9. Cuc Phuong National Park 2-Day Wildlife Safari
Cuc Phuong National Park is the first, and best protected, nature reserve in Vietnam. The Park’s primary tropical rainforest is home to an amazing variety of wildlife, and in recent years several new species have been discovered. There are almost 2,000 species of trees, providing home to some amazing and rare animals, including the clouded leopard, Delacour’s langur, Owston’s civet, otters, and Asian black bears.
Among the highlights of this 2-day vacation is a boat trip in Van Long. You will also go on a night safari, and see trees that are a million years old!
Day 1: Hanoi - Cuc Phuong
Depart Hanoi for Van Long Nature Reserve. Here you will take a sampan boat trip to admire the area’s spectacular natural beauty. It covers an area of 2,643 hectares, and is the largest submerged natural protected site in North Vietnam. During a serene rowing boat trip in the swampy waters, soak up the superb environment, and take in all the sights, sounds, and scents of the surroundings.
Continue to Cuc Phuong National Park. Once you have settled into your room, visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, and the Turtle Conservation Center to learn about the conservation work at the National Park. You will also have the option to take a stroll in the lovely botanical gardens.
Enjoy a dinner at Cuc Phuong National Park Headquarters. Afterwards, you will be taken into the pitch dark forest by a National Park Guide. Using a spot lamp, search for the forest’s numerous nocturnal creatures, such as civets, owls, flying squirrels, lorises, bats, and cats.
Spend the night at the National Park Guest House.
Day 2: Cuc Phuong - Hanoi
Awake to the sounds of the jungle. After breakfast, leave the National Park Headquarters for a trek in the primary forest. Hike for 2.5-3.5 hours, passing limestone slopes and trees that are over a million years old. Your ultimate destination is an ancient tree, in the hope of seeing Cuc Phuong’s mascot - and one of the rarest primates on the planet - the Delacour langur.
Transfer back to Hanoi, arriving at around 18:00, where your tour ends.