All About Thung Nham Bird Park Natural Landscapes and Local Stories

Tucked away in the lush landscapes of Ninh Binh, Thung Nham Bird Park offers a rare glimpse into Vietnam’s untouched natural beauty. Home to thousands of birds, this peaceful sanctuary invites travelers to slow down and connect with nature.

Introduction To Thung Nham Bird Park

The bird park at Thung Nham is one of the most attractive locations for eco-tourism in Ninh Binh, which is about 100 kilometers south of Hanoi. The park is famous due to its enormous bird sanctuary and natural scenery, and offers a serene traveler facing nature firsthand. There are over 40 species of birds here that stay all year round, and flocks of white egrets come back every afternoon, and this is a rare spectacle.

Thung Nham is a place that visitors visit to see birds, but also to visit flooded forests, caves made of limestone, and peaceful streams on a boat. The location is included in the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex World Heritage site, and is frequently visited along with Tam Coc and Bich Dong. It has everything: wildlife, landscape, and cultural attractions, so it is an all-round centred destination for domestic and foreign visitors.

History Of Thung Nham Bird Park

Thung Nham is in the district of Hoa Lu, which is in the core area of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh. This region was previously an untamed forest and swamp where the farmers of the region could fish and harvest rice. The flocks of birds have inhabited this place for generations, but their population has decreased over the late 20th century, because of hunting and loss of habitats. Around the early 2000s, the land started to be preserved by local authorities, with the territory becoming a controlled nature preservation.

As the nearby Tam Coc and Trang An started to ramp up tourism, Thung Nham was gradually opened to visitors. There was infrastructure development that introduced small walking tracks, boat routes, and even provisions to accommodate eco-tourism. The conservation activities have allowed bird populations to revive. And today, Thung Nham is known not only as a wildlife sanctuary but also as a local working center, where residents participate as river guides, boat rowers, and farmers.

Top 5 Iconic Attractions In Thung Nham Bird Park

Thung Nham is more than a bird-watching destination. The park includes flooded forests, caves inside limestone hills, and fruit orchards tended by local farmers. With its flooded forests, limestone caves, and quiet orchards, the park offers a serene escape from the busier things to do in Ninh Binh.

Bird Valley (Vuon Chim)

This is the largest bird sanctuary in Ninh Binh and covers wetlands where thousands of birds enter nests in rising trees above the water. To progress through the flooded section, you can take a small boat with a local person rowing. To get the most out of the ride, the best time to go is in the late afternoon. You can see hundreds of white egrets returning in numbers from their feeding at and hoots of roaring in the afternoon across the valley.

Buddha Cave (Dong Tien Ca)

Buddha Cave lies inside a limestone mountain and is only accessible by boat. The cave is narrow and dim, with natural stone walls shaped by water over time. Some formations are believed to resemble Buddha figures, and the space feels calm and cool compared to the open wetlands outside. Boat rides into the cave take about 10–15 minutes, allowing visitors to pass through slowly and take in the details of the rock. This cave is often included in guided tours and offers a quiet moment during the trip.

Orchard Garden (Vuon Hong)

Near the park entrance, there is a large fruit garden where local farmers grow guava, mango, and longan. Visitors can walk along shaded paths, see the fruit trees up close, and buy fresh fruit directly from the growers. This garden is not crowded, and many visitors stop here to rest before or after exploring the bird area. It’s also a good spot to take photos and enjoy a quiet break under the trees.

Mermaid Cave (Hang Ca)

Mermaid Cave is a dry cave that visitors can explore on foot. The entrance is small, and the stone path inside is slightly uneven but safe for most visitors. The cave is known for its strange rock shapes, which locals say resemble fish tails and other sea creatures. Light enters through small openings in the rock, creating patterns along the walls. The walk through the cave takes about 15 minutes, and it provides a cool, sheltered space on hot days.

Banana Island (Dao Coc)

Banana Island is a small island located inside the wetland area. Visitors can reach it by boat, and many tours stop here briefly for walking or photography. The island is covered in wild banana trees, and from its edge, you can see the surrounding wetlands and bird nesting areas. There are no buildings or services on the island, so the visit is short and simple. For many, it is a quiet stop that adds variety to the boat journey.

3 Cultural Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

In addition to birdwatching and cave exploration, Thung Nham offers small but memorable cultural experiences tied to the daily life of local people. These activities help visitors connect with the land and its traditions in a quiet, hands-on way.

Explore The Bird Watching Platform At Sunset

One of the most memorable experiences is standing on the wooden platform overlooking Bird Valley as the sun sets. Around 5:00 PM, flocks of white egrets, storks, and herons begin to return, flying in waves across the wetland. Locals and travelers gather quietly, watching as the trees fill with birds. This scene is peaceful yet full of life, and many visitors plan their trip around it.

Walk Through the Flooded Forest Trails

In addition to boat rides, Thung Nham offers walking paths through the flooded forest, especially accessible in the dry season. These trails pass through shaded trees, small bridges, and quiet viewpoints where visitors can stop to watch birds or simply enjoy the stillness. Along the way, you may see small shrines, local fishermen, or fruit trees growing near the water’s edge.

Join A Traditional Boat Rowing Experience

At certain times of year, local boatmen demonstrate traditional rowing techniques using foot-rowing or standing positions, which are rare in modern Vietnam. Visitors can try rowing under guidance or simply watch and learn about the skills passed down through generations. This practice is linked to the way communities adapt to life in flooded landscapes.

Entrance Fee

Thung Nham Bird Park entrance fee includes a general ticket and optional services like boat rides or electric carts. Most visitors will need to buy the basic ticket, then choose extras depending on their plans.

Payment tips: Tickets are sold at the main entrance gate. Cash is preferred, though some vendors near the gate may accept mobile payments (e.g., MoMo or ZaloPay). Boat rides are optional but highly recommended to visit Bird Valley during peak birdwatching hours.

Opening Hours

Thung Nham Bird Park opening hours follow a fixed daily schedule, and the park does not require advance booking. Tickets can be purchased at the main entrance throughout the day, and all key attractions inside the park, including Bird Valley, Buddha Cave, and the orchard area, follow the same opening schedule. Visitors are free to explore the park at their own pace within these hours.

The best time to visit depends on your interests, and it often matches the best time to visit Ninh Binh for good weather and active birds. Late afternoon, especially between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM, is ideal for birdwatching as flocks return to the trees in Bird Valley. The park sees more visitors from May to October, while the cooler months from November to April offer a calmer experience.

How To Get To Thung Nham Bird Park

Thung Nham Bird Park is located about 5 km southwest of Tam Coc in Ninh Binh Province and 100 km south of Hanoi. Travelers usually reach Ninh Binh first by train, bus, or car from Hanoi, and then continue to Thung Nham by local transport. The park is set inside a protected landscape area, so the final stretch includes small roads and village paths.

From Tam Coc or Ninh Binh City, visitors can choose between taxi, motorbike, or bicycle to reach the park. The road is paved and accessible year-round, but the last 2 km includes narrow sections through rural areas. Travel times may vary slightly depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Things To Know Before Traveling To Thung Nham Bird Park

Visitors are welcome year-round, but a few practical tips will help ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

• The park does not have ATMs, so it’s best to bring cash in small bills for tickets, boat rides, and local snacks.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially during the rainy season, as forest paths can be muddy and slippery.
• Boat rides may involve waiting during weekends and holidays, so arriving early helps avoid long queues at peak times.
• While photography is allowed, flying drones requires permission from park staff and should not disturb birds in nesting areas.

• Food options inside the park are limited to basic stalls near the entrance, so plan accordingly if you need a full meal. The road to the park includes narrow village paths; cautious driving is advised, especially when using motorbikes or bicycles. During national holidays or festivals, the park can get crowded, so visiting on weekdays ensures a quieter experience.
• Tickets and boats are paid in cash at the entrance; mobile payment is accepted at some stalls, but not guaranteed.
• Mobile signal can be weak in parts of the park, especially near caves and inside Bird Valley, so it’s a good idea to download maps or contact details in advance.
• The final stretch of road to the park includes some unmarked turns; using Google Maps or asking locals near Tam Coc can help avoid confusion.
• Sunset boat rides are popular and limited; for the best chance, arrive before 4:00 PM and check availability at the ticket counter upon arrival.

Final Thoughts: Is Thung Nham Bird Park Worth Visiting?

Thung Nham is a quiet place that fits well into a trip through Ninh Binh. It offers a mix of birdwatching, boat rides, and easy walks through forest and farmland. For visitors who enjoy nature and want to see more than temples or pagodas, this is a good stop. The trip is simple to plan and pairs easily with nearby places like Tam Coc or Bich Dong. If you need help arranging transport or timing your visit, Seni World can assist with local travel support.