Cuc Phuong National Park

National Park in Ninh Binh

Parque Nacional De Cuc Phuong
CC BY-SA 2.0 / pululante

Cuc Phuong National Park is situated in Ninh Binh, 120 kilometers from Hanoi. Established in 1962, it is Vietnam’s oldest national park. Home to 307 bird species, 133 mammal species, 122 reptile species, and over 2,000 plant species, Cuc Phuong is one of Vietnam’s most significant protected areas.

History of Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong marked the beginning of conservation efforts in Vietnam, initiated by Ho Chi Minh in 1962 during the Vietnam War. The war’s bombs and defoliants devastated much of Vietnam’s forests and wildlife. Ho Chi Minh emphasized that protecting the environment was essential for the country’s future. Since then, 29 other national parks have been established, but Cuc Phuong remains the largest.

Wildlife in Cuc Phuong National Park

The park protects a diverse range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, bats, civet cats, flying squirrels, and the endangered Delacour langur. Unfortunately, poaching and habitat destruction have impacted the park, leading to the disappearance of species such as the Asian black bear, Siamese crocodile, wild dog, and tiger. While large animal sightings are rare, visitors can still appreciate the park’s wide variety of insects and plants, with some trees over 50 meters tall and more than 1,000 years old.

Endangered Primate Rescue Center

The Endangered Primate Rescue Center near the park entrance houses rescued animals, including Delacour’s langur, the Cat Ba or golden yellow langur, and the gray-shanked douc langur. Opened in 1993, the center aims to rehabilitate these animals by releasing them into a semi-wild area. The center also conducts crucial research, conservation, and breeding programs.

Highlights of Cuc Phuong National Park

  1. Trekking
    • The park offers various trekking routes, from short walks to full-day hikes. Popular trails include:
      • Fauna and Flora Garden: A 3 km trail lasting about 2 hours.
      • Observation Tower: A short walk with a scenic view, taking about 1 hour.
      • Cave of Prehistoric Man: A 220-step route leading to ancient graves and tools dating back 7,500 years.
      • Old Tree Walk: A 6 km hike to a 1,000-year-old tree.
      • Silver Cloud Peak: A longer, four-hour trek.
      • Muong Village: A 15 km hike where visitors can stay overnight with local families and raft on the Buoi River.
  2. Kayaking
    • Kayak on the artificial Mac Lake or the natural Yen Quang Lake. Kayaks are available for rent at the park entrance.
  3. Traditional Music Performances
    • Enjoy traditional music performed by the Muong minority, showcasing their unique culture.
  4. Amphibian, Insect, and Reptile Spotting
    • The park is home to many species of insects, amphibians, and reptiles, including the green tree frog and stick-insects.
  5. Cycling
    • Biking is a great way to explore the park. Mountain bikes can be rented at the visitor center.
  6. Bird Watching
    • With 308 bird species, the park is a must-visit for birdwatchers. Notable species include the Silver Pheasant, Red-collared Woodpecker, Brown Hornbill, and Bar-bellied Pitta. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times for bird watching.
  7. Wildlife Night-spotting
    • Night safaris offer the chance to see elusive animals like the Black Giant Squirrel, Indian Flying Squirrel, Samba Deer, Loris, and various small carnivores.
  8. Cave Exploration
    • The park’s limestone formations have created numerous caves, including Thang Khuyet Cave, Con Moong Cave, Pho Ma Cave, Nguoi Xua Cave, and the Cave of Prehistoric Man. Some caves contain prehistoric human remains and artifacts.

The Cuc Phuong National Park appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ninh Binh!

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Visiting Cuc Phuong National Park

Hours:

06.00am – 05.30pm


Price:

50.000 VND/Person

Address: Cuc Phuong National Park, Nho Quan District, Ninh Bình, Vietnam
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