Ninh Binh
2 days / 1 night
AH-NB05
7/10
$112 USD
GET B2B QUOTATION
WHY THIS TOUR?

Designed for discerning travelers seeking an in-depth and immersive exploration of Cuc Phuong National Park. This expedition offers the exclusive opportunity to trek the demanding route to May Bac Peak (Silver Cloud), rewarding adventurers with unmatched, panoramic vistas over pristine rainforests and surrounding provinces. A key highlight of the itinerary is the premium overnight camping experience in the tranquil setting of the Bong area. Complementing the adventure, the journey holds deep educational and conservation value with curated visits to the Cave of Prehistoric Man and the Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC). It is the ultimate fusion of outdoor adventure, historical discovery, and environmental responsibility.

Highlights

  • The Silver Cloud Peak Conquest
  • Overnight Camping Experience at Bong
  • Inside the Endangered Primate Rescue Center

 

SUMMARY

  • Start / Finish Point: Hanoi

  • Duration: 2 days / 1 night

  • Destination: Ninh Binh

  • Group Size : 2 - 15 pax

  • Best Season: Year-round

  • Difficulty level: 7/10

  • Activities: Hiking / Trekking

ITINERARY
Day 1: Ha Noi - Cuc Phuong forest (NP) - Trekking to the Silver Cloud Peak - Camping at Bong Campsite

07:00 Meet your guide and driver at the hotel. Board the vehicle and depart for Ninh Binh. Along the way, we will make a short stop for refreshments to recharge before entering the wild.

10:00 Arrive at the park entrance for a brief rest. Meet the local forest ranger who will lead our adventure. Afterward, take an 18-km scenic drive deeper into the jungle to the Bong Centre. Upon arrival, gear up, receive your pack lunch and water supplies, and listen to a safety briefing for the upcoming trek.

11:00 Begin the trek toward May Bac (Silver Cloud) Peak. Along the trail, our expert ranger will share fascinating insights into the local flora and fauna, as well as wilderness survival skills. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route. Though not the tallest mountain in Northern Vietnam, the trail to Silver Cloud is highly rewarding and challenging, featuring steep rocky paths and raw, less-traveled tracks where we may need to clear branches and bushwhack our way through.

14:00 Reach the summit at an altitude of 648 meters. On a clear day, this vantage point offers stunning views overlooking the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, alongside the vast forests and plains spanning four districts across Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa provinces.

16:30 Head back down to the Bong Centre. After a 2.5-hour descent, return to the campsite to freshen up and relax.

18:30 Savor a hearty dinner at the Bong restaurant. Afterward, unwind by the campfire and immerse yourself in the peaceful sounds of the night jungle before bedtime.

* Approx. Duration: 3 hrs drive / 5 hrs hike / 45 mins lunch break 

* Meals Included: Lunch , Dinner

Day 2: Cuc Phuong - Primate Rescue Center - Hanoi

07:30 Waking up and enjoying the sounds of birds or insects. Having a cup of coffee or hot tea with a full breakfast at the restaurant in Bong.

09:00 Striking the camp and departing by bus for the Cave of Prehistoric Man, located on the route from Bong to the entrance of Cuc Phuong National Park. After visiting the Cave, we will take the vehicle to the Primate Rescue Center at the Cuc Phuong National Park entrance.

11:00 Arriving at the Primate Rescue Center. This is a very professional and meaningful environmental education and tourism site. Rescue staff will guide the group through the center and share valuable information about the primate species being conserved in Vietnam.

13:00 After visiting the center, we will board the vehicle to a restaurant in Ninh Binh for lunch.

14:00 Returning to Hanoi. The tour concludes upon arrival in Hanoi.

* Approx. Duration: 3 hrs drive / 45 mins lunch break 

* Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

​

Inclusion:

  • Round-trip private vehicle: Ha Noi – Cuc Phuong – Ha Noi
  • Camping equipment (tent, mattress, sleeping bag)
  • Trekking gear  
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Tour guide & Forest ranger
  • Drinking water & snack provided daily during the tour 
  • Entrance fees & tickets
  • Domestic travel insurance 

Exclusion:

  • Additional food and beverages not stated in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation fee before and after the trip
  • Tips
THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

​

Equipment provided by VAH:

  • Trekking pole
  • Gloves
  • Double tent, air mattress, sleeping bag
  • Tarp, camping table & chair
  • Flashlight
  • First-aid kit 

What to bring: 

  • 20L trekking backpack 
  • Trekking shoes or boots
  • A pair of sandals to use at campsite at night.
  • Clothing by season:
  • + Summer: Lightweight, breathable long-sleeved clothing, sun hat/cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, and trekking gloves. 
  • + Winter: Warm layers (thermal base layers, fleece jacket, down jacket), a beanie/warm hat, and insulated gloves.
  • Raincoat or poncho.
  • Spare clothes
  • Electronics: Mobile phone, camera, power bank, ...
  • Personal medications
  • Reusable water bottle
  • ID or Passport

Also recommended:

  • Toiletries
  • Sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Pocket knife / multi-tool
TOUR EQUIPMENT
IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Trekking Notes

  • Distance: The trekking route is approximately 7 to 8 km in total (round trip from the Bong Centre to May Bac Peak and back).
  • Terrain: You will trek through dense tropical rainforest terrain. The trail to the summit is characterized by steep, rugged limestone steps, slippery jagged rocks, and raw, less-traveled paths that can be highly overgrown, occasionally requiring us to bushwhack.
  • Suitability: Due to the steep incline and technical terrain, this route is best suited for travelers with a moderate fitness level and above. It is not recommended for complete beginners. Children from 14 years old are eligible to participate, provided they are active and used to outdoor activities.

2. Camping.

  • Sanitation & Facilities: Standard bathroom and toilet facilities are available at the Bong Centre, though they are basic. For your comfort, we recommend bringing your own towels and toiletries. Please note that during the trek up the mountain and deep in the forest, no facilities are available. In the wild, sanitation will strictly follow "Leave No Trace" practices, which include digging a small cathole for waste and completely covering it afterward.

3. Food & Water

  • Meals: All meals feature authentic, hearty local cuisine designed to replenish your energy after a demanding trek. On Day 1, a picnic lunch will be packed and enjoyed right on the trail inside the jungle. Dinner will be served with diverse regional dishes at the Bong Centre's rustic restaurant.
  • Water & Energy: Clean, safe drinking water and energy-boosting snacks (such as fresh fruits or local treats) are supplied during the tour.
  • Hot Beverages: Complimentary hot tea or coffee will be available at the campsite during breakfast and around the campfire in the evening to keep you warm in the jungle night.

4. Responsible Travel & Environmental Protection

  • Leave No Trace: We strictly follow and promote the Leave No Trace principles in all our outdoor programs. We encourage our guests and partners to apply these ethics to minimize our impact on the natural environment. [See details about Leave No Trace here]
  • Reduce Plastic Waste: To limit single-use plastics, we encourage everyone to bring a reusable bottle (minimum 1L capacity). You can refill it throughout the day from our large water jugs.
  • Local Regulations: We kindly ask all guests to comply with the specific environmental regulations and instructions provided by our guides at the destination.

5. Health & Safety

  • Medical Considerations: Your safety is our priority. If you have a history of cardiovascular conditions or chronic joint issues (knees, ankles, shoulders, etc.), please consult with your doctor before booking this trip.
  • Physical Fitness: Please maintain a regular walking routine of approximately 5–7 km per day in the weeks leading up to the tour to ensure you are adequately prepared for the trek.
  • Transparency: Please inform our tour guide of any existing health conditions or allergies at the start of the journey so we can support you best.