Introduction
Cuc Phuong, Vietnam’s first national park, is a nature reserve and a special-use forest situated at the junction of three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa. This park boasts a diverse range of fauna and flora that are characteristic of tropical rainforests. Cuc Phuong National Park is also a famous ecotourism destination, attracting several hundred thousand visitors annually. Tourists visit Cuc Phuong to explore flora and fauna and admire the natural landscape. In addition, you can also participate in ecotourism, resorts, campfires, adventure tours, and historical and cultural research programs. Then let’s explore the journey with Ninh Binh Private Car, Cuc Phuong National Park Hiking Tour.
The Climate at Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park exhibits a tropical monsoon climate characteristic of the northern region. The average annual temperature recorded in this area is 24.7 degrees Celsius. With diverse terrain, mainly primary forests, the temperature is lower than in neighboring areas.
Visitors can go hiking in Cuc Phuong National Park many times a year. The dry season (September to December) suits trekking in the forest and camping. The Rainy Season (April-May) is when the butterfly season and the firefly season are in Cuc Phuong National Park.
How To Get To Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park is nearly 130 km from Hanoi; it will take about 2.5 to 3 hours. Tourists can travel along CT01, then to National Highway 1A at Phu Ly, and follow DT477. One exciting alternative is to embark on the legendary Ho Chi Minh route.
Tourists in Ninh Binh can travel from Trang An to Bai Dinh Pagoda, about 15km away. Then, follow the road behind the parking lot of the Bai Dinh area to Cuc Phuong, which is about 25 km away.
In addition, the national park also organizes a bus trip from Hanoi to Cuc Phuong for tourists to participate in the Cuc Phuong National Park Hiking Tour. The trip will start at 3:00 p.m. and return at 9:00 a.m. If travelers wish to reach this location directly, they can head to Giap Bat bus station.
Places to Visit in Cuc Phuong National Park Hiking Tour
Visitor Center
Cuc Phuong National Park serves as the initial destination on the trip and offers general information for visitors about the park. Here, visitors will imagine what the Cuc Phuong National Park Hiking Tour’s travel schedule will be like. At the same time, the messages here will raise visitors’ awareness about preserving and rescuing wild creatures.
Cuc Phuong Museum
The first place on the Cuc Phuong National Park Hiking journey will be the Cuc Phuong Museum. Over 50 archaeological samples, including plate-toothed reptiles from 230-250 million years ago, are stored here. There are also 122 soaked samples, 82 animal samples, 2,900 insect samples of all kinds, and more than 12,000 plant specimens.
Those who are students and nature researchers will definitely love this place. Visitors will also glimpse the animals, insects, and reptiles living in the forest.
Natural Botanical Garden
After leaving the museum, visitors will travel 3km on the Cuc Phuong National Park Hiking Tour to explore the botanical garden. This is among the initial trio of botanical gardens in Vietnam recognized on the list of international botanical gardens. At the same time, this is also a place that serves scientific research, studies, and tourism.
On this road, visitors will see many rare Vietnamese and international tree varieties growing here. Many rare tree species are listed in Vietnam’s Red Book, so visitors should not arbitrarily destroy the trees here.
Fossil Reptile Skeleton
Cuc Phuong National Park is the first location in Southeast Asia to uncover a reptile fossil from millions of years ago. This significant discovery contributes to our understanding of prehistoric life in the region. The fossils include 12 intact vertebrae, 10 rib bones, and many others.
Nguoi Xua Cave – Grotte Dang
About 4 km from the forest gate, visitors will visit Nguoi Xua Cave, which preserves traces of the living and burials of prehistoric people. Many archaeologists have found signs of prehistoric people living inside the cave. It is about 300m long, has two very wide floors, and is a dry cave typical of limestone mountains.
The cave is breathable because there is a cave entrance at the top of the mountain, so prehistoric people chose to live here. Visitors must prepare a flashlight before visiting the cave, which has many narrow and dark passages. Visitors are not allowed to use torches or polluting fuels in the cave. In addition, the cave is only open during the day.
Yen Quang Lake – Pho Ma Cave
Continuing trekking a short distance, visitors will come to Yen Quang Lake. This system consists of four large lakes, a small island, and a temple on one of the lakes. The lake’s surface is calm, without any ripples. When looking down, visitors will see the reflection of the Cuc Phuong mountains and forests.
Close to Yen Quang Lake, you can see that on the opposite side is Pho Ma Cave. A stalactite block is at the cave entrance; looking from a distance, it looks like a royal concubine. In addition, Yen Quang Lake and Mac Lake both provide kayaking services; visitors can try kayaking on the lake.
Ancient Dang Tree
Continuing our Cuc Phuong National Park trekking journey, we will continue to come to the Tetrameles Nudiflora Ancient Tree. Visitors will visit the thousand-year-old Dang tree about 2 km from the ancient cave. The tree is about 45 m high, 5 m in diameter, and has giant roots protruding from the ground.
On the journey to this ancient tree, visitors will pass through five rocky slopes with many plant populations. Among them is a tree species called That Diep Nhat Chi Hoa (Paris polyphylla), a long, woody climbing tree with a diameter of 20 – 30 cm and a length of about 100 m. In addition, visitors will also see many creatures, such as red-headed trogons, red-collared woodpeckers, animals such as Asiatic brush-tailed porcupines, and Delacour’s langurs.
Thousand-Year-Old Parashorea Chinensis Tree
Grand Arbre is a Parashorea Chinensis tree that has existed and grown for thousands of years in the Cuc Phuong Ancient Forest. It is the next destination on the Cuc Phuong National Park Hiking itinerary. The tree is nearly 70 m tall and has a straight trunk and a diameter of 5 m. The tree has two roots, but about 5 to 6 years ago, the tree died. The reason is said to be that the tree is too old, but it is still alive, even though it is dead.
Silver Cloud Peak
On the tour, hiking in Cuc Phuong National Park, you will conquer the May Bac Peak, the highest peak in Ninh Binh. The highest point is 648 m above sea level, and visitors will walk 3 km to the top.
Standing on the top, you can see the panoramic view of the national park, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and the Bai Dinh pagoda. Visitors should choose appropriate clothing to climb the mountain because there will be many steep roads. In addition, visitors also need to ensure their health because the time to go up and down will take about 4 hours.
Cuc Phuong National Park Hiking Tour
If you don’t have too much time to explore, you should join a tour to have a guide. Thanks to that, visitors can easily visit the forest. There are also many types of tours for visitors to choose from.
Cuc Phuong National Park Hiking Half-day Tour
Beginning at the Visitor Center, the Cuc Phuong National Park Hiking Half-Day Tour will then proceed to the Cuc Phuong Museum. After visiting the museum, visitors will continue to participate in the primate conservation program, which includes the conservation of turtles, carnivores, pangolins, ungulates, and birds. In addition, visitors can choose some additional locations such as Nguoi Xua Cave, a primeval forest, and a thousand-year-old tree.
Tour Price: There are three prices: 130,000 VND, 160,000 VND, and 250,000 VND for adults and from 50,000 VND to 110,000 VND for children.
Cuc Phuong National Park Hiking Full-day Tour
If you have more time, consider choosing a full-day tour to explore more places. First stop will be the Visitor Center, where you can learn more about Cuc Phuong National Park, such as the Cuc Phuong National Park Map, history, and all kinds of animals here.
Second stop, you will come to Indochina’s first primate conservation program, and the turtle conservation program. Explore the ancient cave and experience the primeval forest, Son Cung cave, and the complex of 5 Parashorea Chinensis trees.
In addition, visitors can choose other attractions, such as the ancient Dang Tree. Another option is to visit Silver Cloud Peak, but a guide must accompany you, and you must book in advance.
Tour Price: 160,000 VND for adults and 50,000 VND for children.
Forest Camping Tour
In addition to hiking and exploring tours, visitors can also camp in the Cuc Phuong forest. This tour is usually only held in the dry season from September to December, to avoid getting caught in the rain. Camping in Cuc Phuong forest, visitors must have a tour guide to avoid trouble and know where to camp.
Visitors bring trekking shoes, flashlights, sleeping bags, cameras, binoculars, insect repellents, and personal belongings. Trekking in tropical woodlands is entirely distinct from hiking in temperate forests or other varieties of forests. There are a lot of mosquitoes in the forest, so visitors should set up camp and bring insect repellent. Cuc Phuong National Park will not rent camps, so visitors must bring their tents.
If you want to camp at other places in Ninh Binh, you can read more at Ninh Binh Camping Sites.
Firefly and Wildlife Watching Tour at Night
Visitors will learn about nature conservation and environmental protection, and experience watching fireflies in the old forest. In addition, you can observe rare wild animals such as deer and loris, and learn about insects and nightlife in the forest.
Tours are open from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily; each tour is 1.5 hours long, priced at 100,000 VND per adult and children over 10 years old, and 50,000 VND for children under 10 years old.
Notes When Trekking in Cuc Phuong National Park
- When going into the forest, remember to wear lightweight clothing, soft-soled shoes, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and take precautions against insects.
- The butterfly season in April every year attracts many tourists, so be sure to book accommodation services early.
- Bring insect spray and simple first aid equipment.
- Staying overnight or for many days in the forest, you should have personal equipment such as binoculars, a whistle, and a flashlight.
- You should get the emergency phone number in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
Cuc Phuong National Park offers a breathtaking escape into nature and an unforgettable adventure for hikers of all skill levels. With lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and awe-inspiring limestone formations, it showcases the beauty of Vietnam’s natural heritage. Whether exploring its trails, marveling at its ancient trees, or soaking in the tranquil atmosphere, Cuc Phuong promises a truly enriching experience. Although the Cuc Phuong National Park Hiking Tour is not easy, you will find new and interesting things when you visit. Ninh Binh Private Car wishes you the most wonderful and safest trekking trip possible.