Cuc Phuong National Park, situated in Ninh Binh Province, is the most ancient and extensive natural park in Vietnam. It boasts diverse flora and fauna, making it a paramount source of biodiversity for the region. Tourists who visit this park can admire the stunning natural beauty of Vietnam while contributing to the preservation of endangered species and the enhancement of the local economy through tourism revenue.
I. Overview of Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong is an extensive nature reserve spanning across three provinces of Vietnam- Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa- encompassing an area of 25,000 hectares. This park features a typical tropical rainforest that provides a natural habitat to diverse and unique flora and fauna.
With over 2,000 plant species and around 2,600 animal species, including 135 mammal species, 122 reptile and amphibian species, 65 fish species, more than 336 bird species and over 2,000 insect species, this ancient forest is home to a plethora of wildlife. Cuc Phuong has become a sanctuary for many threatened species such as the spotted deer, golden monkey, bear, leopard, fox, horse, Draco, and the widely known black and white Douc langur.
II. History of Cuc Phuong National Park
Established in 1960, the national park was consecrated by President Ho Chi Minh in 1962 to raise awareness about environmental and animal protection. As a result, Cuc Phuong National Park has become one of the most significant biological sites in Vietnam.
In addition to its ecological importance, the park is also home to prehistoric man who lived there 7,000 to 12,000 years ago. Archaeological excavations have unearthed ancient tools like bone spears, shell knives, and stone axes from the numerous caves in the area. Moreover, Quen Voi, a sub-region of the park, was the site of a major battle between Thang Long and Nguyen Hue during the civil war of 1798.
Despite the park’s ecological and historical significance, conflicts arose between governors and Muong people who hunted, farmed, and settled within the park’s boundaries. To prevent poaching and farming activities, 500 Muong people were relocated outside the park in 1987. Today, the government and local residents are working together to combat poaching and protect the park’s animal inhabitants, making it one of the best places for animal conservation in Vietnam.
III. Highlights of Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park is a distinguished tourist spot in Ninh Binh renowned for its captivating natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and abundant wildlife. As the most frequented attraction of the city, it offers visitors an unforgettable experience.
1. Natural Landscapes
Nestled between two karst mountain ranges, Cuc Phuong National Park boasts a rich and diverse ecosystem. The park’s location offers stunning views of the magnificent limestone mountains towering above picturesque rice terraces and traditional Muong houses. Visitors can witness a breathtaking spectacle of thousands of vibrant butterflies in May or April.
Renowned for its numerous mountain caves, Cuc Phuong National Park features an array of milestone mountains and lush valleys. These striking natural formations range from 150 to 656 meters in height, sculpting an abundance of accessible limestone caves that are perfect for exploration.
2. Cultural Highlights
Cuc Phuong national park was formerly inhabited by over 2000 Muong tribe members. Presently, several small settlements exist in the vicinity of the park, where these people continue to flourish with their fascinating heritage and unique customs. Visitors can explore the homes and artifacts of the indigenous communities, which include water wheels, communal houses, and stone rice mortars showcasing the locals’ exceptional craftsmanship.
IV. What to See and Do at Cuc Phuong National Park?
1. Visiting Famous Caves
The following are three notable caves that hold historical significance in Ninh Binh. The first is the Prehistoric Man Cave, where primitive people lived 7,000 to 12,500 years ago. Recently, two ancient tombs were discovered alongside Neolithic relics and evidence of stone tools.
The second cave is called Con Moong, which translates to “animals” in the Muong language. In front of the cave, there is a large stone shaped like an animal. This cave was once inhabited by ancient people and is now considered a national monument and a primary archaeological site.
Lastly, Trang Khuyet Cave, also known as Crescent Cave, can be found deep in the forest. From afar, visitors can see the entrance of the cave resembling a waning moon shape.
2. Hiking in Cuc Phuong Primary Forest
Cuc Phuong National Park is a popular destination for tourists from around the globe due to its vast jungle routes. While some of these trekking paths can be explored solo, others require assistance from either local guides or park scouts.
For those seeking an unforgettable adventure at Cuc Phuong, spending a night camping in Muong Village is a must-do activity. However, visitors must travel in groups of six or more and brave the challenging 30 km trek through the park’s forest over a period of two to three days. As such, this route is known as the most difficult and demanding in the area.
3. Bird and Animal Watching
By immersing themselves in the wilderness of Cuc Phuong, visitors can witness a variety of rare species listed in Vietnam’s Red Book and unique creatures that reside in the jungle. This park is an excellent location for bird enthusiasts as many tropical birds flock to the forest for nesting. During butterfly season which occurs from April to May, tourists can witness a breathtaking view of thousands of multi-colored butterflies in flight.
4. Visiting the Conservation Centers
Established in 1985, the reservation center stands out as a prominent feature of the national park. Its primary objective is to safeguard the invaluable genetic resources and rare flora and fauna. Dedicated researchers and activists work tirelessly in rescuing and rehabilitating injured primates such as Cat Ba langur and Gray langur. Once they regain their strength, these animals are released back into their natural habitat and monitored by experts.
Furthermore, tourists can also visit the renowned Cuc Phuong Museum that showcases a vast collection of insect specimens, butterflies, bears, leopards, monkeys, and more. The museum serves as an excellent educational site for students, scholars, researchers, and visitors to deepen their knowledge on various topics.
V. What to Eat at Cuc Phuong National Park?
When touring Cuc Phuong National Park, visitors are encouraged to sample forestry delicacies prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Here are some recommended dishes that should not be missed during a trip to the park.
1. Com Lam or Burned Rice
The locals enjoy a widespread snack that features a delightful blend of rice, bamboo essence and fresh stream water. To retain the aromatic flavor of the bamboo, sticky rice is stuffed into bamboo stems and then grilled over charcoal until the stem turns black.
2. Goat Meat
Ninh Binh Province offers a must-experience delicacy for tourists. The province’s unique rocky mountainous terrain provides goats with ample opportunity to roam and jump freely, resulting in leaner meat with less fat than their domestic counterparts. Tourists can instantly recognize the difference when savoring goat meat at Cuc Phuong Park, as it is incredibly fresh, delectable, and firm in texture.
3. Cuc Phuong Chicken
Nho Quan District in Ninh Binh Province is well-known for its distinctive and delicious grilled chicken. With its crispy texture and delectable taste, this dish has become a popular choice among tourists who visit Cuc Phuong during the winter season.
4. Cuc Phuong Snail
The unique and delectable dish that captures the hearts of tourists can only be savored during the dry season, spanning from March to July. This enticing delicacy boasts a distinct flavor profile, featuring fresh snail complemented by a blend of fragrant lemongrass, fish sauce, and spicy chili.
VI. How to get to Cuc Phuong National Park from Hanoi?
1. By Bus or Car
To access Cuc Phuong National Park, tourists can opt for an affordable option of traveling by bus. They need to contact the bus agent beforehand to book their seats and plan their schedule. Alternatively, they can purchase tickets directly from the ticket counter at Giap Bat Station.
For those who are not familiar with Vietnamese roads, traveling by private car could be a more comfortable yet relatively expensive option. This is especially suitable for large groups of family and friends as they won’t have to endure the discomforts of a crowded bus.
2. By Train
Tourists have the option to purchase tickets at Hanoi’s train station. Once they reach Ninh Binh train station, they can either hire a taxi or use the local bus service to reach Cuc Phuong Park. Train travel offers a comfortable experience for tourists and allows them to enjoy scenic landscapes en route.
3. By Motorbike
Travelers departing from Hanoi can reach the Gian Khau junction in Ninh Binh City’s Gia Vien District by taking National Highway 1A. From there, they should take Highway 12A, pass through Nho Quan Town for 2km, and turn left to enter the entrance gate of Cuc Phuong Park.
VII. Tips on Visiting Cuc Phuong National Park
The optimal period to visit Cuc Phuong is during the dry season, which starts from October and lasts until February. During this time, the weather is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for visitors to explore the forest. Conversely, the rainy season makes driving on slippery roads difficult and results in an increased presence of annoying leeches and mosquitoes. In May, tourists can witness millions of breathtakingly beautiful butterflies fluttering about in the Cuc Phuong National Park’s stunning skies.
When visiting, it’s important to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes to ensure comfort while traversing the terrain. Mosquito repellent, sunblock, and hats are necessities during the summer months, while layers of warm clothes allow tourists to adapt to the colder winter climate as they climb the mountains.
Since visitors will be doing a lot of walking around the forest, it is recommended that they bring plenty of water and snacks. Additionally, to avoid getting lost, travelers should either obtain a map or hire a local guide.
Cuc Phuong National Park boasts an astounding variety of wildlife, plant life, landscapes, historical significance, and cultural richness. As a result, the park has become a sought-after destination for both domestic and international tourists and researchers alike.
So why wait? Escape the chaos and rush of modern life and venture into the wilds of Cuc Phuong. Pack your bags, book a tour, and immerse yourself in the fresh air and pristine wilderness of the Cuc Phuong forest. Enjoy your trip safely and happily!
