This place is suitable for tourists who love nature, want to explore, learn about diverse ecosystems and interesting recreational activities. Join Origin Vietnam to learn about Cuc Phuong National Park!
1. Where is Cuc Phuong National Park?
Cuc Phuong National Park is located in the territory of 3 provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa. The main gate of the national park is located in Cuc Phuong commune, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh province.
It is located 43 km northwest of Ninh Binh city, 120 km southwest of Hanoi capital center and 145 km from Noi Bai International Airport – Hanoi.
2. How is Cuc Phuong National Park Unique?
Cuc Phuong National Park is the first national park in Vietnam, famous for its eco-tourism and environment and covers an area of about 22,000 hectares. It has a rich and diverse flora and fauna, many species of flora and fauna at high risk of extinction have been discovered and preserved here.
Visitors to Cuc Phuong can explore the primeval forest, admire the beautiful natural landscape, and breathe the fresh air. In addition, visitors can participate in eco-tourism, resort, adventure, and cultural and historical research programs.
3. When is the best time to visit Cuc Phuong National Park?
Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh province in Northern Vietnam, is located in a humid subtropical climate zone with four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter.
According to our Ninh Binh travel experience, the most ideal time for tourists to visit Cuc Phuong National Park is from February to May. At this time, the weather is cool, fresh, not much rain and there will be the opportunity to admire rare animals such as: marbled babbler, rusty grouse, white-bellied cuckoo…
The period from April to early May is the best time to take pictures with millions of butterflies flying around, creating an extremely impressive scene.
4. How to get to Cuc Phuong National Park?
4.1. Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh city
Cuc Phuong National Park is located in Ninh Binh province, a province not far from the capital Hanoi, with many national highways and expressways passing through, so getting here is relatively easy.
4.1.1. Travel by plane
Ninh Binh province does not have an airport, so visitors from far away who want to travel here by air must buy tickets to Noi Bai International Airport – Hanoi.
Foreign tourists or tourists in the South and Central of Vietnam buy tickets from their place of residence to Noi Bai International Airport by buying tickets online or buying directly at the ticket counter. Then, tourists choose means of transportation such as buses, motorbikes, cars to get to Ninh Binh city.
4.1.2. Travel by bus
Buses are the means of transportation to Ninh Binh city chosen by many tourists from the North and North Central Vietnam. There are many bus companies from Hanoi to Ninh Binh every day with many different schedules.
If departing from Hanoi, visitors can buy tickets at major bus stations: My Dinh bus station, Giap Bat bus station, Nuoc Ngam bus station to Ninh Binh bus station. Travel time is about more than 2 hours. Some reputable bus companies that visitors can refer to: Quang Thang, Duc Trung, Cat Loi, Anh Tuan, Phu Duyen…
4.1.3. Traveling by train
Tourists who come to Ninh Binh city by train must go to Ninh Binh station. Ninh Binh station has the North-South railway line running through it, so tourists can easily buy tickets and get here by train. The travel time is quite long due to having to go through many stations, but it can help tourists save money and experience a new feeling when taking the train.
For visitors departing from Hanoi, buy tickets at Hanoi station with many trains at different times of the day. Trains from Hanoi passing through Ninh Binh station: SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7 and SE19. Then, visitors go from Ninh Binh station by motorbike, bus, car and travel more than 30km to get there.
4.1.4. Travel by motorbike or personal car
Traveling by motorbike or personal car is suitable for tourists who love to explore, want to be proactive about time, and freely enjoy the beautiful scenery during the journey.
For tourists traveling by motorbike, departing from Hanoi city center, go straight along National Highway 1A to the South and then turn onto DT477 road. Travel time is about 2-3 hours. Tourists traveling by motorbike should wear helmets and bring all necessary documents when participating in traffic.
For tourists traveling by private car, departing from Hanoi city center, follow Giai Phong street, pass Giap Bat bus station, turn and go straight on CT01 Hanoi – Ninh Binh highway. To Ninh Binh city, continue along QL12B. Travel time is about more than 2 hours.
4.2. Travel from Ninh Binh city to Cuc Phuong National Park
4.2.1. Traveling by bus
Bus is a public means of transportation to Nho Quan district that many tourists choose. Tourists from Ninh Binh city can take bus route 08 Nam Thanh – Nho Quan or route 01 Ninh Binh – Cuc Phuong Intersection (Nho Quan) or bus route 05 Ninh Binh City – Ria – Cuc Phuong Intersection (Nho Quan) to reach Cuc Phuong National Park.
4.2.2. Travel by motorbike/taxi
Tourists from far away, traveling to Ninh Binh by bus or train can use the self-drive motorbike rental service to move freely or rent a taxi. Some reputable motorbike rental shops for tourists to refer to: Duc Anh, Duc Thang, Viet Dung… Tourists travel from Ninh Binh city to Nho Quan in the following 2 ways:
- From Ninh Binh city, follow Trang An road to the West for about 15km, then turn left onto QL38B. Then go straight for another 17km, then turn right onto QL12B, go another 500m, then turn left, go about 8km past Xuan Vien to arrive.
- From Ninh Binh city, go straight along National Highway 1A for 4km to the South, then turn right onto DT491C, go another 500m, turn right through the roundabout onto DT491. Then go about 9km more, turn right onto National Highway 12B, continue straight for about 17km more, then turn left onto Phuong Lam commune road and go about 5km more to arrive.
5. Sightseeing in Cuc Phuong National Park
If you are wondering how to travel to Cuc Phuong National Park, let’s explore the beauty of this place with Origin Vietnam!
5.1. Ancient Man Cave
Ancient People Cave, also known as Dang Cave, is a place that preserves the values, traces of residence, and burial sites of primitive people. This is a dry cave with the characteristics of limestone mountains. Because there is a cave entrance on the top of the mountain that draws wind into the entire cave, the air is very cool and airy.
In the Ancient People Cave, there are many stalactites that, when tapped, emit sounds like the gongs of the Muong people. This place is considered a precious heritage of Cuc Phuong National Park.
5.2. Con Moong Cave
Con Moong Cave is a cave with two openings, about 30-40 m long, with a ceiling height of 8.41 m. The reason for its name is because outside the cave there is a large rock protruding long like an animal. This is the cave where ancient people lived, and is also an important archaeological site ranked as a national monument.
5.3. Crescent Moon Cave
The cave is called Crescent Moon Cave because when viewed from the outside, the cave looks like a crescent moon. To get to the cave, visitors need to go deep into the forest. It’s a great to do trekking tour in Cuc Phuong National Park.
The cave has a unique and vivid stalactite system. To ensure safety, visitors should not go alone but go in groups, with experienced people or with rangers.
5.4. Silver Cloud Peak
Silver Cloud Peak is 648m above sea level, visitors standing from the top can admire the whole national park, Bai Dinh Pagoda and Hoa Lu ancient capital.
To reach the top of Silver Cloud is also quite a difficult experience because you have to go through many high and difficult slopes. This place is suitable for tourists who are passionate about exploration and adventure.
5.5. Muong Village
The village is home to the Muong ethnic group, who live scattered around the Cuc Phuong National Park. When coming here, visitors will see stilt houses hidden on the mountainside and terraced fields that still exist.
Coming to Muong village, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the simple, peaceful life of the local people with unique cultural features such as stilt houses, terraced fields, and brocade weaving.
5.6. Mac Lake
Far from the entrance gate is 1.5 km, Mac lake area is quite quiet, fresh air with full services of eating and sleeping. Ho Mac also has its own room and communal stilt house, where there is also space for organizing campfire exchanges.
5.7: Yen Quang Lake – Pho Ma cave
Go back to Nho Quan road about 7km, go to Tri Phuong bridge to the West and go to Yen Quang lake. Continue past Thung La to the foot of the limestone mountain range to be the Pho Ma cave. Pho Ma is a wonderful architectural work of nature created with countless interesting stalactites.
5.8: The thousand-year-old trees
Cuc Phuong has many ancient trees such as: Dang tree is 45m high with a diameter of 5m, and thousands of years of perennial green-shanked tree with perimeter of more than 20 people hugging…
5.9: Primate Rescue Center
A place to preserve and nurture many rare primate species. Here visitors will not only observe the beauty of primates but also learn more about Endangered primate rescue center Cuc Phuong National Park.
From Cuc Phuong we’d Suggest you make a trip to Van Long Nature Reserve, where one can see Delacour’s Languras in the wild at Ngoc Son and the Pu Luong Nature Reserve – all in easy access. Just ask us and we’ll set you on the right path.
6. Things to do in Cuc Phuong National Park
6.1. Walking in the primeval forest
Cuc Phuong Forest has many walking trails through the primeval forest with a variety of routes. Visitors can choose the route that suits them to enjoy the cool green space and fresh air here.
6.2. Hunting for poetic butterfly season photos
This is one of the experiences that attracts tourists when coming to Cuc Phuong National Park. If you have the chance, come to Cuc Phuong forest in May to admire the scene of thousands of colorful butterflies flying around. Creating a unique beauty that visitors can only see when coming here.
6.3. Cycling in the forest
Cycling through the forest is an activity that should be tried when visiting Cuc Phuong National Park. Visitors can cycle on shady, green, and fresh roads, bringing a sense of peace and relaxation. At the same time, cycling is also a way to exercise and especially have the opportunity to encounter rare animals in the forest.
6.4. Watching wildlife at night
Cuc Phuong National Park organizes many wildlife viewing programs at night. When participating in this activity, visitors will join tour groups to explore the ecosystem here. Visitors can see many wild animals with their own eyes such as: black squirrels, flying squirrels, muntjacs, lorises and other carnivores.
6.5. Camping in Cuc Phuong forest
If tourists love to experience, explore, and be close to nature, then camping overnight in Cuc Phuong forest is an experience not to be missed. Although this experience is a bit adventurous, in return, tourists will enjoy the cool air in the early morning, listen to the birds chirping, the rustling of leaves… quite unique and interesting.
6.6. Visit conservation centers
Visitors can easily book a tour to see rare animals at: the Rare Primate Rescue Center, the Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Center, and the Turtle Conservation Center. With the center’s creative and interactive space, visitors can easily come here to visit and learn.
6.7. Take pictures with old trees
Not only does it have a large area, it also has many ancient trees with long lifespans. Visitors can come here to take photos and explore ancient trees such as: thousand-year-old tea tree, ancient dracontomelon tree, ancient banyan tree…
When seeing it with their own eyes, visitors cannot help but be amazed by its height, trunk diameter and root size. This is definitely an interesting experience that visitors should not miss.
6.8. Kayaking
Stay at Cuc Phuong, you can participate in many leisure activities, relax. Kayaking on the Mac Lake and Yen Quang Lake is one of the most popular activities.
7. Specialties at Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park is not only famous for its beautiful landscapes but also known for its attractive and rich cuisine. Let’s find out about the specialties here!
7.1. Cuc Phuong chicken
The Ri chicken has long been a specialty of Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh province. This chicken is raised in the mountainous region of Cuc Phuong, with suitable climate and natural conditions.
The chicken here is very firm and has a delicious flavor, making this dish a favorite of many tourists. When traveling to Cuc Phuong, visitors can enjoy dishes made from this chicken such as: guay chicken, boiled chicken, etc.
7.2. Mountain goat meat
The goats here are raised naturally on the mountain slopes, so the meat is very firm, moderately soft, not too tough and has a characteristic aroma. What creates the special flavor of mountain goat dishes is the traditional spices of the people here.
There are many dishes made from goat meat for visitors to enjoy such as: raw goat with lemon, stir-fried goat, grilled goat, grilled goat, burnt rice with goat sauce, goat cooked with plum wine, steamed goat, stewed goat, goat hot pot… Visitors can eat with raw vegetables, ginger soy sauce to enhance the flavor and sweetness of mountain goat meat.
7.3. Mountain snail
Mountain snails, also known as rock snails, are a famous specialty dish in Nho Quan – Ninh Binh. The snail meat has a traditional medicinal taste because this type of snail often eats forest leaves and medicinal leaves, creating a unique flavor.
Mountain snails are prepared by boiling, steaming or stir-frying with fresh bamboo shoots, tamarind, lemongrass and chili and dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce. Snails have a delicious taste and many health benefits. Therefore, mountain snails are an extremely interesting specialty for tourists to try and buy as gifts.
7.4. Crispy rice
When coming to Ninh Binh, tourists will see burnt rice sold at every tourist spot in the province. Ninh Binh burnt rice is elaborately prepared by mixing two types of dry rice and sticky rice together. Then, the rice is fried until it expands evenly, becomes crispy, golden and spongy, adding a little salty pork floss and special spices.
In particular, burnt rice brings a delicious, crispy, fatty flavor and the salty taste of shrimp paste. If you have the opportunity to travel to Ninh Binh, you should enjoy this burnt rice specialty or buy it as a gift for family and friends.
8. Acommodation at Cuc Phuong National Park
8.1. Staying at Cuc Phuong National Park
8.1.1. Accommodation at Ho Mac area
Mac Lake area is quite quiet, surrounded by mountain scenery and fresh air with full dining and accommodation services. There are both private rooms and communal stilt houses for visitors to comfortably rest for a long time. There is also space to organize campfire activities for large groups of visitors.
8.1.2. Bong hamlet central area
The center of Bong village is about 20km from the gate, this is the last location on the route through Cuc Phuong forest. Here there are full accommodation services for tourists. However, this area does not have electricity but only generators, so tourists can choose to stay here or refer to other places.
8.2. Accommodation outside Cuc Phuong National Park
8.2.1. Hotels and motels near Cuc Phuong National Park
For the convenience of long-term trips to Cuc Phuong National Park. We have compiled the most prestigious hotels and motels with the best service quality for visitors to refer to:
- Cuc Phuong Hotel. Address: Dong Tam Village, Cuc Phuong, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh
- Cuc Phuong Resort & Villas. Address: Dong Tam, Cuc Phuong, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh
- Bao Yen Guesthouse. Address: QL12B, Yen Son, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh
- Dai Hien Guesthouse. Address: DT477, Duc Long, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh
- Truong Sinh Guesthouse. Address: QL12B, Dong Phong, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh
- Thuy Duong Guesthouse. Address: Nho Quan Town, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh
- Lam Thuy Guesthouse. Address: DT477, Lac Van, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh
- Binh Tan Guesthouse. Address: Cuc Phuong Forest Road, Cuc Phuong, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh
- Vinh Bich Guesthouse. Address: Phu Loc, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh
8.2.2. Beautiful Homestays in Cuc Phuong National Park
For tourists who love nature and plants, choosing a homestay is the most suitable choice. Origin Vietnam has compiled a list of Homestays with beautiful views, quality and amenities near Cuc Phuong National Park for tourists to refer to:
- The Loli Hill Homestay. Address: Cuc Phuong Forest Road, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh
- MALATU House. Address: Cuc Phuong Forest Road, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh
- Cuc Phuong Suoi Hoa Homestay. Address: Cuc Phuong Forest Road, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh
- Thung Din Homestay. Address: Nga 2, Cuc Phuong, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh
- Homestay Thang Cam . Address: Bai Ca, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh
9. Some notes when traveling to Cuc Phuong National Park
To have a complete, economical and wonderful trip to Cuc Phuong National Park, visitors should note some useful travel experiences below:
- You should bring essential items: hats, sunscreen, insect repellent… and especially a flashlight to explore the forest at night or into caves.
- Check the weather forecast before departure to bring suitable luggage and to avoid going on rainy and stormy days, which may affect the trip.
- Visitors should wear sneakers and comfortable clothing for ease of movement.
- You should book hotels, motels, and homestays at least 2 weeks before your trip to have more options and avoid running out of rooms.
- Bring all necessary documents for convenience when checking in for flights, checking into hotels, and renting cars.
- You should bring snacks and drinks for your trip exploring the Cuc Phuong forest trails.
- Protect the environment, do not litter and always keep the forest landscape clean.
10. Other attractions near Cuc Phuong National Park
Ninh Binh is famous for many famous tourist attractions besides Cuc Phuong National Park that visitors can visit:
- Trang An Eco-tourism Area. Address: Trang An, Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Bai Dinh Pagoda. Address: Gia Sinh, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh
- Van Trinh Cave. Address: Thuong Hoa, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh
- Tam Coc – Bich Dong. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
With a rich and diverse flora and fauna ecosystem and many interesting experiences. Tourists from all over have chosen to come to Cuc Phuong National Park to enjoy the wild nature, admire the majestic mountains and forests and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
If you are planning to travel to Cuc Phuong National Park, please contact Origin Vietnam – the leading tour operator in Vietnam. With a team of enthusiastic and experienced consultants, we will help you have the most complete and memorable journey to explore Nho Quan.
