Vietnam – Cuc Phuong: An Introduction

Cuc Phuong National Park was Vietnam’s first National Park, given protected status in 1962 by Ho Chi Minh, who was keen to remind the Vietnamese people of the need for conservation of the environment. It protects some of Vietnam’s rarest wildlife, and is home to over 135 mammal species, including leopards and bears, 336 documented bird species, 122 types of lizard and amphibian, and thousands of plants.

What to do in Cuc Phuong National Park

Wildlife spotting! Perhaps the most charmingly visible resident group is the butterflies, clouds of which can be spote. Visitors have a good chance of seeing monkeys, gibbons, flying squirrels and pheasants in their natural habitats. The park is also home to endangered primate species like the Delacour’s Langur, Golden-headed Langur, Tonkin Snub-nosed Langur and Black Crested Gibbon, but spotting these will require more patience.

Hiking. The are many well signposted trails and paths throughout the park, suitable for varying abilities.

Explore the park’s large network of record-breaking limestone caves, where evidence of human occupation dating back 12,000 years have been discovered.

Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, Turtle Conservation Centre and Small Carnivore Conservation Centre, all research centres vital for the breeding, rehabilitation and preservation of animals rescued from poachers.

It’s possible to visit in a day, with a two hour (each way) car journey from Hanoi, or for a more relaxing trip you can stay overnight in the National Park’s simple cabins.