Cúc Phương is a beloved destination in Ninh Bình, known for its convenient travel guides. The following insights into independent travel to Cúc Phương National Park will provide you with all the necessary information for your upcoming outdoor adventure. Take a look below for details.
Experience Cúc Phương National Park in 2023
Where is Cúc Phương National Park located, and how far is it from Hanoi?
Situated 120 km south of the capital Hanoi, nestled deep within the Tam Diep mountain range, lies a piece of land that has become incredibly familiar, endearing, and evokes a sense of curiosity for countless travelers both domestic and international – that is Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam's first national park.
✅ Cuc Phuong National Park is a natural reserve spanning the borders of three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa.
✅ The address of Cuc Phuong forest is in Cuc Phuong commune, Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh province.
✅ The total area of Cuc Phuong National Park is 22,200 hectares, making it the first national forest in Vietnam.
When is the ideal time to explore Cuc Phuong National Park?
Summer is considered the best time to visit Cuc Phuong Forest, with favorable weather, cool temperatures, and the blooming season for butterflies, allowing you to comfortably explore the diverse flora and fauna.
However, based on the experience of venturing into Cuc Phuong Forest, the end of April and early May is when the forest is teeming with butterflies. It's an excellent opportunity to capture mesmerizing photos with these colorful creatures.

April Butterflies in Cuc Phuong Forest
How to get to Cuc Phuong National Park
In the journey to Cuc Phuong National Park, there are four routes originating from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa, as recommended by those experienced in exploring the park.

Guidelines for traveling to Cuc Phuong National Park
Hanoi – Cuc Phuong Route: You can travel by car or motorbike to reach the park.
+ For motorbike travel: Take the Phap Van route – follow National Highway 1A to the Gia Van intersection (Gia Vien district) – follow National Highway 12 for about 30km to reach the forest entrance – continue for another 20km to reach various points of interest in Cuc Phuong National Park.
+ For bus travel: Head to Giap Bat station and take the Nho Quan – Me route. The bus will directly reach Nho Quan station, from where you can take a bus to Cuc Phuong National Park, approximately 10km away.
Ninh Binh – Cuc Phuong Route: Follow the route from Ninh Binh to Hanoi -> National Highway 1A towards Hanoi, after passing Ninh Binh by 5km, turn left -> take the route to Co Do Hoa Lu – Bai Dinh tourist center – across Dong Chuong Lake – Cuc Phuong. Alternatively, go from Ninh Binh to National Highway 1A towards Hanoi – Gia Van intersection, turn left onto National Highway 12A – 2km to Nho Quan town – Cuc Phuong.
Thanh Hoa – Cuc Phuong Route: Follow National Highway 1A towards Hanoi – around 3km after Bim Son town, turn left – at Pho Cat junction, turn left – at Trai Ngoc junction, turn left – and you'll arrive at Cuc Phuong National Park.
Hoa Binh – Cuc Phuong Route: Starting from Hoa Binh town, take National Highway 12B towards Nho Quan town. About 2km after Nho Quan town, turn right to reach Cuc Phuong National Park.
Ticket Prices for Cuc Phuong National Park 2023
The entrance fees to Cuc Phuong National Park are quite affordable and are categorized into 3 types:

Ticket sales counter at Cuc Phuong National Park accepts QR code payments for convenient transactions.
A quick note for you: The admission fee for Cuc Phuong National Park does not include additional services such as renting vehicles, hiring guides, boat rentals, meals, etc. If you are a student, remember to present your student ID to avail the discounted ticket rates.
Hotels and guesthouses near Cuc Phuong National Park
In the current experience of exploring Cuc Phuong National Park, there are three accommodation, dining, and entertainment areas: the Park Gate Area, Mac Lake Area, and the Central Area. Each area offers separate apartment or budget-friendly stilt house services with all necessary amenities.

Accommodation at Cuc Phuong National Park
Park Gate Area: Serving as the starting point for all activities in the park, this area plans tours, offers services such as guided tours, night wildlife viewing, kayaking, ethnic cultural performances, biking, and provides all information about Cuc Phuong. Accommodation options are available here:
Mac Lake Area: Located 1.5km from the park gate, Mac Lake is a tranquil area with fresh air and full accommodation services. It offers private rooms and dormitory stilt houses, with spaces for campfire exchange activities. Services include campfires, ethnic cultural performances, billiards, fishing, traditional games, a meeting room with a capacity of 200-300 seats, and a dining room for hundreds of guests. Accommodation options include:
Central Area (Bong): Bong Village is approximately 20km from the park gate, marking the final destination on the Cuc Phuong forest route. It provides complete accommodation and dining services. However, this area has no electricity and operates a generator for about 4 hours each night, or less if there are few guests.
If you prefer not to stay within Cuc Phuong Forest, you can opt for some budget hotels near Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh – HERE. Choose accommodation in the central area for more options and easy access to other tourist attractions in Ninh Binh.
What makes Cuc Phuong National Park interesting?
Based on the experience of exploring Cuc Phuong National Park, there are numerous fascinating activities to discover throughout the day. As you enter, there is a comprehensive tour map for easy navigation.

Guided map for visitors to explore Cuc Phuong National Park
Prominent activities at Cuc Phuong National Park include:



Electric Scooter Ride in Cuc Phuong Forest

Camp under the stars at Cuc Phuong National Park.

Cuc Phuong National Park also features exciting play areas.

Take a refreshing dip in the streams of Cuc Phuong Forest.

Wildlife in Cuc Phuong National Park
Some important notes for traveling to Cuc Phuong National Park
Explore other information about Ninh Binh tourism that might interest you:
Here are the comprehensive experiences and travel guides for Cuc Phuong National Park, covering transportation, modes of travel, accommodation, tourist attractions, and suggesting a few Cuc Phuong tours... Hope it provides essential information for your journey.
Posted by: Dinh Dung
Keywords: Exploring Cuc Phuong National Park - Travel, Accommodation, and Sightseeing Tips