General information
The vast nature reserve, the special-use forest is located on two limestone mountain ranges on the boundaries of the three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa. Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong is the oldest and largest national park in Vietnam that boasts rich cultural and wildlife heritage along with splendorous sceneries with magnificent limestone mountains, green rice fields, traditional stilt houses, dense forest.
The park is also home to a rich and diverse biodiversity system with several highly endangered plant and animal species being discovered and preserved here. Cuc Phuong is famous for its eco-tourism, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
Facts about the rich ecosystem
With our one-day journey to Cuc Phuong, tourists will gain extensive knowledge of plants and animals in the Cuc Phuong forest yet we would also like to share some fun facts and information about this special park of Vietnam. Being characterized by the green tropical rainforest all year round, Cuc Phuong has extremely rich and diverse flora and fauna.
As a conservation hub of Vietnam, this houses over 2,200 vascular and non-vascular plants, more than 120 species of reptiles and amphibians, over 130 species of mammals including the clouded leopard, Delacour’s langur, Owston’s civet,…, more than 330 species of birds. This has significant values in terms of archaeology as the remains of prehistoric people who lived in the forest some 7,500 years ago are still found in any mountain caves here. In early times, this was home to Muong ethnic minority people. Nowadays, we still can see their villages are scattered around the forest.
This is home to giant ancient trees that are over 1,000 years old and from 50 to 70m high. The flowers bloom all year round. The park houses up to 50 species of orchids in particular. In terms of research, Cuc Phuong National Park has become a center to provide rare and valuable species of plants for forest development programs in the region and across the country.
There have been natural breeding areas that have achieved positive results for the species of mollusks, green peas, and cones ... With 336 species of birds residing, especially many endemic species of Vietnam and Indochina, Cuc Phuong has long been an ideal place for birdwatchers and important bird research area. Cuc Phuong is home to a number of important animal populations, including globally threatened primate species at an extremely dangerous threat of white-legged langurs. Globally endangered species are Owston's Palm Civet, a species of leopard that is being threatened. Cuc Phuong also has more than 40 species of bats that have been recorded here.
Visiting the forest in April and May, you will be mesmerized by thousands of enchanting butterflies that belong to some 280 butterfly species. This dense forest is also home to the Muong community with unique and distinctive cultures. They live in their traditional stilt houses, cultivate rice in rice terraced fields and still preserve their skilled brocade techniques. Their unique festivals and customs also make our trip truly worthwhile.
Top things to do in Cuc Phuong
With a diverse landscape and rich ecosystem along with its unique cultural heritage, Cuc Phuong has several things to offer.
Trekking in the forest
For adventurous travelers, trekking is the best way to explore the forest. Paved and popular trails will lead trekkers through giant old trees, ancient caves and Muong villages. You can either explore by yourself with basic maps provided by the park or book a guided tour to make the best out of time here. There are diverse options for tourists to choose – from short treks to overnight treks or camping trips.
Community-based tourism initiatives
In order to exploit the tourism potentials of the forest in a sustainable way and provide a stable livelihood for local communities while offering tourists genuine experience, the authority has well developed community-based tourism projects here. Experience one or two-night stay in the traditional stilt houses of the locals, feel their authenticity or take a trek to Muong village or Ngoc Son Nature Reserve and Pu Luong Nature Reserve are the best way to discover this area.
Bird watching
Home to an abundance of beautiful tropical birds with many of them being endemic to Vietnam and Indochina, this is the perfect place to see more than 300 species of rare birds: Silver Pheasant, Red-collared Woodpecker, Brown Hornbill, Bar-bellied Pitta. The best time for bird watching activities is early morning and late afternoon.
Cycling
Cycling is a good way to explore the Cuc Phuong forest. With the pleasant tropical climate, bicycle ride will offer us a great sense of calmness. This is also a great way to see the more secretive animals and birds of the national park. Mountain bike rental is available in the national park.
Tours to biodiversity hotspots
With more than 40 biodiversity hotspots, booking a tour is an excellent opportunity to learn and see many different species of tropical plants.
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