Cuc Phuong national park is situated in Ninh Binh and Thanh Hoa province. The park lies at the south-eastern extent of a limestone range that runs north-west to Son La province.This is the oldest national park in Vietnam, established in 1962. Cuc Phuong has an engaging cultural and wildlife heritage and enchanting scenery. The wonderful Limestone Mountains majestical rise up from the green rice-terraces and traditional stilt houses of the Hmong hill-tribe. Covered in a dense forest, this landscape forms the habitat for some of Asia’s rarest animal and plant species. It is no wonder that researchers, naturalists, enthusiasts and conservationists alike are drawn to this corner of the world.
The ancient forest harbours over 2234 vascular and non-vascular plants, 110 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 125 mammals, including the Clouded Leopard, Delacour’s Langur, Owston’s Civet and Asian Black Bear. There are also an incredible 308 documented bird species. Visitors in April and May should be blessed with the chance to see literally thousands of vibrant butterflies.
Lime stone Karst Landscape.
Cuc Phuong national park contains a rich ecosystem. The rocky outcrops of Cuc Phuong form the site of valuable pale ontological and anthropological vestiges, including a fossilized sea reptile dated at 200 – 230 million years old, while the remains of prehistoric people who lived in the forest some 7500 years ago are also to be found in the numerous mountain caves.
Culture.
In the history, Cuc Phuong was home to the Muong minority people and to this day a few scattered villages around the park’s periphery still house these interesting people and their unique culture. Visiting these communities you can still see their traditional stilt houses, waterwheels, bamboo rafts and brocade looms.
Around Cuc Phuong.
If you come to Cuc Phuong, don’t forget taking a trip to Van Long, at which you can see Delacour’s Langurs in the wild, to Tam Coc or to Ngoc Son and Pu Luong Nature Reserve – all within easy access. Just ask us and we will set you on the right path.