Cuc Phuong national park to visit in Ninh Binh

Founded in 1962 as the first in the country, Cuc Phuong National Park offers visitors a wide range of activities due to its significant biodiversity, exceptional landscapes and natural and cultural wealth. The place welcomes many hikers and families who go there especially on weekends to enjoy the kingdom of thousands of animal species and hikes accessible to all.

Covering an area of nearly 25,000 ha, the place presents all the characteristics of a tropical rain forest, known for a large concentration of species. There is a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna, home to endemic or endangered animals. Besides, Cuc Phuong National Park and Van Long Nature Reserve are two rare shelters for the Delacour langurs found in the natural areas of the North.

Location

120 km from Hanoi in the Southwest, Cuc Phuong National Park is located in Ninh Binh province, at the intersection of Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa and Hoa Binh provinces.

When to visit Cuc Phuong National Park?

The dry season from October to April is probably the best time to explore Cuc Phuong National Park. The rain, which presents between May and September, is unthinkable for the adventure in the forest, not to mention the profusion of terrestrial mosquitoes and leeches.

Do not forget that the period from the end of April to May is ideal for contemplating the magical forest of butterflies that live in the domain.

How to get there?

Bus, private car and motorbike are all possible to access the oldest Vietnamese national park.

Private means

Take the RN1A to arrive at the Gian Khau crossroads in the Gia Vien district 10km from Ninh Binh town and continue on the RN 12A. 2km from Nho Quan village, turn left to reach the park.

Public transport

Depart from Giap Bat bus station for Nho Quan, then take a bus or taxi to the park.

Activities to do in Cuc Phuong National Park

• Hiking
• Bicycle riding
• Observation of the life of multiple wildlife species, day and night
• Kayaking in Mac and Yen Quang lakes
• Escaping to the bird sanctuary
• Visiting the Muong ethnic village
• Organising ecological circuit

What to visit in Cuc Phuong National Park?

Cave of the Primitive Man

Also nicknamed Dang cave, this mystical cave is an important heritage of the park and the country where traces of a prehistoric population are detected.

Con Moong Cave

The name of the site originates from its form evoking an animal or con moong, according to the language of the Muong. This is another vestige of ancient men who, along with the Cave of the Primitive Man, is listed as national heritage.

Trang Khuyet or Half-moon Cave

Nestled in the heart of the forest, it is a marvel to explore during your stroll.

May Bac or Silver Clouds Mountain

Culminating at a height of 648m, the mountain offers a breath-taking view of the forest and from afar, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the Bai Dinh pagoda. The route to climb to the top, however, requires an amount of physical exertion due to the rather steep routes.

Yen Quang Lake and Pho Ma Cave

From the park towards Nho Quan, from the Tri Phuong bridge, turn West to reach Yen Quang lake. Also called Nho Quan Lake, this beautiful freshwater lake is ideal for walking or kayaking in peace. Go through Thung La or Valley of the Leaves to reach a not so crowded cave called Pho Ma or "King's Son-in-law" which is full of miraculous stalactites.

Millennial trees

There is no shortage of old and giant trees in the park. To mention in particular the centenary Sau, the millenary tree surrounded by 20 people, the Dang tree with a height of 45m and a diameter of 5m...

Muong Village

Your trip to Cuc Phuong National Park is an opportunity to meet the Muong who represent the second ethnic group populating Ninh Binh. Visit the houses on stilts, discover the ancestral weaving loom, attend the spectacle of traditional dances... All of these are on the program to help foster understanding of the cultural identity of this region.

Primate rescue centre

Visitors will find a wide variety of primates protected here. An introduction to the wildlife of rare species to delight nature lovers.

Accommodation in Cuc Phuong National Park

The area consists of three functional areas:

Entrance to the park

The starting point for all activities, the park entrance offers a number of service options, a guide, a tour ticket, a night discovery circuit, kayaking, folklore shows, bicycle rental and also accommodation. The rooms are available from 200,000 VND.

Mac Lake area

1.5 km from the entrance to the park, the surroundings of Mac Lake are fairly quiet where you can choose either the private room or the house on stilts for groups. Its open space is favourable for outdoor activities.

Central sector or Bong village

Located about 20km from the entrance to the park, this village is the last stop on the route through the forest. Possibility of spending the night in a house on stilts or individual rooms.

Accommodation outside Cuc Phuong National Park

If you prefer an environment more away from the mosquitoes, opt for Cuc Phuong resort which is closest to the park, offering bungalows, swimming pools, good restaurants and more.

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