January
17.7°C ~ 64°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
Ninh Binh
Cuc Phuong National Park
Vietnam’s first national park, with ancient forest, caves and a primate rescue centre.
- Time needed
- Half day to…
- Entry fee
- 60,000 VND
- Best months
- Mar – May
- Best time
- October – April, in dry months
Overview
Cuc Phuong was the first national park in Vietnam, founded in 1962. It protects old tropical forest, limestone caves and an ancient tree called the Thousand-Year Tree. It is a very different Ninh Binh from the river boat trips.
The park also hosts a Primate Rescue Centre and a turtle conservation centre that visitors can see on a guided walk. It is the best option in the region for a quiet nature day, and a good wet-weather alternative to boat trips.
Highlights
- Visit the Primate Rescue Centre
- Walk to the Thousand-Year Tree
- Explore Con Moong Cave and forest paths
- Stay overnight to hear the forest at night
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Daily, about 7:00 – 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | 60,000 VND per adult park entry Children and students: 10,000 VND Primate Rescue Centre: 50,000 VND per adult, charged separately |
| Time needed | Half day to full day |
| Best time of day | October – April, in dry months |
| Good for | Nature lovers, families, wildlife fans |
| Accessibility | Uneven forest paths; some walks are long |
| Facilities | Visitor centre, restaurant, guesthouses, guided walks |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Ninh Binh by month.
February
18.6°C ~ 65°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
21.8°C ~ 71°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
April
24.8°C ~ 77°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
May
27.9°C ~ 82°F
16 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
June
30°C ~ 86°F
16 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
July
29.4°C ~ 85°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
August
28.5°C ~ 83°F
23 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
27.3°C ~ 81°F
23 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
24.8°C ~ 77°F
15 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
22.3°C ~ 72°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
18.3°C ~ 65°F
7 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
How to get there
From Ninh Binh centre
Cuc Phuong is about 2.5 hours from Hanoi and 1 hour from Ninh Binh city by car. There is no regular public transport inside the park, so a hired car or motorbike is the usual way.
Tips before you go
- Book a ranger guide at the visitor centre for trails and wildlife
- Wear long trousers and insect repellent
- Avoid the wet season, when leeches and mud are common
- Bring cash for entrance and guide fees
Location
Cuc Phuong National Park, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh
About 45 km west of Ninh Binh city
More attractions in Ninh Binh
FAQs
How long do I need at Cuc Phuong?
A half day covers the rescue centre and one walk. A full day or overnight stay lets you explore more of the forest.
Can I see wild animals?
The rescue centre shows rescued primates and turtles. Wild animals are shy, so sightings are uncommon, but birds are easy to hear.
Is it good in the wet season?
It is greener but muddier and leeches are common. Dry months are more comfortable.