EcotourismNatureTrekking
Cuc Phuong National Park
Vườn Quốc Gia Cúc Phương
4.5₫60,000 VNDHalf day to 2 days
Vietnam's oldest national park, home to thousand-year-old trees, ancient caves, and the renowned Endangered Primate Rescue Center.
Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong National Park covers over 222 square kilometers of tropical limestone forest in Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh. It was Vietnam's first national park and remains one of its most ecologically significant. The park protects over 2,000 plant species, 450 bird species, and rare mammals including langurs and civets. Highlights include the Ancient Tree Trail to a 1,000-year-old tree, the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, the Turtle Conservation Center, and prehistoric caves with archaeological finds. Trekking, night walks, and birdwatching make it a superb multi-day destination.
Gallery
Photos
What to know before you go
- Cuc Phuong's centerpiece is a 1,000-year-old Tetrameles tree, reachable via a scenic forest trail. The canopy is dense enough to block sunlight entirely, creating a cool, cathedral-like atmosphere even in summer heat.
- The Endangered Primate Rescue Center at Cuc Phuong is one of Southeast Asia's leading primate rehabilitation facilities, home to langurs, gibbons, and lorises rescued from illegal wildlife trade. Visitors can observe these animals in semi-wild enclosures.
- The park also contains the Turtle Conservation Center, which breeds and rehabilitates several of Vietnam's endangered freshwater turtle species. Pre-historic caves within the park have yielded human skeletal remains and artifacts dating back 7,500 years.
Good to know
Culture, safety & access
Culture & etiquette
Crowd: Moderate on weekends; very quiet on weekdays — one of Vietnam's least crowded national parksBest season: November to April for dry weather and best wildlife activity
Do not feed or disturb wildlife; stay on marked trails; the park is a conservation area
Safety & health
Hire a guide for jungle treks — trails can be unmarked; bring insect repellent and rain gear
Weather
Rainy season (May–October) brings leeches on trails; dry season is far more comfortable
Trekking Gear
Wear long pants and closed shoes; insect repellent essential especially in rainy season.
Guided Treks
Park rangers offer guided night walks to spot civets, owls, and other nocturnal wildlife.
Accommodation
Guesthouses available inside the park for overnight stays — book ahead on weekends.
From the Journal
