Cuc Phuong National Park
Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong is the oldest national park in Vietnam. Located only 120km southwest of Hanoi and nestled between the provinces of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa, Cuc Phuong boasts an engaging cultural and wildlife heritage and enchanting scenery.
Covered in a dense forest, this landscape forms the habitat for some of Asia’s rarest animal and plant species. It is no wonder that researchers, naturalists, enthusiasts and conservationists alike are drawn to this corner of the world. The ancient forest harbors over 2234 vascular and non-vascular plants, 122 species of reptiles and amphibians and 135 species mammals, including the Clouded Leopard, Delacour’s Langur, Owston’s Civet and Asian Black Bear. There are also an incredible 336 documented bird species.
Visitors in April and May should be blessed with the chance to see literally thousands of vibrant butterflies.
Located on 2 limestone mountain ranges, the landscape of Cuc Phuong contains a wonderfully rich ecosystem. The rocky outcrops of Cuc Phuong form the site of valuable pale ontological and anthropological vestiges, including a fossilized sea reptile dated at 200 – 230 million years old, while the remains of prehistoric people who lived in the forest some 7500 years ago are also to be found in the numerous mountain caves. In earlier times, Cuc Phuong was home to the Muong minority people and to this day a few scattered villages around the park’s periphery still house these interesting people and their unique culture. If you visit these communities you can still see their traditional stilt houses, waterwheels, bamboo rafts and brocade looms.
The best time to visit Cuc Phuong is from December to April when the weather is cool and the rain goes through. Do not travel on rainy days because of the wet weather producing many mosquitoes.
If you want to find a peaceful place where you could leave all your troubles behind, Cuc Phuong National Park is an ideal place for you. You can take 1 or 2 day tour to experience the jungle trek through the green lush forest, go deeply into the diversity of the wildlife in Cuc Phuong National Park, overnight in the jungle, enjoy the delicious meals or cycle through the forest…
