Buzz
From late April to May, each swarm of butterflies in Cuc Phuong National Park awakens, fluttering out of the forest canopy to bask in the sun, creating a surreal scene straight out of a fairy tale.
Photo by Han Viet Anh
Imagine a Cuc Phuong adorned with butterflies, breathtakingly beautiful. Surely, in our childhood, we were always told tales of princesses wandering through forests with swarms of butterflies fluttering about. Then came the animated films of Disney, Gibhli, and many others, vividly depicting these fairy tale forests, igniting a longing to one day set foot in those lands.
Located approximately 120 km southwest of Hanoi, Cuc Phuong National Park spans across the territories of 3 provinces: Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, and Hoa Binh, making it easily accessible. More than just a tourist destination or retreat with ancient caves, thousand-year-old trees, or the conservation center for endangered primates, in recent years, Cuc Phuong forest has also gained renown for its specialty: swarms of butterflies that fill the sky every late spring and early summer.
Photo by Han Viet Anh
With butterflies boasting every color imaginable, from white to navy blue, earthy brown, and rosy pink, Cuc Phuong's landscape becomes enchantingly dazzling.
Photo by Ho Tieu Giang
When is the best time to visit?
People often advise visiting from December to April. However, for me, the most suitable time is still April and May. During this period, Cuc Phuong enters the dry season, with plenty of sunshine but not too intense, gentle breezes, and less concern about rain. If you can arrange a weekday trip, it will be extremely comfortable due to fewer tourists, providing more time to relax amidst the fluttering butterflies.
Photo by Han Viet Anh
How to get to Cuc Phuong
To travel to Cuc Phuong, you can opt for a motorbike or a passenger bus, both are reasonable choices. Personally, I prefer traveling by motorbike for the freedom it offers in movement and the ability to stop anywhere along the way. (Along the route to Cuc Phuong forest, you'll pass through countless beautiful spots)
Photo by Long Ho
Motorbike:
If you're coming from Phap Van, take National Highway 1A, then at the Gia Khau intersection (Gia Vien district), head towards National Highway 12 for about 30 km until you reach the forest entrance.
Passenger Bus:
From Giap Bat Bus Station, catch a bus to Nho Quan – Me. Upon reaching Nho Quan, you can take another bus for about 10 km more to get to Cuc Phuong National Park.
Photo by Pham Hoang CuongAccommodation in Cuc Phuong
Within Cuc Phuong National Park, there are 3 accommodation and dining areas: the Park's entrance area, Mac Lake area, and the central area. All three areas offer separate apartment-style accommodations or traditional stilt houses for larger groups at reasonable prices.
You can choose from homestays, guesthouses, hotels, or luxurious resorts near Cuc Phuong National Park such as:
- Tamcoc River View Homestay (Ninh Hai Village, Van Lam, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh)
- Tam Coc Homestay (Kha Luong Hamlet, Ninh Thang, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh)
- Tam Coc Backpacker Hostel (Van Lam, Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh)
- See more: Other hotels
A few travel tips if you plan to visit Cuc Phuong during butterfly season
– Butterfly season lasts from April to May.
– Choose days after rain, when the sun is shining, as it's the time when butterflies are most abundant here.
– If traveling by motorbike, take Phap Van towards National Highway 1A, then at Gia Khau intersection, head towards National Highway 12, pass through Nho Quan town about 30 km more to reach the forest entrance.
– Additionally, you can also travel by passenger car or self-drive.
– Entrance fee is 60,000 VND per adult.
See more: Ninh Binh travel guide from A to Z
