Ninh Binh
2 days, 1 night
AH-NB04
4/10
$103 USD
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WHY THIS TOUR?

This is a great choice for travelers who want more than a standard national park visit, because it combines wild nature, conservation, and meaningful local experiences in one short trip. You will explore the ancient forest of Cuc Phuong National Park, visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center to learn about Vietnam’s primate rescue and conservation work, and enjoy the park’s signature natural beauty, including its well-known butterfly season. On the second day, the journey becomes even more special with a visit to the Cave of Prehistoric Man, an important archaeological site linked to early human habitation, followed by Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh, a Four Paws project where rescued bears now live in a protected and welfare-focused environment. This tour is ideal for guests who want a deeper, more inspiring experience of nature, wildlife protection, and outdoor adventure in northern Vietnam. 

Highlights

  • Experiencing Cuc Phuong in butterfly & firefly season  

  • Endangered Primate Rescue Center

  • Camping at Bong

 

SUMMARY

  • Departure Point: Hanoi

  • Duration: 2 days, 1 night

  • Destination: Ninh Binh

  • Activities: Hiking / Trekking

  • Min : 5 people

  • Best time: Apr - Jul

  • Max : 15 people

  • Difficulty level: 4/10

IMAGES / VIDEOS
ITINERARY
Day 1: Ha Noi – Cuc Phuong – Trekking – Butterfly & Firefly Watching

08:00  Arriving at the pick-up point. Heading to Ninh Binh. You can prepare your own breakfast to eat on the bus or during a stop along the way.

11:00  Arriving at Cuc Phuong National Park, communicating with the local forest rangers and tour guides, listening to instructions for the trip, and preparing your gears for the exploration. Before entering the forest, we will visit the Primate Rescue Center to learn about the research and rescue efforts at Cuc Phuong National Park.

13:00  Continue going to Bong by bus, the center of the national park. Along the way, we will stop to admire and photograph areas with large groups of butterflies. When we reach Bong Campsite, we will have lunch at a restaurant before starting a 2-hour hike through the ancient forest, and follow the trail to the giant Cho Dang tree. A forest ranger will accompany us to share knowledge about the flora and fauna in the forest, as well as survival tips.

16:30  Returning to Bong. Setting up camp and having rest, or freely exploring some of the short walking trails around Bong.

19:30  Having dinner at a restaurant in Bong.

20:30  Heading to firefly viewing spots. The rest of the evening will be spent relaxing by the campfire until bedtime.

* Meals included: Lunch, Dinner.

 

Day 2: Cuc Phuong – Bear Rescue Center – Ha Noi

08:00  Waking up and enjoying the sounds of birds or insects. Having a full breakfast with hot coffee or tea at the Bong restaurant.

09:00  Striking camp and departing by bus for the Cave of Prehistoric Man, located on the route from Bong to the national park gate. We will continue to observe and photograph butterflies along this road. After visiting the Cave, we will head to the Four Paws Bear Rescue Center, located 10 km from Cuc Phuong National Park.

11:00  Arriving at the Ninh Binh Bear Rescue Center. This is an internationally certified environmental education and visitor site with professional infrastructure and operations. The rescue staff will guide us through various areas of the center. The stories and what we witness here will help us gain a better understanding of how to contribute to bear conservation in Vietnam.

12:30  After the visit, we will drive to a restaurant in Ninh Binh for lunch.

14:30  Returning to Hanoi. The tour ends upon arrival in Hanoi.

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

 

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

  • Round-trip bus: Ha Noi – Cuc Phuong forest (National Park) – Ha Noi
  • Camping equipment (tent, mattress, sleeping bag)
  • Trekking gear (trekking poles, gloves, leech repellent, first aid kit)
  • Meals as the schedule on the itinerary (1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner)
  • Tour guides 
  • Daily drinking water
  • Fee for entrance tickets
  • Travel insurance 

Exclusion:

  • Other kinds of beverage unlist in the tour program
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation fee before and after the trip
  • Beverages during meals

     

 

 

THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

Equipment provided by VAH:

  • Trekking pole
  • Insect repellent
  • First-aid kit
  • Gloves
  • Backpack (10L)
  • Reusable bottle
  • Flashlight or headlamp

     What to bring: 

  • Hikking shoes / walking sandals
  • Backpack (10L–30L)
  • Water bottle
  • Long-sleeved clothing, hat/cap, sunglasses, gloves, sunscreen, etc.
  • Personal medications
  • Electronics (Mobile phone, camera, power bank...), appropriate waterproof cases
  • ID or passport

   Also recommended:

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Clothingfor a 2-day tour
  • Multi-tool

 

TOUR EQUIPMENT
IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Trekking Notes

  • Distance: The trekking route is approximately 6 to 7 km per day.
  • Terrain: we will trek approximately 6–7 km through forest terrain, primarily along faint and sometimes indistinct trails, with several sections that are quite overgrown.
  • Suitability: This route is ideal for most fitness levels, including beginners. Families are welcome, as children aged 6 to 10 can comfortably join this adventure.

2. Camping.

  • VAH provides shared 4-person tents (2 guests per tent), along with sleeping mats and sleeping bags. In addition, VAH supplies tables, chairs, and tarps to enhance comfort and convenience during the forest camping experience.

3. Possibility of seeing fireflies & butterflies

  • Fireflies, butterflies, and other insects are natural phenomena beyond the control of VAH. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that you will witness the magical displays of fireflies and butterflies as depicted in photographs from Cuc Phuong.
  • We do, however, commit to taking you to the locations with the highest concentrations of butterflies and fireflies in Cuc Phuong at the most suitable times. The butterfly season begins in April and, depending on weather conditions, may extend until the end of May or June. Butterflies typically gather in damp areas such as puddles and dry stream beds. In Cuc Phuong, they are most commonly found at Bong, Ho Mac, and along the 18 km route from the park entrance to Bong.

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 water bottle (minimum 1L capacity). Refill stations will be provided throughout the trip.
  • 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.
  • 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.