Trail Bus – Cúc Phương
20km/day
Elevation gain
446m
Distance
~20km
Peak elevation
No
Difficulty
Cúc Phương is a large protected area spanning Ninh Bình, Hòa Bình and Thanh Hóa. Cycle into the primary forest and visit some of the park’s defining sights, including an ancient dracontomelon tree, the tall Chò Chỉ forest and the diverse plant life around Bống Centre.
Choose the option that suits you
HIT THE ROAD” TICKET
For experienced trekkers who prefer exploring independently without a trail guide.
Return transport
Day trip
GPX track
EXPLORE” TICKET
For beginners or anyone who prefers hiking with a group and a trail guide.
- Return transport
Cycling
Trail guide
JOIN THE CREW” TICKET
For travellers who prefer to arrange their own transport, meet the group at the trailhead and begin the journey with their fellow hikers.
- Cycling
- GPX track
- Trail guide
What you will experience
CYCLE THROUGH THE FOREST
Go beyond the familiar visitor stops and explore the forest more closely by bicycle.
EXPLORE BỐNG CENTRE
Experience the primary-forest environment around Bống Centre and the rich ecosystem it supports.
SEE THE CHÒ CHỈ FOREST
Pause beneath the tall trunks of Cúc Phương’s well-known Chò Chỉ forest.
SEE THE ANCIENT SẤU TREE
These ancient Sấu trees are living witnesses to the forest’s long history.
TRAIL GUIDE
Your guide stays with the group throughout the trip, helping you discover the trail’s best viewpoints while keeping the experience safe and well organised.
Cost breakdown
Included:
- Round-trip bus transfer
- Clean-up and changing facilities
- Bottled water on the bus
Not included:
- Trail guide
- Finisher medal
- Personal meals and drinks at the rest stop
- Personal expenses outside the itinerary
- National park admission / Electric shuttle to Bống Centre
- Bicycle rental
Included:
- Round-trip bus transfer
- Trail guide
- Bottled water on the bus
- Clean-up and changing facilities
- National park admission
- Bicycle rental
Not included:
- Finisher medal
- Personal meals and drinks at the rest stop
- Personal expenses outside the itinerary
Included:
- Bottled water on the bus
- Trail guide
- National park admission
- Bicycle rental
Not included:
- Round-trip bus transfer
- Finisher medal
- Personal meals and drinks at the rest stop
- Personal expenses outside the itinerary
Detailed itinerary
-
Overnight stay: No
-
Trail distance: 20km, approximately 5 hours of activity
-
Meals: Not included
-
Highlights: Enjoy the peaceful scenery of Hồ Mạc, explore the history of Động Người Xưa and stop at its well-known bridge. See an ancient dracontomelon tree and the soaring Chò Chỉ forest.
- 6h00: The bus departs on time from No. 9, Alley 53 Trần Quốc Hoàn Street, Cầu Giấy Ward, Hanoi.
- 8h00: Stop at a rest point along the way. Take a break and purchase breakfast at your own expense before the day’s activities.
- 9h00: Arrive at the entrance to Cúc Phương National Park. Allow around 15 minutes to complete entry procedures and get ready.
- 9h15 - 9h45: The bus takes the group to Bống Centre.
- 9h45 - 11h45: Explore the primary forest around Bống Centre, with its ancient dracontomelon trees and well-known Chò Chỉ forest.
+ Along the way, stop to see ancient dracontomelon trees that have stood for thousands of years.
+ Continue into the Chò Chỉ forest, where rows of tall trees create a distinctive setting for walking and photography. + The main destination on the ride is Bống Centre. Here, explore and walk around Bống Centre, enjoying the quiet atmosphere and fresh air of the primary forest.
*Optional detour: Check in at the "giant" Mùng tree, 3km from Bống Centre"
- 11h45-12h45: Have lunch at Bống Centre at your own expense.
- 12h45 - 13h00: Gather for a gentle warm-up, receive a route briefing and collect the bicycles so everyone is ready to ride.
- 13h00: Begin the ride through the heart of Cúc Phương National Park towards the park entrance.
- 13h00 - 15h00: During the ride, stop at peaceful Hồ Mạc before visiting Động Người Xưa, a prehistoric habitation site, and the well-known bridge leading to the cave.
- 15h00 - 15h30: Meet at the designated point near the entrance to Cúc Phương National Park. The bus picks up the group at the park entrance for the return journey to Hanoi.
- 15h30: Depart for Hanoi. The return to the original meeting point is expected to take around 3 hours, concluding the day’s experience.
What to pack
+ Hiking shoes or trail-running shoes
+ Sunscreen and insect repellent
+ Stretchy, long-sleeved sportswear
+ At least 1.5 litres of drinking water
+ A change of clothes after showering
+ Personal snacks such as energy bars, nuts or dried fruit
+ Trekking poles for beginners
+ A hydration vest or lightweight backpack
+ Emergency cash
Important notes:
+ Each guest receives one Conqueror Card after completing the trail. Guests who register after Wednesday for that week’s departure will not receive a Conqueror Card.
+ The bus departs on time; please arrive 10–15 minutes early.
+ Late arrival is treated as a cancellation and is non-refundable.
+ Please make sure you board the correct bus, as several tour groups may share the same meeting point.
+ Prepare physically by walking for 30 minutes a day during the two weeks before the hike.