Discovering the Thung Nham Ecotourism Area – a new highlight on the tourism map of northern Vietnam! If you’ve explored enough of Tam Coc, Trang An, and other attractions, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the Thung Nham Ecotourism Area. With its diverse attractions ranging from ecotourism to spiritual tourism, Thung Nham promises unique experiences for every traveler.
Introduction to Thung Nham Ecotourism Area
Situated in the heart of the Trang An World Heritage Complex and adjacent to the Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist area, Thung Nham Ecotourism Area offers a captivating blend of grandeur and tranquility. The name “Thung Nham” in Vietnamese translates to a valley with towering cliffs, creating a unique space that exudes both magnificence and poetry.
Covering a total area of over 300 hectares, Thung Nham is characterized by 334.2 hectares of flooded forests. This area serves as the habitat for 109 species of plants and 150 species of animals. With its rich biodiversity, Thung Nham is an ideal destination for various forms of ecotourism, attracting visitors for weekend getaways or short holidays.
For travelers coming from afar, booking a flight to Hanoi and then traveling to Ninh Binh by coach takes approximately 2 hours. This convenient transportation arrangement makes Thung Nham an appealing and accessible choice for your vacation.
In conclusion, Thung Nham Ecotourism Area stands as a testament to the natural wonders of Vietnam, offering visitors a harmonious blend of stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Whether you seek adventure in exploring its lush forests, serenity in communing with nature, or simply a convenient and attractive getaway, Thung Nham promises an unforgettable experience for all.
Choosing the Best Time to Visit Thung Nham
Thung Nham is a year-round destination, captivating visitors with its distinctive beauty, including the richness and diversity of bird species amidst the serene mountainous landscapes. However, the most suitable time to visit Thung Nham is perhaps during the autumn season.
During this period, as the weather transitions to a cooler climate, you’ll witness the most splendid beauty of Thung Nham. The scene becomes especially remarkable when flocks of birds soar across the sky, searching for prey and returning to their nests early, adding a lively and romantic atmosphere.
When planning your visit to Thung Nham, it’s essential to pay attention to the operating hours of the tourist area to avoid inconvenience. The specific opening and closing times at Thung Nham are as follows:
- Summer: from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Winter: from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Ticket Prices for Thung Nham Bird Garden
Here are the updated ticket prices for visiting the Thung Nham Bird Garden tourist area in 2024:
- Adult ticket price: Approximately 100,000 VND per person
- Children ticket price: Approximately 50,000 VND per person (Free for children under 0.8 meters tall)
- Boat tour ticket to explore the bird garden: Approximately 20,000 VND per person
- Ticket for exploring the But Cave: Approximately 20,000 VND per person
Exploring Thung Nham Ecotourism Site
Thung Nham isn’t just a renowned tourist destination; it’s also a natural museum boasting unique landscapes and profound cultural history. Below are some highlights you shouldn’t miss when visiting Thung Nham:
Vai Gioi Cave
To reach Vai Gioi Cave, visitors must ascend over 400 stone steps. It’s not only a challenging journey but also a marvelous experience. Inside the cave, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of thousands of glittering and mysterious stone blocks. With three floors and an area of about 5000m², the cave’s interior is vast and unique. The cave derives its name from its historical significance, as it was once chosen as a place for national prayers for peace and prosperity.
But Cave
But Cave is the largest cave in the Thung Nham ecotourism complex, stretching about 500 meters long. Its prominent feature is the stalactites resembling a sitting Buddha figure by the riverbank, hence the name “But Cave” (Buddha Cave). Once you step into the cave, you’ll be mesmerized by the beauty of the marvelous stalactites. Moreover, you’ll experience a serene and tranquil space amidst the majestic natural scenery.
Bird Garden
Thung Nham Bird Garden is home to approximately 40 species of birds, with a population of up to 50,000 individuals. It’s not only a haven for bird enthusiasts but also an excellent destination for learning about the lives of various bird species. The sight of thousands of birds fluttering in the sky during the evening creates a magnificent natural painting, making the space lively and appealing.
Exploring Thung Nham is not just a journey through stunning landscapes but also an opportunity to delve into the rich cultural and ecological tapestry of the region. Whether you’re admiring the mystical beauty of caves or immersing yourself in the vibrant birdlife, Thung Nham offers a truly unforgettable experience for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Thung Nham Flower Valley
Thung Nham Flower Valley is an ideal destination for those who love beautiful landscapes and flowers. With its vast space and diverse range of flower species, Thung Nham Flower Valley is the perfect place to relax and take photographs. Regardless of the season, you can always find stunning flowers here.
Spiritual and Pilgrimage Cluster
The spiritual and pilgrimage cluster includes the moving banyan tree, Gối Đại temple, and thousand-year-old bamboo tree. This is a place to commemorate and worship historical and spiritual relics. Gối Đại temple is dedicated to General Viet Thắng (of the Đinh dynasty), as well as the deities Cao Sơn and Quý Minh.
The moving banyan tree has moved around Gối Đại temple three times, with each movement lasting over 300 years. The thousand-year-old bamboo tree is associated with the legend of King Đinh Tiên Hoàng and is regarded as one of the most majestic and beautiful ancient bamboo trees in Vietnam.
Ba Cô Cave
Ba Cô Cave is closely linked to the legend of three girls from Hoa Lư who dreamt of saving King Đinh Tiên Hoàng when he was poisoned. However, on their way to fetch the antidote, the three girls were captured by a tiger. To commemorate their sacrifice, locals named one of the most beautiful caves in Thung Nham “Ba Cô Cave.”
Fairy Fish Cave
Fairy Fish Cave is a water cave that stretches over 1500 meters through the mountains. Inside the cave, there is a system of countless stalactites, closely associated with the legend of a fairy fish turning into stone. Visitors here walk on a walkway made of bamboo rafts to explore the cave.
Fruit Orchard
The fruit orchard area in Thung Nham Ecotourism Site covers an area of up to 80,000m² with various fruit trees such as peach, lychee, mango, guava, persimmon, and custard apple. Visitors here can pick fruits according to the season and experience the life of a real farmer in the garden.
Experience Exciting Tourism and Resort Activities in Thung Nham
Thung Nham is not just an ordinary tourist destination; it’s also a paradise for relaxation with a plethora of diverse and appealing activities suitable for all ages.
Bird Garden Boat Excursion
Visitors can embark on a boat and experience the gentle swaying on the calm river, admiring the magnificent “valley amidst towering cliffs” and the lush vegetation on both sides of the riverbanks. What’s more exciting is that you can relax with the genteel pastime of fishing on the boat, creating memorable and serene moments.
Outdoor Camping
For those who love adventure and being close to nature, outdoor camping is the perfect choice. In Thung Nham, there are many open spaces with lush green grass, vast and airy, ideal for you to set up camp, go on outdoor excursions, and organize BBQ parties. In the evening, under the starry sky, you’ll have intimate and warm moments with family and friends.
Outdoor Poolside Parties
Thung Nham ecotourism site features a large outdoor pool with expansive and airy surroundings. This is an ideal place to host outdoor parties, from casual picnics to romantic wedding receptions or customer appreciation events. With the cool green space and modern amenities, poolside parties will become even more special and enjoyable than ever before.
Thung Nham offers not only breathtaking natural landscapes but also a wide range of activities to cater to diverse interests and preferences. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or celebration, Thung Nham has something special in store for you.
Rowing Activities
Rowing is a fantastic experience to explore the beauty of Thung Nham in its entirety. Under the radiant golden sunlight, you’ll witness magnificent landscapes, feel the tranquility and serenity of the river, and enjoy moments of relaxation and peace.
Camping Activities
In addition to natural camping areas, Thung Nham also offers designed and fully equipped camping sites. Visitors can comfortably camp and participate in team-building activities, relaxation, and connect with nature.
Fishing
Fishing is an entertaining and challenging pastime. At Thung Nham, visitors can immerse themselves in fishing activities, enjoying the serene and simple atmosphere of nature.
In addition, the tourist area also provides convenient accommodation services, restaurants, bars, cafes, electric and bicycle rentals, costume rentals for photography, team-building grounds, and campfire areas. This helps create a comprehensive and memorable travel experience for visitors to Thung Nham.
Important Notes for Traveling to Thung Nham
When planning your trip to Thung Nham, it’s essential to consider some important factors to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Monitor Weather Forecasts: To have the best travel experience, it’s advisable to monitor weather forecasts before your trip to prepare accordingly for weather conditions.
Bring Drinking Water and Snacks: Make sure to carry an adequate supply of drinking water and snacks to replenish energy during your sightseeing journey.
Bring Insect Repellent and Personal Protective Gear: To prevent issues related to insects and weather, it’s recommended to bring insect repellent, hats, and umbrellas.
Bring a Tourist Map: To easily navigate and find your way to various attractions, carry a tourist map of Thung Nham Ecotourism Site.
Choose Suitable Dining Options: Food within the Thung Nham area can be relatively expensive, so you may choose to dine at establishments outside or bring your own food to save costs.
Park Motorbikes at the Main Parking Lot: If traveling to Thung Nham by motorbike, remember to park your vehicle at the designated parking lot within the Thung Nham Bird Garden area to ensure its safety.
With its pristine nature, beautiful landscapes, numerous unique tourist attractions to explore, delicious cuisine, Thung Nham Ecotourism Site is a must-visit destination on your journey to discover the beauty of Ninh Binh province!
