Cuc Phuong National Park (or Cuc Phuong forest) is a nature reserve and special-use forest in three regions of the Northwest, the Red River Delta, and the North Central Coast of three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, Thanh Hoa. This national park has rich and diverse flora and fauna characterized by tropical rainforests. Many endangered species of flora and fauna are discovered and preserved here. This Ninh Binh national park is also the first national park in Vietnam. Cuc Phuong Tourism is famous for its forms of ecotourism and environmental tourism. Cuc Phuong attracts several hundred thousand visitors annually. You come here to explore the rich flora and fauna, admire the beautiful natural landscape, and participate in ecotourism, resort, campfire, adventure, research, and historical culture.
When should you go to Cuc Phuong?
- The climate in Cuc Phuong belongs to the tropical monsoon climate; the average annual temperature is about 24.7 °C. The terrain is complex, the forest in its primal form holds many mysteries, and the landscape is unique.
- From November to January next year is quite cold in the North, this occasion should not go to the forest.
- Around February to April is the right season to see birds such as pheasants, lepers, marble babblers, white bellies.
- The end of April and the beginning of May is the butterfly season in Cuc Phuong. At this time, Cuc Phuong National Park appeared thousands of colorful butterflies, creating a splendid and poetic scene.
- Every year, the weather is sunny from April to August, but sometimes there may be rain, storms. You should pay attention to check the weather before you go.
Staying at Cuc Phuong
Garden gate area
The garden gate area is the starting point for all activities in the garden, building a sightseeing program, booking services, and all information about Cuc Phuong.
Ho Mac area
1.5km from the garden gate, the Mac lake area is a quiet place, fresh air with full service of eating and sleeping. Ho Mac has private rooms and collective houses on stilts, where there is also a space to organize campfire activities.
The central area (Bong)
Bong hamlet is about 20km from the garden gate. This hamlet is also a full range of accommodation services. Still, this area does not have electricity, only the generator runs for about 4 hours every night, and if there are too few guests, they won't run the generator.
Staying outside Cuc Phuong
If you do not like to sleep deep inside Cuc Phuong (because of many mosquitoes, for example), you can choose to stay outside, closest to the forest gate with Cuc Phuong resort. This area is not beautiful, but it is temporarily best if you want to stay in the right resort, with a swimming pool, a bungalow-style room, and a good restaurant (but a bit slow if crowded).
Some interesting activities
- Camping in Cuc Phuong forest
- Walking in the ancient forest
- Community ecotourism
- See wildlife at night
Camping in Cuc Phuong forest
Cuc Phuong is one of the most suitable spots for picnic camping during the day or even overnight. Coming to Cuc Phuong, you can camp in the central area of the garden, which is Bong hamlet. Here, you can choose the flat ground under the tree canopy if you camp during the day. If it is the evening, you can set up camp on the prepared cement squares. If camping and leaving during the day, there is no cost. If camping overnight, someone will come and collect money for each tent.
Walking in the ancient forest
Cuc Phuong has built many walking routes in the forest, with different content and time, you can choose for yourself the suitable routes, some walking routes you can explore on your own, however. With the guidance and introduction of the tour guide, your trip will indeed become more exciting and meaningful. The camping route and overnight in the forest, the long walking route to Ngoc Son conservation area, and the Pu Luong conservation area are attractive routes that many people are interested in.
Community ecotourism
Cuc Phuong's nature is essential, as a source of livelihood for local communities, ecotourism with the participation of the community is a necessary solution, contributing to improving people's lives. With a one or two-night stay in Muong village, you have contributed to generating income for the people, supporting conservation. During your visit, the Muong people with enthusiasm and hospitality will give you a relaxing time and the opportunity to learn and discover the unique indigenous culture.
See wildlife at night
Depending on weather conditions, the National Park can organize a night wildlife viewing program. By doing this program, you will have the opportunity to see wild animals such as Black squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Roe deer, Culi, and some small carnivores.
Some delicious dishes in Cuc Phuong
Cuc Phuong mountain cuisine is famous for many specialties such as mountain goat, Muong pig, hill chicken. You can find these delicious dishes in most restaurants inside and outside the Cuc Phuong forest. If you are lucky to come in the right season, you will have the opportunity to enjoy some Ninh Binh specialties such as mountain crabs, mountain snails, grasshoppers.
Ninh Binh goat meat
Ninh Binh mountain goat meat is famous for its firmness, low fat, and aromatic taste. There are many rocky mountains in Ninh Binh, goats run and jump a lot, so their muscles are firmer and less fat than goats grazing on the hills. On the other hand, there are many kinds of vegetables, grass, and herbs suitable for goat food, create the quality and delicious taste of goat meat. Some other local ingredients and specialties also highlight Ninh Binh goat meat dishes, including vegetables served with typical rocky terrain, Kim Son wine, Nho Quan wine.
Cuc Phuong mountain snail
Mountain snail is very special; it only appears from March to July of the lunar calendar. In August, September, when the wind blows, the snail disappears without a trace as if it had never existed on this earth.
Snails appear a lot when it rains. Therefore, after the rain, relatives go to the forest and go up the mountain to find snails. Snails clinging to trees, catching one, another saw the cave drop its mouth without fear of breaking.
Cuc Phuong mountain snails are often thick and have a characteristic flavor from eating moss, leaves, and roots of forest trees.
Cuc Phuong Chicken
Cuc Phuong curry chicken has long been a specialty livestock species of Nho Quan district (Ninh Binh), this chicken is raised in the mountainous area of Cuc Phuong, with suitable climate and natural conditions, so the meat is delicious and delicious. , very popular.
Some items need to bring
You should prepare a number of these items from the home to make your family's journey to discover Cuc Phuong more convenient because this is a forest, so not everything is available.
- Insect sprays and anti-mosquitoes: It is often wet in the forest, and if you go in the rainy season, it is necessary to bring these sprays, especially for families with children.
- Walking shoes that are right for you, if you are going to explore some of the forest routes, wearing the right shoes will keep your feet safe.
- Wear high-heeled and thick socks to go in the forest to avoid squeezing.
- One personal flashlight to use when traveling at night and use when entering the cave.
