Cuc Phuong: Ninh Binh Loop Hike & Wildlife with Picnic Lunch

Summary

Hiking Ninh Binh’s green loop for rare wildlife and quiet trails

You’ll ride through Ninh Binh’s countryside to Cuc Phuong with a local guide, hike soft forest trails listening for rare langurs, share a simple picnic lunch under tall trees, and return by car after seeing Vietnam’s wild side up close.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound—birds, somewhere above the thick green, and this low hum from the road as we left Tam Coc behind. Our driver didn’t say much at first, but he grinned when I tried to pronounce “Cuc Phuong.” The air smelled sharp, almost peppery, from the morning rain. It took about an hour to reach the park entrance—honestly, I lost track watching rice paddies slide past the window.

Our guide, Linh, handed out water bottles and pointed at a sign with a monkey on it. “Delacour langur,” she said. “Very few left.” She told us stories about local conservation work as we started up the trail. The path was soft underfoot—muddy in patches—and sometimes you’d brush against ferns that left your hands smelling earthy. At one point we stopped for a break and Linh pulled out sticky rice wrapped in banana leaf for our picnic lunch. I’m not sure if it was the walk or just being there, but it tasted better than any restaurant meal.

I didn’t expect to feel so quiet inside. There were moments where all you could hear was wind moving through bamboo, or someone’s laugh echoing down the trail (probably mine). We never saw a langur up close—just a flash of black-and-white tail high in the canopy—but somehow that made it feel more real? On the way back through Ninh Binh’s countryside loop, I watched farmers wave from their bikes and realized how much slower everything felt out here. Still thinking about that green light filtering through the trees.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ninh Binh loop countryside road trip

• Start countryside road trip
• Drive 1 hour to point of interest
• Explore nature trails and wildlife
• Learn about wildlife conservation
• Return 1 hour to start point

Top questions

How long does the Cuc Phuong hiking tour take?

The full-day tour includes about 1 hour each way driving plus time hiking in Cuc Phuong.

Is lunch included on this day trip to Cuc Phuong?

Yes, a picnic lunch is provided while hiking in Cuc Phuong.

Are guides included on this Ninh Binh loop tour?

Yes, you’ll have a local guide during your hike in Cuc Phuong.

What wildlife can you see at Cuc Phuong?

You may spot rare Delacour langurs along with other native flora and fauna.

Is pickup included for this tour?

The tour includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from Tam Coc area.

Is this day trip suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to physical activity involved.

Are infant seats available during transport?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request for transportation.

What’s included

Your day covers pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from Tam Coc or nearby areas, all entry fees and taxes for Cuc Phuong Park, guidance from a local expert throughout your hike on nature trails, plus a simple picnic lunch enjoyed right in the forest before heading back through Ninh Binh’s countryside loop.