1. Why is Thung Nham Bird Garden an attractive tourist destination in Ninh Binh?
1.1. Geographical location and role in Ninh Binh tourism
Located within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Thung Nham Bird Garden is situated in Hai Nham village, Nam Hoa Lu commune, just about 5 km from Tam Coc – Bich Dong. With a total area of over 40 hectares, this place is considered a prominent ecological destination in the North, attracting significant interest from both domestic and international tourists.
Thung Nham is increasingly playing an important role on the Ninh Binh tourism map, becoming a convenient connecting point with nearby famous scenic spots. Tourists can easily combine a trip to Thung Nham Bird Garden with Tam Coc or Trang An. Since 2003, this area has focused on investing in the development of resort services, environmental education, and ecosystem conservation, creating a diverse ecological tourism experience.
1.2. Decoding the name Thung Nham and legends associated with the bird garden
The name 'Thung Nham' clearly reflects the geographical and cultural characteristics of this place. The word 'Thung' refers to a valley, while 'Nham' means mountain rock, describing the area's terrain as a deep valley surrounded by limestone mountains. The scenery of rivers and mountains blending together has formed a suitable environment for birds to gather.
Thung Nham Bird Garden is a gathering place for many precious bird species. (Source: Collection)
2. How to travel to Thung Nham Bird Garden in 2025
How to get from Hanoi to Thung Nham:
From Hanoi, visitors can choose to travel on the Hanoi – Ninh Binh expressway with a total length of 100 km, taking about 2 to 2.5 hours. You can use coaches, limousines, or taxis with prices ranging from 70,000 to 250,000 VND/person. For those who want more flexibility, choosing to drive a personal car will provide a proactive experience along with the opportunity to admire the scenery along the way.
After arriving in Ninh Binh, you can continue to take a taxi or rent a motorbike to travel to Thung Nham Bird Garden . The routes here are well-maintained and have clear signs, making it easy for visitors to access. If you want a slower experience, you can choose the local bus at an affordable price, but consider the waiting time for the bus.
Traveling by motorbike is both fast and economical. (Source: Collected)
Traveling within Ninh Binh to Thung Nham Bird Garden:
Once in Ninh Binh, reaching Thung Nham is very convenient with many different means of transport. Bicycles and electric cars are increasingly chosen by tourists, because they are environmentally friendly and allow you to immerse yourself in the natural space.
In addition, motorbike taxis and local taxis are always available to serve you at reasonable costs. The signage system is placed at main traffic points such as intersections (three-way, four-way), helping visitors easily identify the direction to Thung Nham Bird Garden or Thung Nham Ecological Tourist Area.
Directions from nearby famous attractions:
From Tam Coc – Bich Dong, it only takes you about 10 minutes by car or motorbike on the main road to reach Thung Nham Bird Garden. This route is very convenient for combining visits to two destinations in one day, saving time and optimizing costs. If starting from Trang An, the journey will take about 15 – 20 minutes following DT491B – Ninh Hai direction, with picturesque natural scenery on both sides of the road.
And if you want to continue your exploration, don't forget to visit Sun World Ha Nam, a modern entertainment complex less than an hour's drive from the old Ninh Binh center. This place offers a completely different experience with attractive games, vibrant festival atmosphere, and beautiful check-in spots, promising an interesting stop after leaving Thung Nham Bird Garden.
3. Discover the rich ecosystem at Thung Nham Bird Garden Ninh Binh
3.1. Diverse rare bird species
The ecosystem at Thung Nham Bird Garden is home to 46 bird species with a total population of tens of thousands of individuals. Among them are many rare species such as white storks, herons, night herons, teals, red cranes, greater adjutants, and little cormorants. Especially, species recorded in the Red Book such as cranes and greater adjutants are proof of the safe living environment and preserved wildness at Thung Nham.
Thung Nham is home to many precious bird species. (Source: Collected)
Each bird species here has its own unique characteristics. Flocks of white egrets often gather in large numbers, creating a vibrant scene as they fly over the lake. The white-necked crane, known for its elegant appearance, often appears in the early morning or late afternoon. The chirping of le le and giang sen blends with the sounds of the forest and mountains, creating a peaceful and lively atmosphere that can only be fully experienced at Thung Nham Bird Garden .
3.2. Flora, Fauna, and Natural Landscape
The vegetation at Thung Nham is very diverse, with many types of fruit trees such as jackfruit, lychee, longan, and custard apple, interspersed between the mangrove forest and the primary forest. The centuries-old duối tree still stands, a testament to the history and culture of this land. The richness of plant species not only creates a lush green landscape but also provides abundant food sources for bird flocks.
The mangrove forest, characterized by seasonal changes, creates a diverse habitat for many small animals and reptiles. The surrounding limestone mountain system not only creates a prominent landscape but also contributes to balancing the ecosystem here. It is the harmonious combination of these elements that has created a stable and sustainable ecosystem for Thung Nham Bird Garden .
3.3. Tien Lake and the Cave System within Thung Nham
Tien Lake is likened to the heart of Thung Nham Bird Garden , with its vast, calm water surface, it is a gathering place for wild bird flocks. The clear water reflects the blue sky and soaring birds, creating a peaceful and poetic scene. Visitors can experience kayaking or rowing boats themselves to explore every corner of the lake, capturing images of bird species in the serene atmosphere.
The cave system at Thung Nham promises many fascinating exploration experiences. Hang But, 500m long, allows visitors to take a boat trip to explore the shimmering stalactites and stalagmites under soft light. Tien Ca Cave, with a 1.2 km walk on a floating bridge, offers a new perspective on the limestone structure. Each cave, such as Vai Gioi Cave and Hang Ba Co, is associated with unique legends, adding cultural depth to the trip.
4. Discover Outstanding Experiences at Thung Nham Bird Garden 2025
4.1. Bird Watching by Boat
The period from 3 PM to 5 PM is the ideal time to witness tens of thousands of birds returning to their nests at Thung Nham Bird Garden . While sitting on a small boat navigating through reeds and tree canopies, visitors can feel the rhythm of nature along with the flapping of wings and the bustling sounds of various bird species. The scene of birds filling the sky over the mangrove forest creates a vivid natural picture, leaving a strong impression on anyone who visits.
The activity of rowing a boat to observe birds not only brings relaxation but also helps visitors broaden their understanding of nature. The guide will introduce each bird species, their living habits, and the value of biodiversity conservation. The image of bird flocks in the sunset will surely be an unforgettable mark on the journey to Thung Nham .
Take a boat ride to admire the peaceful and poetic scenery at Tien Lake. (Source: Collection)
4.2. Ecotours and Outdoor Activities
At Thung Nham Bird Garden, many ecotours are organized to suit different ages and interests. The picnic area with vibrant flower gardens and vast fruit orchards is a suitable place for picnics, fruit picking, or weekend camping. Families can enjoy meals together amidst beautiful natural scenery, while children can freely explore and play outdoors.
Environmental education tours for students and organized groups are an opportunity to raise awareness about nature conservation. Guides will share knowledge about flora and fauna, ecological life cycles, and emphasize the importance of conservation. Tours often combine visits to bird gardens, caves, boat rowing experiences, and local cuisine tasting, providing visitors with a rich and complete experience.
4.3. Explore Caves & Primary Forest
Exploring the cave system at Thung Nham Bird Garden is an exciting journey with various options. But Cave and Ba Co Cave allow visitors to experience moving by boat through a magical water space. Tien Ca Cave and Vai Gioi Cave, with an area of up to 5,000m², are divided into three spatial levels, suitable for those who enjoy hiking and admiring the natural beauty of stalactites.
The primary forest surrounding the caves is an ideal place for check-in photos with unique scenery. The stone path winding through the forest, the clear blue lake reflecting the sky, and the majestic limestone mountains create a poetic landscape. Many beautiful photos at Thung Nham have been shared and spread on social media, contributing to making this place a favorite destination for young people and photographers.
5. Updated Ticket Prices and Opening Hours at Thung Nham Bird Garden
Updated Ticket Information 2025:
The ticket price list for Thung Nham Bird Garden is divided by visitor height and age. Adults over 1.3m tall will purchase tickets at a price of 150,000 VND/person, children from 1m to 1.3m tall are priced at 100,000 VND/person, and children under 1m will receive free admission. This pricing policy facilitates families with young children to visit together.
Large groups, schools, or international visitors receive special discounts and need to contact management directly for suitable arrangements. Combo tour packages include guide services to help visitors better understand the ecological and cultural values of the area.
Opening Hours and Accompanying Services:
Thung Nham Bird Garden adjusts its opening hours seasonally to suit the climate and the birds' living habits. During summer, from April to October, the tourist area welcomes visitors from 7 AM to 6 PM. In winter, from November to March, operating hours are from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, ensuring visitors have enough time for experiences and safe travel.
Thung Nham Bird Garden entrance ticket prices are reasonable, suitable for many visitors. (Source: Collection)
Services at Thung Nham are very diverse, including boat rowing, knowledgeable local guides, and a restaurant system serving specialty dishes such as mountain goat, wild vegetables, and burnt rice. Visitors can choose to stay within the area with homestay, stilt house, or eco-resort models, suitable for those who want to fully enjoy the space and scenery at Thung Nham Bird Garden .
6. Pocket useful experiences and tips when visiting Thung Nham Bird Garden
Ideal time to watch birds:
From around 3 PM to 5 PM is the most suitable time to observe birds returning to their nests at Thung Nham Bird Garden . At this time, tens of thousands of birds fly amidst the sunset sky, creating a vibrant and unforgettable scene. Additionally, early morning from 6 AM to 8 AM is also ideal for observing bird species starting their day and searching for food.
Seasonally, from September to April is the period when the largest number of birds gather at Thung Nham , with cool weather suitable for sightseeing activities. Avoid prolonged rainy days as they can affect bird activity and visitor experience. Dry periods like from November to March are very convenient for photography and sightseeing due to stable weather and good visibility.
Clothing and items to prepare:
To ensure a smooth visit to Thung Nham Bird Garden , you should choose light clothing in neutral colors such as gray, brown, or green to avoid attracting the attention of birds. Sports shoes with good grip will be suitable for moving on trails or areas near the lake.
Choose suitable attire for beautiful photos at Thung Nham Bird Garden. (Source: Collected)
Bring sun protection and insect repellent items such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent to protect your health. Drinks, a camera with a telephoto lens, and a power bank will help you capture impressive moments at Thung Nham Bird Garden.
Environmental protection awareness – code of conduct at the conservation area:
Protecting the environment and respecting nature are important principles that every tourist should note when visiting Thung Nham Bird Garden. Absolutely do not litter, especially plastic bags and bottles, to avoid negatively impacting wildlife. It is advisable to prepare a trash bag to take back and dispose of properly, contributing to preserving the natural beauty of the area.
When observing and photographing birds, maintain a reasonable distance, avoid making noise or sudden movements that could disturb the birds. Do not feed wildlife or interfere with their habitat. Adhering to the guidelines and regulations of the conservation area will help ensure the safety of both yourself and the local ecosystem.
Thung Nham Bird Garden is an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking a pristine, peaceful ecological space. Visitors can take a boat trip through the waterways, watch flocks of birds return to their nests at sunset, or explore But Cave, fruit orchards, and enjoy rustic cuisine amidst the fresh air. If you have the chance to visit Ninh Binh, you should not miss the experience at Sun World Ha Nam entertainment area, now part of Ninh Binh, to make your trip more complete. These green resort experiences here not only help you relax but also leave a deep impression of Ninh Binh's biodiversity. Let's share your feelings about this wonderful nature exploration journey!
