Situated on the eastern slopes of the Truong Son Range, Pu Mat National Park encompasses rugged mountains, dense tropical forests, streams and river valleys. Its name comes from the Thai language and is associated with high mountain slopes. The protected area covers an extensive core zone, with surrounding buffer areas supporting local communities and conservation activities. The park’s varied elevations and habitats contribute to its exceptional ecological diversity.

Pu Mat is home to thousands of plant species and a wide range of mammals, birds, reptiles and other wildlife. The area is particularly significant for the conservation of rare species, including the saola, a critically endangered mammal first documented by science in the Annamite Mountains in the early 1990s. Notable natural attractions include Khe Kem Waterfall, the Giang River, the primary forests of Khe Bu and Khe Choang, and Sang Le Forest, each showcasing a different aspect of the region’s forest and river landscapes.

The park also reflects the close relationship between nature and local culture. Thai, Dan Lai and other ethnic communities live in the surrounding region, maintaining distinctive traditions, architecture, handicrafts and ways of life. Community-based tourism around Con Cuong offers cultural experiences alongside the area’s natural scenery, giving Pu Mat significance not only as a conservation area but also as a destination for exploring the cultural heritage of western Nghe An.