About Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam's first national park, established in 1962, located primarily in Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province, extending into Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa provinces. Covering about 22,200 hectares of limestone karst and evergreen forest, it is notable for exceptional biodiversity, ancient trees, extensive cave systems, and conservation centers for endangered primates, turtles and plants.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a dense tropical forest on limestone mountains with well-marked trekking trails, botanical garden, and cave sites such as Cave of Prehistoric Man. The park features the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, Turtle Conservation Center, and Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Program. Facilities include a visitor center, museum, accommodation and restaurants near the park gate, with opportunities for guided trekking, cycling, birdwatching and caving.
Key highlights
- 01
Vietnam's first national park, established on 7 July 1962
- 02
Endangered Primate Rescue Center housing rare langurs, gibbons and lorises
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Cave of Prehistoric Man with archaeological evidence of human habitation 7,000-12,000 years ago
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1,000-year-old Cho tree and ancient forest with rich flora and fauna
- 05
Seasonal butterfly bloom with thousands of butterflies from late April to May
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Diverse trekking routes ranging from easy boardwalks to multi-day forest treks
History of Cuc Phuong National Park
Established on 7 July 1962 by decision of President Ho Chi Minh, Cuc Phuong was the first national park in Vietnam. The park contains the Cave of Prehistoric Man and other caves with archaeological remains dating back 7,000 to 12,000 years, showing early human habitation, as well as evidence of ancient sea fossils in its limestone karst.
Culture & Context
The park area is home to the Muong ethnic community with traditional stilt houses, customs and festivals. It serves as a center for conservation education and research, housing rescue and breeding programs that preserve Vietnam's endangered primates and turtles and promote awareness of forest heritage.
Route
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