Cuc Phuong National Park | Ninh Binh

Cuc Phuong National Park – Vietnam’s First and Largest National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park, located in Ninh Binh Province (about 120 km south of Hanoi), is Vietnam’s first and largest national park, established in 1962. Covering an area of over 22,000 hectares, it is renowned for its rich biodiversity, ancient forests, and diverse wildlife. The park is a top destination for nature lovers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts, offering a mix of adventure, education, and cultural experiences.

Key Features of Cuc Phuong National Park

1. Rich Biodiversity – A Wildlife Haven

Cuc Phuong is home to thousands of plant and animal species, making it one of the most important conservation areas in Vietnam.

• Flora: The park contains over 2,000 species of plants, including giant ancient trees, rare medicinal herbs, and towering tropical hardwoods. Some trees are over 1,000 years old.
• Fauna: Cuc Phuong shelters over 135 species of mammals, including rare animals like:
  • Delacour’s langur – an endangered primate found only in northern Vietnam.
  • Clouded leopards, civets, and pangolins (though these are elusive and rarely seen).
• Birdlife: With over 300 bird species, Cuc Phuong is a paradise for birdwatchers, hosting species such as the bar-bellied pitta, red-headed trogon, and silver pheasant.
• Butterflies: Every April and May, the park is filled with millions of colorful butterflies, creating a magical sight.

2. The Endangered Primate Rescue Center

One of the park’s highlights is the Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC), which rehabilitates and protects rare primates such as:

• Delacour’s langur
• Black-shanked douc langur
• White-cheeked gibbons

The center is dedicated to rescuing and breeding endangered primates, with a mission to release them back into the wild. Visitors can observe these rare animals up close and learn about Vietnam’s conservation efforts.

3. Hiking and Trekking Trails

Cuc Phuong offers some of the best hiking and trekking experiences in Vietnam, with well-marked trails leading through lush jungles, limestone mountains, and caves. Some popular routes include:

• 1000-Year-Old Tree Trail – A moderate trek leading to a giant, ancient tree with massive roots.
• Silver Cloud Peak Trail – A challenging hike offering panoramic views from the highest point in the park.
• The Muong Village Trail – A cultural trek leading to a traditional Muong ethnic village, where visitors can experience local customs and stilt-house architecture.

4. Ancient Caves and Archaeological Sites

Cuc Phuong is home to several prehistoric caves that contain fossils and ancient relics dating back over 7,500 years. Some of the most notable caves include:

• Cave of Prehistoric Man – Where ancient human remains and stone tools were discovered.
• Trang Khuyet Cave (Crescent Moon Cave) – Known for its impressive stalactites and eerie atmosphere.
• Son Cung Cave – A hidden cave deep within the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation.

5. Muong Ethnic Minority Villages

Cuc Phuong is also home to the Muong ethnic group, who have lived in the region for generations. Visitors can explore traditional stilt houses, rice fields, and handicrafts, and even participate in bamboo rafting or cultural performances.

Best Time to Visit Cuc Phuong National Park

• March – May: Best time for butterfly watching, pleasant weather for hiking.
• September – November: Cooler temperatures, lush landscapes.
• December – February: Cold and misty, but still great for trekking.
• Avoid June – August: Hot and humid, with occasional rain showers.

Why Visit Cuc Phuong National Park?

Cuc Phuong is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and adventure seekers. With its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, ancient caves, and cultural experiences, it offers a perfect blend of ecotourism, education, and outdoor adventure in one of Vietnam’s most pristine natural settings.