1. Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest: Vietnam's first primeval forest
1.1. Geographical location and scale of Cuc Phuong National Park Ninh Binh.
Cuc Phuong Forest is a famous special-use forest of Vietnam, stretching across the territory of three provinces: Ninh Binh, Phu Tho, and Thanh Hoa, with the largest area belonging to Ninh Binh province. The total area of the forest reaches 22,200 hectares, of which the central part in Ninh Binh accounts for 11,350 hectares in Cuc Phuong commune. The remaining area is distributed in Phu Tho with about 5,000 hectares and Thanh Hoa with 5,850 hectares.
Cuc Phuong Forest is a famous special-use forest of Vietnam. (Source: Vietnam National Tourism Administration)
The terrain here is karst limestone mountains, formed 200 million years ago, creating a distinctive feature with a maximum height of 636 m. The mountain range stretches 25 km long and 10 km wide, embracing valleys throughout the length of the conservation area. The Buoi River meanders through the forest, merging with the system of underground streams and natural caves, creating an impressive natural landscape.
1.2. Why is Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest loved?
Serving as the "green lung" of the North, Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest plays an important role in maintaining headwater sources and regulating the climate of the surrounding areas. It boasts a typical tropical rainforest ecosystem, with 2,234 plant species and 659 animal species conserved, including many valuable endemic species of Vietnam as well as the world.
Historical and cultural values are evident through significant archaeological discoveries in caves such as Dong Ngu Xua (Prehistoric Man Cave) and Hang Con Moong. The forest is also home to the Muong community, who preserve traditional cultural aspects passed down through generations. Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest is continuously recognized by World Travel Awards as Asia's Leading National Park, thanks to its unique scenery and deeply meaningful educational and conservation programs.
1.3. Outstanding Values: Natural, Archaeological, and Tourism Heritage.
Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest is Vietnam's first national park, serving as a model for the national conservation network. It boasts a rich ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna, notably the Delacour's langur, thousand-year-old Cho trees, and rare wild orchids.
Not only rich in biological value, this area also holds profound archaeological significance. Many caves within the forest have yielded prehistoric sites, stone artifacts, fossilized bones, and traces of early human habitation. These discoveries contribute significantly to the study of human history and development in Vietnam.
Today, Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest has become a premier destination for trekking, ecotourism, and nature exploration in the North. With its majestic landscape, fresh air, and diverse tour routes, it attracts a large number of visitors, from individuals and families to research groups and students.
2. Guide to Traveling to Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest 2025
From Hanoi to Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest:
The distance from Hanoi to Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest is about 130 km, taking approximately 2.5 – 3 hours depending on the mode of transport. Visitors can choose intercity buses or limousines from Giap Bat or My Dinh bus stations to Nho Quan, with ticket prices ranging from 70,000 – 250,000 VND per trip. Alternatively, many people opt to drive their own cars, ride motorcycles, or hire private services for a more flexible itinerary.
Visitors can reach Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest via several convenient routes. If departing from Hanoi, you can take the CT01 expressway, turn onto National Highway 1A near Phu Ly (formerly Ha Nam, now Ninh Binh), and then continue on Provincial Road DT477 to the national park entrance. Another option is to travel along the Ho Chi Minh Highway, suitable for those who want to enjoy mountain scenery and a quieter journey with less traffic.
From Ninh Binh city, the journey to Cuc Phuong is also very easy. Visitors can travel through the Trang An area to Bai Dinh Pagoda (about 15 km), then continue along the road behind the parking lot of Bai Dinh tourist area to enter Cuc Phuong National Park (an additional 25 km). This route is quite wide with little traffic, making it very convenient for cars or motorcycles, and it also offers the opportunity to admire the beautiful rural and mountainous scenery of Ninh Binh along the way.
From Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces to Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest:
From Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces, visitors can easily travel to Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest by air. The most popular option is to fly to Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) or Tho Xuan Airport (Thanh Hoa). After landing, you can continue your journey by train, bus, or private car along the routes mentioned above to reach the national park directly. This journey is not only convenient but also allows visitors to combine visits to other famous destinations in the North such as Trang An, Bai Dinh, or Tam Coc before exploring Cuc Phuong.
Intra-park transportation and suggested means of transport in Cuc Phuong:
Inside Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest, visitors have many transportation options to suit their needs and preferences. The most popular is the eco-friendly electric car, which allows visitors to easily move between attractions while preserving the characteristic fresh atmosphere of the primeval forest.
Additionally, bicycle and motorbike rental services are also very popular, especially for those who love freedom and want to explore the forest in their own way. Bicycles are suitable for short or medium routes, offering a close-to-nature experience, while electric cars are an ideal choice for families, the elderly, or visitors who want to travel lightly while still enjoying the full forest scenery. Depending on their physical condition and time, each visitor can choose the most suitable means of transport to fully and comfortably experience their journey of exploring Cuc Phuong Forest.
Cycling around Cuc Phuong forest and enjoying the fresh air here. (Source: Collected)
3. Biological characteristics and ecosystem of Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest
3.1. Flora: "Green museum" with over 2,200 species
Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest is likened to a vibrant "green museum", preserving over 2,200 species of higher plants, including many rare species listed in the Vietnam Red Book. The most prominent is the thousand-year-old cho chi tree – the symbol of the national park, reaching 70m in height with a trunk diameter of about 5m, standing majestically in the deep forest as a witness to time. Surrounding it are ancient trees like sau, dang giang, lim xet… creating a dense canopy, rustling in the wind throughout the four seasons, bringing a cool and mysterious atmosphere.
Notably, the specialized plant conservation area within the forest features a medicinal plant garden with nearly 433 species, along with an area for cultivating wild orchids and rare plants for conservation and research purposes. A system of nameplates, captions, and scientific information is arranged along the tour routes, helping visitors easily identify and learn about the characteristics of each plant species. Not only an ecotourism destination, Cuc Phuong forest is also a valuable research center for biologists, students, and nature lovers who wish to explore Vietnam's diverse plant world.
3.2. Fauna: Home to the white-breasted langur and rare animals
Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest is the common home of a rich animal world, inhabited by hundreds of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The most notable is the white-breasted langur – a rare primate, considered the symbol of the national park and currently only found mainly in Cuc Phuong. Besides, the forest records up to 659 species of mammals such as red-faced monkeys, bears, flying squirrels, civets, wild boars... creating a balanced, diverse, and vibrant ecosystem.
White-winged Duck spotted at Cuc Phuong National Park. (Source: Dan Viet)
For birdwatching enthusiasts, Cuc Phuong is an ideal destination with 336 resident bird species year-round, including many endemic species such as pheasants, jacanas, laughingthrushes, and cormorants… Every morning, the clear chirping of birds blends with the rustling of forest leaves, creating an enchanting natural symphony. Additionally, the reptile and amphibian diversity here is also very rich, with many rare species of snakes, geckos, and monitor lizards recorded and conserved.
Notably, the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and the Asian Turtle Conservation Project are operating effectively within the national park. Conservation education tour programs are regularly organized, attracting a large number of students and international visitors. These activities not only provide vivid experiences but also contribute to raising community awareness about nature and biodiversity conservation.
3.3. Climate, Terrain, and Characteristic Forest Landscape
The climate of Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest is tropical monsoon, with an average annual temperature of about 24.7°C, creating favorable conditions for vegetation development. Thanks to the stable temperature and high humidity, the forest always maintains its characteristic green color, becoming an ideal habitat for thousands of species.
Cuc Phuong's terrain is characteristic of limestone karst, formed hundreds of millions of years ago. The combination of limestone mountains, underground streams, the winding Buoi River, and enclosed valleys creates a landscape that is both majestic and gentle. The dense primary forest, lush green meadows, and clear streams winding through the mountains offer a serene and mystical beauty.
Especially, the presence of many natural caves further enriches the topographical structure, opening up attractive exploration opportunities for visitors. The blend of forest, mountains, and water not only creates a multi-layered natural picture but also forms a stable, sustainable ecosystem, clearly demonstrating the biological and unique landscape values of Cuc Phuong forest.
4. Unmissable Experiences at Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest
4.1. Trekking and Exploring the Primary Forest and Adventure Trails
One of the most attractive experiences in Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh forest is trekking through the forest, where visitors can immerse themselves in a magnificent and challenging natural space. The 7 km long loop trekking route, taking 2-3 hours to complete, is an ideal choice for those who love exploration and outdoor activities.
Along the journey, you will encounter a series of majestic ancient trees with lush green canopies covering the path, creating a scene that is both grand and mystical. The small paths winding through the deep forest, sometimes muddy and slippery, add to the sense of adventure and conquest. During butterfly season, thousands of colorful forest butterflies fluttering in the early morning sun make the entire forest seem to light up.
Throughout the journey, you can stop to rest at designated spots, breathe in the fresh air, and listen to the harmonious sounds of birds and babbling streams. For safety, visitors should follow the marked trails, not stray from the group, wear non-slip shoes, carry sufficient drinking water, and absolutely do not litter in the forest.
4.2. Exploring Prehistoric Caves: Ancient Human Cave, Con Moong Cave, Son Cung Cave
The Ancient Human Cave (Dong Nguoi Xua) is where the presence of ancient humans from 7,500 years ago is recorded. Many archaeological artifacts and ancient carvings on the rock walls are still preserved here. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the lives of their ancestors through these meticulously preserved relics.
Visit and learn about the relics at Ancient People Cave (Dong Nguoi Xua). (Source: Collected)
Con Moong Cave (Hang Con Moong) in Thanh Hoa province is a special national relic with a limestone cave structure featuring multiple cultural layers from the Stone Age, fossils, and ancient animal bones. Meanwhile, Son Cung Cave (Dong Son Cung) attracts tourists with its strangely shaped stalactite system, making it an ideal spot for art photography enthusiasts.
4.3. Visiting the Primate Rescue Center and Conservation Education Activities
At Cuc Phuong National Park in Ninh Binh, the endangered primate rescue center is preserving and rehabilitating rare langurs, monkeys, and lorises that were previously trafficked or kept in captivity. After recovery, these individuals will be released back into the wild following a process managed by experienced experts.
Visitors can learn about primate behavior through experiential activities and conservation education workshops. These programs are suitable for students and groups interested in environmental protection. The park's research team often accompanies tour groups, schools, and international organizations on combined research and sightseeing trips.
4.4. Night Activities: Wildlife Watching, Camping, and Ethnic Village Experience
The night wildlife observation program offers a novel experience, allowing you to see species like flying squirrels, lorises, bats, and civets under the guidance of experienced rangers. The camping service in the forest includes organizing campfires, community activities, and practicing survival skills in nature. The fresh air and starry sky create unforgettable impressions.
Additionally, visitors to Cuc Phuong National Park in Ninh Binh have the opportunity to experience the unique culture of the Muong ethnic group living around the national park. Here, you can participate in close-knit cultural exchange activities such as making tube cakes, grilling sticky rice in bamboo, drinking can wine, or joining locals in preparing a traditional meal by a warm fire. Beyond cuisine, visitors can listen to epic folk tales passed down through generations. As night falls, the atmosphere becomes more vibrant with gong performances, folk dances, singing, and drumming echoing through the mountains and forests.
5. Suggested Amenities and Accommodation Services in Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh
5.1. Accommodation System: In-park and Nearby Lodges and Homestays
Inside Cuc Phuong National Park, visitors can choose from various accommodation options such as communal stilt houses or standard rooms located near the central area. The advantages of these options are their convenient locations, proximity to trekking routes, quiet environment, and complete immersion in nature. This is an ideal choice for groups of friends, families, or corporate travelers. To avoid fully booked situations, especially during peak tourist seasons, visitors should contact the Cuc Phuong National Park Management Board directly to book rooms before arrival.
Outside the park, the Nho Quan and Cuc Phuong areas surrounding the national park also offer many homestays and ecological garden houses built in a rustic style, close to nature. Staying here, you will experience local living spaces, cultural exchange with local people, and enjoy rustic mountain cuisine. However, due to limited room availability and the focus on natural experiences, visitors should book at least a few days in advance to secure suitable accommodation.
5.2. Dining Services, Restaurants, and Local Culinary Spots
The central restaurant in the tourist area of Cuc Phuong National Park in Ninh Binh serves a rich variety of traditional dishes, imbued with the flavors of the mountains. Featured dishes include mountain goat, burnt rice cake, steamed stream fish, grilled chicken with mac khen spice, stir-fried wild vegetables with garlic, along with specialties like sticky rice with black glutinous rice, wild bamboo shoots, grilled stream fish, paired with can wine and fragrant rice wine, offering an authentic mountainous culinary experience.
Enjoy the golden, fragrant grilled chicken with Moc Ken. (Source: Collected)
For groups of 15-20 people or more, you can pre-order seasonal parties or set menus to ensure attentive service. You should contact the homestay or restaurant in Cuc Phuong National Park in advance for menu consultation and early booking, especially during peak times like weekends or ecotourism seasons. A meal amidst the cool green forest, birdsong, and the scent of mountain wind is sure to be an unforgettable highlight of your exploration of Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh forest.
6. Experience and Notes for Visiting Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest 2025
Ideal Time and Tips for Preparing Outfits and Luggage:
The best time to visit Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest is from late March to the end of May, when the forest butterflies fly abundantly and orchids bloom. Autumn from September to October is also very suitable thanks to the cool, dry weather favorable for trekking activities. Suitable attire includes lightweight, quick-drying sun protection clothing, combined with soft, anti-slip trekking shoes.
Admire the scene of butterflies flying all over the sky at Cuc Phuong National Park. (Source: VnExpress)
Other essential items include a wide-brimmed hat, raincoat, insect repellent, personal water bottle, and a basic first-aid kit. To avoid attracting insects or disturbing animals, choose neutral-colored clothing and avoid bright, flashy colors. When participating in activities in special conservation areas or caves, follow the dress code instructions.
Some important notes: nature conservation, security, respect for local culture:
Always maintain cleanliness, do not litter, do not pick flowers or break branches, and comply with regulations against making noise and hunting animals in Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest. Limit the use of single-use plastic items to contribute to environmental protection. Before trekking, check the route, inform the forest rangers, always stay with the group or a guide, and do not split up when moving through forest, mountain, or cave routes.
When participating in activities in Muong villages or attending festivals, pay attention to greeting customs and dress politely. Ask for permission before taking photos and always maintain a friendly attitude towards the local community. Respecting regional culture is not only polite but also helps preserve the local traditional values.
Combine visits to other outstanding tourist attractions in Ninh Binh:
After exploring Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh forest, visitors can easily combine visits to many other famous tourist spots in the ancient capital region. Closest are Tam Coc Bich Dong and Mua Cave, which boast poetic river and water scenery, rolling mountains, and stunning panoramic views for "virtual living" enthusiasts. A bit further away, Trang An and Bai Dinh Pagoda offer a serene spiritual space amidst majestic nature.
If you want to extend your trip, you can travel to Sun World Ha Nam and Tam Chuc Pagoda, two prominent modern and spiritual tourist destinations just about 1.5 hours away from Cuc Phuong by car. The combination of ecological exploration, culture, and entertainment will bring you a complete and memorable experience on your journey to discover Northern Vietnam.
Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Forest is a precious "green lung" of the North, preserving endemic flora and fauna and safeguarding human heritage through generations. By 2025, the system of care, accommodation, and customer support services will be increasingly complete, ensuring a full, convenient, and safe experience. Plan your exploration of Cuc Phuong, share inspiring nature moments, and contribute to promoting Vietnam's natural heritage.
