<p>Established by Ho Chi Minh in <strong>1962</strong>, Cuc Phuong was Vietnam’s first national park and it remains a <em><strong>wild jewel in the north of the country</strong></em>. The heavily forested subtropical lowlands shelter 135 mammal species, 336 bird species and <strong>2234 species of plants</strong>. Some of the park’s most rare mammals include the clouded leopard, and <strong>Asian black bears</strong>. The park is as rich in beauty as it is in biodiversity.&nbsp;</p> <p>Dozens of trails lead to highlights such as <strong>Giao Thuy waterfall</strong> and <strong>Con Moong Cave</strong>, where evidence of prehistoric humans has been discovered. After spending two days exploring this wild place, guests will proceed to <strong>Ninh Binh</strong>, which is famous for its jutted karst formations and lush green rice paddies. Activities here include visits to <strong>Hoa Lu </strong>– the site of Vietnam’s first capital – and <strong>Van Long Nature Reserve</strong>, an&nbsp;expansive wetland where a boat trip by traditional sampan reveals extensive flora and fauna.</p> <p>This episode is also available as a <a href="http://railwaycafe.travel.blog/2021/11/18/the-incredible-ecosystem-of-cuc-phuong-national-park/" target="_blank"><strong>blog post</strong></a>: http://railwaycafe.travel.blog/2021/11/18/the-incredible-ecosystem-of-cuc-phuong-national-park/</p>