Early April marks the breeding season for butterfly and firefly species at the national park in Ninh Binh Province, but this year the season started early after the weather in the north became warmer sooner than usual, according to staff.
The high humidity this year also helped caterpillars grow faster and turn into butterflies earlier than expected.
Photo by Dang Foto
Hanh Hanh, a visitor from Hanoi, said the best spots to find them have been near the parking area at the Nguoi Xua (Ancient People) Cave entrance and around the lake by the park gate.
Because a road runs through the forest, visitors can stop anywhere along the way to take photos.
Photo by whereizhanhan
Cuc Phuong has 400 butterfly species, including swallowtails, atlas moth and powder pieridae, with white and yellow butterflies being the most common.
The season lasts until late May.
Photo by whereizhanhan
On April 7 visitors lined up at the Ancient Man Cave entrance to photograph the butterflies.
Staff said the park is busy even on weekdays.
Visitors in April said crowds and traffic were already building by around 10 a.m. on weekdays.
For the best experience, visitors from Hanoi should leave by 5 a.m. to reach the park by 7:30 a.m. and avoid the crowds.
Butterflies are easier to photograph before the sun gets too hot since they tend to shelter in the shade as temperatures rise.
Photo by Nhan Hung
Video by Hung Phan
The park's giant taro plants have also become an attraction. At Cuc Phuong, these plants grow in clusters up to four meters tall and with leaves as long as 1.5 meters. But visitors need to watch since its sap can irritate the skin.
Photo by Linh Vu
April is a good time to see fireflies at night. Firefly tours run from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Visitors can stay overnight at Cong Rung Hotel at the park entrance, where rooms cost between VND500,000 and VND800,000 ($19 to $30). Bookings can be made at the park's front desk.
Photo by Dang Foto
A road shaded by trees runs through Cuc Phuong's forest. Visitors who want to explore on their own can rent a motorbike for VND250,000 ($9).
For a day trip, the best plan is to arrive early and leave around 2 - 3 p.m. Entry tickets cost VND60,000 ($2.30) per person, and parking ranges from VND20,000 to VND30,000 (80 cents to $1.15).
Photo by Dang Foto
Besides butterflies, visitors can also spot larger animals in the forest, like this spotted deer.
The park is working on a long-term plan to bring back animal populations and restore ecosystems. By 2050 it hopes to have a forest where animals and plants interact the way they naturally would.
Photo by Dang Foto
