1. Overview of Cuc Phuong National Park
1.1. Geographical Location and Scale of Cuc Phuong National Park Thanh Hoa
Nestled deep within the majestic Tam Diep mountain range, Cuc Phuong National Park spans across the territories of three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa, approximately 120 km from the center of Hanoi capital.
Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong is the first national park in Vietnam, with an area of 22,408 hectares, renowned as the "green lung" of the North. Cuc Phuong National Park is a favorite stopover for many tourists, especially during the butterfly season, when tens of thousands of butterflies flutter amidst the ancient forest, creating a rare and vibrant spectacle.
Entrance to Cuc Phuong National Park. (Source: Collected)
1.2. Biodiversity characteristics of Cuc Phuong National Park Thanh Hoa
Honored as Asia's leading National Park for the sixth consecutive year at World Travel Awards 2024, Cuc Phuong possesses a rich ecosystem, characteristic of tropical rainforests.
This place is home to thousands of rare animal and plant species, including many species listed in the Vietnam Red Book. Cuc Phuong is also known as a paradise for butterflies, with 378 species, accounting for 38% of the total butterfly species in Vietnam.
Among them, the prominent is the Spotted Birdwing butterfly, a rare species protected under the CITES Convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora. Common butterfly species here such as whites, swallowtails, or brush-footed butterflies, together create a colorful natural picture amidst the primeval forest of Cuc Phuong.
Butterfly season at Cuc Phuong forest attracts tourists. (Source: Collected)
2. Guide to moving to Cuc Phuong National Park Thanh Hoa
2.1. Moving from Hanoi and other localities
Spanning across three provinces Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa, Cuc Phuong National Park is quite convenient to travel to from many different directions. Visitors can choose motorcycles, coaches, or cars depending on their preferences and time.
For those who love the feeling of freedom and exploration, a motorcycle is the ideal choice. From the center of Hanoi, you can follow National Highway 1A, turn at Gian Khau intersection, continue towards Nho Quan town, and then travel a short distance to reach the entrance of Cuc Phuong forest. The road is quite easy to travel, with fresh and clean scenery on both sides, very suitable for a sightseeing trip combined with experience.
2.2. Moving within the national park
Inside the forest, visitors have many ways to explore. You can walk, trek lightly on forest trails, or rent a bicycle to leisurely admire the scenery. Additionally, tourist electric cars are also a convenient option, suitable for families or groups of friends who want to sightsee while saving energy for the next stops.
Each mode of transport offers a unique experience, helping you fully appreciate the pristine beauty and characteristic fresh atmosphere of Cuc Phuong National Park.
3. Attractions at Cuc Phuong National Park Thanh Hoa
3.1. Cuc Phuong Botanical Garden
The botanical garden tour route is about 3 km long, serving as a place for collecting and cultivating many rare plant species from Vietnam and the world. This area not only serves research and study purposes but is also open for visitors to explore and learn about the characteristic forest ecosystem.
Strolling through the cool green space, breathing in the fresh forest scent, you will clearly feel the tranquil and peaceful beauty of nature here.
A large ancient tree trunk in the primeval forest. (Source: Collection)
3.2. Dinh May Bac
Located at an altitude of about 648 m above sea level, Dinh May Bac is an ideal stop for those who love conquering and sightseeing. From here, you can cast your eyes to admire the panoramic view of Cuc Phuong forest, and see in the distance the Bai Dinh pagoda complex and the ancient capital Hoa Lu.
The road to the summit has quite steep and challenging sections, but the worthy reward is the majestic scenery and impressive cloud hunting moments. This is also a destination chosen by many adventure travel enthusiasts when visiting Cuc Phuong.
3.3. Dong Nguoi Xua Cave in Cuc Phuong National Park
Dong Nguoi Xua is a site of archaeological value. (Source: Collected)
Dong Nguoi Xua, also known as Hang Dang, is a precious heritage located within the national park area. This place still preserves many traces of residence, burials, and labor tools of prehistoric people, carrying great historical and archaeological value.
Upon entering the cave, visitors will admire the shimmering and magical stalactites and stalagmites, like a magical painting created by nature over thousands of years.
3.4. Hang Con Moong
Located in Thanh Hoa province, Hang Con Moong impresses with its unique shape, the large rock protruding outwards looks like a resting animal. The name "Con Moong" also comes from this.
The cave is situated amidst a peaceful space, with a small babbling stream in front, surrounded by lush, biodiverse old-growth forest. This is also an important archaeological site, which was once inhabited by primitive humans, and has now been recognized as a National Monument.
3.5. Primate Rescue Center
Rare primate species are cared for at the center. (Source: Collected)
Besides the majestic natural landscape, Cuc Phuong National Park is also famous as a place for conservation and care of many rare endangered animal species. The Primate Rescue Center is an interesting destination where you can observe and learn about the lives of monkeys, langurs, and gibbons.
The rangers here are always enthusiastic in sharing about rescue and conservation work and tell visitors touching stories about the journey of returning precious individuals to nature. This is a highly educational attraction, especially loved by children.
3.6. Cuc Phuong Museum
Cuc Phuong Museum is visited by many tourists and researchers. (Source: Collected)
Cuc Phuong Museum was built to preserve and conserve thousands of rare specimens. Inside, it displays many specimens of insects, animals, and plants such as dragonflies, stick insects, cicadas, birds, mammals… along with over 50 valuable archaeological specimens.
Most notable is the fossilized specimen of a placodont reptile dating back 230 to 250 million years ago, along with thousands of other plant and animal specimens. This is an ideal stop for those who love research and want to understand more deeply about the formation history and biodiversity of Cuc Phuong forest.
4. Experience tours of Cuc Phuong National Park Thanh Hoa
4.1. 1-day experience tour
Trail through Cuc Phuong National Park. (Source: Collected)
The itinerary includes a visit to the Visitor Center, the first primate conservation program in Southeast Asia, exploring the Ancient Human Cave (a walk of about 300 meters), a walk in the primeval forest, admiring Son Cung Cave and the cluster of five Cho Chi trees (a circular walk of about 6 km).
If you love exploring, you can choose a shorter walking route to the ancient Dang tree, with a distance of about 3 km.
For adventurous tourists, the day tour also has a separate program for adults, adding trekking to May Bac peak, the highest mountain in Cuc Phuong. This journey is about 7 km long, with a professional guide accompanying and requires advance booking for safety.
Reference tour prices:
• Adults: 160,000 VND/person
• Children: 50,000 VND/person
Visitors can choose to walk or rent an electric car with a cost of about 20,000 VND per person. Parking fees range from 20,000 to 35,000 VND/vehicle per day.
4.2. Cuc Phuong Nature Appreciation Tour
The nature appreciation tour is a gentle option, suitable for those who want to enjoy the fresh air and learn about the forest's formation history.
Visitors will start the trip at the park entrance, listen to an overview of the conservation area, and then continue to visit the thousand-year-old Cho Chi tree. On the way back, the journey stops at the Ancient Human Cave, where many archaeological relics such as stone tools and fossilized bones dating back over 7,000 years were discovered.
The walking distance is not long, with an accompanying guide, so visitors of all ages can easily participate.
4.3. Nature Experience Tour for Children
Visiting Cuc Phuong forest is a meaningful educational activity for young visitors. (Source: Collected)
The program lasts from 1 to 2 days, designed specifically for primary and secondary school students. They will learn about nature conservation, environmental protection, wildlife rescue, and practice many useful life skills.
Experiential activities include visiting outstanding spots in the park, participating in group games, drawing environmental-themed pictures, and group activities. In the evening, they have dinner and stay overnight at the Mac lake area, in the cool space of the mountains and forests.
Number of participants: From 20 to 50 people per group.
Reference tour price:
• Children: 710,000 VND/person
• Accompanying adults: 690,000 VND/person
5. Suggested 2-day 1-night Thanh Hoa travel itinerary
5.1. Day one: Sam Son beach tourism
Morning:
Tourists check into the hotel and enjoy famous Thanh Hoa specialties such as banh cuon, cha tom, or hot chao canh.
After breakfast, you can move to Sam Son beach to start an exciting day of sightseeing. Tourists can stroll on the long sandy beach, feel the radiant sunshine. Sports enthusiasts can participate in beach games such as: jet skiing, parasailing, volleyball…
Afternoon:
Tourists can visit Co Tien pagoda to explore the cultural life of the coastal people, admire the unique ancient architecture of the pagoda. Co Tien pagoda is located at the end of the Truong Le mountain range, on the top of Dau Voi mountain towards the southwest, it is a famous relic associated with Sam Son beach tourism.
This pagoda is also classified as a national relic, in 1960 Bac Ho stopped here during his work trip to Sam Son.
Evening:
You can stroll along Sam Son Beach Square, where a colorful water music show takes place every evening. The combination of modern lighting, lively sound, and synchronized water spraying rhythms creates a sparkling, romantic scene, attracting a large number of locals and tourists.
The square has a capacity of over 10,000 people, is 2.6km long and 120m wide, directly connecting to Nam Song Ma Avenue, leading to the Sun World Sam Son entertainment complex.
The sea square sparkling with lights at night. (Source: Compilation)
In the evening, enjoy fresh seafood at seaside restaurants, then stroll along Sam Son pedestrian street, which is likened to the "beacon lighting up the coastal city", with a vibrant and bustling atmosphere.
5.2. Second day: Explore Cuc Phuong National Park
In the morning, visitors depart for Cuc Phuong National Park to enjoy the fresh natural space and admire the rich primeval forest ecosystem. This is an opportunity to explore the diverse flora and fauna, learn about rare species, and feel the tranquility of the mountains and forests.
Tourists who love exploring culture and history can visit Nua Temple, Am Tien Cave, one of the famous scenic spots in Thanh Hoa. This place is associated with the uprising of Ba Trieu, the national heroine who went down in history. This area is also considered a land of "auspicious natural conditions and outstanding people", possessing poetic scenery and a sacred atmosphere.
In the not-too-distant future, on this sacred land, the "Am Tien Legend" will be created – a tourism complex of nearly 350 hectares. The project promises to become an international-class spiritual and cultural destination, where visitors can admire the unique "Legend Village". This project not only honors the national heroine Ba Trieu but also opens a door to promote Vietnam's indigenous cultural values to the world.
6. Tips for visiting Cuc Phuong National Park Thanh Hoa
Prepare your belongings carefully for a complete forest trip. (Source: Collected)
When visiting Cuc Phuong forest, you should prepare light, comfortable clothing and sports shoes or hiking boots for convenient movement. It is advisable to bring a light jacket, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a personal water bottle to ensure your health throughout the journey.
If you intend to go deeper into the forest or participate in trekking, you should prepare mosquito repellent, a flashlight, and a light raincoat in case of changing weather.
Cuc Phuong is beautiful all year round, but the ideal time to explore is from February to May, when the weather is dry and cool, and especially the season of butterflies filling the sky around April to early May. During this season, thousands of vibrant white, yellow, and blue butterflies create a poetic scene.
During trekking or cave exploration, visitors should follow the guide and adhere to safety regulations. Do not split from the group, especially in dense forest areas or deep caves. A journey to Cuc Phuong National Park Thanh Hoa is not just a simple tour, but also a journey back to nature.
Amidst the primeval forest space, the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the gentle forest scent seem to hold every visitor back. Cuc Phuong is not only beautiful for its scenery but also for its conservation, ecological significance, and pride as a Vietnamese heritage. Visit Cuc Phuong National Park Thanh Hoa in 2025, to fully experience its natural and cultural values and unforgettable experiences
