As urban life becomes increasingly stressful and workplace pressure continues to rise, many companies are turning to wide-open natural spaces for team-building activities – places where employees can step away from laptops, meeting rooms, and constant deadlines to breathe, recharge, and reconnect. Rather than crowded resorts or familiar beaches, organizations now look for fresh, unspoiled, and spacious environments that encourage meaningful group engagement.

This is why Thac Mai – nestled within the Tan Phu Protective Forest in the newly established Dinh Quan Commune, Dong Nai Province – is emerging as a standout choice for corporate groups. Located about 150km from Ho Chi Minh City, the journey to Thac Mai is convenient, with half the route on modern expressways followed by a scenic 23km forest road. Upon arrival, visitors are instantly immersed in a different world: pristine, tranquil, and refreshingly cool. The cascading waters gliding over massive granite rocks, the deep green forest canopy, and the crisp air of the surrounding ecosystem create a perfect backdrop for team-building programs, retreats, or company getaways that emphasize both experience and emotion.

A Hidden Green Treasure Within the Tan Phu Protective Forest

Thac Mai lies entirely within the Tan Phu Protective Forest – an area of over 13,700 hectares, of which nearly 90% is natural forest. This region belongs to the sub-1,000m ecological belt, characterized by tropical evergreen moist forests and home to an exceptionally rich diversity of plant species. Research has recorded 71 woody plant species belonging to 49 genera and 36 families, including many large and medium-sized timber species, with several listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book.

Towering ancient trees such as Sao đỏ (Hopea odorata), Bằng lăng (Lagerstroemia calyculata), Trâm Vàng (Syzygium zeylanicum), and Cầy (Dipterocarpus spp.) cast wide canopies over the landscape, creating a fresh, oxygen-rich environment – truly a “green lung” of the Southeast region. The forest’s rich biodiversity and well-preserved ecosystem offer a striking natural setting, ideal for outdoor exploration, environmental education, and nature-based experiential activities.

The Pristine Beauty of Thac Mai

Originating from the La Nga River – a major tributary of the Dong Nai River – Thac Mai forms a distinctive cascade as it flows through the Tan Phu forest landscape. Unlike towering waterfalls, Thac Mai stretches across massive granite formations, giving it a unique and unmistakable character. The water gently weaves through narrow rock crevices at times, while at others it surges with frothy white currents.

During the rainy season, water from the upper streams pours down with thunderous force, echoing like drums in the forest and creating an awe-inspiring scene. In the dry season, the riverbed reveals weathered stone slabs stacked like a herd of buffalo basking in the sun—an intriguing natural spectacle shaped by time.

As the sun rises, light dances across the water’s surface, casting shimmering silver hues that blend harmoniously with the deep green of the surrounding forest. The gentle sound of flowing water mixed with birdsong brings a rare sense of tranquility. For nature lovers, Thac Mai is far more than a scenic spot – it is a return to true wilderness, a place where every sense is awakened and the spirit feels naturally renewed.

A Diverse Ecosystem – A Distinct Natural Asset

Located within the core zone of the protected forest, Thac Mai boasts an ecosystem typical of the Southeastern region of Vietnam. The area is home to hundreds of plant species as well as various birds, small mammals, and insects. Visitors can easily spot butterflies fluttering along the streams, hear birds calling in the early morning mist, or notice traces of forest-dwelling animals along the trails. This biodiverse environment serves not only as a “living library” for ecological research but also as a captivating highlight for nature lovers seeking immersive outdoor experiences.

The vegetation here forms two distinctive floristic assemblages:

• Assemblage 1: Cầy (Dipterocarpus spp.) + Dầu song nàng (Dipterocarpus dyeri) + Sến cát (Shorea guiso) + Chò chai (Parashorea chiniana)
• Assemblage 2: Bằng lăng ổi (Lagerstroemia calyculata) + Dầu rái (Dipterocarpus alatus) + Săng đen (Diospyros spp.) + Dầu song nàng (Dipterocarpus dyeri)

The area surrounding the waterfall has retained its rustic purity, with minimal impact from urban development. This untouched atmosphere makes Thac Mai an ideal destination for experiential learning trips, field studies for students, and nature exploration activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Bau Nuoc Soi – A Hidden Gem in the Forest

Just a short distance from Thac Mai lies Bau Nuoc Soi, a natural hot mineral lake covering 7 hectares, with a stable temperature of around 36°C year-round. The mineral composition places it within the category of drinkable and therapeutic mineral waters. Its primary mineral components include Bicarbonate, Chloride/Sodium, and Calcium, with a total mineralization of 1,067.9 mg/L.

A gentle mist rises from the warm surface of the lake, blending with mossy rocks and forest greenery to create a scene that is both mystical and soothing. Here, visitors can enjoy:

• Soaking their feet in the warm mineral stream to ease fatigue
• Bathing in the mineral lake to relax their muscles
• Experiencing natural mud baths

The mineral-rich water aids circulation, softens the skin, and supports conditions related to the nervous system, rheumatism, and muscle pain. The lakebed, covered in fine gray sand, offers a soft, massage-like sensation when stepped upon. Bau Nuoc Soi is the perfect place to restore energy after active outdoor adventures.

A Paradise for Team Building and Outdoor Experiences

Its pristine landscape and unique terrain make Thac Mai a true “natural playground” for a wide variety of outdoor activities. Expansive, level clearings deep within the forest provide the perfect setting for team-building programs, bonding activities, picnics, and BBQ gatherings.

Highlighted experiences include:

• Trekking through the forest along natural trails
• Mountain biking (MTB) across streams, rocky terrain, and woodland paths
• Overnight camping beneath the canopy of ancient trees
• Stream bathing, waterfall exploration, and ecosystem discovery
• Teamwork and group challenges in open natural spaces

As night falls, the glow of the campfire, the sound of flowing water, the chorus of insects, and the gentle scent of the forest create an atmosphere of pure wilderness—a setting perfectly suited for nurturing team spirit and authentic connection.

Exotic Vietnam – Crafting Distinctive Team-Building Journeys at Thac Mai

More than just an organizer, Exotic Vietnam is committed to designing team-building programs that reflect the unique identity of each enterprise. Every experience is crafted as a tailor-made journey, shaped by:

• Corporate culture: strengthening cohesion and reinforcing shared values
• Strategic goals: fostering collaboration, creativity, leadership, and unity
• Participant profile: adapting activities to age groups, roles, and physical readiness
• Sustainability commitment: integrating CSR initiatives, environmental respect, and low-impact practices
• Optimized cost – True value: ensuring budget efficiency while maintaining high service quality, from transportation and accommodation to meals and activities

Team building at Thac Mai with Exotic Vietnam offers more than physical activities – it nurtures positive energy, strengthens meaningful connections, and creates memorable experiences that resonate long after the journey ends.