Cuc Phuong National Park Map: Details on Popular Trekking Routes

Established on July 7, 1962, under Decision 72-TTg by the Prime Minister, Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam's very first national park. Over six decades later, the forest nestled among the Tam Diep limestone mountains retains its distinctive pristine beauty: ancient trees stretching high through the canopy, vines winding around wooden trunks, the calls of birds echoing deep within the forest, and small paths weaving through year-round greenery.

Located about 120–130 km from Hanoi, Cuc Phuong spans across Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa provinces, covering an area of over 22,000 hectares. Its terrain is predominantly limestone karst, ranging from about 300–600 m above sea level, with Silver Cloud Peak (Đỉnh Mây Bạc) standing at 648 m as one of its prominent high points. These continuous mountains, valleys, and forests create a vast expanse for trekking routes that delve deep into nature. This place is home to over 2,000 higher plant species, about 135 mammal species, more than 300 bird species, alongside hundreds of reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Hundreds- and even thousands-year-old ancient trees stand silently in the forest, while the Delacour's langur—a rare primate species—has become a special symbol of conservation efforts in Cuc Phuong.

Cuc Phuong National Park is organized into various sub-zones with distinct functions, ranging from strictly protected zones—which preserve the core of the primary forest—to ecological restoration zones and administrative/service areas catering to tourism and research activities. Winding through these forests is a main road system about 18–20 km long, connecting the park gate with numerous sightseeing spots located deep inside.

Key areas on the map:

• Main Gate / Visitor Center Area: This is usually the starting point for exploring Cuc Phuong, where visitors can gather information about the park, visit the museum, and explore animal rescue centers for primates, turtles, or carnivores.

• Bong Area (Park Center): The starting point for many famous trekking routes (Thousand-Year-Old Cho Chi Tree, Son Cung Cave).

• Yen Quang Lake & Mac Lake: Located in the outer area, these two lake zones offer a more gentle pace of exploration amidst the mountains and forests.

• Prehistoric Man Cave (Động Người Xưa): Located about 3–4 km from the park gate area, this is one of Cuc Phuong's prominent archaeological sites.

• Silver Cloud Peak (Đỉnh Mây Bạc): Located deep within the forest area at an altitude of about 648 m, this is one of the trails meant for those wishing to challenge themselves with the terrain of Cuc Phuong's mountains and forests.

• Khanh Village / Muong Village: Located about 15–16 km deep across the forest from the central area, this region is closely tied to the local community's daily life and culture.

Below are some reference maps to help you easily orient yourself:

Cuc Phuong National Park boasts a diverse trail system with over 10 official trekking routes suitable for all levels. The routes typically combine primary forests, caves, and ethnic minority villages, allowing visitors to explore a rich ecosystem with over 2,000 plant species and 300 bird species. Below are the details of the most popular trekking routes:

Trekking route to the Thousand-Year-Old Cho Chi Tree

This is the easiest and most popular trekking route, ideal for beginners or families with children.

• Length: Approximately 3–5 km (one way).

• Duration: 2–3 hours of walking.

• Difficulty: Easy (level 1/5), flat trail with minimal slopes.

You will walk through the primary forest, visit Prehistoric Man Cave (a prehistoric cave with traces of ancient humans), and finish at the Thousand-Year-Old Cho Chi Tree—an ancient tree over 45m tall with a 10m diameter, estimated to be over 1,000 years old. Along the way, you'll have the chance to observe birds and butterflies.

Note: This route can be combined with a visit to the primate rescue center, which conserves rare langur species.

Trekking route to Silver Cloud Peak

Designed for those who love a challenge, this route offers panoramic views of the national park.

• Length: Approximately 10–12 km (round trip).

• Duration: 4–6 hours.

• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (level 3/5), featuring rocky slopes and dense forest terrain.

Standing at an altitude of about 648 m, Silver Cloud Peak is one of Cuc Phuong's highest points and presents a considerably greater challenge than the shorter routes. The higher you climb, the more frequent the rocky slopes become, requiring good stamina and appropriate footwear. In return, when standing at the summit, the forest landscape opens up before your eyes with rolling mountain ranges. For those unaccustomed to long-distance trekking, hiring a guide is recommended.

Trekking route to Mac Lake and Muong Village

This route combines nature and culture, making it suitable for multi-day trekking.

• Length: 15–20 km (round trip).

• Duration: 6–8 hours or overnight.

• Difficulty: Moderate (level 2/5), featuring diverse trails with streams and rural villages.

This trail takes on a different hue as it combines trekking with local cultural experiences. After trekking through the forest paths, the journey leads visitors to the Muong ethnic village area, which still preserves traditional stilt houses and traditional daily life. If time permits, you can dine with the locals, learn about their culinary culture, or stay overnight to feel the slow-paced rhythm of life amidst the mountains and forests.

Long-term deep forest trekking route in Cuc Phuong

Designed for professional trekkers, this route traverses the core of the primary forest.

• Length: 18–25 km.

• Duration: 1–4 days.

• Difficulty: Difficult (level 4/5), featuring rugged terrain with few trail markers.

This is the choice for experienced trekkers looking to delve deeper into primary forest areas. The journey spans multiple days with continuously changing terrain and remote stretches far from residential areas; therefore, thorough preparation of physical stamina, trekking shoes, drinking water, personal items, and essential equipment is vital. For longer routes, visitors must register in advance with the Management Board and be accompanied by a guide to ensure safety throughout the journey.

The Cuc Phuong National Park map features not only trails but also a series of "must-visit" attractions that make the trekking journey even more exciting. Below are the most prominent spots that most routes pass by or allow you to visit:

• Endangered Primate Rescue Center Located near the main entrance, this is home to over 180 individuals belonging to 15 rare Vietnamese primate species (Delacour's langur, Indochinese black langur, Ha Tinh langur...). It's an ideal stop to rest and gain knowledge before starting your trek.
• Turtle Conservation Center & Reptile Conservation Program Located just 500m from the primate center, this exhibits over 30 species of Vietnamese turtles and reptiles. Notably, you can encounter giant turtles weighing over 40kg.
• Thousand-Year-Old Cho Chi Tree The symbol of Cuc Phuong, this tree is over 1,000 years old with a trunk circumference of more than 20m, requiring two people to hug around. Located on the shortest trekking route, 3km from the center.
• Over-600-Year-Old Dang Tree & Ancient Sấu Tree (Dracontomelon duperreanum) Two giant ancient trees deep in the forest, appearing only on moderate and long-term trekking routes.
• Prehistoric Man Cave An archaeological cave dating back 7,500–12,000 years, where ancient human skeletons and stone tools were discovered. The path up to the cave is quite steep, but the view from the cave mouth is stunning.
• Silver Cloud Peak (648m) The highest peak accessible for day trekking; early mornings or late afternoons often feature a floating sea of clouds, offering phenomenal photo opportunities.
• Mac & Yen Quang Lakes Two natural lakes deep in the forest with clear blue water, surrounded by bamboo and primary forests. Perfect for overnight camping.
• Muong Cultural Village (Ban Muong – Bang Gioi) A Muong ethnic village located in the park's buffer zone, maintaining traditional stilt house architecture. Visitors can stay in homestays, eat bamboo-tube rice, grilled pork, and listen to gongs.
• Firefly Valley (Area near Mac Lake) In May and June, millions of fireflies illuminate to create a "milky way" beneath the forest canopy.
• Kenh Ga Stream & Cuc Phuong Waterfall A crystal-clear cool stream with sections flowing over rocks to form small waterfalls, ideal for resting and stream-bathing (allowed only in designated zones).

These stopping points form the "soul" of the Cuc Phuong map, turning every trekking journey from a simple walk through ancient woods into a comprehensive exploration of nature, culture, and timeless imprints of Vietnam's oldest national park.

To ensure a seamless journey exploring Cuc Phuong, careful preparation is a must. The following tips will help you trek safely, proactively, and fully enjoy the beauty of the old-growth forest.

Ideal time to visit: From November to April, when the weather is relatively dry and cool, favorable for forest exploration. May to October is the rainy season, during which paths can be slippery and some sections difficult to navigate. Late April to early May is typically butterfly season; the forest scenery is breathtaking, but it is also peak tourist season.

Clothing & essential gear:

• Trekking shoes with good traction, breathable long clothing, a hat, and sunglasses.

• 1–2 liters of water/person, plus light snacks and insect repellent.

• Flashlight or headlamp, thin raincoat, and a waterproof bag for your phone.

• Offline map, fully charged phone, and a power bank.

Safety & regulations: For moderate difficulty routes and above, consider hiring a Park guide to assist with navigation and handle situations along the way. Multi-day routes require registration with the Management Board prior to departure. Throughout the journey, stay with your group, do not wander off alone, and refrain from picking plants, catching animals, littering, or lighting fires outside of permitted areas.

Reference costs

• Entrance ticket: 60,000 VND/adult, 40,000 VND/student, 20,000 VND/child.

• Tour guide: 500,000 - 800,000 VND/group/day (depending on the route).

• Porter hire: 400,000 - 600,000 VND/day.

• Tent and sleeping bag rental: 100,000 - 200,000 VND/person/night.

• Muong village homestay: 250,000 - 400,000 VND/person (including 3 meals).

The journey to explore Cuc Phuong National Park is not only a step into Vietnam's oldest primary forest but also an opportunity to experience the pristine beauty, rich ecosystem, and unique cultural and historical values hidden deep within every trekking trail. By mastering the map, understanding the routes, and preparing thoroughly with experience, you will have a safer, more efficient, and deeply emotional trip. If you want to experience Cuc Phuong completely, save time, and have an accompanying guide throughout, the all-inclusive Cuc Phuong National Park tours by Sovaba Travel are the ideal choice. Optimized itineraries, professional service, and a team deeply knowledgeable about the terrain will help you explore the deep forest in the most profound way, from popular trekking trails to off-the-beaten-path spots.