A nocturnal spectacle: Chasing fireflies in Cuc Phuong forest

Tourists and photographers are flocking to Cuc Phuong National Park to witness and capture images of thousands of fireflies glowing at night.

Quang Anh shared that he was overwhelmed to witness thousands of tiny lights twinkling and dancing around ancient tree trunks. "It felt like being in a real fairy tale", Quang Anh said.

From April to June, when humidity is high and temperatures are favorable, fireflies appear in their highest density. Many tourists and photographers travel to Cuc Phuong National Park to "hunt" for this rare moment. Without complex equipment, they follow trails, turn off lights or use only dim light, and wait patiently.

The forest corner of Bom village, 20 km from the Cuc Phuong park gate, was filled with fireflies, as captured by Doan Quang Anh, 25 years old, living in Hanoi, at 6 p.m. on 10/4.

Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, are brown, soft-bodied insects. Their wings are often harder than other beetles. They produce a greenish-yellow light through a specialized chemical reaction in their abdomen. The purpose of this light is to lure prey and, more importantly, to attract mates during the breeding season.

Visitors pose for photos amidst the firefly-filled environment at Cuc Phuong National Park on 7/4. Photo: Pham Doi

The shimmering light of the firefly swarm illuminated the bridge leading to the Cave of Ancient Man.

Located 120 km south of Hanoi, Cuc Phuong National Park was established in 1962. It spans three provinces: Ninh Binh, Phu Tho, and Thanh Hoa, covering a total area of 22,408 ha deep within the Tam Diep mountain range. With its rich natural landscape and biodiversity, Cuc Phuong has long been an ideal ecotourism destination for visitors.

Firefly hunting in Cuc Phuong forest. Video: Quang Anh

Around 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., when darkness fully descends, the entire forest seems to "come alive". Thousands of glowing spots flicker in their own rhythm, sometimes dense, sometimes sparse, creating a natural "light show". Tree trunks and bushes become the backdrop for these moving streaks of light.

To photograph fireflies, one needs a tripod, a camera with a wide-angle lens, a large aperture setting, and knowledge of long exposure photography techniques.

"The most difficult thing is not the technique, but patience and respect for nature", Quang Anh said.

During a firefly hunting trip at Cuc Phuong National Park on the evening of 7/4, photographer Pham Doi joined a tour organized by the park management. Led by forest rangers deep into the forest for about 2 hours, he captured many impressive moments.

Notably, the chestnut forest (pictured), about 100 m from the trail, where thousands of fireflies emitted light, created an enchanting scene in the night.

{"caption_all":"Cac buc anh "San dom dom o rung Cuc Phuong" duoc dang tai tren nhieu nen tang mang, thu hut hang nghin binh luan va chia se. Mot so tai khoan de lai binh luan da lau roi chua nhin thay dom dom, hinh anh goi lai ky uc tuoi tho vung nong thon vai thap nien truoc khi den dien chua pho bien.nnTrong nghien cuu cong bo thang 8/2022 tren tap chi Royal Society Open Science, nhom cua Avalon Owens va Sara M. Lewis cho thay do anh huong boi thuoc tru sau, toc do do thi hoa nhanh da tac dong den moi truong song, tap tinh lam so luong dom dom giam manh. Su suy giam nay dien ra am tham nhung keo dai, khien so luong dom dom trong tu nhien ngay cang giam manh, tham chi dung truoc nguy co bien mat o nhieu khu vuc.","caption_items":"["",""]"}

Quang Anh suggests that visitors can join a night tour organized by Cuc Phuong National Park. Following forest rangers deep into the forest, they will find areas where fireflies are abundant and less affected by artificial light.

For independent travelers, staying until around 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. to observe fireflies before leaving, or staying at the Bom central area or Mac lake, allows for a more relaxed experience of the forest at night.

The management board of Cuc Phuong National Park advises visitors not to use high-power flashlights, not to catch fireflies, and to limit noise when visiting at night.