Summary of tourism festivals, tourism events in the year

Overview of Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam's first and largest national park, officially established in 1962. Located mainly in Cuc Phuong Commune, Ninh Binh province, Cuc Phuong also spreads across the territory of two neighboring provinces, Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa. The garden is located deep in the heart of the Tam Diep limestone mountain range, with complex karst terrain, creating a unique ecosystem. Cuc Phuong is strictly protected, owning a large area of primeval forest, acting as the "green lung" and the most important biodiversity center of the country.

Chrysanthemum National Park Phuong

Cuc Phuong National Park is famous globally for its richness of flora and fauna. This place preserves many rare species of animals and plants, especially primates (such as Delacour's langur), and is an ideal area to study butterflies (butterfly season usually takes place in April and May). The main tourist activity in Cuc Phuong is trekking through the forest to explore famous spots such as Ancient People's Cave, Thousand Year Cho Tree and Primate Rescue Center, providing a profound nature exploration and ecological education experience.

Outstanding attractions in Cuc Phuong National Park

Ancient People's Cave

Ancient People's Cave is one of the most important historical destinations in Cuc Phuong. This is where archaeologists found remains and working tools of prehistoric people (ancient Vietnamese) tens of thousands of years ago. The cave has natural beauty with many magical stalactites and stalagmites. Visiting Nguoi Xua Cave helps visitors better understand the history of human development and the region's geological landscape.

Thousand Year Cho Tree

Thousand Year Tree

The Thousand Year Cho Tree is a symbol of the persistence of the old forest ecosystem in Cuc Phuong. This giant Cho Chi tree has a height of about 45m and a trunk diameter of up to 5m. To reach Cay Cho, visitors need to take a trekking trip through the forest, bringing a challenging and interesting experience of exploring nature.

Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC)

Endangered Primate Rescue Center is an important conservation facility, specializing in rescuing, rehabilitating and preserving Vietnam's rare primate species, especially the endangered Delacour's Langur. Visiting this center provides high educational value, helping visitors understand conservation efforts and observe primates in a semi-wild environment.

Turtle Conservation Center (TTC)

Turtle Conservation Center is a place specializing in nurturing, rescuing, and preserving rare species of tortoises and freshwater turtles in Vietnam. Visitors will learn about the diversity of turtle species, the risk of extinction they face and the conservation work being done. This is a deeply ecological educational attraction.

Mac Lake and ancient Dang Tree

Ho Mac

Ho Mac is a quiet natural lake deep in the forest, creating a poetic landscape. This area is suitable for camping and observing wildlife in the early morning or evening. Near Mac Lake, visitors can find the ancient Dang Tree with spreading roots, creating a unique and impressive shape.

Cuc Phuong Botanical Garden and Museum

Cuc Phuong Museum

The Botanical Garden is a place to collect and preserve hundreds of rare and endemic plant species of Cuc Phuong National Park. This area is very suitable for those who want to learn about flora systematically. Besides, Cuc Phuong Museum displays plant and animal specimens and archaeological relics, providing an overview of the value of the Park.

Here are suggestions for other attractions in Cuc Phuong National Park:

Pho Ma Cave: Another cave with a unique stalactite system, less visited than Nguoi Cave In the past.
Bird and animal observation route: Hiking routes are specially set up for tourists who love to observe wild birds and animals in the early morning or evening.
Cuc Phuong - Thung Nang Trekking Route: Long-term trekking route (2-3 days) for tourists who want to explore more deeply the primeval forest area, ends at Thung Nang.
Muong Village: Visit Muong Village (like Ban Khanh) to learn about the culture, lifestyle and traditional stilt house architecture of ethnic minorities in the buffer area of the Park.
Cuc Phuong Hot Spring: Area with natural, suitable hot mineral springs to relax after a trip to the forest.
Visit the Orchid Gardens and Butterfly Gardens: These areas display a variety of wild orchids and attract many butterflies (especially in April-May).

Best time to travel

Best time to visit the National Park Cuc Phuong is in the Dry season, especially from December to May of the following year. At this time, the weather is cool, with little rain, favorable for trekking activities through the forest and exploring caves. In particular, from the end of April to the end of May is Butterfly Season, when tens of thousands of colorful butterflies fly in the sky, creating the most interesting and spectacular natural spectacle in Cuc Phuong.

Although summer (from June to November) is the rainy season, the weather is wet, this is the time when trees and flora in the forest grow most strongly, creating a cool and dense green space. However, visitors should be well prepared to deal with high humidity and insects. Traveling at this time is suitable for those who love biological research and want to learn deeply about the flora and fungi in the forest.

Travel information

Cuc Phuong National Park is located in the southwest of Ninh Binh province, quite isolated, about 45 km from the center of Hoa Lu Ward, but can be easily accessed by road from Hanoi.

Airways

Although Ninh Binh province does not have a civil airport, visitors can access this area through two large neighboring airports, then continue to travel by road:

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – Hanoi Departure airports: Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Can Tho Poetry, etc. Travel time (to Cuc Phuong, estimated): About 3.5 - 4 hours (after landing) After landing, visitors should take a taxi or rental car to travel straight along the highways/national highways to Cuc Phuong National Park (Cuc Phuong Commune).
Tho Xuan Airport (THX) – Thanh Hoa Departure airport: City. Ho Chi Minh (SGN) Travel time (to Cuc Phuong, estimated): About 1.5 - 2 hours (after landing) Suitable for southern tourists, then travel by road via National Highway 1A to reach Cuc Phuong National Park area.

Rail

The Thong Nhat railway is an economical means to get close to the area. area.

Hanoi – Ninh Binh Station Departure station: Hanoi Station Travel time (estimated): About 2.5 hours Ninh Binh Station (Hoa Lu Ward) is the nearest station. From here, visitors need to take a taxi or motorbike taxi/bus for about 45 - 60 minutes (about 45 km) to get to Cuc Phuong National Park (Cuc Phuong Commune).

Passenger car and Limousine

This is the most popular and convenient means of traveling directly from Hanoi to Ninh Binh gateway.

Hanoi - Nho Quan/Hoa Lu Ward Departure station: My Dinh bus station, Giap Bat bus station, or Limousine offices Travel time (estimated): 2 - 3 hours Visitors should choose the bus route to Nho Quan (closest to Cuc Phuong) or the route to Hoa Lu Ward, then rent a taxi or local motorbike taxi to go about 18 - 45km to enter the gate. Park.

Movement within the National Park

Due to the large scope of the Park, visitors have the following main transportation options:

Self-driving cars/motorbikes: Transportation: Personal or rented (allowed to move from the entrance gate to the central area and main sightseeing routes). Note: Must follow the prescribed speed to ensure safety for wild animals.
Walking (Trekking): Suitable for: Exploring trekking trails to destinations such as Nguoi Xua Cave, Thousand Year Cho Tree. Note: Need to go with a guide or have experience in the forest, especially on long routes.
Bike rental: Reference rental price: About 30,000 - 50,000 VND/hour Suitable for: Traveling in the central area and areas with flat roads.

Information accommodation

Luxury

Wyndham Grand Vedana Ninh Binh

Wyndham Grand Vedana Ninh Binh

Address: Nho Quan District, Cuc Phuong Commune, Ninh Binh Province - price from 1,800,000 VND/night

This 5-star resort is located near Cuc Phuong National Park, featuring an architectural style in absolute harmony with nature. Wyndham Grand Vedana offers luxury bungalows and villas, spa services, swimming pools and luxurious restaurant areas. This is the top choice for tourists looking for tranquility, luxury and an ecological resort experience near the forest.

Cuc Phuong Hotel

Address: Nho Quan District, Cuc Phuong Commune, Ninh Binh Province - price from 900,000 VND/night

This hotel is located at the gateway area of Cuc Phuong National Park. Cuc Phuong Hotel provides comfortable, clean rooms with 3-4 star quality, which is a good choice for tourists who want to stay near the Garden gate for easy transportation and to explore attractions such as Nguoi Xua Cave, Thousand Year Tree.

Resort & Retreat

Cuc Phuong Resort & Villas

Address: Cuc Phuong hot water tourist area, Cuc Phuong Commune, Ninh Binh province - price from 1,500,000 VND/night

The resort is located right next to the National Park, is the most luxurious resort option in the area. The resort is famous for its natural hot mineral bathing service and quiet villas, very suitable for tourists who want to relax and recover after trekking.

Aravinda Resort Ninh Binh

Address: Near Tam Coc area, Nam Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh province - prices from 1,800,000 VND/night

This resort offers a high-class ecological resort space, isolated in the middle of nature. This is a good choice to combine exploring Cuc Phuong (about 40km away) and experiencing the beauty of Tam Coc.

Other experiences (Homestay and Stay in the Park)

Guesthouse of Cuc Phuong National Park

Address: Central area of the National Park Cuc Phuong, Cuc Phuong Commune, Ninh Binh Province - price from 300,000 VND/night

This is the simplest and most convenient form of accommodation, located right in the central area of the Park. The guesthouse provides basic, clean rooms and food services to serve tourists exploring the forest.

Cuc Phuong Bungalow

Address: Nearby area of the National Park, Cuc Phuong Commune, Ninh Binh province - price from 500,000 VND/night

Small, rustic bungalows, located near the National Park gate. This type of accommodation brings an experience close to nature, suitable for travelers who love tranquility and fresh air.

Suggested more accommodation options

Tam Coc Garden Resort: Choose a high-quality eco-resort in the Tam Coc area (Nam Hoa Lu Ward).
Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort: 4-star hotel with large swimming pool, located near Tam Coc, convenient to travel to Cuc Phuong.
Homestays/motels in Nho Quan area: Concentrating economic motels in Nho Quan Town, near the entrance gate to Cuc Phuong.

Festival cuisine and culture

Famous restaurants

Thao Linh Restaurant

Thao Linh Restaurant

Address: Nga 3 Village, Cuc Phuong Commune, Ninh Binh Province - reference price ranges from 150,000 - 300,000 VND/person

Thao Linh Restaurant Located conveniently near the National Park, it is an ideal stopover for tourists. The restaurant offers traditional Vietnamese cuisine and specialties from forest ingredients (such as bamboo shoots, seasonal wild vegetables) and goat and pig meat. The restaurant has affordable prices, attentive service, and is a convenient stop for visitors before or after a trip to explore the conservation centers and trekking in the Park.

Hot Pot Beer Garden

Address: Main Gate Area of Cuc Phuong National Park, Cuc Phuong Commune, Ninh Binh province - reference price is approx. 200,000 - 400,000 VND/person

This is a popular form of cuisine in tourist areas, often arranged in open spaces, serving charcoal grilled dishes and local hot pot. Outstanding dishes include special meats of the mountains and forests such as pork and hill chicken, combined with fresh vegetables and cold beers. This type of restaurant provides a relaxing atmosphere, suitable for groups of friends or families after a long day of exploring Cuc Phuong.

Local Cuisine

Man Pork and Mountain Specialties

Man Man Pork (Ban Pig) is one of the most famous specialties in the area. buffer zone of Cuc Phuong National Park and Nho Quan district. Pigs are raised naturally in the forest, giving them firm meat and crispy skin. Fish from Dong Chuong Lake or Boi River is also a common rustic dish. Wild bamboo shoots and seasonal wild vegetables are fresh, typical ingredients of the mountains.

Suggested address:

Thao Linh Restaurant - Nga 3 Village, Cuc Phuong Commune, Ninh Binh Province: Specializes in serving pork, mountain goat and seasonal wild vegetables.
Simple restaurants in Nho Quan Town: Usually prepare dishes from Dong Chuong Lake or Boi River fish.

Lam Rice

Lam Rice (rice cooked in bamboo tubes) is a familiar dish of the Muong ethnic minority and backpackers when coming to Cuc Phuong. Sticky rice is cooked in fresh bamboo tubes. When eaten, it has the fragrant taste of upland sticky rice and the characteristic smell of bamboo smoke. This is a simple dish that has a strong flavor of the mountains and forests.

Suggested address:

Muong villages (such as Ban Khanh, Ban Sat): You can enjoy Com Lam and other traditional Muong dishes.
Stalls in the National Park Central Area: Serving bamboo-tube rice and light dishes, suitable for trekking tourists.

Experiential cuisine

Muong ethnic villages and traditional cuisine

In ethnic villages Muong (like Ban Khanh, Ban Sat) is located in the buffer zone of the National Park, visitors can order traditional family meals. The culinary experience here is to enjoy meals in a wooden stilt house space, and be able to participate in cooking activities with local people.

Vegetarian Restaurant on the grounds of Bai Dinh Pagoda

Address: Catering area on the grounds of Bai Dinh, Tay Hoa Lu Ward (about 45km from Cuc Phuong). Although not located in Cuc Phuong, pilgrims often eat vegetarian food here. The restaurant serves buffet or a la carte vegetarian lunch, helping visitors enjoy a peaceful meal.

Culture & Festival Experience

Muong Khai Ha Festival

Muong Opening Ceremony

Usually takes place in early Spring (April of the lunar calendar) in communes of Nho Quan district (neighboring area of Cuc Phuong). This is a major festival of the Muong people, to give thanks to heaven and earth and pray for a good harvest. The festival stands out with activities such as gong performances, bamboo dances, Xoan singing, and traditional folk games.

Muong ethnic culture

The main experience is visiting Muong villages, learning about stilt house architecture, traditional costumes and brocade weaving of ethnic minorities. Visitors can explore the unique lifestyle, beliefs and culinary culture of the ethnic community with a long association with the mountains and forests.

Other cultural festivals in the surrounding area:

Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival - Takes place from January to March of the lunar calendar (about 45km from Cuc Phuong).
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Festival - Takes place in the third lunar month (about 45km from Cuc Phuong).

Amusement area

>Cuc Phuong Mineral Retreat

Cuc Phuong Mineral Resort

Cuc Phuong Mineral Retreat is located right next to the National Park, a famous resort chosen by many tourists after a trekking journey. This place has a natural hot mineral bath service, which is very good for health and helps relax muscles. Guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor hot mineral water pools, along with spa and massage services.

Dong Chuong Lake

Dong Chuong Lake is a large natural lake, located in the Nho Quan area (near Cuc Phuong). The lake is surrounded by pine forests and mountains, creating a quiet, poetic space. This area is suitable for picnicking, fishing, kayaking or organizing outdoor team building activities. This is an ideal relaxing destination, different from the atmosphere of exploring the forest in the National Park.

Some other attractive places to visit and experience:

Trang An golf course: (Hoa Lu Ward) Although located further away, if visitors have a need, this is an international standard 18-hole golf course with beautiful limestone mountain landscape, bringing to experience high-class entertainment.
Food, karaoke, coffee area in Nho Quan Town: Nho Quan Town Center (about 18km from the Garden gate) has basic entertainment service complexes such as cafes with beautiful space, karaoke bars or small night markets, serving evening entertainment needs.
Visit Fruit Gardens (seasonal): In the Nho Quan area and neighboring communes, seasonally, there are fruit orchards that allow visitors to visit and buy fruit at the garden, providing an ecological agriculture experience.
Visit Muong Villages: Cultural experience at Muong Villages (such as Ban Khanh, Ban Sat) is also a form of fun exploratory and educational, where visitors can participate in traditional bamboo dancing or Xoan singing activities.

Suggested tour

Experiential tour

Hanoi - Cuc Phuong - Visit the Ancient Caves 1 day tour

Itinerary: Hanoi - Cuc Phuong (visit the Primate Rescue Center, Museum) - Trekking to visit the Ancient Cave - Hanoi
Transportation: Tourist car
Reference tour price: 850,000 - 1,100,000 VND/person (Including entrance ticket)
Organizer: Ecotourism and discovery companies

1 day tour of Cuc Phuong – Butterfly Season – Thousand Year Cho Tree

Itinerary: Hanoi – Cuc Phuong (Trekking the Thousand Year Tree route) – Observing Butterfly Season (April-May) – Hanoi
Transportation: Tourist car + walking (trekking)
Reference tour price: 900,000 - 1,200,000 VND/person
Organization unit: Green Discovery / Trekking Tour Vietnam

Adventure tour - discovery

Cuc Phuong Trekking Tour 2 days 1 night (Sleeping in the forest/Ban)

Trekking path in Cuc Phuong forest

Itinerary:
- Day 1: Hanoi – Cuc Phuong (deep trekking, visit ancient Dang Tree, Ancient Cave) – Camping/Sleeping at Muong village.
- Day 2: Early bird/wild animal observation – Visit Visit the Conservation Centers - Return to Hanoi.
Transportation: Car + trekking
Reference tour price: 2,500,000 - 3,500,000 VND/person (Including tour guide, meals forest)
Organizing unit: Units specializing in exploration and ecological tours

Family tour

Cuc Phuong Tour – Hot Minerals 2 days 1 night

Itinerary:
- Day 1: Hanoi – Cuc Phuong (visit the Turtle/Primate Conservation Center) – Afternoon: Rest and take a hot mineral bath at Cuc Phuong Mineral Retreat.
- Day 2: Light picnic in the Garden – Visit Dong Chuong Lake – Return to Hanoi Noi.
Transportation: Family car/Car
Reference tour price: 2,800,000 - 4,000,000 VND/person (High cost due to hot mineral tickets and resort rooms)
Organizer: BestPrice Travel / Authorized resort agents

Eco-tourism

>Cuc Phuong - Van Long National Park Tour 2 days 1 night

Itinerary:
- Day 1: Hanoi - Cuc Phuong (sightseeing, short trekking).
- Day 2: Move to Van Long Conservation Area (Gia Van Ward) - Take a boat trip to see Delacour's Langur - Hanoi.
Transportation: Car + bamboo boat
Reference tour price: 1,900,000 - 2,500,000 VND/person
Organization unit: Vietravel / Ecotour

Shopping and Souvenirs

Cuc Phuong National Park area is an ecological center, so shopping products and souvenirs are mainly agricultural specialties, handicrafts of ethnic minorities and ecological educational products. The stalls are concentrated at the Garden gate area, the Primate Rescue Center and the guest house area.

Souvenirs and Ecological Products

Handmade products of the Muong people: Including brocade weaving items, bags, scarves with traditional motifs of the Muong ethnic group. These products are often sold in villages or stalls at the Garden gate.
Souvenirs from Wood and Bamboo: Handicraft products made from planted forest wood or bamboo (such as chopsticks, trays, figurines simulating wild animals) are widely sold in the central area of the Park.
Conservation Publications and Books: Includes guides to bird, butterfly, and plant identification; photo books about the National Park or educational publications about primate rescue. This is a highly ecological educational gift.

Cuc Phuong wild honey

Local culinary gift

Wild honey: Honey is harvested from forest areas neighboring the National Park, a specialty famous for its fragrant flavor. Delicious and high nutritional value.
Com Lam and Wine Can: Rice Rice (rice cooked in a bamboo tube) and Wine Can (traditional wine of the Muong people) are two unique culinary gifts, often sold in villages or specialty stores in the Nho Quan area.
Local agricultural products Local: Includes seasonal fresh products such as wild vegetables, shiitake mushrooms, dried bamboo shoots or typical fruits and vegetables of the National Park buffer zone.

Supporting information and other information

>Cuc Phuong National Park Management Board

Address: Central area National Park Center, Cuc Phuong Commune, Ninh Binh Province
Phone: 0229 3848 006
Function: Providing guiding information, granting trekking permits, hiring guides, supporting accommodation and solving issues related to safety and ecological conservation within the Park.

>Ninh Binh Provincial Police

Address: Dinh Tat Mien Street, Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh Province
Emergency phone number: 113
Phone: 0229.3871.097

Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Ninh Binh Province

Address: No. 29 - Le Dai Hanh Street - Hoa Lu Ward - Ninh Binh Province
Phone: 02293.880.470

Ninh Binh Province Market Management Department (Consumer Protection)

Address: No. 01, Van Giang Street, Hoa Ward Lu, Ninh Binh province
Phone: 02293 873 468

Converging the beauty of Vietnam's largest primeval forest, precious biodiversity values and historical discovery space, Cuc Phuong National Park promises to bring visitors a memorable ecological and adventurous educational journey.