rooms, you will rest in private bungalows, with warm blankets, soft mattresses of high standard, cool air conditioning and spacious bathrooms. The space at Nomia is absolutely quiet, with only the sound of gentle waves and the wind blowing through the cracks of the door. A deep sleep here will help you recover 100% of your energy, ready for tireless legs the next day.
Healing cuisine from garden to table
Before you have to have a picnic meal in the forest, let Nomia treat you to a sumptuous but healthy dinner. Our restaurant serves dishes made from organic ingredients picked right from the garden and the specialty of fresh catfish from Tri An lake. This is how we help you fuel your body with the best nutrients.
Imagine sitting by the lake, enjoying a glass of cold wine, looking at the starry sky and eagerly discussing tomorrow's jungle trip. That is the perfect start.
Stage 2: Nomia – Nam Cat Tien (Early Departure with Absolute Advantage)
This is the most important strategic reason that makes Nomia an ideal stopover.
Prime location to catch the sunrise in the old forest
From Nomia Garden Retreats, it only takes you about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours to drive to Nam Cat Tien forest.
If you depart from Saigon in the morning, you will usually arrive at the forest at noon – the time when the sun is at its strongest and animals often hide to rest. But if you wake up in Nomia, enjoy a cup of hot coffee watching the sunrise on the lake, and depart at 6:30 or 7:00 am, you will be at the forest entrance when the air is still cool and the morning dew is still on the leaves.
Better Wildlife Sightings
Experienced travelers know that early morning is the best time to spot wildlife, especially primates like the Yellow-cheeked Crested Gibbon or the Red-shanked Douc. The short journey from Nomia will help you arrive in the most alert and healthy state to start trekking immediately, optimizing your precious time in the national park.
Interesting Contrasts: From the Tranquil Lake to the Mysterious Jungle
A memorable travel journey always requires a variety of emotions. The combination of Nomia Garden Retreats and Nam Cat Tien creates a perfect pair of contrasts:
At Nomia: It's the Water element and Stillness. You relax, unwind, be cared for and enjoy the amenities (Soft Adventure).
At Nam Cat Tien: It's the Forest element and Movement. You explore, challenge yourself and immerse yourself in the wilderness (Hard Adventure).
The balance between the tranquility of Nomia Garden Retreats and the experience of Cat Tien rainforest brings a much more complete experience than just going to one place. You won't feel too exhausted due to lack of amenities, nor bored due to lack of activities.
Tips for Your Itinerary
To have the best trip, Nomia suggests you the following 3-day 2-night itinerary:
Day 1:
13:00: Leave Saigon.
15:00: Check-in at Nomia Garden Retreats.
Afternoon: SUP to watch the sunset or go swimming.
Evening: BBQ dinner and rest early.
Day 2:
07:30: Have breakfast and check out of Nomia.
09:00: Arrive at Nam Cat Tien National Park, buy tickets and start trekking or experiencing your tour.
Day 3:
Continue to explore the forest or visit Tien Island.
Afternoon: Return to Saigon.
Don't just see the journey from Saigon to Nam Cat Tien as a "dead" time that needs to be overcome. Make it a memorable part of the trip.
Nomia Garden Retreats is definitely the place to stop for your trip from Saigon to Nam Cat Tien. We are here to ensure that you will enter the jungle with the most refreshed spirit, the healthiest legs and a heart filled with peace. Stop for a moment, recharge, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
Are you ready for this journey? Book a room at Nomia today to complete your plan to conquer Nam Cat Tien.
