Walking through Cuc Phuong, touching the breath of the forest

Go home"

Amidst the vibrant summer sunshine of June, where travel often calls for the sea, I chose a different path - to "home", Cuc Phuong National Park. Every three months, I return to "motherland" once. The forest is like a second home to me, where, every time I step in, I am always welcomed by Her cool, gentle arms.

I stopped at the gate to buy a ticket, then drove my motorbike along the asphalt road, with lush green forests on both sides. I had no idea where this road would take me. Unlike previous times, I carefully researched all the necessary information for each trip. This time, it was just an idea that flashed when I suddenly remembered my dream or always in my heart, "I will go to all the national parks, go to all the forests of Vietnam!". So Cuc Phuong appeared, and the trip was carried out as soon as I arrived in Ninh Binh. Excited like a child about to go home, I kept my eyes wide open, my mouth open in excitement, letting the cold wind blow on my face and fill my fragrant hair.

The first national park

Deep in the Tam Diep mountain range, Cuc Phuong National Park is located on the border of three special regions of Vietnam: the Northwest, the Red River Delta and the North Central Coast, belonging to the three provinces of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa. With the title of the first national park established in the country, Cuc Phuong has affirmed its special and important position in the country's nature conservation system.

With a large forest area of ​​up to 22,408 hectares, Cuc Phuong is proud to own a special forest with beautiful natural landscapes and rich ecosystems. Coming here, visitors will be immersed in the majestic scenery of majestic mountains and green valleys, creating a wild and enchanting natural picture.

However, Cuc Phuong is not only beautiful in nature but also possesses incredible cultural and historical values. This area was once home to Vietnamese residents thousands of years ago, as evidenced by ancient skeletons discovered in the caves. The museum in the national park also introduces the unique diversity of flora and fauna of Cuc Phuong, contributing to the uniqueness and value of this place. At the same time, Cuc Phuong also plays an important role in the conservation and research of rare flora and fauna. With a large limestone cave system, this national park provides an ideal habitat for many animal species, including endangered species.

When should I go to Cuc Phuong?

According to the rangers, Cuc Phuong has the characteristics of a tropical rainforest, the ideal time to explore here is usually during the dry season from December to April. Avoiding traveling during the rainy season is a smart choice, because during this time the humid air, mosquitoes, and leeches can cause difficulties and limit your trekking experience as well as your recreational activities.

"Instead of coming in the rainy season, choose a vacation in the dry season to enjoy more of Cuc Phuong's wonderful natural beauty. The dry weather and fresh air will create favorable conditions for exploring the trails, participating in outdoor activities, and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the primeval forest," a ranger at the park shared.

Walking in the middle of motherland

I walked along the small paths, feeling each step I took on the dry leaves rustling gently. The birdsong echoed in the air, like a beautiful natural song. Stopping, looking up at the deep blue sky, enjoying the sunlight shining through the treetops, I felt the rays of sunlight caressing my face.

I stood in front of an ancient tree, wrapped my arms around the trunk, and placed my hands on the rough brown bark. I felt the strength and resilience of the tree, having gone through many springs and winters, receiving sunlight, rain and wind for hundreds of years. The scars on the trunk were the marks of life, witnesses to the strength and the ability to overcome all difficulties.

Every breath I take is a part of the forest, a blend of the breath of the trees and my own. Freshness and purity fill each breath I take, like a powerful medicine for the soul. The lush green moss covering the rocks, the tree branches swaying in the wind, all create the feeling of stepping into a fairyland.

Forest bathing, calm your mind

The Japanese have an interesting concept called “forest bathing”. This term in Japanese is called “Shinrin yoku”, and in English is “forest bathing”. “Shinrin yoku” can be understood as letting the body and soul relax, washing in the atmosphere of the forest with all the senses. When going far enough, separate from the daily routine, we will have the necessary silence, to calmly look back, listen to what we really want.

Forest bathing is not just about stopping and immersing myself in the beauty of nature, but also a journey back to my true self. In that moment, my mind is freed. My confused thoughts and petty worries gradually disappear. I am aware that I am also a part of nature, not just a passerby but a truly connected person.

I continued walking, continuing to explore deeper into the forest. Cuc Phuong is very different from the Southern forests I have been to: rich and diverse flora and fauna, a beauty of old age, immense vastness. A place I want to belong to, and return to many more times.

Article and photos: Ha Mai Trinh