Cuc Phuong National Park, located above 120km from Hanoi, is a nature reserve and a unique natural destination. This place belongs to 3 provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa. With a large area, the Cuc Phuong forest also possesses many natural values. It is the oldest national park in Vietnam, spanning 222 square kilometers and boasting rich biodiversity. With over 2,000 plant species and diverse fauna including langurs, macaques, and various birds, the park offers hiking trails and opportunities to explore limestone caves. The Endangered Primate Rescue Center is a popular attraction, dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating endangered primate species. Moreover, Cuc Phuong National Park has been honored by the World Travel Awards as the leading national park in Asia for four consecutive years (2019-2022). Cuc Phuong National Park provides a serene atmosphere, picturesque landscapes, and the chance to witness rare wildlife, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
Cuc Phuong National Park is a place of incredibly rich and diverse ecosystems. The garden features a tropical rainforest, providing a cool and refreshing atmosphere. Here, you can explore and discover many fascinating attractions such as:
Cuc Phuong national park is located in Ninh Binh
Cuc Phuong National Park encompasses both mountains and stone mountains, which make up approximately three-fourths of the forested area. It is renowned as a vast botanical garden, housing around 1,983 tall plants and valuable trees. Among them, 37 species are listed as endangered on Vietnam's red list.
Moreover, the park is home to numerous trees that display peculiar and distinctive shapes, as well as unique ways of surviving. Some of these trees date back millions of years. Notably, Cuc Phuong National Park is a tropical forest that has managed to preserve a significant portion of its primary forest, safeguarding a diverse range of unusual flowers and fruits.
Cuc Phuong national park's animals
The Endangered Primate Rescue Center is a remarkable facility located within Cuc Phuong National Park in Vietnam. It was established in 1993 with the primary objective of rescuing, rehabilitating, and conserving endangered primate species in the region.
To date, it has successfully cultivated and collected 811 rare plant species to serve the preservation and conservation of genetic resources. Additionally, with its animal conservation program, the Endangered Primate Rescue Center is currently rescuing and nurturing over 150 individuals of 15 rare primate species and subspecies, with 6 of them exclusively cared for in this center, not found in captivity anywhere else in the world.The majority of them, when transferred here, are in a very weak health condition and suffer from various injuries. There are currently 179 primates being cared for here, with the highest number belonging to the Ha Tinh Langur and the Grey-shanked Douc Langur species. After receiving medical treatment and recovering their health, they will be transferred to a semi-wild enclosure within a 7-hectare forest area to readjust to their natural habitat.
The center also implements conservation programs for carnivorous animals and pangolins, along with a sea turtle protection program. It houses over 600 individuals of 19 out of the total 25 terrestrial and freshwater turtle species in Vietnam. Therefore, if visitors have the opportunity to visit Cuc Phuong forest, they can visit this location to witness numerous wildlife species firsthand and gain knowledge about various animals.
Butterfly collection in Cuc Phuong museum
This place is a facility built for the preservation and conservation of specimens. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn a great deal about various insect and plant species. Specifically, this includes dragonflies, stick insects, cicadas, and various bird species.
The first impressive and emotionally stirring experience for visitors to the Cuc Phuong Museum is the Butterfly Tower, showcasing the characteristic insect species of the tropical rainforest in Cuc Phuong. From a scientific perspective, a rich and diverse population of butterflies signifies a healthy and highly diverse habitat with a high level of plant diversity. Additionally, the Cuc Phuong Museum houses approximately 13,000 botanical and fungal specimens, 450 specimens of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, 4,000 insect specimens, and 300 samples of minerals, fossils, and archaeological artifacts. This collection ranks among the top in the system of National Parks and Nature Reserves in Vietnam.
May Bac peak's view
As the highest point in Cuc Phuong Forest, standing at an elevation of 648 meters above sea level, May Bac Peak is enveloped by white clouds year-round. The path to conquering the peak is quite challenging, with a 3-kilometer stretch that includes steep and rocky sections. Therefore, it is advisable for tourists to proceed with caution and preferably be accompanied by an experienced guide. However, upon reaching the mountaintop, you will feel like stepping into a magical realm with clouds swirling around you, and all the effort will prove worthwhile. From the peak, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Hoa Lu stone capital, as well as the forests and plains of four districts spanning three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa.
Yen Quang lake in Cuc Phuong garden
Yen Quang Lake is a scenic gem located within the buffer zone of Cuc Phuong National Park. With its clear blue waters reflecting the surrounding cliffs, lush forests, and small fishing boats, the lake offers a tranquil and untouched setting. Here, visitors can enjoy the fresh air, bask in the serene atmosphere, and unwind amidst the pristine beauty of nature. It's a perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate.
Muong ethnic people live around Cuc Phuong national park
Cuc Phuong National Park is not only home to breathtaking natural wonders but also encompasses a unique Mường ethnic village. This village offers a glimpse into the distinctive way of life and customs of the Mường community. As you wander through the village, you can visit traditional stilt houses, admire the intricate handwoven fabrics at the looms, and marvel at the picturesque terraced rice fields. Besides, appreciating the art of Mường ethnic group's “Cong chieng”- gongs music is a wonderful experience to explore the unique traditional music of this ethnic group. During Mường gong performances, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a vibrant cultural space and witness the skillfulness of gong musicians. The rhythmic beats, enchanting melodies, and captivating performances create a memorable and immersive cultural experience for visitors. Moreover, it is also an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Mường people's culture and heritage.
Cuc Phuong national park tour brings you to discover historical caves
The Nguoi xua Cave, Con Moong Cave, Mang Chieng Cave, and Trang Khuyet Cave are renowned caves nestled within the captivating Cuc Phuong National Park. These mystical caverns beckon adventurous souls, enticing you to embark on an unforgettable journey of exploration and discovery.
Cuc Phuong National Park is not only a tourist destination but also a vast area dedicated to biodiversity conservation. Therefore, it is important to have a detailed plan to make the most of your visit. The best means of transportation from Hanoi to Cuc Phuong national park is private car, which takes around 3 hours. Besides, some visitors prefer driving motorbikes.
It is essential to check the weather carefully and prepare necessary items if visiting during the rainy season. To ensure a safe and convenient trip to Cuc Phuong National Park, travelers should prepare the following items:
Cuc Phuong National Park is located on the border of three provinces in the Northern Central Coast, Red River Delta, and Northwest regions. Therefore, each season has its own unique weather characteristics, and travelers can consider the information about each season to plan their ideal trip.
By considering the different seasons, you can plan your visit to Cuc Phuong National Park accordingly and fully enjoy the beauty and biodiversity it has to offer.
Above are the essential travel tips for Cuc Phuong National Park that you should know. If you're interested in experiencing trekking, you can check out Full Day Private Cuc Phuong National Park Tour. We hope this article has been helpful! Let’s start planning and enjoy your time at Cuc Phuong National Park soon!
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