Ninh Binh
2 days, 1 night
AH-NB02
6/10
$110 USD
CUSTOMIZE TOUR Book Now
WHY THIS TOUR?

This is the perfect adventure for travelers who want more than just a normal trek. Instead of following a fixed route, this journey takes you deep into the wild heart of Cuc Phuong National Park with the support of forest rangers and local guides, making every trip feel unique and unpredictable. You will visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, learn about conservation efforts for Vietnam’s rare primates, trek through the jungle on routes chosen according to weather and wildlife signs, camp overnight in the forest, and enjoy the rare experience of listening to the sounds of nature after dark. It is an ideal tour for nature lovers who want a real wilderness experience, meaningful conservation insight, and the thrill of exploring one of Vietnam’s most famous national parks. The Endangered Primate Rescue Center at Cuc Phuong describes itself as a nonprofit center dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, breeding, research, and conservation of Vietnam’s endangered primates.

Highlights

  • Trekking through the ancient forest  
  • Camping in the center of the primeval forest  
  • Exploring the rich flora and fauna of Cuc Phuong National Park  
  • Having professional and experienced tour guides

 

SUMMARY

  • Departure Point: Hanoi

  • Duration: 2 days, 1 night

  • Destination: Ninh Binh

  • Activities: Hiking / Trekking

  • Min : 6 people

  • Best time: Nov - Mar

  • Max : 15 people

  • Difficulty level: 6/10

IMAGES / VIDEOS
ITINERARY
Day 1: Ha Noi - Cuc Phuong forest (National Park) - Trekking - Camping

08:00 Heading to Ninh Binh province. Please prepare your own breakfast to eat on the bus or at a rest stop along the way. Arriving at Cuc Phuong National Park, communicating with forest rangers to get instructions about the trek, and having a preparation. Before entering the forest, we will visit the Primate Rescue Center to learn about the research and rescue efforts of Cuc Phuong National Park. 

Going to Xom Bong campsite. Upon arrival at Bong, you will have lunch at the restaurant. Our trek has no specific schedule, starting point, or ending point. The local guide will decide which route to follow, where to begin, and where to end based on the time, weather, and signs of wildlife in the forest. Our hiking trail won’t always be on established paths, sometimes we have to forge our own way. Many surprises may await ahead.

After several hours of walking towards the core of the jungle, we’ll arrive at our campsite for the night. Before having dinner, the forest rangers will take us to observe signs of wildlife. Along the hiking route, both the forest rangers and the local guides will share their knowledge of the forest’s flora and fauna, as well as survival skills in the wild.

Our sleeping spot will be chosen by the local guides. Having a delightful dinner by the campfire before going to sleep.

* Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 2: Trekking - Getting out of the jungle - Ha Noi

07:30 Waking up and enjoying the sounds of birds or insects. Having coffee or drinking hot tea along with Vietnamese breakfast before striking the camp to keep trekking through the forest. The leader is able to recognize many things that we may not notice, such as animal tracks, medicinal plants, or edible fruits. Additionally, the local guide can identify areas where there may be poachers or animal traps, providing warnings or helping us avoid those areas. 

Today, we will be hiking about 8km - 10km through the jungle to reach the edge at a different point from where we started. After exiting the forest, we will walk approximately 2km back to Bong Campsite for lunch before taking the bus back to Hanoi. The program concludes upon arrival in Hanoi.

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

 

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

  • Round-trip bus: Ha Noi  – Cuc Phuong forest – 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
  • 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 poles
  • Insect repellet
  • First-aid kit
  • Gloves
  • Backpack (10L)
  • Reusable bottle
  • Bowl, plate, spoon, fork, and cup 
  • Flashlight or headlamp 

    What to bring: 

  • Hiking shoes/ walking sandals
  • Backpack (10L–30L) 
  • Water bottle
  • Long-sleeved clothing, hat/cap, sunglasses, gloves, sunscreen, etc
  • Electronics (Mobile phone, camera, power bank…)
  • Personal medicine
  • Toiletries
  • 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 per day 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

  • The campsite will be determined by the park rangers and local guides. It is typically a flat and safe area, ensuring a comfortable overnight camping experience.
  • 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.
  • Please note that camping deep in the forest means there are no shower or toilet facilities available. Sanitation will follow “leave no trace” practices, which include digging a small hole for waste and covering it afterward.

3. 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.

4. 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.