Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam, has been named the winner of ‘Asia’s Leading National Park 2022’ by the World Travel Awards, which acknowledges, rewards, and celebrates excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Vietnam’s first and largest national park honored such a title.

Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam's oldest and largest national park. Photo: The Park

Covering an area of 22,000ha in northern Vietnam, Cuc Phuong National Park, which is about 130km from Hanoi, is a rich and diverse fauna and flora, drawing a number of researchers, naturalists, enthusiasts, and conservationists to this corner of the world.

Established in 1962, visitors to the park are offered a chance to explore Vietnam’s oldest national park, panoramic views of mountaintop and national limestone cliffs, opportunity to visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, and explore ancient artifacts at Cave of Prehistoric Man.

A visitor with nickname JSTrip_77 from Colorado, the US wrote for Tripadvisor: “The park is quite hilly but going at a bike pace allowed us to really enjoy the natural beauty of the place. Cave of the Prehistoric Man is well worth a stop. There were many random big trees I found even more impressive. The butterflies are amazing in the park.”

Duong from Hanoi said: “The forest itself is magical at night with fireflies and enchanted with beautiful plants and butterflies.”

According to Lion & Kitten Travel from Melbourne, Australia, a few hours drive from Hanoi, “it felt like a world away from the noise and bustle. Beautiful old trees in the rainforest are sure to please nature lovers, as well as hikers with some longer treks available.”

Sharing the same idea, Gillian C said: “Beautiful and peaceful place to visit after hectic Hanoi.” Meanwhile, Mark C from Minnesota, the US exclaimed “Great location within 3 hours of Hanoi,” and “very beautiful park with many trails to walk and enjoy the beauty along with the wildlife.”

Meanwhile, Walid R from Hamina, Finland, simply said: “Truly a wonderful place to see, a must-visit place for nature lovers.”

Taking care of leaf monkeys at Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC), Cuc Phuong National Park. Photo: Ngoc Thach

At the 2022 World Travel Awards, Vietnam earned the title of ‘Asia’s Leading Destination’ and ‘Asia’s Leading Natural Destination’ thanks to amazing natural beauty combined with world-class levels of hospitality, stated the organizer.

Hanoi claimed the top prize for ‘Asia’s Leading City Break Destination’, Ho Chi Minh City won the award for ‘Asia’s Leading Business Travel Destination’, Hoi An was selected for ‘Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination’, and Danang was named ‘Asia's Leading Festival & Event Destination.’

The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines won the prestigious accolade of ‘Asia’s Leading Airline Brand’ and ‘Asia’s Leading Airline – Economy Class.’

Graham Cooke, Founder of the World Travel Awards, said: “Vietnam is not only a tremendously exciting destination within Asia, but I believe it will soon become a tourism destination on the global stage. We foresee an era of unprecedented growth as more brands and tourism development products are attracted to the nation.”

Cycling in Cuc Phuong National Park. Photo: The Park