Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park Overview

Cuc Phuong was Vietnam's first national park and it remains a wild jewel in the north of the country. The heavily forested subtropical lowlands shelter 135 mammal species, 336 bird species and 2234 species of plants. Some of the park's most rare mammals include the clouded leopard and Asian black bears.

Cuc Phuong National Park Wildlife Discovery

Cuc Phuong was Vietnam's first national park and it remains a wild jewel in the north of the country. The heavily forested subtropical lowlands shelter 135 mammal species, 336 bird species and 2234 species of plants. Some of the park's most rare mammals include the clouded leopard and Asian black bears. The park is as rich in beauty as it is in biodiversity.

Touring style: Professional English speaking guide and driver, private basis.

Best time to visit the park is during the dry season, from November to February.

Day 1: Hanoi to Cuc Phuong National Park

Depart from Hanoi by road to Cuc Phuong National Park. Cuc Phuong National Park was established in 1962 by President Ho Chi Minh as Vietnam’s first National Park and is renowned for both its scenery and its flora and fauna. The National Park is exceptionally rich in biodiversity and is said to be home to 2234 species of plants. 122 species of reptiles and amphibians, 135 species of mammals and 336 bird species. On arrival, visit the Visitors Centre to understand the park's natural resources and unique environment. Continue to the Cuc Phuong Endangered Primate Rescue Centre and the Cuc Phuong Turtle Conservation Centre, two important research centres vital for the breeding, rehabilitation and preservation of animals rescued from poachers.

In the afternoon, visit the Cave of Prehistoric Man, where human skeletons and stone tools dated to some 7.500 years ago. n the evening, you will join a night walk with the national park guide to the pitch black forest for an opportunity to spot the forest’s numerous nocturnal creatures, which include civets, owls, flying squirrels, bats and cats. Overnight in the simple guest house inside the national park.

Distances and journey time:

Hanoi to Cuc Phuong National Park 110 km: 2.5 hrs

Day 2: Cuc Phuong National Park

Wake to the singing of gibbons and the sounds of the surrounding forest. After breakfast, embark on the 7 km loop trail adventure to visit the 1000-year old tree. This 7 km loop trail offers an opportunity to discover the tropical fauna and flora of the national park. Enjoy a rustic lunch at the restaurant in the national park.

In the afternoon, you may wish to cycle to Yen Quang Lake ( 7 km) , where there is the chance to kayak amidst beautiful scenery and local people fishing in the lake.

Arrive at Cuc Phuong Resort & Spa after a short transfer later this afternoon.

Distances and journey time:

Cuc Phuong National Park to Cuc Phuong Resort & Spa: 3 km: 20 minutes

Day 3: Cuc Phuong National Park to Ninh Binh

After breakfast join a 9-km hike to visit the Ancient Tree before having a picnic lunch in the forest. After visiting the 200 – 230 million years old Dinosaur Fossil, walk to the main road where your guide will be waiting to drive back to the centre.

Depart from Cuc Phuong National Park for Ninh Binh, famous for its jutted karst formations with lush green rice paddies, also known as Halong Bay on land.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Distances and journey time:

Cuc Phuong National Park to Ninh Binh: 50 km: 1.5 hrs

Day 4: Ninh Binh - Hanoi & Depart

Depart for the site of Vietnam’s first capital, Hoa Lu. Visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009). Take a half-hour walk up one of the surrounding limestone karst hills for spectacular views.

Afternoon visit Van Long Nature Reserve for a boat trip. Covering an area of nearly 3,000 hectares, Van Long is the largest wetland nature reserve in the North of Vietnam and a 1.5 hr boat trip by traditional sampan is the perfect way to see this area. Van Long’s fauna includes 39 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Some of these species have been classified as globally endangered animals such as the white-breeched languor which can be seen occasionally early morning or late afternoon.

Late afternoon transfer by road back to Hanoi (approx. 2 hours) arriving in the early evening.