Bến En National Park

The National Park Ben En ( Vietnamese: Quốc gia Vuon Bến En) is the only national park in the province of Thanh Hóa, Vietnam. The park was established in 1992.

Location

The National Park is located in the districts of Nhu Thanh and Nhu Xuan Thanh Hoa province, about 45 km southwest of the provincial capital of Thanh Hóa. Coordinates: 19 ° 31 ' to 19 ° 43 ' N and 105 ° 25 ' to 105 ° 38' E. The park has a size of 14,735 ha Dense forests, karst, rivers and especially the Song Muc characterize lake the landscape. The song Muc lake has a size of 3000 ha with 21 smaller islands.

Biodiversity

1389 plant and 1004 animal species have been recorded in several studies. Among them are 66 mammal species, 201 bird species, 54 reptile species, 31 amphibian species, 68 fish species and 499 species of insects. These include Loris, macaques, eagles, herons or kingfishers. It is likely that some of the species included have become locally extinct. In 2008, three plant species were recorded, which were previously unknown in Vietnam: Myristica yunnanensis, Glyptopetalum sclerocarpum and Timonius arborea. In 2011, researchers discovered from Vietnam and Singapore, the new Ingwerart Distichochlamys benenica.

Tourism

The main attraction of the park is the Song Muc lake. This can be driven by motor boat or kayak. In the north and south of the national park, there are walk-in karst caves. On an island of the Song Muc lake there is a forest trail and two apartments. A guest house near the visitor center also offers overnight accommodation.