The Thanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee has officially upgraded Xuan Lien Nature Reserve to Xuan Lien National Park, bringing the total number of national parks in Viet Nam to 35.
Spanning 25,601.98 hectares across four communes (Bat Mot, Yen Nhan, Luong Son, Van Xuan) and Thuong Xuan town in Thanh Hoa province.
Xuan Lien National Park is dedicated to preserving forest ecosystems, conserving biodiversity and genetic resources, supporting environmental education, and facilitating scientific research. The park also plays a crucial role in maintaining stable water sources for Cua Dat Lake while integrating ecotourism development and forest environmental services.
Xuan Lien is recognized as one of Viet Nam’s most biodiverse regions. Surveys have identified 1,228 species of higher plants and 1,811 species of wild animals spanning 241 families, 46 orders, and 4 classes. The park is home to 56 endangered and rare plant species, 35 of which are listed in the Vietnam Red Book (2007). Notably, Xuan Lien harbors ancient po mu and sa ma trees, including two over 1,000 years old, honored as "Vietnam Heritage Trees."
The park also shelters the largest population of white-cheeked gibbons in Viet Nam, with 64 groups totaling 182 individuals, as well as more than 200 gray langurs. Additionally, the rediscovery of Roosevelt’s muntjac—a species thought to be extinct for nearly a century—highlights the park’s conservation significance.
Viet Nam’s National Parks are vital to preserving ecosystems and biodiversity. Recognizing their importance, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has introduced the National Park Passport initiative, the first of its kind in Vietnam. This initiative aims to boost ecotourism by encouraging visitors to explore and appreciate forest ecosystems, creating a sustainable financial model for national parks and nature reserves. By enhancing tourism infrastructure and engaging local communities, this program seeks to promote long-term conservation while fostering economic and ecological benefits.