According to Pham Kien Cuong, Director of the national park’s Centre for Environmental Education and Services, between April and May is the most enchanting time of year at Cuc Phuong National Park, when over 400 butterfly species burst into colour, and millions of butterflies fill the air in a dazzling array of hues.
Cuc Phuong National Park is home to around 400 butterfly species (Photo by Kien Cuong)
Butterflies take about 30 days or more to reach adulthood, depending on the environment. Most butterfly species live from a week to nearly a year in adulthood.
Butterflies are most concentrated in the area from Forest Protection Station 2 onward into the deeper forest.
The butterfly season at Cuc Phuong National Park is between April and May (Photo by Kien Cuong)
Visitors are advised to visit Cuc Phuong during the week when the forest is quieter and less crowded to see butterflies.
Linh Nga from Nam Dinh said that she was highly impressed by the beauty of Cuc Phuong, particularly the butterflies, on her first visit there.
The park has restricted large vehicles from entering the forest during holidays and festivals to protect the butterflies. Visitors are also advised not to harm or disturb the butterflies while observing them.
Visitors are also advised not to harm or disturb the butterflies (Photo by Thanh Binh)
At this time of year, tourists to Cuc Phuong can also enjoy unique eco-tours, from watching fireflies light up the ancient forest at night to spotting rare wildlife like deer, pangolins, and jungle cats, or exploring the park’s rich ecosystems and conservation efforts.
Millions of butterflies fill the air in a dazzling array of hues (Photo by Thanh Binh)
Le Phuong from Hanoi shared that people wanting the best butterfly pictures should bring something sweet, like sponge cake, sweets, or bread. The more fragrant it is, the more butterflies will gather around.
People should wear quiet, comfortable shoes and walk calmly when watching butterflies, Phuong advised
