Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh: The Complete Travel Guide

Cuc Phuong National Park is a cherished natural gem in Vietnam, offering a chance to explore the country’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife. With its lush forests, fascinating caves, and conservation efforts, the park provides a great experience for nature lovers, researchers, and eco-enthusiasts alike. Let’s check out VTJ and discover this spectacular national park in the article below.

Cuc Phuong National Park – The oldest national park in Vietnam

An Overview of Cuc Phuong National Park in Vietnam?

Cuc Phuong National Park is situated in Ninh Binh Province, approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) southwest of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. It covers an area of about 222 square kilometers (53 square miles) and is part of the largest limestone karst ecosystem in the region.

Cuc Phuong National Park was established in 1962, making it the oldest national park in Vietnam. It holds significant ecological importance as it protects the diverse flora and fauna of the area, including rare and endangered species.

Cuc Phuong National Park entrance fee is 60,000 VND for adults, 20,000 VND for students, and 10,000 for children.

Cuc Phuong National Park is a large natural park with a diverse ecosystem

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Things to See in Cuc Phuong National Park

1. Cuc Phuong Museum

Cuc Phuong Museum is a must-visit destination for tourists. It has more than 13,000 displays of plants and mushrooms, 450 displays of animals, including birds, reptiles, frogs, and mammals, 4,000 displays of insects, and 300 displays of minerals, fossils, and prehistoric artifacts.

2. May Bac Peak (Silver Cloudy Peak)

May Bac Peak is the highest point in Cuc Phuong National Park, rising to a height of 648 meters. People can conquer this peak and treat their eyes to a stunning overview of the lowlands and forest of the park, together with Bai Dinh Pagoda and the old capital Hoa Lu. 

The spectacular view from May Bac Peak.

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3. Prehistoric Caves

Cuc Phuong National Park has many majestic caves in the forest. Many of them contain evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years and provide fascinating insights into Vietnam’s prehistoric period.

• Prehistoric Man Cave: an early human settlement that existed in Ninh Binh between 7,000 and 12,500 years ago. Along with Neolithic bones and stone tool evidence, this location also has two recently discovered ancient tombs.
• Con Mong Cave: “Con Moong” is the word for animals in the Muong ethnic group’s language. 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: When viewed from a distance, the cave’s entrance resembles a waning moon so it was called Trang Khuyet in Vietnamese and Crescent Cave in English. 

Cuc Phuong National Park has many majestic caves in the forest

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4. Hundred-year-old Trees

Cuc Phuong National Park is also well known for its large number of ancient trees.

• Dang ancient tree: This tree has a lengthy history and attracts attention with its impressive appearance. It stands 45 meters tall, has a diameter of 5 meters, and has a 20-meter-long root system on the ground.
• Thousand-year-old tree: At Cuc Phuong National Park, this tree is the oldest. Its dimensions are 45 meters in height by 5 meters in diameter, and its trunk is big enough to fit the arms of at least 20 individuals around.
• Sau ancient tree: With its 45-meter height and 10-meter-tall root system, the Sau tree has an attractive design that makes it like a solid wall. It’s a terrific place for you to relax under its massive leaf canopy.

Dang Ancient Tree in Cuc Phuong National Park 

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5. Conservation Centers

5.1. Cuc Phuong Botanical Garden

Cuc Phuong Botanical Garden was established in 1985 and is the first botanical garden in Vietnam. Its role is to preserve genetic resources and rare flora.

5.2. Endangered Primate Rescue Center

Cuc Phuong National Park is home to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, which focuses on conserving and rehabilitating endangered primate species. Visitors can learn about the center’s efforts and observe various primate species, including the critically endangered Delacour’s langur and the black-shanked douc.

The Turtle Conservation Center, Cuc Phuong National Park

5.3. Turtle Conservation Center

Cuc Phuong National Park is home to a Turtle Conservation Center, which aims to protect and breed endangered turtle species. This center was opened in 1998 by The Fauna and Flora International, and in 2001 Cuc Phuong National Park took over as administrator.

The butterfly season in Cuc Phuong

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Cuc Phuong National Park: The Complete Travel Guide

When Is the Best Time to Visit Cuc Phuong National Park?

The ideal time to visit Cuc Phuong National Park is in the dry seasons, which runs from October through February because of the pleasant, mild weather. If you choose to pay a visit to the park in the rainy seasons, the roads are slick, and the forest is full of mosquitoes and leeches.

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How to Get to Cuc Phuong National Park

To get to Cuc Phuong National Park in Vietnam, you can follow these general directions from Hanoi, the capital city: 

• Private Vehicle: The most convenient option is to hire a private vehicle or taxi from Hanoi. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours, depending on traffic conditions. You can arrange transportation through a tour agency or hire a taxi for the day. 

Tourists can get to Cuc Phuong National Park by bicycle

• Public Bus: Another option is to take a public bus from Hanoi to Nho Quan Town, which is the nearest town to Cuc Phuong National Park. From Nho Quan, you can hire a motorbike taxi or arrange a transfer to the park entrance. The bus journey takes around 3-4 hours, and you can catch a bus from Giap Bat or My Dinh bus stations in Hanoi. 
• Train: You can also take a train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh City, which is the closest major city to Cuc Phuong National Park. From Ninh Binh, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Nho Quan Town and then proceed to the park. The train journey takes around 2-3 hours, and you can find train schedules and tickets at Hanoi’s train stations.

What to Do in Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park in Vietnam offers a range of activities and experiences for visitors. Here are some things you can do while exploring the park: 

• Hiking and Nature Walks: Cuc Phuong National Park has well-marked trails that allow you to explore its diverse ecosystems. You can take a trekking trip through Cuc Phuong National Park or walk along the park’s trails such as the Loop Trail or the Mac Lake Trail, to immerse yourself in its natural beauty and observe the rich flora and fauna

Trekking in Cuc Phuong National Park

• Wildlife Spotting: The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including langurs, macaques, gibbons, and numerous bird species. Bring binoculars and a camera to spot and photograph these animals in their natural habitat. The park also offers night safaris for a chance to see nocturnal creatures like civets and owls.
• Enjoy Biking and Birdwatching: Rent a bicycle and explore the park’s trails, enjoying the scenic beauty and fresh air. Cuc Phuong is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 300 bird species recorded in the area. Bring your binoculars and bird field guide to spot and identify various bird species.
• Cultural Experiences: Visit the nearby Mo Muong ethnic village to experience the local culture and learn about the traditions of the Muong ethnic group. You should engage with the community, witness their daily activities, and perhaps even participate in traditional crafts or ceremonies.
• Photography and Nature Appreciation: Cuc Phuong National Park offers stunning landscapes, ancient trees, and unique wildlife, making it a paradise for nature photographers. Visitors can capture the beauty and diversity of the park through their lens and take home lasting memories.

Visitors can observe animals with binoculars

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Getting around Cuc Phuong National Park

You can get around Cuc Phuong National Park to enjoy the spectacular landscape with many species of flora and fauna, pay a visit to some prehistory caves, and so on

The Endangered Primate Rescue Center, Cuc Phuong National Park.

Tips for Having the Best Cuc Phuong National Park Tour

Here are some tips for tourists to have the best Cuc Phuong National Park tour:

• Choose a suitable time of the year to pay a visit. It is more convenient when discovering Cuc Phuong National Park in the ideal seasons – dry and warm because there are a lot of annoying insects in the rainy season.
• Wear comfortable clothes. Make sure that you put on suitable shoes and avoid short pants or skirts as it has many mosquitoes and other insects.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks. You can feel tired and hungry when doing a lot of walking around this park.

Cuc Phuong National Park in Vietnam is a treasure trove of natural beauty and biodiversity. You should come and experience the majestic nature and animals here. Hopefully, this article of VTJ will bring you useful information about Cuc Phuong National Park, and come to visit here if you have a chance.

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