There is growing evidence that collection of non-timber-forest products (NTFPs) remains an essential part of livelihoods for people living near protected areas in developing countries. This study examined the nature and level of livelihood reliance of households on the collection and use of NTFPs and alternative income streams for three ethnic groups (Chau Ma, Stieng and Kinh) in a village in the buffer zone adjacent to Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai province, Vietnam. Household surveys (n = 150) and key informant interviews (n = 10) were conducted to collect data on forest usage, household socio-economy, and collection of NTFPs. About one-third of Chau Ma and Stieng households had a high reliance on NTFPs, while Kinh households having no reliance on NTFPs for their livelihood. The dependence on NTFPs for Chau Ma and Stieng people was a result of limited opportunities for other livelihood options due to a complex set of factors, including among others low education levels and imposed fundamental changes to their traditional livelihoods. For Chau Ma and Stieng people struggling to adjust from a subsistence forest-based livelihood to living outside the forest, around 42% continued to visit the forest for cultural reasons including traditional food and ceremonies, albeit at low to moderate levels (63%). It is proposed that government authorities acknowledge the livelihood role for local people of low-level traditional use of NTFPs. In addition, for those people who are highly reliant on NTFPs, alternative livelihood strategies should be developed further, to better engage their local knowledge and skills in the co-management of the Park forest.