Cuc Phuong national park, 1 & 2 days

CucPhuong National Park is located 100km south of Hanoi in Ninh Binh province. The park is conveniently located on the route to several tourist attractions, including Bich Dong Pagoda, Hoa Lu, and Sam Son Beach. It was officially opened in 1960 as the first national park in Vietnam. Cuc Phuong National Park is surrounded by several limestone cliffs, the highest being May Bac, meaning silver cloud, with a height of 656m. There are plenty of plants and mammals living in the park. There are an estimated 2,000 different species of flora and the 450 species fauna account for 38 of the national fauna.

Details of Tour 1 day: 

AM: 7h30 We pick you up from your hotel and depart Ha Noi for Cuc phuong national park. 10:30 Arrival at Cuc phuong national park. Your visit begins at the Endangered Primate rescue Center. Have lunch. 

PM: After lunch, you'll start on a long trek through the forest to learn about the diverse flora and fauna of the park. You'll also make stops at Cho Chi, the oldest tree in the forest, a number of picturesque streams and waterfalls and Nguoi Xua, the ancient cave of man. 15h30: Car pick up and transfer back to HANOI. Finish tour.

Tour price:

The trip includes 

• The car with air-condition

• English speaking tour guide

• All entrance, permission and visiting fees

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Details of Tour 2 day:

Day 1: Hanoi - Cuc Phuong (Meals: L/D)

In the morning we leave Hanoi for Cuc Phuong National Park, which is 130km south of Hanoi. Upon arrival in the national park we visit to the Primate Rescue Centre, which is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, breeding, research and conservation of the endangered primates of Vietnam. From here we drive further to the centre of the national park where we start our real jungle trek through the national park. A national park ranger will be our on-site guide who makes sure that we do not get lost and he will tell us about the flora and fauna of the park. Picnic lunch in the shade of a giant tree. After 6-hr trek with lots of descents and ascents on jungle trails we make the last climb downhill to a peaceful valley and reach the village of Khanh, home to Muong ethnic minority. We will have dinner and spend our night with a family in their traditional house-on-stilt.

Day 2: Cuc Phuong - Halong Bay on the rice field - Hanoi  (Meals: B/L)

After breakfast we say goodbye to the hosts and walk 7 km to the main road where we meet our bus. The walk is pleasant as we pass expansive rice paddies and sugarcane farms. We will be transferred to Thung Nang, which is known as the "Halong Bay on the rice field". This is a stunning area of limestone mountains, rice fields and river. The scenery is just as stunning as the famous World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. The difference is the mountains are on the rice fields not on the sea. We will take a boat trip to explore the beauty of the sight. In the afternoon we head back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi around 6 pm.

Tour price:

The trip includes 

• All transfers in private car/ van/ buss.

• 1 night in Cuc Phuong Bugalow guest how.

• Meals as indicated ( B = Breakfast; L = Lunh; D = Dinner)

• English speaking tour guide

• All entrance, permission and visiting fees

• Service charge & Government taxes

The trip excludes 

• Visa to Vietnam

• Departure airport tax

• Meals which are not included in the program

• Personal travel & medical insurance

• International flights to and from Vietnam

• All personal & daily expenses

• All gratuities and tips to drivers and guides

Note:  Surcharges for peak seasons, Christmas and New Year Holidays, lunar New Year Festival, extras for room, air tickets upgrades shall be applied

Cuc Phuong national park - a natural wonder.

Cuc Phuong National Park Vietnam Information

With 25,000 hectares and 140 km South of Hanoi, Cuc Phuong is the first National Park of Vietnam which was established in 1962. The botanical richness of the forest is impressive as it supports a wide variety of flora species and patches of primeval forest, including ancient trees with thick clusters of roots, and parasitic plants and ligneous creepers.

Some tree species have been introduced from Burma, India, and Borneo. Clusters of orchards grow near cave entrances, where the moisture conditions and light are ideal. Varieties include thousand-year dracontomelum and parashorea trees which can be visited in a one or two hour hiking, and coral, vanilla, snow-white, and butterfly orchids everywhere. Large mammals inhabit the park including panthers and bears, but rarely appear, so the most popular animals you can see are monkeys, gibbons, flying squirrels and pheasants. There are also over 120 species of birds and many varieties of beetles living here, and April and May arrive swarms of butterflies. At night, million of cicadas create a deafening din, and million of fireflies flicker about.

Lying in a limestone area, Cuc Phuong includes numerous caves. At "Nguoi Xua" (Cave of Early Man), two ancient tombs have been discovered, along with Neolithic remains and evidence of stone implements; there have been similar finds at Trang Khuyet (Crescent Moon), Thanh Minh, and Con Mong Caves. Hang Dan Cave is known for its bat population. Hiking in Cuc Phuong is following some kilometers of trails and passing through old-growth forest with long vines wrapped around strangled trees, visiting the caves, waterfalls and streams in the forest or stopping over at a Muong ethnic's village. Since the location in between three provinces, it's easy to combine a trip to Cuc Phuong with a trip to Hoa Binh or Ninh Binh province, or you can depart from Hanoi, spend the whole day exploring the forest and overnight at the Park's guest house.

Culture: In earlier times, Cuc Phuong was home to the Muong minority people (or tribe) 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.

Limestone karsts landscape: Located on 2 limestone mountain ranges, the landscape of Cuc Phuong is a wonderfully rich ecosystem. The rocky outcrops of Cuc Phuong contain very valuable archeological vestiges such as a fossilized sea reptile, dated at 200 - 230 million years old and evidence of prehistoric people, who lived in the forest some 7500 years ago.

Arround Cuc Phuong: From Cuc Phuong we would suggest that you take a trip to Van Long, where you can see Delacour's Langurs in the wild, to Tam Coc or to Pu Luong Nature Reserve - all within easy access. Just ask us and we will set you on the right path.

Tourism activities in Cuc Phuong:

Community-Based Ecotourism & Home-stays

The forests of Cuc Phuong are immensely important culturally. They provide livelihood resources for local communities. However, the forests and the resources they provide to communities are under constant threat. Community-based ecotourism initiatives are beginning to turn marginalized communities into local stakeholders, creating incentives to support conservation. Why not take a trek to the Muong village of Khanh, where the hospitable local people offer 1 or 2 nights' home-stay in their traditional stilt houses? While in the village you will live as one of the family, eat together, have an opportunity to explore their culture and try out bamboo river rafting!

Trekking: Excellent hiking opportunities abound in the park and you could spend days trekking though the forest. Popular trails include one to an enormous, 1000 year old tree, other ancient trees, silver cloudy peak and to Muong village.

Night-spotting: The park can organize night-spotting trips into the primary forest. These offer opportunity to see the more exlusive mammal species of the park, including the Black Giant Squirrel, the Indian flying Squirrel, Samba deer, Loris and several small Carnivores.

Bird watching

Cuc Phuong is home to a wealth of beautiful tropical birds, many of them endemic to Vietnam and Indochina. Some of the 307 species of rare birds that you might encounter are the Silver-pheasant, Red-collared Woodpecker, Brown Hornbill, Bar-bellied Pita and so on. Cuc Phuong is quickly becoming a must-see destination for scientists.

Cycling: One fantastic way to experience Cuc Phuong is by cycling through the forest. Biking offers the visitor not only silence and a cool breeze, but it is also a great way to discover the more secretive animals and birds of the national park. (Mountain bike rental is available in the national park)

Amphibians, insects, reptiles spotting: Cuc Phuong is also home to many different species of amphibians, insects, and reptiles, many of them endemic to Cuc Phuong and Vietnam. Some species are common with interesting characteristics, such as the Viper, green tree frog and stick-insects.

Tour to biodiversity hotspots: At the moment Cuc Phuong has a total of 43 biodiversity hotspots. All of these are recognized by the scientific department of the national park and theyoffer you and excellent opportunity to study and see many different species of tropical plants.

Food & Looding:

Park Headquarters: The launching point for all activities in the park. Guides, night-spotting, tours, bikes and park information available.

Main Treks: Botanical Garden Loop Trail. A flat, easy stroll best done in the early morning. 3km, 1.5-2hours, easy - interpreter/guide required.

Observation Lookout: A short, steep climb will reward you with a wonderful view of the forested hills. 300m + return, 0.5-1hour, moderate - interpreter/guide on request.

Muong Hamlet:  A 15km trek through primary forest and one night in a traditional stilt house. (Duration 2-3 days, moderate - interpreter/guide required)

Jungle trek:  An adventurous 25km camping trip, accompanied by a Park guide and local scout. Trip includes night spotting and all equipment. Bring appropriate foot-ware. (Duration 2-3 days, difficult, max 5 people - interpreter/guide required)

Centers: Open daily are the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, Turtle Centre and Visitor's Centre.

Specialty Tours from Park HQ:  Enquire at the tourism office. Tours can be specifically tailored to meet individual interests, these include:

Caving; river rafting; village cycling; insect, reptile and amphibian spotting; bird watching; night spotting; biodiversity hotspots; orchid/flower trails; extensive treks; historical relics and more.

Headquarter Facilities:  Restaurant (vegetarians catered for), Souvenir and Snack Shop, Sports Facilities.

Accommodation:  

Modern rooms: en-suite, hot water, TV, air-con/fan: $10-25/room 1-3 pax

Stilt house: separate bathroom, hot water, fan: $5pp/1-2 pax

Detached Bungalow: en-suite bathroom, hot water, TV, air-con: $20/room 2 pax

Bike rentals and itineraries are available at the tourism office.

National Park Road: The 20km paved road linking headquarters with the park center is stunning, whether you walk it, cycle it or drive it. Lodging is also available at the quiet and serene Mac Lake, 2km from Park HQ.

Main Treks:  Cave of the Prehistoric Man. An easy path to a multi-chambered cave, now a refuge for bats. (300m, 0.5-1hour, easy - interpreter/guide on request. Torch essential)

Fossil Loop Trail:  Taking the more adventurous hiker deep into dense primary forest. Keep an eye out for ancient fossils and wildlife. (8km, 3-4hours, moderate - interpreter/guide required)

Several other walks are available from Park HQ:

Mac Lake Facilities:

Detatched bungalow: fan, en-suite bathroom, with hot water: $15/2 pax

Dormitory stilt house - for large groups only - no hot water, separate bathroom

Park Center (Bong substation): Bong is about the furthest you can get from civilization. Spend a night encircled by primary rainforest, without giving up those creature comforts.

Main Treks:  Thousand Year Old Tree Loop Trail and Palace Cave. A well established trail, good for wildlife spotting. Bring a torch for the cave. (7km, 2-3hours, moderate - interpreter/guide recommended, on request).

Ancient Tree: A paved path, ideal for bird-watching and an easy stroll through primary forest. (3km + return, 1.5-2hours, easy - interpreter/guide on request)

Silver Cloudy Top: A challenging climb to Cuc Phuong's tallest peak.

Bong Substation Facilities: Restaurant, Souvenir Shop and Snacks.

Accommodations (electricity available evenings only): Detached bungalow: en-suite bathroom, hot water, air-con: $25/2 pax

Stilt house: separate bathroom, no hot water: $6 single, $12 double

Conversation with agencies - organizations about Cuc Phuong national park:

Here at Cuc Phuong there are several conservation agencies and organizations. Visitors are welcome to tour those facilities which are open to the public.

Visitor's Center:  Cuc Phuong's Visitor Center introduces you to some of the park's valuable natural resources and its unique environment. It aims to increase the conservation awareness of visitors and is of particular value to students.

Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC):  One of the highlights of Cuc Phuong is the EPRC. The highly successful center has approximately 120 primates in breeding programs. There are currently 15 different species and subspecies of Gibbons and Langurs on site, including several living in huge forested enclosures.  

Open daily: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. and 13:30 - 16:00 p.m. EPRC opens every half hour

Small Carnivore Conservation

The national park has also worked in the field of small carnivore conservation for the last 10 years. The rescue and international breeding program for the rare Owston's Civet is currently expanding into a nation-wide program for civets, weasels, otters and cats, rescued from the wildlife trade. Not open to the general public.

Turtle Conservation Center (TCC)

The Turtle Conservation Center (TCC) of Cuc Phuong National Park is a rescue facility for turtles confiscated from the wildlife trade. The center houses 16 species, many of which are now considered endanged, and like the carnivore centre, it is involved in awareness raising, student and ranger training. Tours can be arranged.

Botanical Gardens

Cuc Phuong's Botanical Garden preserves gene resources and rare plants, forming a semi-wild, protected enclosure for wildlife release programs. It is the perfect place for a walk, especially early in the morning. While strolling in the gardens, you can listen to Gibbons and birds singing at dawn.