If you want to have a unique and memorable holiday experience where you can skip the city’s bustle and engage more with nature, going to National Parks can be a great option. National Parks allow you to connect more with the environment and your surroundings. You can at least spare some moments not to see tall buildings and skyscrapers. And if you happen to travel to Vietnam, Cuc Phuong National Park should be in your must-go list.
About the National Park
This is the first National Park in Vietnam, located around 100 kilometers from the southern side of Hanoi. The park is dominated by rainforests and you can find hot springs, caves, and abundance of flora and fauna. Want to see some trees that have existed for the millennium? You should go there because such a sight is pretty common. It is pretty impressive that they have been able to survive the wars and battles.
If you explore the park to the rear entrance gate, you should find a center dedicated to endangered species preservation program. This center is sponsored by a development agency from Germany. One of the most popular activities in the park is bird-watching. You can also ride a bike or walk on the provided trail. Don’t be too surprised to see many animals or reptiles slithering around. It would be a common sight.
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The Preparation
Having a good and reliable pair of hiking shoes is important –it will determine your comfort while exploring the park. Don’t forget to bring water because the exploration can make thirsty. Bug repellent is a must; Otherwise, you will be bugged the whole journey. What about the food? You’re welcome to bring your own food as there are some stone-based tables and places to enjoy the meal along the way. But don’t forget to clean up after you are done and don’t leave any garbage or plastic wraps scattered around.
If you want to have an enjoyable time exploring the park, it is best to go between December and April – it is the dry season in Vietnam. The track will be drier and less slippery. You can also explore the park more. During the wet season, many caves aren’t allowed for exploration for safety reasons.
The Available Facilities
It would be easy to find the information center as it is located at the entrance gate. The park also has souvenir shops, restaurants, and even a mini hotel whose rate is only $10 a room. You can also rent a bike – available at the information center. If you want to, you can also stay in stilt houses although such an experience isn’t recommended for those who can’t stand biting insects and mosquitoes.
Getting to the Park
The park is around 45 kilometers away from Ninh Binh, one of the closest towns. If you want to go directly to the park after your flight arrives, the best way is to go to Ninh Binh first and spend a night there. From there, you can use a taxi to go to the park. From Ninh Binh, take Highway 1 turn-off (which is located on the northern side of Ninh Binh), and simply follow the track to Kenh Ga and also Van Long Nature Reserve.
Another alternative is to use the bus from Giap Bat bus station in Hanoi to Nho Quan, another city close to the park. It takes 2 hours of the trip with the cost of 90,000 Dong. From Nho Quan, you can take a taxi (costs around 250,000 Dong or xe om (costs around 120,000). There is also a bus that directly travels from Giap Bat to Cuc Phuong.
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