Thung Nham Ecotourism Area

Ninh Binh is a bright spot on the Vietnamese tourism map. If you are familiar with places like Cuc Phuong, Tam Coc, Trang An… plan to explore the Thung Nham ecotourism area right away. This attractive destination can satisfy all tourists whether they are interested in eco-tourism, resort tourism or pilgrimage and spiritual tourism.

Overview of Thung Nham Ecotourism Area

Thung Nham is located in Ninh Hai village, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province and belongs to Trang An scenic complex. Thung Nham has a total area of ​​up to 334.2 hectares ​​over 300 hectares, of which 334.2 hectares are flooded forests.

This is home to 109 species of plants and 150 species of animals. It is about 100 km from Hanoi and about 14km from Ninh Binh city. This place converges to all types of comprehensive tourism such as fishing, mountain climbing, visiting mangrove forests, caves, bird gardens…

The entrance fee to Thung Nham is not too expensive, specifically as follows:

• Adults: 150,000 VND/ticket.
• Children (1 meter - 1.3 meter): VND 100,000.
• Children under 1 meter: Free.

This place converges to all types of tourism. Source: Vnpay

How to get to Thung Nham 

To get to Thung Nham, you need to go to Ninh Binh city or Hanoi city. Ninh Binh is only about 100 km from Hanoi, then you follow Route 1A to Ninh Binh.

You can choose one of these transportations below: 

• By motorbike: From Hanoi, follow the Phap Van – Cau Gie – Ninh Binh highway, then turn into National Highway 1A to reach Ninh Binh city center.
• By bus: You can catch a bus from Giap Bat, My Dinh or Nuoc Ngam bus stations. Buses to Ninh Binh usually depart every 30 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from 100,000 - 150,000 VND/person.
• By train: From Hanoi station, you can take trains SE7, SE5 or NA1 to Ninh Binh station. Ticket prices range from 70,000 - 150,000 VND/person, depending on the seat type.
• Alternatively, guided tours are also available for those who prefer a more organized approach. These tours can be arranged through various tour operators in Ninh Binh, and they usually include transportation to and from the park as well as a guided tour of the park's attractions.

From Ninh Binh city center, go about 4km more to reach Vom bridge, continue going another 8 km to Tam Coc. There will be a three-way intersection near the pagoda, you continue to turn left following the sign and go straight to Thung Nham ecotourism area.

How to get to Thung Nham. Source: Thung Nham Resort

Best time to visit

You can visit Thung Nham almost any time of the year. However, the most suitable time to travel to Thung Nham is probably in the fall. During this time, the area will be really beautiful with hundreds of flocks of birds returning to their nests before dark or foraging all day. The climate at this time is also very nice, the weather is not yet winter so it is still cool and sunny. You can comfortably visit and enjoy the fresh air in Thung Nham and freely participate in other activities on the premises.

When coming to Thung Nham, you need to pay attention to the opening and closing times of this tourist area. The specific opening and closing times in Thung Nham are as follows:

• Summer hours: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
• Winter hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm

You can visit Thung Nham Ninh Binh almost any time of the year. Source: Mia.vn

What to see on your excursion to Thung Nham Ecotourism Area 

Thung Nham Bird Garden 

Thung Nham Bird Garden is home to about 40 species of birds with a population of about 50 thousand. Among them, there are a large number of rare birds such as phoenixes, flamingos, etc.

The bird watching area in the park provides an ideal spot to observe the birds in their natural habitat. Visitors can take a boat tour around the park's lakes and wetlands, allowing them to get up close and personal with the feathered residents.

Thung Nham Bird Garden is home to about 40 species of birds with a population of about 50 thousand. Source: Local Tours Vietnam

But Cave

But Cave is the largest cave in the Thung Nham eco-tourism complex with a length of about 500m. Inside the cave, there are stalactites that look like a Buddha sitting next to the river, so it is named But Cave. According to legend, the natural stone statue of Buddha in the cave is a symbol of protection and peace. Visitors coming here will be given flashlights to admire the stalactites inside.

But Cave is the largest cave in the Thung Nham eco-tourism complex. Source: Mia.vn

Vai Gioi Cave

About 200m from the control gate of Thung Nham Eco-tourism area on the right hand side is the path to Vai Gioi Cave. The cave is located high on the cliff, so you need to climb 400 stone steps to get there. 

Inside the cave are 3 floors and is about 5000m² wide with thousands of shimmering, mysterious stalactites, likened to "Earth, hell and heaven". The name of the cave comes from the fact that in the past, this place was often chosen as a place to set up an altar to pray for national peace and prosperity, favorable weather and wind.

Vai Gioi Cave. Source: Thung Nham Resort 

Tien Ca Cave

Tien Ca Cave is a water cave through the mountain with a length of more than 1500m. The cave has a system of stalactites of various shapes and is associated with the legend of the petrified mermaid. Coming here, visitors will walk on a corridor made of bamboo rafts to explore the cave.

Tien Ca Cave is a water cave through the mountain with a length of more than 1500m. Source: Mia.vn

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Things to do in Thung Nham

Rowing

Rowing a boat is one of the ways for you to admire the entire beauty of Thung Nham and enjoy the peace, tranquility, listen to the murmur of water and your soul is immersed in nature.

Rowing a boat is one of the ways for you to admire the entire beauty of Thung Nham. Source: BDAtrip

Camping

Camping, picnicking, and organizing BBQ parties in the fresh air are also the choices of many tourists. Surely, you will have memorable trips with your family, friends, and loved ones.

Camping in the fresh air are also the choices of many tourists. Source: Di san Trang An

Tips For The Best Trip

• You should bring water, or some snacks to “recharge” your energy when needed.
• To avoid the intense heat in Ninh Binh, you should bring a wide-brimmed hat, umbrella, and carefully apply sunscreen.
• Visitors should also prepare some necessary medicines when traveling to Thung Nham bird garden, such as cold medicine, digestive medicine, insect repellent, etc.
• A map of Thung Nham eco-tourism area is always a very necessary preparation during the journey of discovery.
• You should wear neat clothes, wear sneakers or flat shoes for convenience when traveling here and there.

Tips for the best trip in Thung Nham. Source: kenhhomestay.com

Conclusion

Thung Nham Ecological Area is not only a tourist destination, but also a place to preserve the unique natural and cultural values ​​of Ninh Binh. Come and experience the wild and peaceful beauty of this place, as well as to immerse yourself in the slow and peaceful pace of life in the heart of nature.

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