Cuc Phuong National Park: Home to Vietnam’s Oldest Rainforest

Overview and History of Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is located in northern Vietnam, approximately 120 km south of Hanoi, equivalent to a 2.5- to 3-hour drive. It is also located approximately 55 km northwest of Ninh Binh City , with an estimated travel time of less than 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Cuc Phuong National Park covers 22,408 hectares of primary tropical forest and limestone mountains shared by the provinces of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa. Located at the meeting point of these regions, the park’s diverse geography and climate create an exceptionally rich ecosystem, with more than 2,200 plant species and 135 animal species.

Many of these are listed in the Vietnam Red Book and IUCN Red List, including the Delacour’s langur, clouded leopard, Owston’s civet, golden pangolin, and the unique Cuc Phuong cave catfish. Visitors can also spot rare birds such as the grey heron and crested kite, along with countless reptiles and insects that thrive in this ancient forest.

The park was established in 1962 under the guidance of President Ho Chi Minh, during the Vietnam War, when he emphasized the vital importance of protecting nature for future generations.

Cuc Phuong area is also home to the Muong ethnic community, who still live in traditional stilt houses and cultivate rice along the valley floors. Many Muong villagers now work as local guides, sharing their deep connection to the land with visitors exploring Vietnam’s first national park.

Top Things to do in Cuc Phuong

Hiking Adventures in Cuc Phuong’s Primary Forest

Cuc Phuong's ancient forests boast a network of trails drawing adventurers worldwide, some well-marked for solo hikes, and others requiring a local guide for safety and insights. From easy loops to multi-day jungle safaris, options suit all levels. However, always hire a guide for longer routes, wear long pants to protect against leeches, and pack water.

• Popular 7km Loop Trail: The iconic 1000-Year-Old Tree Walk is a moderate, self-guided circuit through limestone karsts and dense canopy. You can spot primates and caves along the way (2-3 hours, great for beginners).
• Advanced 2-Day Trek to Muong Village: For thrill-seekers, this 30km overnight safari immerses you in ethnic Muong culture. Camp in the village and trek rugged jungle paths (group of 6+ required, 2-3 days, park ranger mandatory for the challenge).

Bird and butterfly watchin

Cuc Phuong forest is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to over 300 bird species, including rare ones listed in Vietnam's Red Book, like the silver pheasant and red-collared woodpecker. 

These tropical birds nest and thrive in the park’s lush forests. You can spot them year-round, but the dry season (Nov–Apr) offers clearer views and more active flocks.

For butterflies, the park boasts 400+ species, peaking in a mesmerizing April–May spectacle, when millions flutter through the canopy. 

Primate Rescue Center

• Visiting Hours: Open daily 9:30 AM–11:30 AM and 1:30 PM–4:30 PM (approximately 9 AM–4 PM).

Nestled near Cuc Phuong's entrance, the Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC) is a beacon of conservation, established in 1993 through a partnership between the Frankfurt Zoological Society and the park. 

Dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, breeding, and researching Vietnam's endangered primates, it safeguards precious genetic resources and rare species. Staff provide expert care for injured animals, releasing independent ones back into semi-wild areas while monitoring their behavior. Over 180 primates have been born here, many for the first time in captivity.

Home to about 160 individuals across 15 species and subspecies, including six unique to the center worldwide: Delacour's Langur, Hatinh Langur, Black Langur, Lao Langur, Cat Ba Langur, and Grey-shanked Douc Langur. Educational visits offer glimpses into these programs, with guided tours highlighting conservation efforts.

Thousand-Year-Old Trees and Prehistoric Caves

Cuc Phuong National Park features several ancient natural and archaeological sites, including towering old-growth trees and prehistoric caves that offer a window into Vietnam's distant past. Key highlights include the 1,000-year-old Parashorea chinensis tree and the Cave of Prehistoric Man, both accessible via moderate hikes through the forest.

• 1,000-Year-Old Parashorea Chinensis Tree: This massive ancient tree, known locally as Cây Chò Chỉ, stands about 45 meters tall with a trunk diameter of around 5 meters, serving as a symbol of the park's resilient ecosystem. Reach it via a 6-7 km loop trail from the park center (about 2-3 hours round-trip), winding through dense jungle and limestone formations; moderate difficulty with some elevation. It's one of many rare old-growth species here, highlighting the forest's biodiversity and longevity.

• Cave of Prehistoric Man: A 300-meter limestone cave with three chambers, used by humans 7,500 years ago. Discoveries include stone tools, animal bones, pottery, and three fossilized graves. Features include unique stalactites (one sounds like gongs when tapped) and up to 19 bat species.

Night Safari: Firefly & Wildlife Watching

Cuc Phuong National Park offers a night safari tour that allows visitors to observe the forest's nocturnal activity. The guided tour uses electric vehicles and typically runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily, lasting about two to three hours.

During the tour, participants can:

• Hear explanations about conservation efforts and the importance of protecting the park's ecosystem.
• See fireflies lighting up the trees in the dark forest.
• Spot animals active at night, such as deer, civets, porcupines, pangolins, wildcats, or otters, along with insights into the forest's insect life and evening ecology.

▶️For bookings and more details on tours, check the official park website at https://dulichcucphuong.com.vn/. The dry season from December to April is the best time to do this activity.

Best Time to Visit Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park boasts a pleasant climate year-round, straddling the borders of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa provinces in Vietnam's North Central region and Red River Delta. With average temperatures ranging from 20–28°C, it's inviting for exploring its biodiversity, but timing matters for the best experience.

The dry season (November–May) is the best time for tourism, offering mild weather and easy trails, while the rainy season (June–October) brings lush greenery but slippery paths and more insects. Be sure to check the forecasts ahead of your visit.

• For trekking and wildlife spotting, visit February–April: warm days and fresh forest air make it perfect for hiking and spotting black-shanked douc langurs.

• Late April–May is the golden period, with butterfly season in full swing, as millions of butterflies fill the skies, creating a magical sight for photographers and nature lovers.

• June–August provides a cool oasis amid Ninh Binh's summer heat, though showers and leeches make it more suited for adventurers seeking fewer crowds.

• August–October brings cooler autumn weather, ideal for a relaxed camping experience.

To sum up, February–May is the peak time for most activities. 

How to Get to the National Park from Hanoi

Buses are the best option to get to Cuc Phuong National Park from Hanoi. With a distance of 150 km, this journey will take you about 2.5 hours. To get to Cuc Phuong entrance, you will take a bus from Giap Bat bus station to Nho Quan (Ninh Binh). However, it is best to make sure you book through an agent or some transportation booking platforms, such as Vexere or GoAsia12.

Traveling by private car/motorbike can be inexpensive, but it is not necessarily comfortable for tourists unfamiliar with Vietnamese roads. If traveling with family or a group of friends, a private car with a driver is preferable because squeezing into a crowded bus might not be very pleasant.

How Much Does a Cuc Phuong Park Ticket Cost?

The park opens daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Grab your ticket at the main gate (Adults: 60,000 VND; Students: 20,000 VND; Children: 10,000 VND). From there, explore on foot, by bike, or on an electric cart. Overnight stays are available at the gate, Mac Lake, or Bong Center.

• Hiking the Cuc Phuong Trails

Lace up for self-guided treks through ancient forests and caves. Easy loops (1-2 hours) or multi-day jungle routes are available for all levels.

• Cycling Cuc Phuong

Rent a mountain bike (~150,000-200,000 VND/day) at the entrance for a breezy 20km ride to the park center. The paved roads wind past rice paddies and wildlife spots.

• Electric Car Tours

Hop on a self-drive or guided electric cart from the gate to Bong Center (45 minutes, ~100,000 VND).

• Local Guides

Hire an English-speaking expert (100,000-150,000 VND/hour) for insider tips on trails and biodiversity.

What to Eat in Cuc Phuong National Park

• Cơm Lam or Burnt Rice

A great variety of rice goes with the bamboo scent and the waters of streams, combining to be a great favorite with the locals. The people insert sticky rice into bamboo and roast it over charcoal until steam comes out of the black bamboo to keep the scent of bamboo.

• Grilled Goat Meat

A dish tourists should not miss when they come to Ninh Binh Province! Those who have eaten goat meat in Cuc Phuong Park will know that the meat here is fresh, tasty, and firm.

• Fresh Snail

This delectable dish is available for tourists only in the period of the dry season from March to July. This dish wins the hearts of tourists with its typical taste of fresh snails served with a blend of aromatic lemongrass, fish sauce, and hot pepper.

Practical Tips for a Successful Visit

What should be carried on a walk in Cuc Phuong National Park?

• Clothing and equipment: Comfortable clothing and strong shoes should suffice for walking in the forest.
• It protects against the elements: In summer, you take mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a hat with you, and during winter, you layer up warm clothes for flexibility.
• Food and hydration: Carry a lot of water and bring some snacks, as walking in the forest can make even the best athlete feel exhausted.
• Orientation and safety: Keep a map of the park or go with a guide to avoid being lost.

Do You Need to Book in Advance to Visit Cuc Phuong National Park?

It is recommended to book your visit in advance through the official website https://dulichcucphuong.com.vn/ to ensure your place, particularly during high seasons; however, ticketing on-site is still allowed.

Nearby Attractions & Suggested Itinerary

2D1N Itinerary:

• Day 1: Hanoi → Cuc Phuong → Overnight at park.
• Day 2: Morning trek → Tam Coc or Trang An → Return Hanoi.

🏞️ 6-Day Exploration Itinerary:

• Day 1: Hanoi → Ninh Bình (The Heritage Site)
• Day 2: Cuc Phuong → Pu Luong (The Ecological Link)
• Day 3: Pu Luong (In-depth Exploration)
• Day 4: Pu Luong → Mai Chau (Hòa Bình Culture)
• Day 5: Mai Chau → Hoa Binh Lake (The Northern Water Body)
• Day 6: Hoa Binh → Hanoi 

Our last words

Cuc Phuong National Park is an appealing destination for local and foreign tourists and researchers. It is characterized by lots of flora and fauna, beautiful scenery, and historical and cultural heritage. Other must-see places in Ninh Binh – "Halong Bay on land".

• Tam Coc Vietnam: Top 5 Best Activities!
• Bai Dinh Pagoda, the record-breaking pagoda of Halong Bay on land
• Best Hotels in Ninh Binh: Comfort and Authenticity
• Why Ninh Binh Should Be on Your Northern Vietnam Travel List?