Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong is the oldest national park in Vietnam. Located only 120km southwest of Hanoi and nestled between the provinces of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa, Cuc Phuong boasts engaging cultural and wildlife heritage and enchanting scenery. Magnificent limestone mountains rise up majestically from the green rice-terraces and traditional stilt houses of the Muong hill-tribe. Covered in a dense forest they form a habitat for some of Asia's rarest species. It is no wonder that researchers, naturalists, enthusiasts and conservationists alike are drawn to this corner of the world.

Culture
In earlier times, Cuc Phuong was home to the Muong minority people (or tribe) and to this day a few scattered villages around the park's periphery still house these interesting people and their unique culture. If you visit these communities you can still see their traditional stilt houses, waterwheels, bamboo rafts and brocade looms.

Limestone karsts lanscape
Located on 2 limestone mountain ranges, the landscape of Cuc Phuong is a wonderfully rich ecosystem. The rocky outcrops of Cuc Phuong contain very valuable archeological vestiges such as a fossilized sea reptile, dated at 200 - 230 million years old and evidence of prehistoric people, who lived in the forest some 7500 years ago.

Around Cuc Phuong
From Cuc Phuong we would suggest that you take a trip to Van Long, where you can see Delacour's Langurs in the wild, to Tam Coc or to Pu Luong Nature Reserve - all within easy access. Just ask us and we will set you on the right path.

Activities

Community-Based Ecotourism & Home-stays
The forests of Cuc Phuong are immensely important culturally. They provide livelihood resources for local communities. However, the forests and the resources they provide to communities are under constant threat. Community-based ecotourism initiatives are beginning to turn marginalized communities into local stakeholders, creating incentives to support conservation. Why not take a trek to the Muong village of Khanh, where the hospitable local people offer 1 or 2 nights' home-stay in their traditional stilt houses? While in the village you will live as one of the family, eat together, have an opportunity to explore their culture and try out bamboo river rafting!

Trekking
Excellent hiking opportunities abound in the park and you could spend days trekking though the forest. Popular trails include one to an enormous, 1000 year old tree, other ancient trees, silver cloudy peak and to Muong village.

Night-spotting
The park can organize night-spotting trips into the primary forest. These offer opportunity to see the more exlusive mammal species of the park, including the Black Giant Squirrel, the Indian flying Squirrel, Samba deer, Loris and several small Carnivores.

Bird watching
Cuc Phuong is home to a wealth of beautiful tropical birds, many of them endemic to Vietnam and Indochina. Some of the 307 species of rare birds that you might encounter are the Silver-pheasant, Red-collared Woodpecker, Brown Hornbill, Bar-bellied Pita and so on. Cuc Phuong is quickly becoming a must-see destination for scientists.

Cycling
One fantastic way to experience Cuc Phuong is by cycling through the forest. Biking offers the visitor not only silence and a cool breeze, but it is also a great way to discover the more secretive animals and birds of the national park. (Mountain bike rental is available in the national park)

Amphibians, insects, reptiles spotting
Cuc Phuong is also home to many different species of amphibians, insects, and reptiles, many of them endemic to Cuc Phuong and Vietnam. Some species are common with interesting characteristics, such as the Viper, green tree frog and stick-insects.

Tour to biodiversity hotspots
At the moment Cuc Phuong has a total of 43 biodiversity hotspots. All of these are recognized by the scientific department of the national park and theyoffer you and excellent opportunity to study and see many different species of tropical plants.