Cuc Phuong national park travel guide : The complete guide 2026 for the first timers
Cuc Phuong National Park is a must-see tourist attraction in Ninh Binh for nature lovers, adventurers, and those seeking off-the-beaten-track routes. Famous for its rich and diverse ecosystem of jungles and the majestic beauty of the limestone mountains, the greenery, and more.
This Cuc Phuong National Park travel guide provides you with everything you need to know about planning a trip to Cuc Phuong National Park, including things to do, where to go, how to get around, etc., from local experts.
You can explore the national park by hiking, trekking, watch animals living in nature like monkeys, langurs, squirrels, and Indochinese Serow
Cuc Phuong National Park: General information
Cuc Phuong National Park is located in Ninh Binh, one hour drive from the Ninh Binh city centre and three and a half hour drive from Hanoi, known as the oldest national park in Vietnam, established in 1962. The park is home to lots of endangered species such as mammals, birds, langurs, and primates
Cloaked in ancient, dense jungle, Cuc Phuong is a sanctuary for some of Asia’s rarest wildlife—a living wonderland that naturally draws researchers, naturalists, and intrepid travellers alike. Spanning two dramatic limestone mountain ranges, this vibrant ecosystem is home to over 2,200 plant species, 122 reptile and amphibian species, and 135 mammal species, including elusive treasures such as the Clouded Leopard, Delacour’s Langur, Owston’s Civet, and the Asian Black Bear. Above the canopy, 336 bird species fill the air, while spring visitors in April and May are treated to a magical spectacle: thousands of vibrant butterflies fluttering through the air.
Yet Cuc Phuong’s magic stretches far beyond its greenery. Tucked within its cavernous rocky outcrops are profound windows into history—from a fossilised sea reptile dating back 200 million years to the 7,500-year-old remains of prehistoric forest dwellers. Bordering the park, the indigenous Muong people preserve a vibrant heritage; step into their peripheral villages to experience timeless traditions, from stilt houses and wooden waterwheels to hand-woven brocade looms and bamboo rafts.
Where is Cuc Phuong National Park?
Cuc Phuong National Park is a one-hour drive from Ninh Binh and a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Hanoi.
Best time to visit Cuc Phuong National Park
The best time to visit the national park is during the dry season, from October to April. The weather is unpredictable, but this period is less rainy.
Late April and early May are the butterfly season when you can see hundreds of them in the park area.
During the summertime, from May to August, the park is usually much busier than usual, as it is the high tourist season for Vietnamese, with the summer holiday in Vietnam, especially on weekends.
How to get to Cuc Phuong National Park from Hanoi
Hanoi to Cuc Phuong by touristy friend bus
Duy Khanh limousine offers shared limousine from Hanoi to Cuc Phuong. Please note that you may have to take a transit car to the main office and take a limousine from there
Hanoi to Cuc Phuong National Park by private car
Depending on the group size, you have all options to choose from : Sedan, SUV, minibus, shuttle bus or a Limousine. The price starts from 100 USD per day (day trip)
NInh Binh to Cuc Phuong national park
The only way to get there is to use a private car/motorike. Since there is no shared transfer option
Read more : Private car from Hanoi to Cuc Phuong National Park
Private car from Hanoi to Cuc Phuong
Cuc Phuong National Park: Entrance fees and Opening hours
Opening hours from 6 am to 7pm: But I do recommend that you reach the park before 2 pm for the 1000-year-old tree hiking, which usually takes 2.5 hours, Endangered Primate Centre, and Turtle Conservation is around 4.30pm so make sure that you show up at the park center before 3pm so it takes around 1 hour for this tour
The entrance fee is 220k VND (8 USD) per person, that includes entrance fees of the park, Turtle Conservation center and Endangered Primate Centre.
Top things to do at Cuc Phuong Park – Highly recommend
Trekking and hiking
Top recommended activities at the national park. There are a few trekking routes to choose from. Details in the next section, please.
Exploring caves
Checking out the Prehistoric cave, which has the vestiges of ancient Viet people dated back 7500 years ago
Watching animals by night
This is a really interesting thing to do at the park for those who want to see wildlife after dark
Trekking routes at Cat Ba National Park
Route 1 : The park center – Cay Tro Nghin Nam (1000 years old tree (6 kilometers) – Medium-level trekking route
Duration : Two to 2.5 hours round trip
What the trail is like: Lots of steps and a flat road; you expect to be stung by mosquitoes
It’s a popular trekking route for those who want to explore the national park, with a short hike to reach the thousand-year-old tree.
It might be slippery when it rains. Recommend bringing walking sticks if it rains.
Route 2 : National park centre – Khanh village (Muong village) (15 kilometres) – Longer and more challenging trek – You must be escorted by a park centre’s guide.
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
What’s the route like: Amazing walk in nature, but this walk is challenging, so we recommend good walking shoes. You may encounter a scramble up rocks, which you have to be careful with
This route is suitable for those who would like to spend the night at Khanh village after the trek.It is quite challenging; some other travellers do not recommend this route.
Top travel tips when trekking the national park
Top things to bring
- Walking shoes
- Buck spray
- Walking sticks
- Rain ponchos or raincoats
- An electric hand-carry fan during the summertime
- Cash
- Water bottles (at least 2 water bottles)
- Cellphones
Try to be in the park in the dark
It is recommended to finish the trek before dark, usually 5 pm. Trekking in the jungle at night is risky; you may encounter snakes or get lost
Don’t go alone for the longer route
There is no cellphone coverage inside the park after driving through Ho Mac (Mac Lake). If you are travelling solo, it’s risky in case of getting lost or getting injured during the trek, so no one can help you.
Taking photos of the trekking maps
You are not expected to receive a brochure with an interactive route map. So just to take a photo of the route map before you start, to make sure you are on the right track.
Get the phone number of the park centre
Just in case you get lost or need help and find a person, you could show them the phone number and find a way to sort out your issues.
Nearby tourist attractions to the park
- CHAU SON MONASTERY – Please pre-arrange your visit to ensure the monastery is open.
- Van Long boat trip – Way less touristy than Trang An and Tam Coc
- Gia Thuy pottery village – off-the-beaten track – very few tourists along there
- Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh – Highly recommend if you have time
Top places to see in the Cuc Phuong National Park
- Endangered Primate Centre
- Turtle Conservation Centre
- Prehistoric cave
Where to stay to explore Cat Ba National Park
There are a ton of homestays, guest houses, bungalows, and resorts near Cuc Phuong National Park.
Accommodation inside the national park
- The park’s guest house
- Mac Lake’s guest house
- Bong Centre’s guest house – No electricity during the day – 20 kilometres from the park centre.
Accommodation outside the park area.
- Cuc Phuong resort and spa
- Wynham Grand Vedana Ninh Binh
- Cuc Phuong hotel
- Ninh Binh Cuc Phuong Nature and Retreat
Tours to Cuc Phuong National Park
Hanoi Eco Tours offers private tours to Cuc Phuong National Park, either from Hanoi or Ninh Binh. We also offer
Over to you
We, Hanoi Eco Tour, hope this Cuc Phuong National Park travel guide and Things to do help you in some way to plan your trip to the national park.
Any further questions, or tours to Cuc Phuong National Park, please contact us via email at info@hanoiecotour.com or via Whatsapp
Please click on the link above to contact us.
