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Cuc Phuong National Park (or Cuc Phuong Forest) is a nature reserve and a special-use forest located at the intersection of three regions in Northwest Vietnam, the Red River Delta, and North Central Coast. It spans three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa. The national park is known for its diverse and abundant flora and fauna, characterized by tropical rainforests.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Many endangered species of flora and fauna have been discovered and preserved here. It is also the first national park in Vietnam. Cuc Phuong tourism is renowned for its eco-tourism and environmental tourism activities. Cuc Phuong attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year who come to explore its rich biodiversity, admire the beautiful natural landscapes, participate in eco-tourism programs, enjoy resorts, campfires, adventure activities, research, and cultural history.
Introduction to Cuc Phuong
Located 120 km south of the capital city Hanoi, nestled deep within the Tam Diep mountain range, there is a familiar and beloved land that piques the curiosity of countless people both within and outside of Vietnam. That is Cuc Phuong National Park – Vietnam’s first national park.
Established on July 7, 1962, Cuc Phuong National Park covers the territories of three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa, with a total area of 22,408 hectares. With its scenic natural landscapes, diverse ecosystems, cultural and historical values, Cuc Phuong has long been a famous and attractive eco-tourism destination.
With its characteristics of evergreen tropical rainforests, Cuc Phuong boasts an incredibly rich and diverse flora and fauna. According to recent surveys, Cuc Phuong is home to 2,234 higher plant species and mosses, including 433 medicinal plants and 229 edible plants, many of which are listed in Vietnam’s Red Book of endangered species.
In terms of fauna, Cuc Phuong is home to 122 species of reptiles and amphibians, 66 species of fish, nearly 2,000 species of insects, and 135 species of mammals (including the critically endangered Delacour’s langur, a beautiful and rare primate species that has been chosen as the symbol of Cuc Phuong National Park). With 336 resident bird species, including many endemic species of Vietnam and Indochina, Cuc Phuong has become an ideal destination for bird watchers.
When is the best time to visit Cuc Phuong?
Cuc Phuong has a tropical monsoon climate with an average annual temperature of about 24.7 °C. The complex terrain, pristine forests, and unique landscapes make it an intriguing destination.
From November to January, which is the cold season in the northern region, it is not advisable to visit the forest during this time.
From February to April is the ideal time to observe various bird species such as pheasants, woodpeckers, laughingthrushes, and white-bellied minivets.
Late April to early May is the butterfly season in Cuc Phuong. During this time, thousands of colorful butterflies create a splendid and romantic scenery in the national park.
From April to August every year, the weather is usually sunny, although occasional rainstorms or typhoons may occur. It is advisable to check the weather forecast before visiting.
Guide to Getting to Cuc Phuong
Public Transportation
From Hanoi, you have two options to reach Cuc Phuong:
Take a direct bus from Giap Bat Bus Station to Cuc Phuong. In the morning, you can take the Duc Hanh bus (phone number: 0912607066) departing from Giap Bat at 10 AM. In the afternoon, there is the Phu Duyen bus (phone number: 0988118215) departing at 3 PM. These buses go directly to Cuc Phuong, making it the most convenient option.
Take a bus from Giap Bat to Nho Quan (Me), then call for a taxi from Nho Quan to Cuc Phuong. From there, you still need to travel about ten kilometers to reach the forest gate. If you’re traveling with about 4-5 people, it’s recommended to hire a taxi. If you’re traveling alone or with fewer people, you can take a motorbike taxi or a local bus.
Private Transportation
From Hanoi, you can follow the Ninh Binh expressway and then continue on National Highway 1A (not the expressway). Head in the opposite direction of Hanoi until you reach the beginning of Ninh Binh City. From there, follow the road towards Trang An, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Dong Chuong Lake, which will lead you to Cuc Phuong.If you’re traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh on Highway 1A without taking the expressway, at the Gian Khau intersection, turn right onto DT477. Pass through Nho Quan town and continue towards Cuc Phuong.
Accommodation in Cuc Phuong
Staying within Cuc Phuong National Park
Forest Gate Area: The forest gate area is the starting point for all activities within the park. Here, you can plan your visit, arrange guided tours, night wildlife watching, kayaking, ethnic cultural performances, biking, and obtain all the information about Cuc Phuong.
Mac Lake Area: Located 1.5km from the forest gate, Mac Lake is a peaceful area with fresh air and various accommodation and dining services. Mac Lake offers both private rooms and communal houses. It is also a great place to organize campfire activities and cultural exchanges.
Central Area (Bong): Bong village is approximately 20km from the forest gate and is the last stop along the road through Cuc Phuong. This area also provides accommodation and dining services. However, there is no electricity in this area, and the generator only runs for about 4 hours each night, so if there are few guests, they may not run the generator.
Mac Lake Area
Staying outside Cuc Phuong
If you prefer not to stay deep within Cuc Phuong (due to reasons like mosquitoes), you can choose to stay outside the park. The closest option to the forest gate is Cuc Phuong Resort. Although not particularly beautiful, it is the most decent resort option. It offers amenities such as a swimming pool, bungalow-style rooms, and a restaurant with good food (though service might be slow during peak periods).
Resort in Cuc Phuong
Tourist Attractions in Cuc Phuong
What to do in Cuc Phuong
Camping in Cuc Phuong Forest
Cuc Phuong is a great destination for day or overnight camping and picnics. When visiting Cuc Phuong, you can camp in the central area of the park, known as Xom Bong.
During the day, you can choose flat areas under the canopy of trees to set up your camp. In the evening, you can use pre-prepared cement squares for camping. Daytime camping does not incur any fees, but if you camp overnight, there will be charges collected per tent.
Hiking in the Primeval Forest
Cuc Phuong has established several hiking trails in the forest, each with different routes and durations. You can choose the trails that suit you best.
While some trails can be explored independently, having a guide’s assistance and introduction will make your journey more enjoyable and meaningful. Popular trails include overnight camping in the forest, a full-day hike to Ngoc Son Conservation Area, and a visit to Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
Community Ecotourism
The natural environment of Cuc Phuong is of great importance as it provides livelihood opportunities for the local community. Community-based ecotourism plays a vital role in improving the local people’s lives and supporting conservation efforts. By staying one or two nights in a Muong village, you contribute to the local economy and conservation initiatives. During your stay, the hospitable and welcoming Muong people will provide you with a comfortable environment and opportunities to explore the unique local culture.
Night Wildlife Viewing
Depending on weather conditions, the National Park may organize night wildlife viewing programs. Participating in these programs will give you the chance to observe various wild animals such as black squirrels, flying squirrels, owls, civets, and small carnivores.
Cuc Phuong Nevada Resort
Bird Watching
Cuc Phuong is one of the most diverse bird habitats in Northern Vietnam, with 308 documented and recorded species. Many rare and endangered bird species can be found here, such as the Red-Headed Trogon, White-winged Magpie, Bar-bellied Pitta, and Crested Argus. Cuc Phuong has become a must-visit destination for scientists and birdwatchers. The best time for bird watching is early morning and late afternoon.
Cycling in the Forest
One of the exciting ways to explore the mysteries of Cuc Phuong’s nature is cycling in the forest. Cycling will not only provide you with a peaceful and genuine connection with nature but also offer opportunities to encounter rare wildlife species in Cuc Phuong.
Kayaking
During your stay in Cuc Phuong, you can engage in various recreational and relaxing activities. One popular activity is kayaking on Mac Lake and Yen Quang Lake, which many visitors enjoy.
Kayak
Conservation Centers in Cuc Phuong
Cuc Phuong Botanical Garden
This area is built to collect and cultivate rare plant species from Cuc Phuong, Vietnam, and the world. It is one of the world’s three major botanical gardens according to the list published in 1997. The garden tour route is easy, with a walking distance of 3 km.
Cuc Phuong Visitor Center
Cuc Phuong Visitor Center
Built with the support of AusAid and FFI, this is also the first visitor education center established in Indochina. It is a tourist attraction and the place for necessary procedures before entering the forest.
Rescue, Conservation, and Development Center for Wildlife
Rescuing, conserving, and developing endangered wildlife species in Vietnam; researching behavior, physiology, and reproduction in captivity of rare wild animal species for conservation and development purposes; collecting and cultivating to conserve the genetic resources and rare plant species of Vietnam.
Primate Rescue Center in Cuc Phuong
Its mission is to rescue individual rare primate species (Delacour’s langur, Ha Tinh langur, Cat Ba langur, Lao langur, Gray-shanked douc, etc.) from confiscation and illegal trade; releasing animals back into the wild; conducting research on primate species such as food searching, behavior, environment, and habitat.
Source: Bearsanctuary Ninh Binh
Cuc Phuong Museum
It is a research and reference site for students, scholars, and experts in conservation, botany, and zoology to visit and study. Cuc Phuong Museum is located within the premises of Cuc Phuong National Park. The museum has been newly constructed to serve the storage and preservation of specimens such as insects, butterflies, plant samples, dragonflies, cicadas, birds, and other animal species such as bears, leopards, monkeys, langurs, etc.
The museum currently holds over 50 paleontological specimens, including a reptile fossil with an age of 230-250 million years. Cuc Phuong Museum is currently preserving 122 preserved specimens, 82 animal specimens, 2,900 insect specimens of various types, and over 12,000 plant herbarium specimens.
Prehistoric Caves
Ancient People Cave
It is a relic of prehistoric human settlement and burial, a unique cultural site in the history of human development, and a valuable heritage within the protected area of Cuc Phuong Forest.
Con Moong Cave
Con Moong Cave (meaning “animal cave” in the local language) is a limestone cave in Cuc Phuong National Park. Although Cuc Phuong National Park is mostly located in Ninh Binh province, Con Moong Cave is located in Thanh Yen commune, Thach Thanh district, Thanh Hoa province.
Situated near rivers and streams, the area is rich in diverse flora and fauna, making it a chosen place for long-term residence by ancient people. The cave is large and long, with two interconnected entrances. Con Moong Cave has a relatively thick cultural layer, with a complex structure consisting of overlapping layers of clay, limestone, and charcoal deposits.
Mang Chieng Cave
It is a burial site of the inhabitants of the New Stone Age who had a stone tool complex closely associated with the Hoa Binh culture. The cave contains numerous artifacts, animal bones, and human remains.
Trang Khuyet Cave
Trang Khuyet Cave Located deep within the forest, the view from inside the cave resembles a crescent moon.
Son Cung Cave
It is a cave located along the thousand-year-old tree trail.
Pho Ma Cave
A beautiful cave with natural stalactites. To enter the cave, one must pass through Lake Yen Quang 3, cross the valley, and climb the rocky mountain.
Thuy Tien Cave
Formed by the activities of limestone mountains, it bears a resemblance to the palace of Thuy Tien, with underwater fairies.
Characteristics of Ancient Trees
Old Lantern Tree
It is a towering ancient tree, reaching a height of 45 meters, with a diameter of up to 5 meters and a system of exposed roots on the ground running about 20 meters long. From the entrance along the road, passing Ancient People Cave for about 2 kilometers, on the left side is the path leading to the Ancient Tree, which is 3 kilometers long.
Crossing 5 rocky slopes, with diverse plant communities. It is a tree with seven leaves and one flower (thất diệp nhất chi hoa); it is a woody vine with a diameter of 20-30 cm and a length of about 100 meters, found only in Cuc Phuong. On the way to the Ancient Tree, you can observe rare bird species such as the red-bellied pitta, red-headed trogon, white-tailed pheasant, or mammals like langurs, black squirrels, red-bellied squirrels, white-cheeked gibbons…
The Thousand-Year-Old Banyan Tree
This is a towering tree that reaches a height of 45 meters, with a diameter of 5 meters and its exposed roots on the ground running about 20 meters long. From the entrance, taking the dirt road through Ancient People Cave for about 2 kilometers, on the left side, there is a path leading to the ancient tung tree, which is 3 kilometers long.
Crossing five rocky slopes with diverse vegetation, you will encounter the unique “banyan vine” with a trunk diameter of 20-30 cm and a length of about 100 meters, only found in Cuc Phuong.
On the way to the ancient tung tree, you can observe rare bird species such as the red-bellied pitta, red-headed woodpecker, white-cheeked laughingthrush, as well as mammals like porcupines, black squirrels, red-bellied squirrels, and white-thighed langurs.
Ancient Crocodile Tree
This is a towering tree that reaches a height of 45 meters, with extensive root system spreading out from the trunk at a height of about 10 meters and extending for 20 meters. On the way to the ancient banyan tree, you can also admire the woody climbers, ancient Ficus species, and epiphytic plants such as orchids, epiphyllum, and aerial ferns. You will also encounter bird species like the red-headed woodpecker and striped-throated bulbuls.
Silver Cloud Peak
This is the highest peak in Cuc Phuong Forest, reaching an elevation of 648 meters. From the center, it takes about 3 kilometers through old-growth forests with steep slopes.
Upon reaching the summit, amidst the clouds, you can enjoy panoramic views of the forests and plains of four districts spanning three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa. The route to Silver Cloud Peak is long and challenging, and it requires a guide from the National Park. The round trip takes about 4 hours.
Yen Quang Lake
Yen Quang Lake is a system of four large lakes named Lake 1, Lake 2, Lake 3, and Lake 4, located in Yen Quang commune. Yen Quang Lake is a scenic spot within the buffer zone of Cuc Phuong National Park. In the middle of the lake, there is a small island with a temple, and the water surface is where many waterfowl gather and swim.
On the clear blue water surface, the reflection of the mountains, forests, and small fishing boats creates a wild and tranquil scene. Yen Quang Lake is also a fishing lake for local residents in Ninh Binh and tourists.
From Lake 3, crossing Quen La and entering a relatively flat and wide area of about 100 hectares, you will reach Thung La. After crossing Thung La, climbing to the foot of the limestone mountain, tourists will reach the magnificent Pho Ma Cave. Right outside the cave entrance, there is a stalactite that resembles the shape of a mythical Pho Ma creature. Inside the cave, there are numerous chambers, each adorned with an elaborate system of stalactites, resembling royal palaces.
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Delicious Cuisine in Cuc Phuong
Cuc Phuong’s mountainous cuisine is renowned for its specialty dishes such as mountain goat, Muong pork, and hill chicken. You can find these delicious dishes in most restaurants within and around Cuc Phuong Forest. If you’re lucky to visit during the right season, you will have the opportunity to taste some specialties of Ninh Binh, such as mountain crabs, mountain snails, and grasshoppers.
Ninh Binh Mountain Goat Meat
Ninh Binh mountain goat meat is known for its firm texture, low fat content, and aromatic flavor. It is believed that these characteristics are due to the presence of rocky mountains in Ninh Binh, where goats often roam and jump, resulting in leaner and firmer meat compared to free-range goats on hillsides. Additionally, the unique terrain of limestone mountains submerged in water provides a variety of suitable vegetation such as nettles, goldenrods, ferns, gingers, kohlrabis, water celery, wild betel leaves, houttuynias, mouse ear herbs, and wild grapes, which contribute to the quality and delicious taste of goat meat. Other local ingredients and specialties also enhance the prominence of Ninh Binh’s goat dishes, such as unique accompanying vegetables from the mountainous terrain, Kim Son wine, Nho Quan grape wine, and Ninh Binh burnt rice.
Ninh Binh Burnt Rice
Ninh Binh burnt rice is not a traditional dish of the people of Ninh Binh, but it was created by a native and has been preserved and developed until today. It is a rustic dish that showcases the skillfulness of human hands and has been passed down for hundreds of years, becoming a specialty of the ancient capital region and one of the famous delicacies of Ninh Binh.
Cuc Phuong Rooster
Cuc Phuong rooster has long been a specialty breed raised in Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh. These chickens are raised in the Cuc Phuong mountainous forest area, where the suitable climate and natural conditions result in aromatic and delicious meat, making them highly preferred.
Cuc Phuong Mountain Snails
Around March is the time when snails start to emerge and multiply, and by the months of July and August, they can be caught. Cuc Phuong snails are unique as they only appear from the third lunar month to the seventh lunar month. By August and September, when the autumn breeze arrives, the snails disappear without a trace, as if they had never existed on this earth.
Snails often appear after rainfall. Therefore, after a rain shower, people gather in the forest and climb the mountains to search for snails. The snails cling to the trees, and when one is caught, the others nearby open their mouths and drop down without fear of breaking because they are equipped with a special shell.
Cuc Phuong mountain snails are usually meaty and have a distinctive flavor due to their diet of various types of moss, leaves, and forest roots.
Cuc Phuong Travel Itinerary
Here are some travel itineraries for Cuc Phuong to help you better plan and manage your time for your trip.
Hanoi – Cuc Phuong – Hanoi
Day 1: Hanoi – Cuc Phuong
Depart from Hanoi in the morning around 8 am and arrive at Cuc Phuong around noon. Check-in and store your belongings, then have lunch and take a rest.
In the afternoon, venture deep into the forest and visit the Cave of Prehistoric Man. Then continue further into the forest and hike 7km to see the Thousand-year-old Cho tree.
Return to the accommodation in the evening for dinner, ending day 1.
Butterfly in Cuc Phuong
Day 2: Explore Cuc Phuong – Hanoi
Wake up early and take a walk in the forest, have breakfast, and visit the Turtle Conservation Center and the Primate Rescue Center.
You can choose to participate in some tours organized by the National Park, as they offer many interesting and exciting options.
In the evening, depart back to Hanoi.
Cuc Phuong National Park in the national television broadcaster of Vietnam . Source :VTV World
Hanoi – Cuc Phuong – Van Long
This itinerary is suitable for those using private vehicles (car or motorbike) traveling from Hanoi.
Day 1: Hanoi – Cuc Phuong
Depart from Hanoi in the morning around 8 am and arrive at Cuc Phuong around noon. Check-in and store your belongings, then have lunch and take a rest.
In the afternoon, venture deep into the forest and visit the Cave of Prehistoric Man. Then continue further into the forest and hike 7km to see the Thousand-year-old Cho tree.
Return to the accommodation in the evening for dinner, ending day 1.
Day 2: Cuc Phuong – Van Long – Hanoi
Wake up early and take a walk in the forest, have breakfast, and visit the Turtle Conservation Center and the Primate Rescue Center. Afterward, follow the Hoang Long River levee to the nearby Van Long Conservation Area.
Take a boat tour to explore Van Long, have a rest and lunch at a nearby restaurant, then conclude the itinerary and return to Hanoi.
Items to Bring Along
There are some items you should prepare from home to make your family’s Cuc Phuong adventure more convenient. Since it is a forested area, not everything is readily available.
Insect repellent and mosquito repellent: In the forest, it is often damp, especially if you visit after the rainy season. It is essential to bring these sprays, especially when traveling with children.
Appropriate hiking shoes: If you plan to explore some forest trails, wearing suitable shoes will ensure the safety of your feet.
Wear high-cut and thick socks to protect your feet while walking in the forest.
Carry a personal flashlight for nighttime walks and use it when entering caves.
The above is a guide for visiting Cuc Phuong National Park provided by Circle Vietnam. We wish you a safe and enjoyable trip to Ninh Binh.
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