Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong is Vietnam’s first and most biodiverse national park, protecting 22,400 hectares of ancient limestone rainforest, prehistoric caves and world-renowned wildlife rescue centers.
Tucked in the Nho Quan limestone range of western Ninh Binh, Cuc Phuong National Park is a lush sanctuary of multi-canopy tropical forest, giant buttress-rooted trees and over 2,200 plant species.
Visitors can tour the Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC) and Turtle Conservation Center with conservation guides, explore the Cave of Prehistoric Man (Nguoi Xua Cave, dating back 7,500 years), and hike beneath the canopy to the Ancient 1,000-Year-Old Cho Chi Tree.
From late April to May, millions of white and yellow butterflies fill the forest roads in one of Vietnam’s most magical natural spectacles.
Highlights of Cuc Phuong National Park
- Endangered Primate Rescue Center (langurs, gibbons & lorises)
- Cave of Prehistoric Man (7,500-year-old archaeological site)
- Jungle loop hike to the 1,000-year-old Cho Chi tree
- Famous Cuc Phuong Butterfly Season (late April – May)
Things to do
Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center
Learn how conservationists rehabilitate rare Vietnamese langurs and hear the morning calls of golden-cheeked gibbons.
Trek the Ancient Tree Trail
Walk a shaded rainforest loop past giant lianas and karst sinkholes to the 45-meter-tall Cho Chi tree.
Experience Butterfly Season in May
Drive or walk along the central park road surrounded by clouds of forest butterflies.
Plan your visit
How to get there
Located in Nho Quan district, about 45 km west of Tam Coc / Ninh Binh city (approx. 1 hour drive).
Best time to visit
April to May for the famous Butterfly Season; October to April for cool, dry trekking weather.
Local tips
Wear closed walking shoes and bring insect repellent when hiking the rainforest trails.
Map
Questions about Cuc Phuong National Park
When is butterfly season at Cuc Phuong National Park?
Butterfly season typically peaks from late April through the end of May, especially on sunny mornings after light spring rain.
