Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is located 45km from Ninh Binh so it’s an easy day trip if time permits. Some travellers make the day trip from Hanoi. That’s far more arduous and groups arrive in the heat of the day and leave before things start to cool off. Not ideal.

Cuc Phuong is much better visited from Ninh Binh and will be of most value for nature lovers, travellers with a strong interest in its Endangered Primate Rescue Centre or, at the right times of year, bird watching. While the park features lots of lush, tropical forest, it’s not an essential inclusion for travellers in a hurry or those with only a casual interest.

The Endangered Primate Centre was established in 1993 to rescue primates from hunters and also rehabilitate endangered species. It’s a great place to see endangered gibbons, langurs and other primates close up. It’s located near the main entrance to the park.

Treks through the park range from very easy, to far longer and more demanding. The park’s ancient trees and caves used by prehistoric inhabitants of the area are accessible on the less demanding treks.


Travel tips
Travellers should check in at the Visitors’ Centre on arrival to settle tickets and arrange a mandatory guide for the Primate Centre. A guide is recommended for exploring the rest of the park too. Guides are mandatory for long overnight treks.

Cuc Phuong gets busy around Vietnamese holidays and on weekends.