Overview

The nature of Ninh Binh is known far and wide to be some of the best in Vietnam, but in a secluded spot in the province’s western corner, Cuc Phuong National Park provides some of its quietest and most intense beauty. On the Cuc Phuong National Park One Day Tour, we take a tour from the capital to this wild enclave of ancient trees, rising mountains, fascinating caves, and abundant wildlife.

This is a private tour visiting three of Cuc Phuong’s most attractive assets; a monkey sanctuary, a 1000-year-old tree and a cave that once housed people in prehistoric times. Everything on this day trip from Hanoi is led by a professional tour guide and driver, as we delve into the history, tranquility and natural splendor of Vietnam's first-ever national park.

Cuc Phuong National Park One Day Tour Highlights

Taking the scenic drive through beautiful Ninh Binh to arrive in its tropical national park
Walking around a monkey rescue centre and seeing many different and protected species
Having a local lunch in a traditional stilt house, with a view onto the natural beauty of the park
Visiting the impressive 1000-year-old tree after a short hike through evocatively wild rainforest
Exploring the Cave of the Prehistoric Man and learning about Cuc Phuong’s first inhabitants
Driving down the one road through Cuc Phuong and enjoying the peace of its green surroundings

Cuc Phuong National Park One Day Tour Summary

View Map

Day 1: Hanoi – Ninh Binh - Hanoi (L)

Activities:

Await in your hotel lobby for the driver in the private, air-conditioned car at 08:00 am. The drive from Hanoi to Cuc Phuong National Park for one day takes us directly south of the capital, past some stunning mountain and rice paddy scenery.

We pull into the park and head first to the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre. This is a non-profit conservation effort for the threatened monkeys of Cuc Phuong, some of the park’s most beloved residents, who have been under the protection of keepers since 1993. After some time in the center, the monkeys are released into an open but still protected section of the park.

After this, we head to a stilt house in Cuc Phuong, one of the traditional buildings of the Muong ethnic group. We will explore the beautiful architecture within, and the verdant views outside, while enjoying a delicious lunch.

The second part of the Hanoi to Cuc Phuong National Park day trip starts with a short walk through the jungle at the center of the park, where we will find beautiful examples of Vietnam’s flora and fauna. Our guide will tell us how the ethnic Muong group uses plants for cooking and healing on the way to our final destination - the thick trunk and soaring height of the 1000-year old tree.

After this, we head back towards the entrance of Cuc Phuong, stopping at the Cave of the Prehistoric Man. This is one of the earliest sites of human habitation in Vietnam, which was excavated in 1966, revealing a wealth of tools made of different materials as well as many human graves. We cross the bridge and climb the stairs to reach the cave, followed by an exploration of its fabulous limestone interior, carved out over millions of years.

Once we reach the private car, we will take the drive back to Hanoi and watch the sunset over the stunning nature of rural Ninh Binh. We arrive in the capital at about 6:00 pm and drop you off at your hotel.

This ends the Hanoi to Cuc Phuong National Park day trip.

We thank you for joining us on this tour to beautiful Ninh Binh and we hope to see you again in the future!

Meals: Lunch