Top 7 Must-Visit Destinations When Visiting Cuc Phuong National Park

Top 7 Must-Visit Destinations When Visiting Cuc Phuong National Park

Exploring Cuc Phuong, Vietnam's first national park, is an unmissable experience when visiting Ninh Bình. Join BDATrip to discover a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna, and expand your understanding of the rich natural world in the article below!

About Cúc Phương National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is located about 120km south of Hanoi, nestled in the Tam Điệp Mountain Range and spreading across three provinces: Ninh Bình, Hòa Bình, and Thanh Hóa. It is the largest forested area in the region, covering 22,408 hectares and known for its majestic natural beauty, rich ecosystems, and cultural and historical values.

Cuc Phuong forest is one of the primeval forests with a large area
Cuc Phuong forest is one of the primeval forests with a large area

Cuc Phuong is home to an extremely diverse range of flora and fauna, including many species at high risk of extinction that have been carefully discovered and conserved. As Vietnam's first national park, Cuc Phuong has been recognized by the World Travel Awards as Asia's leading national park for three consecutive years from 2019 to 2021, highlighting its beauty and importance to Vietnam.

Exploring Cuc Phuong is more than just a trip; it is a journey of discovery where you can fully experience and understand the diversity and wonder of nature.

Cuc Phuong's Highlights: Unmissable Experiences

Walking Through the Ancient Forest

Cuc Phuong is a strictly preserved ancient forest where leaf-covered trails will take you through unexpected experiences. Before setting out, research the trails thoroughly to choose a walking route that suits your needs and fitness level.

Walking in the forest always brings a feeling of excitement to visitors
Walking in the forest always brings a feeling of excitement to visitors

In Cuc Phuong, you can choose to walk with a guide or explore on your own. If you decide to go it alone, it is crucial to be well-prepared with the right equipment and a good understanding of map reading and orientation. However, we at BDATrip always encourage you to walk with a guide. This not only helps you gain a deeper understanding of the forest's ecological features but also ensures safety and convenience for your trip.

The Cuc Phuong Primate Rescue Center (EPRC), established in 1994, has become a sanctuary for injured animals needing care and protection until they can return to the wild. The center not only rescues but also works to conserve endangered animal species, providing them with a natural and safe environment.

The rescue center is a place to care for individual animals
The rescue center is a place to care for individual animals

Currently, the EPRC cares for about 160 individuals from 15 different species, including six very rare species only found in Cuc Phuong. These species include: Delacour's langur (Trachypithecus delacouri), Hà Tĩnh langur (Trachypithecus laotum hatinhensis), and others.

Visiting the rescue center is an essential part of the Cuc Phuong exploration journey. Here, visitors can not only observe rare animals but also learn about each species, thereby gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of biodiversity conservation in Vietnam.

Exploring the Ancient Human Cave

The Ancient Human Cave, also known as Đăng Đắng Cave or "Bat Cave" in Mường language, stands about 45 meters high and resembles a giant dragon. Inside, the cave is relatively flat with a passage leading to another entrance, creating a mysterious and magnificent scene.

Nguoi Xua Cave brings a mysterious look
Nguoi Xua Cave brings a mysterious look

A notable feature of the Ancient Human Cave is its stalactite-covered walls, which produce a resonant sound similar to gongs and chimes when struck, creating a feeling of being lost in a natural musical space. This area, densely inhabited by the Mường people, is steeped in ghostly legends, including eerie tales of spirits emerging at dusk to fetch water from the cave.

Exploring the Ancient Human Cave is sure to be an unforgettable experience for those curious about folk stories and eager to discover the natural beauty and mysteries of Cuc Phuong. Would you like to visit and uncover the secrets behind these resonant stone walls?

Discovering Nighttime Wildlife Activities

In Cuc Phuong National Park, animals live in conditions close to their natural habitats, following their instincts. Notably, many species are nocturnal, allowing the park management to organize special observation programs. During these, visitors have the chance to observe creatures like the black squirrel, flying squirrel, and small carnivores actively hunting in the darkness.

Observing animals at night is an extremely interesting and new experience
Observing animals at night is an extremely interesting and new experience

Nighttime tours in Cuc Phuong promise memorable experiences as you witness the spectacular hunting scenes of wild animals in the quiet of the night. However, this activity depends on weather conditions and may not be available on unfavorable weather days. This is an important consideration for those planning to participate in this program.

Entering the "World" of Birds

Cuc Phuong National Park is renowned for its rich ecosystem, especially its diverse bird population, making it one of the most bird-diverse areas in Northern Vietnam. With a recorded 308 bird species, including many rare ones such as the red-collared woodpecker and white-eared pheasant, Cuc Phuong is an ideal destination for animal enthusiasts and bird watchers.

Cuc Phuong is famous for its diversity of animals
Cuc Phuong is famous for its diversity of animals

If you are a nature lover, particularly interested in birds, you cannot miss the opportunity to explore and experience the diversity of the bird world in Cuc Phuong. This is a great chance to see rare bird species up close and learn more about the park's conservation efforts to maintain and protect this special ecosystem.

Learning About Amphibians, Reptiles, and Insects

Cuc Phuong National Park's tropical moist ecosystem is home to a large number of reptiles, amphibians, and insects. To date, the park has recorded about 110 diverse species, including snakes, frogs, and various stick insects. During your visit, guides will provide detailed information about each species, helping to expand your knowledge of this rich ecosystem.

Reptiles in Cuc Phuong forest
Reptiles in Cuc Phuong forest

One particularly unmissable experience at Cuc Phuong is the butterfly season in the spring. During this time, the national park transforms into a fairy-tale world where hundreds of colorful butterflies flutter through the lush greenery, creating a dreamy and mystical landscape. This will be one of the beautiful and interesting moments for you to explore and capture memorable images of nature and wildlife.

Immersing Yourself in Ethnic Cultural Programs

As part of the unique experiences available in Cuc Phuong, visitors can not only enjoy the majestic natural beauty but also engage in deep cultural activities of the Mường people. Here, you can enjoy traditional dances and songs performed by Mường boys and girls in traditional attire, gathered around the campfire. These nights are not only cozy but also a way to preserve and share the unique culture of the Mường people, fostering community ties.

Many folk culture performances are held in Cuc Phuong
Many folk culture performances are held in Cuc Phuong

Additionally, these evenings filled with music and culture are also an opportunity to enjoy traditional dishes and the region's distinctive spicy liquor. From simple yet tasty dishes to fiery spirits, all contribute to a rich culinary experience that embodies the essence of the northern mountainous region. This will be a fantastic opportunity for visitors not only to see and explore nature but also to fully immerse themselves in the distinctive cultural space of the ethnic community here.

These are the exciting experiences at Cuc Phuong Forest that BDATrip wants to share with visitors. Many more interesting things are waiting for you to discover. Visit this fascinating place soon!

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