Visit Cuc Phuong National Park: COMPLETE Guide 2025

Are you bent on a vacation among nature in Vietnam? Then make sure to check out Cuc Phuong National Park, a natural museum for those rare and precious species of tropical fauna and flora.

This article has all the necessary information and tips that will guide you throughout your journey to make the most out of your trip! Everything from advice and practical information to price and scheduling is in there to help you plan a visit to the park!

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 09-04-2025

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Table of contents

1. Overview of Cuc Phuong National Park
2. Best Time to Visit Cuc Phuong National Park
3. How to Get to the National Park from Hanoi
4. How Much Does a Cuc Phuong Park Ticket Cost?
5. What Can You See and Do During the Visit?
6. What to Eat in Cuc Phuong National Park
7. Practical Tips for a Successful Visit

1. Overview of Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam's oldest park, spans an area of about 25,000 hectares across three provinces in northern Vietnam – Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa. It is a habitat for rich ecosystems and plays an important role in the conservation of endangered species. The national park is situated about 120 kilometers south of Hanoi, a real escape for people to reconnect with nature.

*Cuc Phuong national park was Vietnam's first national park and is the largest nature reserve in the country*

2. Best Time to Visit Cuc Phuong National Park

The best time to visit Cuc Phuong national park during the dry season, from October through to April; the temperatures are pleasant and warm around that time. By visiting between February and April, travelers may also have the opportunity to witness rare animals such as leopards, pheasants, white-bellied or marble architects... In contrast, the rainy season would make the roads slippery, and leeches and mosquitoes flood the forest.

Beautiful pictures of Cuc Phuong National Forest should be captured between the end of April and early May when Cuc Phuong Forest comes alive, teeming with butterflies. A world of millions of butterflies flying together on the road and in the forest makes this place even more poetic in a magical way.

3. How to Get to the National Park from Hanoi

Bus travel is the best economical option to reach Cuc Phuong National Park. It is best to secure your reservation through an agent and plan your itinerary early. There are several lines connecting Hanoi to Ninh Binh via the park. Your hotel shall provide useful contacts and details.

Traveling by private car/motorbike can be inexpensive, but not necessarily comfortable for tourists unfamiliar with Vietnamese roads. If traveling with family or a group of friends, a private car with a driver is preferable because squeezing into a crowded bus might not be very pleasant.

4. How Much Does a Cuc Phuong Park Ticket Cost?

Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the park.

Adult: 60,000 VND / person
Student: 20,000 VND / person
Child: 10,000 VND / person

Cuc Phuong National Park Timings

The park is open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cuc Phuong National Park also offers three accommodation sites for those wishing to stay the night at the park: one at the garden gate, one at Mac Lake, and one at the central area.

5. What Can You See and Do During the Visit?

Hiking Adventures in Cuc Phuong’s Primary Forest

Cuc Phuong has a network of forest trails that attract tourists from all over the world. Some hiking routes are well-marked and popular enough for visitors to explore on their own, while others require the guidance of a local or park ranger.

*Hiking in the Cuc Phuong National Forest*

One of the most adventurous and memorable experiences is camping overnight in Muong Village. To embark on a safari through the forest, a group of at least six people is required. The journey covers around 30 kilometers of jungle trails and usually takes two to three days to complete. This route is considered the most challenging in the Cuc Phuong National Park jungle.

*In the heart of Cuc Phuong National Park stands a giant tree several hundred years old*

Bird and Animal Watching

Visitors to Cuc Phuong Nature will witness firsthand some of the rare species listed in the Red Book of Vietnam and the species inhabiting Cuc Phuong, while this park site is also a great place for birdwatching, since many species of tropical birds settle into and nest in this forest.

*A rare bird species in Cuc Phuong National Park*

Visit the Conservation Centres

The conservation center was founded back in 1985 and is regarded as the flag bearer of this National Park. This center has been built to protect precious genetic resources as well as rare animals and plants. These researchers and activists rescue and provide care for injured primates like the Cat Ba langur and the grey langur. After all the care and treatment, individuals with enough independence will be released back into the wild, where researchers monitor their behavior.

Tourists can also visit the Cuc Phuong Museum, a famous place showcasing specimens of insects, butterflies, bears, leopards, monkeys... This museum is considered a useful spot for students, experts, researchers, and tourists to come and gather academic knowledge.

Electric Car Night Tour: Firefly & Wildlife Watching

An exciting offer for kids and adults alike!

Duration: 110 minutes, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily

A perfect experience away from the noise of cities, in total immersion in the forest that springs into life at night. Visitors can come aboard electric vehicles to:

Learn about conservation issues and why preserving the environment is so important.
Witness the fairy-like sight of fireflies lighting up the ancient forest.
Get acquainted with rare wildlife species like deer, pangolins, civets, or wildcats; whiskers away from otters, perhaps.
Journey into the breathtaking insect world while understanding the nocturnal ecology of the forest.

▶️ The Cuc Phuong National Park official site: https://dulichcucphuong.com.vn/. There you can also book tickets and learn more about other tour programs.

6. What to Eat in Cuc Phuong National Park

Cơm Lam or Burnt Rice

A great variety of rice goes with the bamboo scent and the waters of streams, combining to be a great favorite with the locals. The people insert sticky rice into bamboo and roast it over charcoal until steam comes out of the black bamboo to keep the scent of bamboo.

Grilled Goat Meat

A dish tourists should not miss when they come to Ninh Binh Province! Those who have eaten goat meat in Cuc Phuong Park will know that the meat here is fresh, tasty, and firm.

Fresh Snail

This delectable dish is available for tourists only in the period of the dry season from March to July. This dish wins the hearts of tourists with its typical taste of fresh snails served with a blend of aromatic lemongrass, fish sauce, and hot pepper.

7. Practical Tips for a Successful Visit

What should be carried on a walk in Cuc Phuong National Park?

Clothing and equipment: Comfortable clothing and strong shoes should suffice for walking in the forest.
It protects against the elements: In summer, you take mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a hat with you, and during winter, you layer up warm clothes for flexibility.
Food and hydration: Carry a lot of water and bring some snacks, as walking in the forest can make even the best athlete feel exhausted.
Orientation and safety: Keep a map of the park or go with a guide to avoid being lost.

Do You Need to Book in Advance to Visit Cuc Phuong National Park?

It is recommended to book your visit in advance through the official website https://dulichcucphuong.com.vn/ to ensure your place, particularly during high seasons; however, ticketing on-site is still allowed.

Our last words

Cuc Phuong National Park is an appealing destination for local and foreign tourists and researchers. It is characterized by lots of flora and fauna, beautiful scenery, and historical and cultural heritage. Other must-see places in Ninh Binh – "Halong Bay on land".