Cuc Phuong National Park Vietnam | Map, entrance fee and review

Cuc Phuong National Park is the first and most impressive national parks in Vietnam. It is established in 1962, situated only 120 kilometers southwest of Hanoi and nestled between the provinces of Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa and Hoa Binh.

So what makes this park one of the most popular day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh? Let’s find out and don’t miss out all the helpful tips for visiting at the bottom of this article!

>>> Explore more attractions and activities in Things To Do in Ninh Binh 2019 <<<

A quick look at Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Nationalpark

Cuc Phuong National Park depicts a vibrant identity, delightful landscape, and wildlife pictures. Along with gorgeous limestone mountains and traditional stilt houses, which cannot be found anywhere else.

Cuc Phuong National Park brings you an amazing slice of nature!

Because it is dressed up by a dense forest, this landscape creates the habitat for some rarest animals and plants of Asia countries. Surely, it is always the favorite choice of researchers, conservationists, naturalists and enthusiasts.

The late seral forest is home of over 2200 vascular and non-vascular plants, 130 mammal species, and 120 reptilian species and amphibian species. An extraordinary over 330 listed bird species also are recorded.

Rare reptilian at Cuc Phuong Park

And when coming in April and May, it will be like getting lost in a new land with the chance to view thousands of charming butterflies.

All are waiting for you to discover!

If you have any plan to visit Cuc Phuong this upcoming holiday, also take some look at nearby attractions in Ninh Binh such us Tam Coc, Trang An and Bai Dinh Pagoda

Cuc Phuong National Park entrance fee

Cuc Phuong National Park price from 2017 to present:

• Adult: 60,000 VND (~US$ 1.3)
• Students: 30,000 VND (~US$ 0.7) (ID, students card required)
• Children: 10,000 VND (~US$ 0.6)

Cuc Phuong National Park Ninh Binh opening hours

• Opening days: All week
• Opening time: 08:00-18:00
• Conservation centers: 8:30 – 11:30 am and 13:30 – 16:30 pm

Cuc Phuong National Park map

For the best exploration, please look at the map and follow the recommended attractions and activities below!

Don’t forget to take a map at the ticket office!

Any interesting sites at Ninh Binh Cuc Phuong National Park?

Thousand-year-old tree

This is totally engaging to see the magnificent beauty of nature!

The ancient tree date backed a millennium years ago. It is a giant tree 45 meter high, with a diameter of up to 5 meters and has a root system that runs about 20 meters long, more than 20 people are needed to embrace the tree together. You should visit and eyewitness one of the oldest trees in this jungle.

Take a short trek to find out the thousand-year-old trees in the deep forest

Botanical garden

If you are nature-lovers or appreciate unique moments of peaceful tranquility, Cuc Phuong National Park will absolutely be made for you.

Cuc Phuong Park is one of three world-class botanical gardens according to the list published in 1997. It is an area built to collect and plant rare species of Cuc Phuong, Vietnam and the World.

Moreover, it is easy to access to the garden and documented that the total land area, 160 hectares, includes natural forest, planted areas used for experimental research and reserved areas for park administration grounds

Endangered primate rescue center

Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC) has been a program of Frankfurt Zoological Society since 1993. Presently, The Center houses conserve over 145 individuals of many species, some of them are only found in this corner of the world – Cuc Phuong National Park and entered in the red list.

To visit this point, you should be accompanied by a park guide booked at the ticket counter. Or book a Cuc Phuong National Park tour covering all the ticket and enthusiastic park guide!

Endangered Primate Rescue Center is the house of conservation of many precious animals

Prehistoric Caves

Cave of prehistoric man

Seeing with your eyes the burial relic of prehistoric people in Cuc Phuong National Park is a charming activity to most travelers. The burial relic of prehistoric people, dating back to 7.500 years ago, is a unique cultural site in the history of human development and is a precious heritage

The beautiful path leading to the cave of prehistorical man

Con Moong Cave

Con Moong Cave (“beast cave” is another name termed by in the local here) is an impressive cave in Cuc Phuong National Park. This area is surrounded by near rivers and streams, which has a varied and distinct flora and fauna, so it used to be considered as treasured land to the ancient people who wanted to settle down in a long-term

The cave is not only wide but also long, and combined by two interrelated gates. Con Moong Cave has been a harmony of a thickness of cultural stratum, a complicated complex with mollusk shells…

Some other caves you can be appealed: Mang Chieng Cave (encompassing a lot of artifacts, animal, human remains and antique Stone Age residents) and Trang Khuyet Cave (Crescent Moon Cave)

What to experience in Cuc Phuong – the first national park in Vietnam?

Cuc Phuong National Park trekking in the primary forest

Cuc Phuong Park has built many walking routes in the forest, with different uses itineraries and time, which help you choose for yourself the ideal routes.

In addition, you can explore some walking routes on your own. However, if having the guidance and introduction of the tour guide, your trip will surely become more interesting and meaningful.

Even short trekking is enjoyable enough!

Imaging the feeling of total freedom, the cool breeze brushing your hair, immersing yourself in the charming scenery around… This is one of the best choices to see, explore Cuc Phuong Park and the buzz it offers is indescribable in words.

>>> See the detailed itinerary of Cuc Phuong National park tour including shorts trek to visit the thousand-year-old tree and prehistorical man cave

Cycling through the forest

One of Cuc Phuong’s enticing discoveries is cycling in the forest. Biking in the forest will bring you not only the sense of calm, real sense of nature but also help you get the opportunity to encounter rare and unique animals in Cuc Phuong.

In Cuc Phuong Park, bike rental is available.

Cuc Phuong National Park hiking to the Silver Cloud Peak

Silver cloud peak is the tallest peak of Cuc Phuong. This Cuc Phuong National Park hike is a moderate adventure route and takes around 4 to 6 hours to fully exploring. If you wish to reach to the top of Cuc Phuong Park to have the whole amazing view, you can contact at the ticket counter for a guide.

Standing on the Silver Cloud Peak to witness the panorama view of Cuc Phuong

Stay with locals at Muong village

Have you ever had thought that you will try 1 or 2-night home-stay in traditional stilt houses?

Escaping from the outside world, busy life, bustling city, this is not a bad idea! You can be a part of a friendly household in the tribe, eat with the others of the family and experience bamboo river rafting and explore exceptional culture in Cuc Phuong National Park!

During the time in the village, Muong people with enthusiasm and hospitality will bring you a comfortable time and an opportunity to learn and explore unique indigenous cultures.

Just 1 day at Muong village leaves you with the best ever local experience and unforgettable memories!

Besides, ecotourism with community participation is an important solution contributing to improving people’s lives. With a night or two in the Muong village, you have contributed to creating income for people, supporting conservation.

Bird watching

Cuc Phuong National Park is one of the richest and diverse forests and called hometown of an abundance of dazzling tropical birds that are regional in Vietnam and Indochina as well. There are 308 species discovered and statistically listed, including many rare species such as the Silver Pheasant, Bar-bellied Pitta, Red-collared Woodpecker, Brown Hornbill and so on.

Therefore, Cuc Phuong has become a place not to be missed for scientists and bird watchers. The best time to watch birds is early morning and evening.

Wildlife night-spotting

The park offers night-spotting tours into the old-growth forest. These exclusive tours give tourists chances to admire the more special species of Cuc Phuong National Park consisting of the Black Giant Squirrel, the Indian Flying Squirrel, scant small carnivores and so on

Into the forest to spot these animals

Camping

Camping and sleeping nights in the forest and long walks to Ngoc Son reserve, Pu Luong conservation area are attractive routes that many tourists are interested in.

Kayaking

When staying at Cuc Phuong, you can take part in a great deal of recreational and relaxing activities. Kayaking on Mac Lake and the natural lake of Yen Quang is one of the fascinating activities that many people fancy

The unique kayaking at Cuc Phuong National park

How to get to Cuc Phuong National Park from Hanoi?

From Hanoi, the best way to get to Cuc Phuong Park is by private car or booking a tour.

Otherwise, you can go to Ninh Binh by train or bus then continue to transfer to Cuc Phuong by taxi or motorbike. However, the distance between Cuc Phuong and Ninh Binh center is about 60 kilometers which take around 2-hour drive. So it is not the best recommendations!

When is the best time for visiting Cuc Phuong National Park in Vietnam?

February to April: If visiting in this time, you can encounter rare birds such as the Silver Pheasant, Brown Hornbill, Red-collared Woodpecker, Bar-bellied Pitta and so on.

End of April to the early May: This is the great time to start an adventure stepping into new wonderland with full of flying butterflies portraying a splendid and poetic scenery. Some consider this is the most amazing time!

Cuc Phuong Park in fairy butterflies season

May to August: The weather is rather nice, sunny. However, rain-storms and rain can occur so check the weather forecast before taking any trip!

November to January: It is really cold, sometimes is freeze and frosty in the north of Vietnam. This time is not reasonable to go inside the forest.

See Cuc Phuong National Park review

Tips for the ultimate trip!

You should prepare these items below:

• Insect repellent and mosquito repellent: It is often wet in the forest and if you go in the periods after the rainy season, it is necessary to bring these sprays, especially families having children
• Comfortable shoes and clothes: If you plan to participate in exploring some paths in the forest, wearing suitable shoes will keep your feet safe.
• A torch: To use when traveling in the evening and use when entering the cave. Or you can use your phone flashlight

Cuc Phuong National Park is a wonderful destination in the Ninh Binh Vietnam. If you are wondering where to take a holiday, immediately take your chance to explore this amazing place!

For further information and advice, please feel free to contact us, Original Ninh Binh Tours Team. It is our pleasure to help you plan your perfect trip!