Located about 50 km from Ninh Binh and blanketed in dense forest, Cuc Phuong national park is the perfect place to escape the bustle and the most touristy corners of Ninh Binh and plunge headfirst into nature.
Cuc Phuong is in fact Vietnam’s oldest national park and home to some of the rarest animal and plant species in the country — and in all of Asia. Its variety of primates, butterflies, turtles, birds and reptiles draws nature lovers and naturalists from every corner of the world each year.
In this post
Go hiking
The park’s main attraction is hiking, and it offers several routes you can do on your own. The trails are generally well marked, and at the entrance you’ll receive a map showing the main ones.
If you’d rather not venture in alone, the best way is to book a guided excursion — even with marked trails, it can be easy to lose your way.
Tours run for a single day or, if you have the time, longer multi-day expeditions camping along the route.
Ride a bicycle route
A great way to explore Cuc Phuong national park is by bicycle.
You can rent one at the park entrance, and from there a multitude of paved routes lets you wander and explore the interior.
Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center
Since 1996, this center has been dedicated to rehabilitating various primate species that have ended up here for assorted — often sad — reasons, mostly rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Here they’re rehabilitated to regain the skills needed for reintroduction into their natural habitat.
Currently, around 15 different species can be observed in captivity, including several species of langurs.
Birdwatching
With more than 300 bird species living among its trees, Cuc Phuong national park is a genuine paradise for birdwatchers — if birds are your thing, don’t hesitate to make the trip.
Visit the Thác Mây waterfall
This lovely waterfall is practically unknown to international tourism, so you’ll be hugely surprised if you make the effort to visit. Without a doubt, a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy a proper swim in the middle of nature.
Cuc Phuong national park: opening hours and prices
- Open daily from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
- The best time to visit is October to May, Vietnam’s dry season. In the rainy season, leeches on the trails are a common find.
- The park entrance fee is 60,000 VND (~US$2.30).
- For more information, check the park’s website or contact them directly.
Where to stay at Cuc Phuong National Park
If you want to visit the national park, you can sleep inside the park itself or in one of the nearby areas.
Sleeping inside the park
To make the most of your stay, a good option is to sleep right inside the park and save on transfers. You have several options, among them:
- Homestay: Staying with a local family isn’t the most comfortable option, but it’s the most authentic.
- Hotel or bungalows: Next to the main entrance you’ll find both options if you need more comfort.
Staying nearby
If you’d rather not sleep inside the park, a good plan is to base yourself in the nearby Ninh Binh area and rent a motorbike, join a tour or take the bus to reach the park.
How to get to Cuc Phuong national park
The best way to reach the park is renting a motorbike in Ninh Binh and riding the road out, soaking up the area’s lovely views along the way.
If you’d rather not ride, you can arrange a private transfer through your accommodation to the park entrance.
The most convenient option, though, is an organized park tour like this one, with transport already included.
✔️ Information reviewed and last updated on January 17, 2026
