VI
EN
It was a tiny, flickering light in the night, the feeling of sitting outside in the yard, gazing up at the silent specks of light drifting across the sky. And so, one day in early May, he, his wife, and their two young children decided to set off for Cuc Phuong National Park – where the forest was in full bloom with butterflies and fireflies – to rediscover that light of yesteryear.
Cuc Phuong National Park in May awaits with many "gifts" from nature.
Butterflies fill the paths, transforming the forest into a symphony of colors.
Not everyone knows that the period from late April to mid-May is when Cuc Phuong National Park is at its most spectacular. The first summer rains awaken the verdant green of the ancient forest, butterflies bloom profusely everywhere, and as the sun sets, Cuc Phuong transforms into a stage for fireflies – a mysterious light rarely seen in modern cities.
"Initially, I just wanted to take pictures of fireflies. But the trip exceeded expectations, as the whole family enjoyed a slow-paced experience in the forest, and the children got to see butterflies and fireflies for the first time – creatures that city kids now only see in fairy tales," Nhật recounted.
The tall, overgrown bushes of taro make visitors feel like they've stepped into a cartoon.
As soon as they entered the forest, passing through the ancient trees and amidst tall, dense bushes, the whole family was greeted by a scene like something out of a fairy tale. “Butterflies filled the air. Hundreds, thousands of white, yellow, and orange butterflies fluttered in the sunlight filtering through the leaves. It felt like we were sitting in the front row watching a vibrant performance that nature had staged just for us,” he said.
A moment of tranquility in the deep forest, with only butterflies and the whispering of the wind.
Cuc Phuong during butterfly season is unlike anywhere else. Butterflies are so numerous here that they blanket the entire path, landing on shoulders and hands. "To see beautiful butterflies, just 'walk softly, speak quietly, and breathe evenly.' Butterflies are very sensitive to noise, so the more gentle you are, the closer you are to their world," Nhat noted.
Butterflies are so numerous here that they blanket the entire road, landing on shoulders and arms.
Stars fly through the silent forest.
As dusk fell and darkness enveloped the forest, Nhật's family continued their journey into the night forest – the part he was most nervous about before the trip. “I thought I would be scared walking through the dark forest. But strangely, I felt an unusual sense of peace. The whole forest was silent, only the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves and the chirping of insects could be heard.”
The faded light of childhood now shines brightly amidst the Cuc Phuong forest.
And then, the first light appeared – a tiny speck, like a fragile ray of light in the darkness. Then the second, the third... “Just a few minutes later, the whole forest seemed to be illuminated by hundreds of tiny stars fluttering about. I got goosebumps from emotion. It was so beautiful. So magical. And surprisingly, it reminded me of the feeling I had as a little boy years ago, sitting and watching fireflies fly in my garden,” he recalled.
The whole family stood in silence for a long time. No one said anything. No one rushed to take pictures. They just wanted to preserve that moment perfectly.
The entire group held their breath as the fireflies soared upwards together like a miniature Milky Way.
For Mr. Nhat, this was a worthwhile experience not only for the scenery, but also for the feeling of reconnecting with nature – a "precious moment of tranquility" in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. He shared: "For adults, it's an opportunity to slow down and breathe more deeply. For children, it's the most vivid lesson about the natural world – where everything is always more beautiful than on screen."
Tips for a fulfilling experience at Cuc Phuong National Park
Butterfly viewing: It's best to go during the day, especially early morning or late afternoon – when butterflies are most active. After rain or on sunny days, the number of butterflies will be higher.
Firefly viewing: The ideal time is from 7 PM to 9 PM. Use a dim light or a red light to avoid scaring them. Walk softly and remain quiet so the fireflies can fly out more naturally.
Preparation: Bring plenty of water, mosquito repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing and closed-toe shoes for hiking in the forest. Most importantly, leave no trash behind, minimize the use of plastic bottles, and keep the forest pristine as a gift for future visitors.
In nature, we learn to walk slowly, breathe deeply, and observe with our hearts.
"The most important thing is to maintain a relaxed attitude. Don't expect or demand too much from nature. Just open your heart, and you will receive more than you imagine," Mr. Nhat said.
