Cuc Phuong National Park Jungle Hike and Primate Centre, Ninh Binh

Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam's oldest

Cuc Phuong became Vietnam's first national park in 1962 and protects about 22,000 hectares of tropical forest growing over limestone mountains, roughly 45 km west of Ninh Binh city. The park is home to thousands of plant species, hundreds of kinds of birds and butterflies, and mammals that are rarely seen anywhere else, from flying squirrels to shy langurs found nowhere else on earth. Tall dipterocarp trees, strangler figs and huge buttress roots give the forest a true jungle feel.

If you are asking how to get to Cuc Phuong National Park from Ninh Binh, there is no easy public transport, so most visitors come with a driver. On this tour our air-conditioned vehicle collects you at your hotel and the drive takes about an hour and a half through villages and karst valleys. A Cuc Phuong day trip from Ninh Binh is a great change of scene after the boat rides, and the forest is noticeably cooler than the rice plains in summer.

Endangered Primate Rescue Centre

Your first stop is the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, founded in 1993 near the park headquarters. It rescues primates taken from the illegal wildlife trade, cares for injured animals and runs breeding programmes for some of the rarest species in Southeast Asia, including several kinds of langurs found only in Vietnam, as well as gibbons and slow lorises. Some animals are later released into protected forest.

A visit takes about 45 minutes. You walk past spacious forested enclosures while the guide explains each species, how they live in the wild and the threats they face. Morning is the best time to see the langurs active and the gibbons calling. Is Cuc Phuong worth visiting for the primate centre alone? For animal lovers and children, very much so: it is one of the few places where you can see these primates up close.

Rainforest hike to the ancient tree

After a look at the botanical garden and the visitor centre, you set off into the forest with your guide. The trail follows the valley floor between limestone hills, over roots and stone steps, past giant ferns, lianas and trees with buttress roots taller than a person. You listen for birds and look for butterflies, which fill the park in huge numbers in April and May.

The goal of the hike is the ancient tree, a giant of the species called cay cho, estimated to be around a thousand years old and more than 40 m tall, with a trunk so wide that several people are needed to circle it. Wooden steps let you reach its base for photos. The trek covers about 5 km in total, with some slippery and uneven sections, so a moderate level of fitness and good shoes are needed.

Prehistoric Man Cave and the forest restaurant

After the hike you stop for lunch at a simple restaurant inside the park, surrounded by forest; it serves a Vietnamese set menu with vegetarian options and is paid on site. Halal food is not available in the park, so tell us your needs in advance and we will advise. In the afternoon there is an optional visit to the Prehistoric Man Cave, or you can relax by a forest stream.

The Prehistoric Man Cave was found in the 1960s and archaeologists uncovered burials, stone tools and shells left by people who lived here around 7,500 years ago. A steep stairway leads up the hillside to the wide mouth of the cave, where the guide explains what was found inside. Bring a small torch or use your phone light, as the inner chambers are dark.

Planning your visit: seasons and what to expect

The best time to visit Cuc Phuong is from November to April, when the trails are drier and leeches are rare; April and May bring the famous butterfly season. From June to September the forest is lush but hot, humid and wet, leeches are common on the trails and some paths can be muddy. The tour runs rain or shine, so pack accordingly.

Long trousers, socks pulled over the trouser legs and insect repellent help with mosquitoes and leeches. Cuc Phuong opening hours for visitors run through the daytime, and our schedule brings you back to your hotel at about 17:00. Groups are kept small, up to 15 people, so the guide can share the forest's details and help everyone at their own pace.