Cuc Phuong, established in 1962, is the oldest national park in Vietnam. Located 120 km South West of Hanoi on 22,200 ha of rainforest, it spans the provinces of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa. Its highest peak is Dinh May Bac (Silver Cloud Peak) at 656m.

As a primary tropical forest, Cuc Phuong is the home of many flora and fauna species. There are 300 species of birds, 97 species of mammals, most notable are the endangered langurs, 36 species of reptiles, 17 species of amphibians, 11 species of fish, 2000 species of vascular plants, and thousands of species of insects, many of which are listed in the Vietnam Red Book.

Not only does the park possess the huge wildlife diversity but it also contains numerous beautiful caves that are of great value in archeology. Typical examples are a fossil of a sea reptile dating at 200 - 230 million years old and evidences of prehistoric human living in the forest about 7500 years ago found in caves. Such vestiges make the park become one of the oldest sites of human habitation in Vietnam.

Cuc Phuong's attraction also lies in its cultural heritage. The park is the home of Muong minority people. Visiting these communities can bring you a closer look on their unique culture through their traditional stilt houses, waterwheels, bamboo rafts and brocade looms.

From April to June, the park becomes hot, wet and muddy, and from July to October is the rainy season bringing lots of leeches. Therefore, the best time to pay a visit is during the dry season, from November to February.

Cuc Phuong national park is regarded as one of Vietnam's most important protected areas. Visiting the park is the terrific opportunity to discover engaging cultural and wildlife heritage here.