Enjoy A Peaceful Summer Vacation In Cuc Phuong National Park

Located 120 km south of Hanoi, and about 70 km northwest of Thanh Hoa, Cuc Phuong National Park is an ideal eco-tourism destination for tourists on weekends or short holidays. Travel time from Hanoi is about 2 hours and 1 to 1,5 hours from Thanh Hoa. Tourists can choose the route from Bim Son to Tam Diep to enter Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh. Both sides of the road are filled with the green of pineapple and acacia hills.

Located 120 km south of Hanoi, and about 70 km northwest of Thanh Hoa, Cuc Phuong National Park is an ideal eco-tourism destination for tourists on weekends or short holidays. Photo: Vinpearl

Cuc Phuong National Park spans an area of 22,408 hectares. It is spread over three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa. It is approximately 120 kilometers from Hanoi and 55 kilometers from Ninh Binh City. About 70 percent of the total area belongs to Ninh Binh Province.

Cuc Phuong National Park was established in 1962 and is Vietnam’s first and largest national park. It is the habitat of a wide variety of flora and fauna, including a dense forest full of millennia-old trees, botanical gardens, and a plethora of birds, mammals, reptiles, and colorful butterflies. Two animal sanctuaries are also located here.

Cuc Phuong National Park spans an area of 22,408 hectares. Photo; Trang An Retreat

Cuc Phuong National Park has a total area of 22,408 hectares located deep in the heart of the Tam Diep mountain range, a place that possesses many values of natural landscape and biodiversity.

Cuc Phuong National Park is home to 336 bird species, 135 animal species, 122 reptile species, and over 2,234 plant species.

There are over 2000 flora species in total currently coexisting in the park, creating a rich ecosystem. Towering giant trees, some up to 100 years old, are adorned with delicate vines and vibrant flowers, contributing to the park’s mesmerizing and majestic scenery.

There are over 2000 flora species in total currently coexisting in the park, creating a rich ecosystem. Photo: Bao Ninh Binh

Cuc Phuong National Park boasts not only a remarkable variety of species but also provides an opportunity to encounter some that are endemic to Vietnam. Delacour’s langur, thought to have been extinct long ago, is now accompanied by various exotic species like Niec Hang fish, clouded leopards, serows, and red-bellied squirrels.

A trip to Cuc Phuong National Park Ninh Binh will never be complete without a visit to the majestic caves amidst the forest. Cuc Phuong's rocky outcrops are the locations of priceless paleontological and anthropological remnants, such as a petrified sea reptile that dates to between 200 and 230 million years ago. The numerous mountain caves also contain the remains of prehistoric people who lived in the forest around 7,500 years ago.

After walking through the tree-lined corridor, climbing the steep stairs, and admiring the tranquil scenery, tourists will reach the entrance of Prehistoric Men cave. It is a habitation of primitive humans who lived in Ninh Binh between 7,000 and 12,500 years ago. Here, they will also find two newly found ancient tombs, Neolithic bones, and evidence of stone tools.

A trip to Cuc Phuong National Park Ninh Binh will never be complete without a visit to the majestic caves amidst the forest. Photo: Origin Vietnam

In addition to the Prehistoric Men Cave, Cuc Phuong forest also has Son Cung Cave, Con Moong Cave, and local villages for visitors to discover more about the culture and life of this place.

Cuc Phuong Museum is one of the must-see places on Cuc Phuong National Park tours. It comprises over 13,000 exhibits of flora and mushrooms; 450 exhibits of mammals, birds, reptiles, and frogs; 4,000 exhibits of insects; and 300 exhibits of minerals, fossils, and ancient artifacts.

At an altitude of 648 meters, May Bac Peak is the highest peak in Cuc Phuong National Park. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the park's forest and lowlands, and the historic capital Hoa Lu and Bai Dinh Pagoda. The trail to May Bac Peak is one of the most exciting hiking trails for intrepid travelers.

The swarms of butterflies that gather in the park around late spring and early summer are one of the most famous attractions of this place. Photo: GetYourGuide

Travelers can enjoy a relaxing time at Cuc Phuong Botanical Garden. This is Vietnam's first botanical garden. It opened in 1985 as part of a system of national parks and protected areas. As one of the three botanical gardens in Vietnam that are on the list of International Botanical Gardens, this place aims to maintain genetic resources, and rare plants, and establish a semi-wild, protected area for wildlife release programs.

The national park is an ideal location for camping. Photo: Local Vietnam

The best time to visit Cuc Phuong National Park is from December to May. During this time, the weather is cool and bright, perfect for outdoor pursuits.

The swarms of butterflies that gather in the park around late spring and early summer are one of the most famous attractions of this place. As the habitat of more than 400 species of butterflies, Cuc Phuong National Park is a perfect location for butterfly watching.

The best time to visit Cuc Phuong National Park is from December to May. Photo: Local Vietnam

The national park is an ideal location for camping. During the day, tourists can camp on the flat ground beneath the trees. If they wish to camp overnight, they can set up their tents in the designated cement areas. Daytime camping is free, but there is a nominal cost for overnight stays.

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