Thung Nham Bird Park: Things To Do & Travel Guide

Where and How to Get There?

Thung Nham Bird Park is located within the famous Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh. It is approximately 105 kilometers south of Hanoi, which takes about 2 hours by car.

From Hanoi, you have several options for transportation:

• Sleeper Bus: You can buy tickets to Ninh Binh city center at Giap Bat or My Dinh bus stations. Ticket prices range from 70,000 to 100,000 VND per person. After arriving, you must take a taxi to Thung Nham Bird Park.

• Taxi: If your budget allows, taxiing can be more convenient and save time. Taxi fares are about 8,000 to 10,000 VND per kilometer, so the total cost from Hanoi to Thung Nham will be around 850,000 to 1,050,000 VND.

How to get to Thung Nham Bird Park

• Motorbike Rental: The route from Hanoi to Thung Nham is quite easy to navigate, making it a great option to rent a motorbike. This allows you to enjoy the scenic views along the way. Rental prices start at around 150,000 VND per day.

If you choose to ride a motorbike, head south on National Highway 1A towards Ninh Binh city center, then take a southwest turn onto DT491 to reach Thung Nham.

Best Time To Visit

Thung Nham always offers a unique beauty in each season, attracting you with its rich diversity of bird species and serene natural scenery. Among the seasons, autumn (from mid-August to November) is considered the ideal time to explore this place.

From mid-August to November is the ideal time to visit Thung Nham

During this season, the weather becomes cool, helping you to admire Thung Nham at its most beautiful, with flocks of birds soaring through the sky in search of food and returning to their nests.

What to Do and to See?

Below are some activities we recommend when you visit Thung Nham Bird Park.

Boat To See Bird Park

Thung Nham Bird Sanctuary is situated amidst the cool, serene Tien Lake, covering an area of about 18 hectares. The lake here is picturesque and remains clear throughout the four seasons, allowing visitors to stroll and enjoy the scenery around it. You should take a boat deeper into the sanctuary, where the bird colonies reside, to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

Take a boat to watch the birds

Here, you may be amazed to encounter many bird species such as herons, storks, ducks, and various songbirds. There are two rare species listed in the Red Book: Anastomus oscitans and Hornbil. The bird population here reaches thousands, with approximately 5,000 nests belonging to 40 different species.

Explore The Beautiful Cave System

In addition to observing and learning about the rare bird species, you can also explore the caves in the area.

• Vai Gioi Cave

Vai Gioi Cave spans approximately 5,000 square meters and is located high up. What impresses visitors is the abundance of stalactites, which are divided into three sections: "The Earth," "The Underworld," and "Heaven."

Vai Gioi Cave

Many stalactites in Vai Gioi Cave resemble remnants of animal teeth and fish bones scattered throughout the cave. That gives you the feeling of stepping into an archaeological site filled with ancient traces.

• But Cave

This is a natural cave that stretches up to 500 meters, formed from limestone formations resembling a fairy sitting by the river. But Cave is entirely a natural cave, featuring a diverse array of stalactites and stalagmites in countless shapes and forms. Inside, you can find a variety of stalactite and stalagmite formations, showcasing the beauty of nature's artistry.

But Cave has a stone shape that resembles a fairy man

• Ba Co Cave

Ba Co Cave is one of the most beautiful caves in Thung Nham. It is associated with the legend of three girls from the ancient capital who discovered a magical water within the cave that saved the king's life. In their memory, the locals named the cave "Ba Co," which means "Cave of the Three Girls."

Ba Co is one of the most beautiful caves in Thung Nham

• Tien Ca Cave

Tien Ca Cave is a water cave that runs through the mountain, stretching over 1,500 meters. Inside, you'll find a diverse array of stalactites, and it is linked to the legend of a mermaid turned to stone. You can explore the cave by walking along a bamboo walkway.

Impressive stalactites in Tien Ca Cave 

Immerse In Thung Nham Flowers Valley

In addition to the bird park and cave system, the flower paradise is another place you should spend some time in Thung Nham. This flower valley covers over 800 square meters, featuring two central flower hills and surrounding flower gardens. 

Thung Nham Flowers Valley

A total of about 30 different flower varieties are planted here, distributed according to the seasons. No matter when you visit, this place is always vibrant with the colors of various flowers.

Visit Goi Dai Temple - Linh Than Mieu

Thung Nham also features sacred spiritual sites, including Goi Dai Temple and Linh Than Mieu. Located at the highest point near the hilltop, Goi Đai Temple is a revered site where locals often come to pray for peace and good fortune during festivals and special occasions.

Visit Goi Dai Temple

Linh Than Mieu honors a talented general, Duc Thanh Viet Vuong, who played a key role in defeating invaders to assist the king. After his death, he was revered by the people, who built a shrine in his memory at this location.

Linh Than Mieu worships a talented general of the Dinh dynasty.

Right next to the shrine is a thousand-year-old banyan tree, also known as the Moving Banyan Tree, because it has shifted approximately 20 meters from its original position.

Moving Millennia-old Banyan Tree

Travel Tips

To ensure a smooth trip, keep the following tips in mind:

• Bring sun protection items: Most of the beautiful sights in Thung Nham are outdoors, be sure to prepare items such as a wide-brimmed hat, an umbrella, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

• Stay safe on the boat: Remember to sit properly and always wear a life jacket to ensure the safety of yourself and other passengers on the boat.

• Protect the environment: Reducing litter in public areas to preserve the natural landscape and the living space of animals.

• Don’t forget your camera: Make sure to bring your camera to capture those amazing photos and memories!

Continue your reading journey with our piece on best places to visit Vietnam!

With its diverse wildlife and serene landscapes, Thung Nham Bird Park promises a memorable adventure that will leave you with lasting memories. Ready for your adventure? Get in touch with our NEW team for tailored Vietnam tours advice and essential travel tips. We're here to ensure you have an unforgettable experience!