Located 120 South-West of Hanoi on 22,200 ha of rainforest, Cuc Phuong National Park is the centerpiece of Vietnam’s conservation efforts and one of the most accessible parks in the country. Vietnam’s largest and first national park, Cuc Phuong beauty and a few of its thousands of species of plants and animals can be seen with the help of a local park ranger. If you’re not interested in hiking up and down the karst mountains a good alternative is the easy but rewarding trip to the primate and turtle rehabilitation and breeding centers.

 

 

 

 

In 1960 Cuc Phuong was made into a forest reserve and in 1962 Cuc Phuong National Park was consecrated by Ho Chi Minh, who reminded the Vietnamese people that protecting the environment is protecting their future. But mankind's relationship with Cuc Phuong began long before Ho's visit. The remains of prehistoric man dating 7,000-12,000 years ago have been found in the numerous caves in the park.

 

 

 

 

In 1789 the Quen Voi section of the park was the site of a major battle in the civil war between Nguyen Hue and Thanh Long. More recently, conflicts have emerged between the government and 2,500 Muong ethnic minority tribesmen who live, farm, and hunt in the park. In 1987, 500 Muong were relocated outside of the park. The government and international conservation groups have worked to alleviate poaching by employing locals in the park and selling Muong handicraft in gift shops.

 

 

 

 

Cuc Phuong is situated in the foothills of the northern Annamite Mountains. The park consists of verdant karst mountains and lush valleys. Elevation varies from 150 meters (500 feet) to 656 m (2,152 feet) at the summit of May Bac Mountain, or Silver Cloud Mountain. The limestone formations produced numerous caves, many of which are accessible for exploration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to VietKings (Kyluc.vn)