Coming to Ninh Binh, an interesting destination that visitors should not miss is Cuc Phuong National Park, where you can explore the diverse and unique natural beauty.

Overview of Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam’s first natural reserve and special-use forest, situated on the boundary of three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa. The main gate of the park is located in Nho Quan District, west of Ninh Binh Province.

As a famous eco-tourism destination on Ninh Binh tours, Cuc Phuong National Park welcomes thousands of tourists of all ages from all over the world each year. Visitors come to Cuc Phuong to explore the diverse flora and fauna system and admire the stunning natural surroundings.

Cuc Phuong National Park has been honored by the World Travel Awards as Asia’s Leading National Park for 6 consecutive years from 2019 to 2024.

Natural Beauty of Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park, established in 1962, covers about 22,000 hectares of limestone mountains and tropical rainforests. This is an area of significant biodiversity, home to several rare animals and plants listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book.

Biodiversity in Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park records about 2,500 plant species, including more than 400 medicinal plants, and 200 edible plants. In particular, there are more than 50 species listed in the “Vietnam Red Data Book” in 2007 and the “IUCN Red List” in 2020.

A staircase to treck in the middle of Cuc Phuong forest. — The forest in Cuc Phuong National Park.

Cuc Phuong Botanical Garden is considered the first systematically built botanical garden in the system of national parks and nature reserves in Vietnam.

In addition to plants, Cuc Phuong is home to 122 species of reptiles and amphibians, 66 species of fish, nearly 2,000 species of insects, 336 species of birds, 135 species of mammals, and up to 1,000 species of invertebrates. Among them are several rare bird species endemic to the environment of Vietnam and Indochina. The white-rumped langur, a beautiful and rare primate species, has become the symbol of this national park.

Monkey in Cuc Phuong National Park. — A white-rumped langur.

Archaeological value of Cuc Phuong National Park

In addition to the incredible diversity of the flora and fauna, Cuc Phuong is a priceless resource for archeological and scientific study.

Cuc Phuong National Park contains multiple magnificent and picturesque limestone karst caves, including Dang Cave, Son Cung Cave, and Pho Ma Giang Cave…, that still retain fossils, bones, and artifacts, showing traces of prehistoric life. These are important records that reflect the region’s history and changes throughout time.

Location & How to get to Cuc Phuong National Park

Located about 120 km from Hanoi, nestled in the Tam Diep mountain range, the road to Cuc Phuong National Park is actually quite convenient and spacious, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours by car.

Visitors will drive via Highway 01 from Hanoi, then change onto National Highway 1A at Phu Ly and continue on Provincial Route DT477 to Ninh Binh. From Ninh Binh, travelers go through Trang An to Bai Dinh Pagoda (15 kilometers), then follow the road behind the Bai Dinh parking lot to Cuc Phuong (approximately 25 kilometers).

Cuc Phuong National Park from above. — The road through Cuc Phuong National Park.

Visitors won’t have to worry about transportation when they book a Ninh Binh trip with Fola Travel to see Cuc Phuong National Park. We offer a full pick-up and drop-off service from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, which includes comfortable and fully-equipped buses, limos, and private vehicles.

Best time to visit Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park, which is mostly covered by primary forest and tropical rainforest, has a low average temperature typical of the tropical monsoon climate. Each season in Cuc Phuong has its own charm, suitable for different sightseeing activities.

People cycling in cuc phuong national park ninh binh. — Enjoy the serene nature in Cuc Phuong.

Visitors to Cuc Phuong National Park can refer to the table below to find the best time for your trip:

Season	Characteristics
November – January of the following year	During winter, the weather conditions in Cuc Phuong primeval forest are quite complicated, with low temperatures and heavy rains, so it is not suitable for going into the forest.
February – April	The weather transitions to summer, the temperature steadily rises, and there is plenty of sunshine. At this season, the lush forest allows creatures like jays and pheasants to be more active, making it an ideal time for travelers to visit.
Late April – May	This is the best season to visit Cuc Phuong National Park since the temperature is cool and comfortable. This time is also when butterflies and fireflies thrive in the forest, bringing a poetic beauty to the landscape here.
June – August	Cuc Phuong National Park, unlike the scorching heat that is common in Vietnam throughout the summer, is rather cool at this time due to its extensive network of forests and rivers. Having a picnic or team-building activity in the forest is popular among travelers here.
September – October	At this time, Cuc Phuong National Park enters autumn. In addition to the cool weather with chilly breezes, the charming nature here will captivate you. In particular, those who love taking photos should not miss the red leaf roads in Cuc Phuong this season!

Infomation

If you are a nature lover, you will have a fantastic time in Cuc Phuong National Park, where there are countless beautiful spots to admire the scenery and experience the rich beauty of nature.

Cuc Phuong Botanical Garden

Cuc Phuong Botanical Garden was started in 1975, is one of the first three botanical gardens in Vietnam to be listed in the Botanic Gardens Conservation International.

The botanical garden offers a variety of stunning trees and flowers, as well as a conservation area for valuable plants from Vietnam and throughout the world.

Ninh Binh visitors watching animals in Cuc Phuong National Park. — Visiting the Cuc Phuong botanical garden.

The diversified and rich tropical rainforest ecology also contributes to the rapid growth and development of the wildlife in Cuc Phuong. On a Cuc Phuong National Park tour, you can spot a variety of wild animals, including deer, birds, and rare species like the white-rumped langur.

A man sitting next to a deer with many butterflies flying around them. — Butterfly season in Cuc Phuong National Park.

While admiring the natural scenery and listening to interesting stories by the Cuc Phuong tour guide, visitors will learn a lot of new and interesting facts.

Center for Rescue, Conservation, and Creature Development

Cuc Phuong National Park is currently implementing 3 conservation programs, which are: conservation of endangered and rare primates of Vietnam; conservation of small carnivores and pangolins; conservation of freshwater turtles and other wild animals.

Dears inside Cuc Phuong National Park. — Wild animals in Cuc Phuong.

Visitors to the Cuc Phuong Rescue, Conservation, and Creature Development Center can see the specimen display area, learn about forest conservation efforts, and see numerous primate species for themselves.

Cuc Phuong Museum

Cuc Phuong Museum is a facility for the storage and preservation of animal and plant specimens, where visitors may learn about the history and evolution of animals, plants, and insects such as dragonflies and cicadas.

Cuc Phuong National Park museum. — Cuc Phuong Museum.

The museum is now keeping more than 50 archaeological specimens, including a placoderm reptile specimen from 230-250 million years ago, 122 wet specimens, 82 animal specimens, 2,900 insect specimens of various varieties, and more than 12,000 plant specimens.

May Bac Peak

With an altitude of 648 meters above sea level, May Bac Peak is the highest mountain peak in Ninh Binh. From May Bac Peak, you can admire the exquisite scenery of the vast forest, along with Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and Bai Dinh Pagoda looming in the distance. This high mountain peak is always shrouded by layers of heavy clouds with a silvery sparkle, just like its name (May Bac meaning “Silver Cloud”).

Do note that May Bac Peak is rather steep, with numerous difficult-to-access rocky outcrops, so you should be cautious and only hike under the guidance of an experienced tour guide.

Thousand-year-old Cho tree

This is a must-see attraction when visitors come to the Cuc Phuong Forest. This giant Cho tree (Parashorea chinensis) is 70 meters high, with a straight trunk, towering up to the sky. The tree diameter is up to 5 meters that 20 people can barely hug around.

Cho tree inside Cuc Phuong National Park. — Giant Cho tree.

For the past 5-6 years, this giant Cho tree has unfortunately dried up and rotted due to its age. However, the Cho tree remains upright and does not fall, and its majestic beauty continues to captivate tourists from near and far who encounter it for the first time.

In addition to the Cho tree, Cuc Phuong Garden is home to several other old trees, including the Dang and Sau (Indochina Dragonplum) trees, which are all incredibly magnificent and striking.

Muong Village

Within the territory of Cuc Phuong National Park, there is a Muong Village, home to the Muong ethnic people. This community has grown to be a popular tourist attraction thanks to its intriguing way of life and distinctive traditions.

Here, guests may learn more about the village’s brocade weaving skill or snap pictures among the terraced fields and stilt houses. This cultural experience will leave you with many wonderful memories of your journey to Cuc Phuong!

Nguoi Xua Cave

Nguoi Xua (translated to “Ancient People”) Cave is a priceless cultural and archeological landmark nestled deep among the mountains and forests of Cuc Phuong National Park.

Here, remnants of 7,500-year-old ancient graves and daily activities are preserved, including hand-molded clay pots, containers, stone axes, stone knives, and ash that is almost two meters deep.

Nguoi Xua Cave in Cuc Phuong National Park. — Nguoi Xua Cave.

The first compartment of the cave has three ancient graves with fossilized human skeletons that are still intact. The further you walk inside, the more expansive the cave gets, with meandering passageways and ceilings covered in bizarrely curved stalactites.

If you enjoy history and science, this cave is definitely a must-see!

Cuc Phuong National Park currently offers a variety of tour programs for travelers interested in visiting and exploring the park’s natural surroundings:

Half-day tour

Visitors will visit the tourist center, the Cuc Phuong Museum, and the Center for Rescue, Conservation, and Creature Development. After that, tourists may explore the Nguoi Xua Cave (300 meters walk), go through the primeval woodland, or see the antique Dang tree (800 meters trek).

Two people wearing backpacks walking up some steps inside a forest. — Trekking in Cuc Phuong National Park.

Full-day tour

If you have more time, a full-day visit to Cuc Phuong National Park might be an excellent alternative. The full-day tour includes the following attractions: the tourist center, the Cuc Phuong Museum, the Center for Rescue, Conservation, and Creature Development, the Nguoi Xua Cave, the primeval forest trekking experience, Son Cung Cave, the complex of five Cho trees, and the ancient Dang tree.

Cuc Phuong guests kayaking on the lake. — Kayaking activity.

In addition, the full-day trip offers an adult-only program that requires a tour guide and advance booking. Additional attractions include hiking to May Bac peak, the highest peak of Cuc Phuong.

Nature experience tour for children

This is a 2-day trip package designed for elementary or secondary school kids aged 6 to 14 years old.

Young visitors to Cuc Phuong National Park will explore well-known forest destinations, learn about species of animals, and participate in rescue and conservation activities. In addition, students will do fundamental science research, develop life skills, and participate in engaging team-building activities.

Night tour in Cuc Phuong National Park. — Young guests visiting Cuc Phuong.

Each group consists of at least 20 members and a maximum of 50 people.

Firefly and wildlife night tour

This is a daily night tour provided by Cuc Phuong National Park that allows adults and children to observe animals such as deer, fireflies in the old forest, and learn about the nightlife of the forest.

Fireflies tour of Cuc Phuong National Park.

This tour is available from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and lasts around 1.5 hours.

Note

In addition to the basic trips listed above, Cuc Phuong National Park provides occasional tours on request, such as discovering the Ninh Binh countryside, rehabilitating rescued animals, and learning about the environment and local cultural values…
When booking a tour, visitors can walk or rent an electric car for $1 per person. Parking fees are around $1 – $1.5 per day.