What to do in Cuc Phuong National Park?
Charming because of its diversity, Cuc Phuong has a lush tropical forest, a rich flora system, dynamic plants and species. It holds an essential role in protecting and preserving Vietnam’s rare and precious animals.
Established on 7th July 1962 to Decision No. 72-TTg of the Prime Minister, the Cuc Phuong National Park is located in three provinces of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa with a total area of 22,408 hectares. With various values of natural landscape, ecosystem diversity, and cultural and historical values, Cuc Phuong has long become a famous and attractive ecotourism destination.
Whether you like leisurely exploring or adventurous trekking under the impressive rainforest, Cuc Phuong National Park is the place to be! Apart from Hanoi 120 km South, the majestic site is hidden far away in the Tam Diep alley hills, which was also the first national forest of Vietnam.
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Explore the primal forest
As the site is enormous, you might have to consult a guide beforehand or have them with you along the journey. There are several routes with different durations and attractions, and with the guidance of someone who acknowledges the place, your trip will surely become more exhilarating!
Ninh Binh province is blessed with natural beauty, cultural sights and the Cuc Phuong National Park. Highlights include boat trips amid karst landscapes at Tam Coc and the Unesco World Heritage-listed Trang An Grottoes.
By the time you wander around, camping overnight in Ngoc Son and Pu Luong conservation areas are some of the attractive routes that people usually would choose. If you find it hard to walk around, try out another form of exercise to discover the forest! Cycling might just be a great way to see the landscapes and encounter some of the difficult-to-see animals.
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Visit the Conservation Centers
Many centers on the site are for visitors to learn more about the park and its animals. Some great stops are the Primate Rescue Center, Turtle Conservation Center, and Visitor Center.
If you want to discover more about the interesting species here, don’t forget to visit the Primate Rescue Center which raises nearly 160 individuals of 15 rare primate species and eventually will flee them back to nature. Some of the rarest primates are also inhabitants in this shelter, which include White-butted langur, HaTinh langur, jet-black langur, Laotian langur, and Cat Ba langur.
There are various species in the Conservation Centers that you may took a look at.
The site is also made for research primates, such as their foraging, living behavior, environment, and living space. The symbol of the Cuc Phuong National Park is the black-and-white-breasted langur, which is the rarest primate of them all.
The symbol of the Cuc Phuong National Park is the black-and-white-breasted langur, which is the rarest primate of them all.
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Admire the thousand-years-old trees
Well-known because of its vast forest, Cuc Phuong is also home to a rich system of plants, and some significant thousand-year-old trees are such masterpieces that you have to witness for yourself! Some of them have running roots just like snakes sliding on the ground about 20 meters long. Some types of wood from these giant trees are hard to find anywhere, so don’t hesitate to ask your guide so they can tell you more.
The gigantic tree in Cuc Phuong National Park has running roots just like snakes sliding on the ground about 20 meters long.
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Visit historical ancient caves
Nguoi Xua Cave & Con Moong Cave (Beast Cave) are two particular options on the list. Nguoi Xua Cave was once believed to be inhabited by prehistoric humans and contained burial relics dated about 7,500 – 12,000 years ago.
Inside the cave in Cuc Phuong National Park that dated back more than 10.000 years ago
The “Beast” is located near rivers and streams that produce diverse fauna and flora, which made it a shelter for ancient residents. With two connecting doors, Con Moong has a relatively thick cultural stratigraphy structure and a successive interweaving of clay, mollusk shells, and streaks of coal ash.
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Hike the Silver Cloud Peak (Dinh May Bac) (best in January – April)
Add to your journey a bit of an adventurous feature by hiking the highest mountain in Cuc Phuong National Park. With an altitude of 648 meters, the peak of Silver Cloud Peak is a great place to seek a panoramic sight over the forest, Hoa Lu ancient capital, and Bai Dinh Pagoda – which are some of the tourist hotspots of Ninh Binh province. Some rocky slopes are expected during the 4-hours-hike, whereas a park guide and great health are required qualifications to the enjoyment of your journey.
Relish the wonderful nature around you in Cuc Phuong National Park.
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Discover the Botanical Garden
The garden was built in 1995 and has an area of 167 hectares. With 336 species of trees from Vietnam and some other species of areca palm, and aphids, this place is truly a heaven for discovering the natural forest on limestone mountains.
The Endangered Primate Rescue Center is presently managed under the umbrella of the Vietnam Primate Conservation Program, jointly operated by Zoo Leipzig and Cuc Phuong National Park. More than 180 animals have been born at the center, some being the first of their species to be born in captivity, including the critically endangered Cat Ba Langur, Delacour’s Langur, and the Grey-Shanked Douc Langur.
According to recent survey data, Cuc Phuong has 2,234 species of higher plants and mosses, of which there are 433 species of medicinal plants and 229 species of edible plants, many species are recorded in Vietnam’s Red Book. Regarding animals, Cuc Phuong has 122 species of reptiles and amphibians, 66 species of fish, nearly 2000 species of insects, and 135 species of mammals.
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Experience Bird-Watching & Butterflies Hunting (January – April)
The best times for bird-watching are early morning and late afternoon.With 336 resident bird species, especially many endemic species of Vietnam and Indochina, Cuc Phuong has long been an ideal spot for birdwatchers. Cuc Phuong is currently the most diverse site to withhold bird fauna in the North of Vietnam, with 308 species discovered and recorded. Various rare species such as the Red-headed Woodpecker, White Pheasant, Striped-bellied tail, and many more endemic species of Vietnam alone and Indochine all gather here.
Cuc Phuong is currently the most diverse site to withhold bird fauna in the North of Vietnam, with 308 species discovered and recorded. Thus it attracts loads of international visitors coming here to explore.
Many visitors have been enchanted by the most magical experience at Cuc Phuong National Park which is the butterflies-hunting. Packs of colorful butterflies spreading their wings on a stranded land create a wonderful poetic scene that will surely leave you impressed.
It would be best to partake in this butterflies hunting experience in April-May, whereas they usually show up after the rain.
It would be best to partake in this experience in April-May, whereas they usually show up after the rain. Be mindful if you travel in the forest by motorbike or jeep as a flock of butterflies may swoop right into you out of nowhere!
What could be more enchanting than experiencing a sight of butterflies flocked right in front of you!
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Camping, Kayaking & Witness wildlife at night
What could leave you with a stronger impression coming here than spending the day camping and witnessing wildlife by night at its finest? Sitting on the flat ground under the tree canopy is certainly ideal for a break after surviving the bustling troubles of the city.
If you have an intention to camp in a tent at night, a small fee is required, and remember to ask for permission from park rangers as they will offer you some guidance. They will organize thrilling night wildlife viewing at your request depending on weather conditions. Book the ticket in advance if you want to embrace the natural beauties with a closer look.
If you have an intention to camp in a tent at night, a small fee is required, and remember to ask for permission from park rangers as they will offer you some guidance.
A more unique way to preserve the memory at Cuc Phuong National Park is by kayaking on Mac Lake or Yen Quang Lake as it shall give you some peaceful and quiet time before getting back to the metropolis. There are private rooms and collective stilts that suit group activities, campfires, and cultural performances.
You can kayak on the rivers to have a relax time here.
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Visit Muong Ethnic Village
Since ancient times, Cuc Phuong has been the residence and living place of the Muong community with unique and characteristic cultural features, which are stilt houses, terraced fields, upland rice mortars, and earthen weaving looms. More unique are the festivals, customs, and lifestyle of the community that visitors can feel during their visit to the village.
Discover more about the festivals, customs, and lifestyle of the community at Muong’s Village.
Here are some guides that Lua Viet provides you about What to do in Cuc Phuong National Park. Hope it helps for your upcoming experiences!
