Cúc Phương National Park: Explore Vietnam's Pristine Wilderness
Cúc Phương National Park holds the distinction of being Vietnam’s first national park, established in 1962. This sprawling reserve offers an immersive escape into an ancient, tropical rainforest ecosystem. The park spans over 22,000 hectares of lush jungle and dramatic limestone karst mountains, providing a vital habitat for thousands of plant and animal species. Visitors actively engage with nature here, experiencing everything from strenuous trekking to important conservation work.
Address: 8J85+M88, Nho Quan, Ninh Bình, Vietnam.
I. Key Attractions and Activities for Nature Lovers
Cúc Phương provides a wealth of attractions for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. It encourages exploration through its well-maintained trails.
Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC): Visitors must prioritize a visit to the EPRC. This non-profit organization actively rescues and rehabilitates Vietnam’s most critically endangered primate species, including the Delacour’s Langur and various gibbons. Your visit directly supports their crucial conservation efforts.
Ancient Trees and Trekking: The park features several hiking routes. A popular trail leads to the Thousand-Year-Old Tree, a massive and awe-inspiring specimen that showcases the forest’s age. You can hire a local guide for longer treks, allowing you to discover hidden valleys and peaks.
Prehistoric Caves: Explore the rich human history of the park by visiting the Prehistoric Man Cave (Hang Người Xưa). Archaeologists discovered ancient human remains and artifacts here, indicating human habitation dating back over 7,000 years.
Butterfly Season: Plan your visit between April and May to witness the spectacular butterfly season, when thousands of colorful butterflies fill the forest clearings.
II. Practical Visitor Information
The park operates year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (November to April) when temperatures are cooler and rain is less frequent.
Entrance Fee: Adults pay a general entrance fee of approximately 60,000 VND per person. Please note that visiting the Endangered Primate Rescue Center requires a separate small fee.
Operating Hours: The park generally opens from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. Always confirm hours, especially for the conservation centers, which may enforce specific viewing times.
Phone Number (Environment Education & Services Center): (+84)2293.848.006. Use this number to arrange services like accommodation or guided tours.
Accommodation: Cúc Phương offers several guesthouses and bungalows near the main entrance or the central Bong Center, providing a rustic, comfortable base for exploration.
Transportation: You can easily reach the park from Ninh Bình City or Hanoi by car, bus, or rented motorbike. Many visitors choose to rent a bicycle inside the park to traverse the main 20km road, giving them maximum freedom to stop and enjoy the scenery.
III. Culture and Conservation
The local Muong ethnic people live near the park boundaries, maintaining their unique cultural traditions and stilt-house architecture. You can book cultural tours to their villages, allowing you to learn about their centuries-old relationship with the forest. Furthermore, the park actively runs the Turtle Conservation Center, which contributes to the protection of endangered Vietnamese tortoise and freshwater turtle species.
