Wild Adventure in Cuc Phuong & Ninh Binh

You’ll be picked up at 08:00 from your hotel in Hanoi for the 120 km drive to Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s oldest nature reserve. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Nestled in lush tropical forest, Cuc Phuong offers a peaceful escape from the city. Your first stop will be the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, a non-profit organization devoted to the rescue, rehabilitation, breeding, and conservation of endangered primates, as well as the protection of their habitats.

From there, you’ll head deeper into the park to explore the Cave of Early Man, an archaeological site where ancient human remains were discovered.

Lunch will be served in a traditional stilt house located at the park’s center.

In the afternoon, you’ll set off on a 7–10 km trek through the forest to observe the rich biodiversity of Cuc Phuong. The park is home to a wide range of plant and animal species, and the trail is an excellent way to learn more about its unique ecosystem.

Later, you’ll visit the Park Centre and have another opportunity to see the Cave of Early Man before heading to your accommodation. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a bungalow within the park.

Optional: Night tours for bird and animal watching can be arranged with park rangers and forest guides.

After breakfast, we head to the starting point of our jungle trek through Cuc Phuong National Park. A park ranger will accompany us as our on-site guide, ensuring we stay on track and sharing insights into the park’s rich flora and fauna. The trekking trail winds through dense, humid jungle terrain, with dirt paths that can be muddy due to the layered canopy and undergrowth. Expect a mix of challenging descents and ascents along rugged, natural trails. Our journey concludes with a final descent into a tranquil valley, arriving at Khanh Village—home to the Muong ethnic minority—nestled beside the Buoi River. Lunch will be served at a local home before we transfer to our next accommodation in Ninh Binh. Approximate trekking distance: 15–17 km

Start your day early with a hike to Mua Cave, climbing approximately 500 steps to catch the sunrise and enjoying a breathtaking panoramic view of Tam Coc’s stunning landscape. After breakfast, depart for Van Long Nature Reserve. Upon arrival, board a traditional bamboo rowboat for a scenic journey through this peaceful wetland. Van Long is home to the critically endangered Delacour’s langur, and it is the only place where this rare species can be observed in the wild. As you glide through the reserve, take in the serene beauty of rice paddies, lotus ponds, and towering limestone karsts. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and take a short rest before continuing to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Dai Co Viet. Founded in 968 A.D. by local warlord Dinh Bo Linh—later known as Dinh Tiên HoAng, the first emperor—Hoa Lu was once the political, economic, and cultural heart of Vietnam. Visit the temple dedicated to King Le before returning to Hanoi.