Quick Overview
Tucked away inside the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, Thung Nham Bird Park is one of Ninh Binh’s most enchanting hidden gems. Home to more than 40 species of birds thriving among limestone mountains, tropical forests, and tranquil wetlands, this serene valley feels like a living postcard of Vietnam’s wild beauty.
Glide through mysterious caves on a wooden boat, listen to the chorus of birds echoing through the cliffs, and breathe in the stillness that makes Thung Nham Bird Park a peaceful escape for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a moment of calm away from the crowds.
What Makes Thung Nham Bird Park Special
Unlike the crowded tourist trails of Ninh Binh, Thung Nham Bird Park is quiet — almost spiritual. It’s where time slows down, and every sound feels amplified: the rustle of bamboo leaves, the splash of an oar, the hum of cicadas.
Here’s what you can experience:
- Bird Valley Boat Ride – Glide across still waters surrounded by limestone peaks while thousands of birds return to roost.
- Mystical Caves – Wander through Tien Ca (Mermaid) Cave and Buddha Cave, each echoing ancient legends of the region.
- The Ancient Banyan Tree – Over 1,000 years old, it stands like a guardian at the heart of the park.
- Orchid & Flower Gardens – A peaceful walk bursting with color and fragrance.
It’s not just a sightseeing stop — it’s a journey into Vietnam’s wild, poetic heart.
Opening hours, ticket prices & boat schedule
Opening hours
- Summer: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Winter: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Some sources mention extended hours until 22:00 for the ecotourism zone, but bird-park activities are narrower.
Thung Nham Ticket prices
- Adults & children ≥ 1.3 m: 150,000 VND
- Children between 1.0 m and 1.3 m: 100,000 VND
- Children under 1.0 m: Free
- Ticket includes both boat ride into the bird park and access to But Cave / Buddha Cave.
- The quoted price includes 10% VAT.
Where is Thung Nham Bird Park & How to get there?
- Location: Thung Nham Bird Park – located in Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, about 5 km from Tam Coc and 12 km from Ninh Binh city center. The park is roughly 100 km south of Hanoi, making it an easy and scenic day trip for travelers looking to escape the city’s buzz.
👉 See: Thung Nham Ecotourism Zone – Ninh Binh on Google Map
How to get to Thung Nham bird park by car / taxi
- From Ninh Binh city: ~25–30 minutes by private car or taxi.
- From Hanoi: expect ~2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
By motorbike (route + safety)
- Motorbike enthusiasts often ride from Tam Coc, Trang An or Ninh Binh city along rural backroads.
- Be cautious: some stretches may be narrow, dusty, or less maintained. Early morning departure is safer and more comfortable.
How to get by Bus to Thung Nham
- There’s no direct public bus to Thung Nham Bird Park. You can take a bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh bus station(or Tam Coc, Trang An), then arrange local transport (taxi or motorbike).
👉 Read Full travel guide here: How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Things to Do in Thung Nham Bird Park Ninh Binh
Beyond birdwatching, Thung Nham Bird Park offers a range of eco-activities:
Boat Tours Through Wetlands
- Navigate narrow waterways in a sampan boat, passing under limestone cliffs, over mirrored water, and through clusters of flooded trees. The pilot stops at vantage points so you can observe birds without startling them.
Explore Caves & Karst Features
- But Cave (Buddha Cave): ~500m of narrow passages, stalactite formations, underground stream.
- Vai Gioi Cave: Reachable after climbing ~439 steps. Offers sweeping views of the valley
- Mermaid Cave: smaller cave chambers, often reachable via boat + short walk.
Walking Trails & Scenic Viewpoints
- Paths through fruit orchards, flooded forests, and ridges bring you to panoramic overlooks. The famous 1,000-year-old banyan tree is a photographic highlight.
Cycling & village visit
- You can rent a bicycle to traverse garden trails, orchard areas, and forest zones.
- Ride through rural villages near the park to experience local life, rice paddies, and small temples.
- A cycle loop from Tam Coc through the countryside to Thung Nham Bird Garden is popular among active travelers.
Birdwatching & Photography
- Bring your zoom lens and patience—this is one of Vietnam’s most reliable sites to photograph wild birds in natural habitat.
Best time & birdwatching tips
Wondering when to catch the most spectacular bird scenes in Thung Nham Bird Park? The ideal time to visit is from October to March, extending slightly into April and May, when both resident and migratory birds are most active.
🕐 Daily Schedule
- For the best birdwatching experience, head out early in the morning (5–7 AM) or late in the afternoon (4–6 PM) — these golden hours offer perfect light and lively bird activity.
🌅 Golden Hour Highlights
- Morning: Soft sunlight and calm weather make it the best time for photography.
- Afternoon: Watch hundreds of storks and herons gracefully return to their nests — a truly magical sight at dusk.
🔍 Pro Tips for Visitors: Bring binoculars, wear neutral-colored clothing, and keep your voice low to avoid startling the birds.
👉 For more detailed insights on planning your trip, check out our Best time to visit Ninh Binh guide
Nearby Attractions & Itinerary Ideas from Thung Nham Bird Park
To make the most of your trip, combine Thung Nham Bird Park with other top attractions in the Ninh Binh region.
Here are suggested half-day and full-day itineraries:
Tam Coc — “Halong Bay on Land”
Just 5 km from Thung Nham Bird Park, Tam Coc offers breathtaking rice field boat rides along the Ngo Dong River. You can start your morning here and then continue to Thung Nham in the afternoon for birdwatching at sunset.
- Highlights: Limestone cliffs, rice paddies, Ngo Dong River
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Best combo: Morning Tam Coc boat → Afternoon Thung Nham Bird Garden
Mua Cave — Iconic Ninh Binh Viewpoint
For panoramic photography lovers, Mua Cave is a must. Climb over 500 steps for a sweeping view of Tam Coc valley.
- Distance: ~7 km
- Best time: Early morning or late afternoon for golden light
- Combine tip: Visit after Thung Nham Bird Park for sunset views
Bai Dinh Pagoda — The Largest Pagoda in Vietnam
A spiritual highlight, Bai Dinh Pagoda features hundreds of Buddha statues and panoramic views of the limestone ranges.
- Distance: ~20 km (30–40 minutes drive)
- What to see: Great Buddha Hall, Arhat corridor, ancient pagoda site
- Best for: Cultural travelers & families.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital — Historical Landmark
Step back into the 10th century at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Vietnam’s first capital. It’s perfect for history buffs interested in the Dinh and Le dynasties.
- Distance from Thung Nham: ~12 km
- Highlights: Dinh King Temple, Le King Temple
- Best combo: Morning Hoa Lu → Afternoon Thung Nham Bird Garden → Evening return to Ninh Binh.
Trang An Landscape Complex — UNESCO Heritage Site
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is a network of caves, waterways, and ancient temples.
- Distance: ~15 km (25 minutes by car)
- What to do: Take a 2–3 hour boat trip through limestone caves
- Best combo: Morning Trang An → Lunch → Afternoon Thung Nham Bird Park.
Bich Dong Pagoda — Hidden Cave Temple
Often called the “Second Most Beautiful Grotto Under the Sky,” Bich Dong Pagoda is a serene complex built into a limestone mountain, featuring three ancient temples (Ha, Trung, and Thuong).
- Distance from Thung Nham: ~3 km (10 minutes by motorbike)
- Why visit: Peaceful atmosphere, cave pagoda architecture, lotus pond views
- Combine tip: Visit Bich Dong before your Thung Nham boat trip.
Thai Vi Temple — Ancient Heritage Among Rice Fields
Located near Tam Coc, Thai Vi Temple honors Tran dynasty kings and features beautiful stone architecture surrounded by rice paddies.
- Distance: ~4 km
- Highlights: Stone-carved temple, traditional festivals (March lunar month)
- Combine tip: Ideal short stop between Tam Coc and Thung Nham Bird Park.
📍 For a complete overview of the best sights, local favorites, and travel tips across the province, check out our curated guide: Things to do in Ninh Binh
Suggested 1-Day Itinerary Example
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👉 Pro tip: If you’re short on time, many agencies offer Ninh Binh 1 Day Tours combining highlights like Tam Coc, Mua Cave, and Thung Nham Bird Park in a single day. Perfect for visitors coming from Hanoi or day-trippers.
👉 Or build your own Ninh Binh 1 day itinerary with help from our local team.
Practical Tips & What to Pack
👟 Wear comfortable walking shoes / boots.
☀️ Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
🦟 Insect repellent (mosquitoes are active near water).
🔦 Flashlight for cave exploration (some caves have no lighting).
🔭 Binoculars or camera with telephoto lens.
💵 Cash (no ATMs inside).
💧 Water (1–2 L).
✔ Respect silence in nesting zones, follow guide instructions.
FAQs about
How long should I allocate for a visit?
- 2–3 hours covers boat ride, cave visit, and birdwatching. More time if you want photography or walks.
Do I need to book in advance?
- Not always, but booking a tour with boat + guide ensures better timing and availability.
Is Thung Nham Bird Park safe for kids / elderly?
- Yes—but supervise near water, uneven trails, and caves. Boat rides are safe, Life jackets are provided.
Can I combine this with other Ninh Binh attractions?
- Absolutely. It pairs well with Tam Coc, Mua Cave, Hoa Lu, or Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve…
Are there guided birdwatching tours?
- Local guides can lead birdwatching sessions with deeper commentary on species and behavior.
Is photography permitted?
- Yes — but avoid flash near nests or fragile habitats. Be respectful of wildlife.
Experience the Soul of Ninh Binh with Local Experts
Thung Nham Bird Park isn’t just another tourist stop — it’s a reminder that Vietnam’s beauty still thrives quietly in the heart of nature.
Every moment here — the rippling reflections, the bird songs, the slow oars cutting through green water — stays with you long after you’ve left.
✨ Let our local guides craft the perfect nature getaway for you.
📞 WhatsApp: +84 974 805 797 | +84 915 815 535
✨ Continue your Ninh Binh journey:
- Ninh Binh Tours – Authentic local experiences curated by experts
- Ninh Binh Itinerary – Plan the perfect route before you go
