From the capital – Hanoi approximately 120 kilometers to the south, set deep in Tam Diep Mountain, there is a land that has become pretty familiar to the locals but has aroused a curiosity for domestic and international tourists, it’s named Cuc Phuong National Park. The first national park of Vietnam is situated in the territory of the three provinces of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa, with a total area of 22,200 ha. Cuc Phuong National Park is always regarded as a living museum about the diversity of life, so this is always a fascinating site for visitors in adventure Indochina travel who are keen on nature.
Cuc Phuong National Park Location
The total size of Cuc Phuong National Park is 22,408 hectares. It is dispersed over the provinces of Thanh Hoa, Hoa Binh, and Ninh Binh. It is roughly 55 kilometers from Ninh Binh City and 120 kilometers from Hanoi. Ninh Binh Province owns over 70% of the entire region.
The first and biggest national park in Vietnam was created in 1962 and is called Cuc Phuong National Park. It is home to a diverse range of plants and animals, such as a thick forest with trees that are thousands of years old, botanical gardens, and an abundance of birds, mammals, reptiles, and vibrant butterflies. This area also has two animal sanctuaries.
Specifically, 336 bird species, 135 mammal species, 122 reptile species, and approximately 2,234 plant species may be found in Cuc Phuong National Park.
Best Things to Do & See in Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong Museum
The Cuc Phuong Museum is one of the places that visitors to Cuc Phuong National Park simply must see. There are around 13,000 exhibits featuring plants and mushrooms, 450 featuring creatures such as birds, reptiles, frogs, and mammals, 4,000 featuring insects, and 300 featuring minerals, fossils, and prehistoric artifacts.
May Bac (Silver Cloud) Peak
Cuc Phuong National Park's tallest peak, May Bac Peak, rises to a height of 648 meters. It provides an amazing sweeping perspective over the lowlands and woodland of the park, along with the historic capital city of Hoa Lu and the Bai Dinh Pagoda. For adventurous hikers, one of the most thrilling treks is the one that leads to May Bac Peak.
Prehistoric Caves
It would be impossible to visit Cuc Phuong National Park Ninh Binh without taking in the breathtaking caves nestled among the trees. Priceless anthropological and paleontological artifacts, including a petrified marine reptile that is estimated to have existed between 200 and 230 million years ago, can be found on the rocky outcrops of Cuc Phuong. The remains of prehistoric humans who lived in the forest around 7,500 years ago can also be found in the many mountain caves.
- Prehistoric Man Cave: A dwelling used by early people between 7,000 and 12,500 years ago in Ninh Binh. Along with Neolithic bones and stone tool evidence, this location also has two recently discovered ancient tombs.
- Con Moong Cave: "Con Moong" signifies animals in the language of the Muong ethnic group. The cave's entrance is marked with a sizable stone in the shape of an animal. This cave is an important archaeological site where ancient people previously lived.
- Trang Khuyet Cave, also known as Crescent Cave, is tucked away in a dense jungle. From a distance, the entrance of this cave resembles a waning moon.
Ancient Trees
Cuc Phuong National Park's abundance of old trees is another highlight.
- Dang ancient tree: This tree is notable for its striking appearance and long history. It is 45 meters tall, 5 meters in circumference, and has a 20-meter-long root system on the ground.
- Tree that is thousands of years old: Cuc Phuong National Park's oldest tree. Its trunk is big enough to fit the arms of at least twenty adults around, and it measures 45 meters in height and 5 meters in circumference.
- Sau ancient tree: With a 45-meter height and a 10-meter-tall root system, the Sau tree has an attractive shape akin to a solid wall. It's a terrific place for you to relax under its massive leaf canopy.
Cuc Phuong Botanical Garden
The first botanical garden in Vietnam is this one. It was a component of the network of national parks and protected areas when it opened in 1985. One of the three Vietnamese botanical gardens included in the list of International Botanical Gardens, its objectives include preserving rare and genetically rich plants as well as creating a semi-wild, protected area to release animal programs.
Endangered Primate Rescue Center
The Frankfurt Zoological Society and Cuc Phuong National Park collaborated to establish the Endangered Primate Rescue Center in 1993. More than 180 primates belonging to 15 distinct species live here. A few of these primates are quite uncommon, such as the Grey-Shank Douc Langur, Delacour's Langur, and Cat Ba Langur. The center provides semi-natural surroundings to assist the animals prepare for life in the wild once more.
Turtle Conservation Center
Fauna and Flora International founded this center in 1998, and Cuc Phuong National Park took over management in 2001. The Turtle Conservation Center serves as the main pillar for freshwater turtle conservation and tortoise preservation in Vietnam. It also contributes to increasing awareness of the grave dangers facing turtles.
Cycling in the Forests
One of the most thrilling activities during a tour of Cuc Phuong National Park is cycling. You may take your time exploring the area and may come across elusive Cuc Phuong National Park creatures.
Go Kayaking
Yen Quang Lake and Mac Lake kayaking is a well-liked pastime for tourists visiting Cuc Phuong National Park. For about 50,000 VND per hour, you may float on the lake and enjoy the breathtaking natural surroundings. Arranging a kayaking competition for a big group of people will spice things up.
Butterfly Watching
One of the most well-known features of this location is the swarms of butterflies that congregate in the park in late spring and early summer. Cuc Phuong National Park is an ideal place to observe butterflies, as it is home to over 400 different kinds.
Trekking in Cuc Phuong National Park
The best thing to do in this place is hiking in Cuc Phuong National Park. Hikers can spend days exploring the park's deep woodland and enjoying the numerous wonderful trekking opportunities that are offered. Popular hiking trails are home to ancient trees, caves, and Muong ethnic people's hamlets.
To find the trailheads, ask the park rangers for a map of Cuc Phuong National Park. Nevertheless, the best way to maximize any hike is to go on a guided trip. Longer hikes, such as those to Pu Luong and Ngoc Son nature reserves, are also available, as are overnight excursions and camping trips.
See Wild Animals
One of the most fascinating things to do in Cuc Phuong National Park is to go on a wildlife night trip. The park rangers will plan exciting nighttime wildlife viewing activities based on the weather. It is possible to see a variety of natural creatures, including roe deer, flying squirrels, black squirrels, and small carnivores. At the main ticket office, visitors can make reservations for this exhilarating experience.
Camp in the Forest
Camping is a great idea at the national park. You can camp on the level area under the trees during the day. If you want to spend the night camping, pitch your tent in the approved cement spaces. Camping throughout the day is free, however, overnight stays are slightly more expensive.
Cuc Phuong National Park Location, Opening Hours & Entrance Fees
The location of Cuc Phuong National Park is in Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province
Cuc Phuong National Park entrance fee:
- For Adults: 60,000 VND
- For Students: 20,000 VND
- For Children: 10,000 VND
Best Time to Visit Cuc Phuong National Park
The climate of Cuc Phuong National Park is tropical monsoon. Here, the average temperature is roughly 24.7 °C. The dry season (December to May) is the optimum time to visit Ninh Binh National Park. The weather at this time of year is bright and cool, making outdoor activities ideal. On the other hand, it is advisable to stay put during the rainy season as the roads get slick and mosquitoes and leeches are more common.
The weather and travel circumstances for Cuc Phuong during its most picturesque season are summarized here.
- Dry and chilly from November to January. You need to dress for the winter.
- Dry and sunny from January to April. The best time of year to go bird-watching is now.
- Cuc Phuong National Park's butterfly season runs from mid-April to early May. But, there's a chance of rain, and the roads will be slick, making trekking risky.
How to Get to Cuc Phuong National Park
For a short vacation from Hanoi, Cuc Phuong National Park is the perfect location. It is accessible to travelers by car, bus, or motorcycle.
By Bus
The most economical way to get to Cuc Phuong National Park from Hanoi is by bus. The cost of a bus ticket varies based on the kind of bus you take, but it often falls between 100,000 and 150,000 VND.
While some bus companies exclusively pick up passengers at Giap Bat Bus Station, several offer pick-up services. Some buses only stop at the city center, therefore you might need to hire a cab or mototaxi from Ninh Binh to Cuc Phuong National Park.
By Car
Renting a car is more costly but also more pleasant, particularly for visitors from other countries who are unfamiliar with Vietnamese roads. When traveling in a big group, it is a better alternative because you won't have to worry about cramming onto a crowded bus.
By Motorbike
Adventurers who want to see this national park in Ninh Binh prefer to travel by motorcycle. To find the path to the park entrance, simply do a Google Maps search. Riding a motorcycle from Hanoi to Cuc Phuong National Park will take you between three to five hours.
Cuc Phuong National Park Travel Guide
When visiting Cuc Phuong National Park, make sure to include the following items: long sleeves, a light sweater, and a raincoat; insect repellent; thick, high socks (to prevent leeches); sneakers or hiking shoes; caps, sunglasses, sunscreen; flashlight; water and food; a good camera; and camping gear.
What to Eat in Cuc Phuong National Park
In addition to enjoying the splendor of the natural surroundings, make sure you sample the regional specialties on your trip to Cuc Phuong National Park from Ninh Binh. Here are a few things you should try: "Com chay" (scorched rice) with goat meat, mountain snails, grilled chicken, and muong rice wine
