Ninh Binh
2 days, 1 night
AH-NB03
7/10
$125 USD
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DESCRIBE

Cuc Phuong National Park is the largest and most important nature reserve in Northern Vietnam. Every year, scientists from all over the world come here to conduct research. An expedition through the ancient forest, where we must navigate our way, find suitable camping spots, observe signs of wildlife, and … immerse ourselves entirely in the wilderness, will be a one-of-a-kind experience.

The Buoi River flows through the provinces of Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa. It is a beautiful river with clear blue water, and the landscapes on both sides are very diverse. While the SUP paddling trip on the Buoi River is neither long nor too challenging, it will be a truly unique and captivating experience. 

The exploration of the ancient forest will be guided by the forest's rangers, local guides, and experienced tour guides from Umove Adventure.

Highlight

  • Trekking through the jungle
  • Paddling SUP on the most beautiful section of the Buoi River
  • Learning about the rich flora and fauna of Cuc Phuong National Park
  • Having professional and experienced tour guide
SUMMARY

  • Departure Point: Ha Noi

  • Duration: 2 days, 1 night

  • Destination: Ninh Binh

  • Activities: Trekking

  • Min : 2 people

  • Best time: Apr - Oct

  • Max : 15 people

  • Difficulty level: 7/10

ITINERARY
1st day: Ha Noi - Cuc Phuong forest (NP) - Trekking - Camping at Khanh Village

06:30 - Heading to Ninh Binh. Preparing your own breakfast to eat on the bus or at rest stops along the way. Upon arriving at Cuc Phuong, communicating with forest rangers and local guides, receiving instructions about the journey, and preparing gears for the adventure. Before entering the forest, we will visit the Primate Rescue Center to learn about research and rescue efforts by Cuc Phuong National Park.

Continue going by bus to Bong where we will prepare to get in the forest. Our trekking route through the jungle will take approximately 4 hours, mostly on rugged trails with few human footprints. Having a picnic lunch in the forest at a suitable stopping point.

Arriving at Khanh village - a village of the Muong ethnic people located on the outskirts of Cuc Phuong National Park. Having dinner and staying overnight at a homestay here.

* Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

 

2nd day: Playing Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) on Buoi River – Ha Noi

07:00 - Waking up and having breakfast at the homestay. After having breakfast with a cup of coffee or hot tea, we will go to the starting point for SUP by bus, this location is about 4km from the homestay. Paddling downstream and exploring one of the most beautiful sections of the Buoi River in Thanh Hoa province. The 5km stretch features stunning landscapes and winding sections along the cliffs of Cuc Phuong. You can swim in the river before boarding the bus to a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch, we will return to Hanoi by bus.

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

  • Round-trip bus: Ha Noi – Cuc Phuong forest (National Park) – Ha Noi
  • SUP and equipments
  • Trekking gear (trekking poles, gloves, leech repellent, first aid kit)
  • Meals as the schedule on the itinerary (1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner)
  • Homestay fees in Khanh village
  • Tour guides and forest rangers
  • Daily drinking water
  • Fee for entrance tickets
  • Travel insurance 

Exclusion:

  • Other kinds of beverage unlist in the tour program
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation fee before and after the trip
  • Beverages during meals

     

 

 

THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

Equipment provided by us:

  • Trekking poles
  • Trekking gloves
  • Insects preventation spray
  • 10L backpack 
  • First aid bag 

Essential stuff you need to bring: 

  • Trekking backpack 10L - 30L (if not borrow our backpack)
  • Trekking or hiking shoes
  • Summer: Quick-dry clothes, wide-brimmed hat
  • Winter: Waterproof windbreaker, sweater or fleece, thermal clothing, khaki or quick-dry pants, thermal pant
  • SUP paddling outfit: Long-sleeved swimwear (rashguard) or T-shirt and shorts
  • Cap or hat with a wide brim, sunscreen, sunglasses
  • Spare clothes
  • Flashlight
  • Knife or multitool
  • Personal medication
  • Towel, hand sanitizer gel, toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper
  • Dry bag
  • Phone, camera, power bank, suitable waterproof case, etc.
  • Water Bottle (1 liter)

Other items you may consider to bring:

  • For SUP paddling in hot weather, prepare a long-sleeved nylon T-shirt or long-sleeved rash guard (swimwear)
  • If wearing short-sleeved clothes, sunscreen is a must
  • Additionally, you’ll need undergarments and replacement clothes for the 2-day tour.
  • Bring a baseball cap (or wide-brimmed hat).  
TOUR EQUIPMENT
IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Trekking route in Cuc Phuong National Park

  • We will be walking for about 4 hours along forest trails, which are mostly unclear and quite overgrown in some areas. Although there are no significant elevations, the terrain of Cuc Phuong consists of tropical rainforests on limestone mountains. The landscape includes flat forest areas interspersed with limestone mountain forests, divided by shallow streams covered in slippery moss and jagged cat’s ear rocks. The terrain here is highly diverse. Though not difficult, it will still challenge you in its own way. The tropical rainforest is dense, with many trees providing cover.
  • This trip does not feature majestic landscapes or cloud-covered peaks like in the Northwest. Most of the exploration will take place under the large tree canopies, with some brighter forest areas where there are no large trees. Surrounding us will be nothing but trees and large trees.

2. Paddling SUP on Buoi River

  • Buoi River is not a large river, and its flow is quite gentle during the dry season. Even during the rainy season, it is not a difficult route, though there are one or two small rapids. As we will be paddling downstream with the flow, the 5km distance will not be a major challenge for most paddlers, even for those without experience. For safety, helmets and life jackets will be mandatory when paddling SUP.

3. Homestay

  • We will be staying at Khanh Village, with a Muong family in their traditional stilt house. We will sleep on the same floor, and each person will have their own mattress, blanket, and mosquito net. The homestay has hot water for bathing and clean toilets.

4. Food & Drinks

  • Aside from the picnic lunch in the forest, which will be a light packed meal including sandwiches, fruit, and dessert, the other meals will be hearty and served hot. Participants will need to bring their own water while trekking. At the starting point and the homestay, water will be available from large containers. 

5. Protecting the environment together

  • We supports and practices Leave No Trace principles in each program and outdoor activities itself. We also encourage our customers and partners to apply to Leave No Trace principles when traveling in the outdoor environment. See details about the Leave No Trace tại đây
  • In order to limit the use of single-use plastic, we encourages each of us to prepare for ourselves a bottle of water with a 1L capacity for daily water refilling.
  • On the tour, tourists comply with the instructions and regulations on environmental protection at the destination. 

6. Medical assistance

  • If you have cardiovascular disease or bone and joint diseases (knees, ankles, shoulder joints, etc.), you should consult your doctor before deciding to join the trip.