Thung Nham Bird Park located in Ninh Binh’s lush landscapes, offers a serene escape for nature lovers, bird enthusiasts, and cultural explorers alike. From vibrant bird-watching opportunities to exploring unique caves like But Cave and Vai Gioi Cave, this park is an ecological haven. Discover the best times to visit and all the essential tips to plan your trip.
Where and how to get to Thung Nham Bird Park?
Thung Nham Bird Park is located at Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District. The entrance fee is 100,000 VND (approximately $4) per adult. The park is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. If you want to take a boat ride, here are 2 main routes and price tickets:
- 20.000 VND/person for a sharing boat ride to visit Buddha cave. A private boat with 2 persons
- 30.000 VND/ person for a sharing boat ride to visit bird park. A private boat with 10 persons.
As you step into this ecological wonderland, you’ll be greeted by limestone mountains embracing a pristine valley where over 40 species of birds make their home. The peaceful sanctuary spans 350 hectares, creating a perfect harmony between dense forests, serene lakes, and mystical caves. The sight of birds soaring through the karst peaks while their calls echo across the valley creates an enchanting atmosphere that feels worlds away from the bustling city life.
Getting to Thung Nham Bird Park from Ninh Binh city center is straightforward. You can rent a motorbike for about 150,000 VND per day and follow the well-marked roads for a 15-minute journey. Alternatively, a taxi ride costs around 200,000 VND.
For a more relaxed experience, booking a private guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace while gaining insights into the local ecosystem and hidden spots that might be otherwise overlooked.
Thung Nham Bird Park highlights
Thung Nham bird-watching area
The bird sanctuary reveals its true magic during feeding times when thousands of birds return to their nests. What makes this place unique is the wide variety of birds you can see, like beautiful white storks gracefully flying over the water and night herons diving down to catch fish. The surrounding scenery forms a natural bowl, with limestone mountains surrounding a calm lake below. Feel free to bring your cameras – this place provides great views without disturbing the birds in their homes. The morning mist floating over the lake gives your photos a dreamy touch, making this location a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.
But Cave
The But Cave stands out for its remarkable 250-meter length and uniquely formed chambers. What makes it special is the natural lighting phenomenon – as sunlight filters through small openings, it creates an enchanting play of light and shadow across the limestone formations. The most captivating feature is the collection of stalactites and stalagmites that local legends say resemble dragons and phoenixes.
Take a boat ride to But Cave
Vai Gioi Cave
What makes it extraordinary is its three distinct levels, each representing a different realm in Vietnamese mythology – heaven, earth, and the underworld. The cave’s formations create natural divisions between these realms, with the highest chamber featuring ethereal light streams and delicate formations representing heaven. The most fascinating aspect is how ancient residents used different cave levels for various purposes, from meditation to shelter, leaving behind traces of their presence that you can still see today. The cave’s natural ventilation system keeps air flowing smoothly, making it comfortable to explore even during peak summer months.
Goi Dai Temple
This hidden gem offers more than just spiritual significance. What sets it apart is its strategic location, providing the most comprehensive views of the entire bird park from its upper courtyard. The temple’s unique design incorporates elements from both 17th-century Vietnamese architecture and the surrounding karst landscape.
The ideal time to visit for bird-watching
For the most spectacular bird-watching experience, visit between September and March when migratory birds join the resident species. December to February brings rare species like black-faced spoonbills and painted storks. The weather during these months is also more comfortable with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C.
The best time to witness the birds is during their feeding times – early morning (6:00-8:00 AM) and late afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM).
Is it worth visiting Thung Nham Bird Park?
Thung Nham Bird Park offers a unique combination of natural beauty, wildlife observation, and cultural experiences that make it truly worth visiting. The scenery rivals the famous spots in Ninh Binh but with significantly fewer tourists, allowing for a more authentic experience. The well-maintained paths and facilities make it accessible for all ages, though some cave explorations require moderate fitness levels.
This destination particularly suits nature photographers, bird enthusiasts, and travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. The peaceful atmosphere provides a welcome contrast to the more crowded attractions in the region. While the bird activity varies by season, the stunning landscape ensures a rewarding visit year-round.
Nearby attractions
Trang An or Tam Coc are both excellent options for a boat tour through limestone karsts. Trang An lies just 3 kilometers from Thung Nham, roughly a 10-minute drive. A typical boat journey here lasts 2-3 hours, exploring caves and temples along the way. Meanwhile, Tam Coc is situated 7 kilometers away, about a 15-minute drive. Both destinations offer similar scenic beauty, but Trang An tends to be less crowded and includes more cave passages in its boat route.
Bich Dong Pagoda sits closest to Thung Nham, just 2 kilometers away or a 5-minute drive. This three-tiered ancient pagoda requires about 1 hour to explore thoroughly. The short distance makes it an ideal first or last stop when visiting Thung Nham.
Mua Cave, located 5 kilometers from Thung Nham (approximately 12 minutes by motorbike or car), makes for an excellent morning or late afternoon visit. The famous 500-step climb to the dragon viewpoint takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on your fitness level. Plan for at least 1.5 hours here to fully enjoy the panoramic views and take photos.
Suggested Ninh Binh 2-day tour including Thung Nham Bird Park
The itinerary below offers a good balance of activities and allows you to experience the best of Ninh Binh that you can take as a reference. If you want to get a private customized tour to Ninh Binh or further Vietnam, share with us your travel interests and get the quote by filling out this contact form or emailing [email protected].
Day 1: Hanoi – Bai Dinh Pagoda – Trang An boat ride
- Morning: Depart from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.
- Afternoon: Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of the largest Buddhist complexes in Vietnam.
- Late Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride at Trang An, cruising through stunning karst landscapes.
- Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore the local area.
Day 2: Cycling – Mua Cave – Thung Nham Bird Park
- Early Morning: Cycle around the village, immersing yourself in the peaceful countryside.
- Morning: Hike to Mua Cave, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Afternoon: Visit Thung Nham Bird Park, a unique nature reserve where you can observe a variety of bird species.
- Late Afternoon: Depart from Ninh Binh and return to Hanoi.
With its rich biodiversity, peaceful atmosphere, and scenic landscapes, Thung Nham Bird Park is well worth a visit for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and families seeking a unique adventure. Whether it’s witnessing migratory birds, exploring mystical caves, or soaking in the beauty of Vietnam’s countryside, this hidden gem promises a memorable experience.
