DAY 1 - HANOI - CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK (L,D) This morning depart from Hanoi to transfer by road to Cuc Phuong National Park, in Ninh Binh province of the Red River delta. Cuc Phuong National Park was established in 1962 by President Ho Chi Minh as Vietnam’s first National Park, and is renowned for both its scenery and its flora and fauna including many endangered species. The National Park is exceptionally rich in biodiversity and is said to be home to 2234 species of plants. 122 species of reptiles and amphibians, 135 species of mammals and 336 bird species. Some of the park’s rarest and most famous resident mammals include the Clouded Leopard, Delacour’s Langur, Ownston’s Civet and Asian Black Bears. Even though some larger animals like panthers and bears make Cuc Phuong their home, they are rarely seen.
On arrival at the Cuc Phuong National Park take a visit around the interesting Visitors Center which will introduce you to some of the park's valuable natural resources and its unique environment. The center aims to increase the conservation awareness of visitors as well as local Vietnamese students. Enjoy a simple yet delicious lunch at a local restaurant in the park’s headquarters.
The Cuc Phuong Endangered Primate Rescue Center and the Cuc Phuong Turtle Conservation Center are two important research centers vital for the breeding, rehabilitation and preservation of animals rescued from poachers. Both centers are open to visitors during the day and a stop will be made here after visiting the Visitors Center. The Cuc Phuong Endangered Primate Rescue Center homes species like the Delacour’s Languor, Golden-headed Languor, Tonkin Snub-nosed Languor and Black Crested Gibbon. This is one of the highlights of a visit to Cuc Phuong where guests can observe some of the rarest primate species in the world. If time permits also visit the Turtle Conservation Centre.
 
Responsible tourism:
Visiting Cuc Phuong National Park contributes to supporting wildlife protection efforts in Vietnam.The Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC) of Park is a non-profit organization managed by Frankfurt Zoological Society. This center is also a component of the “Vietnam Primate Conservation Programme” set up by the Ministry of Forestry. Since its establishment in 1993, its has led important activities including a program to release captive animals back into the wild and nine species have been successfully bred in captivity.
The Cuc Phuong Turtle Conservation Center (TCC) established in 1998 by Fauna and Flora International, a British non-profit organization, is the flagship in Vietnam regarding turtle conservation efforts. More than 10 years ago, the center has been transferred to the park management which is leading a range of conservation activities including establishment of assurance populations for five priority species, raising awareness, training of enforcement officers, research, and building interest and expertise, particularly amongst students in research and conservation of Chelonians.
In the afternoon, visit the Cave of Prehistoric Man, where human skeletons and stone tools dated to some 7.500 years ago.
In the evening, the national park guide and the local guide will take guests to reenter the pitch black forest and with the aid of a spotting lamp, you might be able to spot the forest’s numerous nocturnal creatures, which include civets, owls, flying squirrels, lories, bats and cats.
Tonight’s accommodation is in the simple guest house inside the national park.
Overnight in Cuc Phuong National Park.
Distances and journey time:
Hanoi to Cuc Phuong National Park (110km): 2.5hours

DAY 2 - CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK (B,L,D)
  Wake to the singing of gibbons and the sounds of the surrounding forest. This morning after breakfast, embark on the 7km loop trail adventure to visit the 1000-year old tree. This 7km loop trail offers an opportunity to discover the tropical fauna and flora of the national park. Enjoy a rustic lunch at the restaurant in the national park.
In the afternoon, cycle about 7km to Yen Quang Lake, where there is the chance to kayak amidst beautiful scenery and local people fishing in the lake.
Arrive at Cuc Phuong Resort & Spa after a short transfer later this afternoon.
The rest of the afternoon is free time at your own leisure.
Dinner will be served at the restaurant at the resort.
Distances and journey time:
Cuc Phuong National Park to Cuc Phuong Resort & Spa (3km): 20 minutes 

DAY 3 - CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK - NINH BINH (B,L,D) This morning after breakfast join a 9-km hike to visit the Ancient Tree before having a picnic lunch in the forest. Finally, visit the some 200 – 230 million years old Dinosaur Fossil before walking back to the main road to drive back to the center.
This afternoon depart from Cuc Phuong National Park to transfer to Ninh Binh, famous for its jutted karst formations with lush green rice paddies, also known as Halong Bay on land.
Dinner will be served at the restaurant in your hotel.
Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Distances and journey time:
Cuc Phuong National Park to Ninh Binh (50km): 1.5hrs

DAY 4 - NINH BINH - HANOI & DEPART (B,L) This morning after breakfast, you will depart for the site of Vietnam’s first capital, Hoa Lu. Visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009). The ancient Hoa Lu Citadel (most of which has since been destroyed) once covered an area of three square kilometers.
If time permits after visiting Hoa Lu (for the fit and healthy), take a half-hour walk up one of the surrounding limestone karst hills, the climb is rewarding with spectacular views.
Enjoy a simple Vietnamese lunch at the local restaurant. This afternoon you will visit Van Long Nature Reserve for a boat trip. Covering an area of nearly 3,000 hectares, Van Long is the largest wetland nature reserve in the North of Vietnam and a 1.5 hour boat trip by traditional sampan is the perfect way to see this area.  Van Long’s fauna includes 39 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Some of these species have been classified as globally endangered animals such as the white-breeched languor which can be seen occasionally early morning or late afternoon.
Late afternoon transfer by road back to Hanoi (approx. 2 hours) arriving in the early evening.
Distances and journey time:
Routes can change subject to client’s interes