From Ninh Binh: Full Day Discover Cuc Phuong National Park

Nestled in the heart of northern Vietnam, Cuc Phuong National Park beckons adventurers seeking to enjoy the country’s natural wonders. Departing from the picturesque town of Ninh Binh, this full-day excursion promises an unforgettable journey through lush forests, diverse ecosystems, and the remarkable Endangered Primate Rescue Center. Whether you choose to hike through the park’s verdant trails or simply soak in the tranquility, this tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with Vietnam’s rich biodiversity and gain insights into the crucial work of wildlife conservation. As the day unfolds, prepare to be captivated by the park’s captivating beauty and the stories it has to share.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Ninh Binh.

Key Points

• Explore Cuc Phuong National Park, a renowned biodiversity hotspot, on a full-day excursion from Ninh Binh.
• Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center to learn about conservation efforts for endangered primate species.
• Enjoy guided hiking options to discover the park’s ancient trees and primary forests.
• Experience a convenient package with hotel pickup, English-speaking guide, lunch, and transportation included.
• Appreciate the diverse ecosystems and opportunities to observe wildlife within the national park.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a full-day excursion to discover the captivating Cuc Phuong National Park. Priced from K₫1,050 per person, the tour lasts 9 hours with daily departures.

Small groups are led by local guides who provide commentary in English and Vietnamese. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The itinerary includes visiting the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, botanical gardens, and choosing between two hikes – "1000 Years Old Tree" or "Ancient Tree."

Lunch at the park entrance and hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Travelers should wear comfortable, hiking-appropriate clothing and footwear to make the most of this nature-focused adventure.

Itinerary

8:30 AM marks the tour’s departure, as visitors are picked up from their hotels or homestays in Tam Coc and Ninh Binh.

After a 90-minute drive, the group arrives at Cuc Phuong National Park. They first visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center for a 30-minute tour, followed by a stroll through the botanical garden.

Lunch is served at the park’s entrance or center at 12:30 PM.

Afterward, the group travels 20 km through the primary forest to reach the center of the park. Hikers can choose between two treks: the "1000 Years Old Tree" or the "Ancient Tree", which offer either mountainous or flat paths.

At 3:30 PM, the tour returns to Tam Coc and Ninh Binh, with drop-off at hotels or homestays by 4:30 PM.

Inclusions

The tour package includes several key amenities to enhance the experience.

Travelers will enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day. An English-speaking guide will provide valuable insights and commentary throughout the tour.

Plus, the package includes entrance tickets, a Vietnamese lunch, and a bottled water to keep guests hydrated.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• English-speaking guide
• Entrance ticket, Vietnamese lunch, and 1 bottle of water

Personal expenses aren’t included in the tour package price.

Visitors should come prepared with comfortable shoes, hiking shoes, and long pants for the activities in Cuc Phuong National Park.

What to Bring

To make the most of the day at Cuc Phuong National Park, visitors should come prepared with the right attire and equipment. Comfortable, closed-toe hiking shoes are a must for navigating the park’s varied terrain, whether it’s flat paths or mountainous trails. Long pants are recommended to protect against scratches and insects. Plus, bringing a water bottle, snacks, and sun protection like hats and sunscreen can enhance the overall experience. The park’s diverse landscapes and activities require visitors to dress for the occasion. By packing the essentials, travelers can fully enjoy the natural wonders of Cuc Phuong National Park.

What to Bring	Why
Comfortable Hiking Shoes	For navigating varied terrain
Long Pants	To protect against scratches and insects
Water Bottle	Stay hydrated
Snacks	Refuel during the day
Sun Protection	Hats, sunscreen

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Reviews

Travelers from various backgrounds have shared their experiences with the Cuc Phuong National Park tour. The tour received a rating of 4/5 based on one review.

Feedback from these travelers includes:

• Luk from Hong Kong (August 13, 2024) – Verified booking, expressed the helpfulness of the tour.
• Couples, friends, solo travelers, and families have all participated in the tour.
• Reviewers appreciated the knowledgeable local guide, the varied activities within the park, and the included lunch.

The tour provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the diverse ecosystems and wildlife of Cuc Phuong National Park, with a focus on endangered species and ancient trees.

The feedback suggests a generally positive experience for those who’ve taken the tour.

Endangered Primate Rescue Center

As part of the Cuc Phuong National Park tour, visitors are taken to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, a pioneering facility dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of some of Vietnam’s most imperiled primate species.

Established in 1993, the center houses and cares for gibbons, langurs, and other primates that have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade or habitat loss.

Visitors can observe the primates in their enclosures and learn about the center’s vital work in protecting these endangered species.

Through educational programs and hands-on experiences, the Rescue Center aims to raise awareness and inspire action for primate conservation in Vietnam.

Hiking Options

Visitors to Cuc Phuong National Park have two hiking options to choose from during their visit – the "1000 Years Old Tree" trek or the "Ancient Tree" hike.

Both offer unique experiences, catering to different fitness levels and preferences:

• The "1000 Years Old Tree" trek is a more challenging mountainous hike, providing stunning views of the park’s diverse landscapes.

• The "Ancient Tree" hike, on the other hand, follows flatter, easier paths, allowing visitors to explore the park’s ancient, towering trees up close.

Regardless of the chosen route, both hikes offer the chance to take in the park’s lush primary forests and catch glimpses of its rich wildlife.

Pickup and Drop-off

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs at 8:30 AM from the hotel or homestay in Tam Coc and Ninh Binh. The pickup service is included in the tour price.

After a 1.5-hour drive, the group arrives at the entrance of Cuc Phuong National Park around 10 AM.

At the end of the day, the tour drops off the participants back at their hotel or homestay in Tam Coc and Ninh Binh around 4:30 PM, marking the end of the day-long excursion.

The convenient pickup and drop-off service makes it easy for travelers to explore the national park without the hassle of transportation arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour seems suitable for children, as it includes activities like visiting the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and botanical garden. The hikes, though requiring some physical ability, can likely be managed by active children with proper footwear and preparation.

Can I Book the Tour Last-Minute?

Yes, travelers can book the Cuc Phuong National Park tour last-minute. The tour offers daily departures, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it convenient for spontaneous bookings.

Are There Any Additional Costs During the Tour?

The tour includes the stated inclusions, but any personal expenses, such as additional food or drinks, would be at the traveler’s own cost. The tour price covers the key activities and services provided during the day.

Can I Request a Private Tour?

Yes, you can request a private tour. The tour provider offers private options in addition to the small group tours, allowing for a more personalized experience with a dedicated guide at an additional cost.

What Is the Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has daily small group departures, though a private tour may be available upon request. The group size is not specified but is described as "small group" with a local tour guide.

Recap

This full-day adventure from Ninh Binh to Cuc Phuong National Park offers a chance to explore the park’s lush forests and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can tour the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, enjoy a Vietnamese lunch, and choose from two hiking options to experience the park’s natural beauty while learning about wildlife conservation. It’s an enriching experience perfect for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

You can check if your dates are available here: