ℹ️ Thung Nam Information
🐦 Best Things to Do
🚍 How to Get to Thung Nam
☀️ Best Time to Visit Thung Nam
🏡 Accommodation
🎫 Book a Tour to Ninh Binh
🎫 Book Ticket to Ninh Binh
Quick answer: Thung Nham Bird Park is a nature and ecotourism attraction in Ninh Binh, Vietnam. It combines wetlands, limestone hills, caves, walking paths and boat rides. The main reason to visit is bird watching, especially in the late afternoon when large groups of birds return to their nesting areas.
At a glance:
- 📍 Location: Hai Nham Village, Hoa Lu District, about 13 km from Ninh Binh City.
- 🐦 Wildlife: More than 40 reported bird species, with birds living around the wetlands and limestone scenery.
- 🛶 Activities: Bird watching, boat rides, cave exploration and nature walks.
- 🕳️ Caves: Mermaid Cave, But Cave and other caves in the park.
- 💰 Entrance fee: Approximately 100,000–150,000 VND per person; prices may change.
- 🕐 Opening hours: Usually 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
- 🌅 Best time for birds: Around 3:00–5:00 PM.
Last updated: October 2026
Thung Nham Bird Park – Nature and Wildlife in Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is one of northern Vietnam’s most popular destinations, known for limestone mountains, rivers and temples. Besides Trang An, Tam Coc and Bai Dinh Pagoda, you can also visit Thung Nham Bird Park.
Also known as Thung Chim, this ecotourism area covers approximately 350 hectares and features wetlands, caves, walking paths and bird-watching spots. You can also stay at Thung Nham Resort inside the park.
🌿 Why Visit Thung Nham?
- Bird watching in natural wetlands
- Boat rides on lakes and canals
- Caves to explore
- Walking paths through green countryside
- Resort accommodation and a restaurant
⚠️ Things to Know
- Birds may be far from the viewing point
- Late afternoon is best for bird watching
- Some cave passages require crouching
- Binoculars can help you spot birds
- Transport, opening hours and prices may vary
⭐ Is Thung Nham Bird Park Worth Visiting?
Yes, especially if you enjoy nature, caves and bird watching. Thung Nham is a good alternative to the busier attractions around Ninh Binh and can be combined with a visit to Tam Coc or Bich Dong Pagoda. Keep in mind that bird sightings depend on the time of day and conditions, so it is best not to expect birds to be close to the viewing point throughout the day.
This guide explains what to see in Thung Nham, how to get there, when to visit, where to stay and how to plan a trip around the park.
Best Things to Do in Thung Nham Bird Park
Thung Nham offers several ways to enjoy the countryside around Ninh Binh. You can walk along marked paths, take a boat ride, explore caves or spend time at the bird-watching area. The park is not only about wildlife; its limestone landscape, waterways and quiet corners are also part of the experience.
🐦 Watch the Birds
The bird-watching area is located near the end of the park. Birds may be far from the viewing point, so binoculars can help. Late afternoon is generally the best time to see groups returning to their nesting areas.
🛶 Take a Boat Ride
Explore the lake and canals by boat. Depending on the conditions, a boat ride may bring you closer to the water and the surrounding bird habitats.
🕳️ Explore the Caves
Thung Nham has several caves, including Mermaid Cave. Some passages are low, so you may need to crouch while walking through them. Take care around uneven and potentially wet surfaces.
🌿 Walk Through the Park
Follow the marked paths through green vegetation, small karst hills and waterways. The park has signs in English, making it easier to find your way around.
📸 Enjoy the Scenery
The combination of lakes, canals, limestone hills and vegetation makes Thung Nham a pleasant place for photography, particularly when visitor numbers are lower.
🏡 Stay at the Resort
You can stay inside the park at Thung Nham Resort. This is a convenient option if you want more time to explore the area and enjoy its quieter atmosphere.
💡 Travel Tip
Plan your visit around the bird-watching area if seeing birds is your main priority. Arriving between approximately 3:00 and 5:00 PM gives you a better chance of seeing birds return to their nesting areas. If you arrive earlier, you can spend time exploring the caves and walking paths first.
How to Get to Thung Nham from Ninh Binh or Hanoi
Thung Nham Bird Park is located in Hoa Lu District, about 13 km from Ninh Binh City and approximately 7 km from Tam Coc. Many visitors travel from Tam Coc because it is close to the park and can be combined with a stop at Bich Dong Pagoda.
There are no widely used public bus connections directly to the park mentioned in the original travel information. The most practical local options are a motorbike, bicycle, taxi or motorbike taxi. If you are travelling from Hanoi, first reach Ninh Binh or Tam Coc by train, bus, minivan or private transfer, then continue to Thung Nham.
How to Get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh ➜
🏍️ Motorbike
A motorbike is a flexible way to reach Thung Nham and explore the surrounding countryside. You can rent one in Ninh Binh or Tam Coc. Read more about driving a motorbike in Vietnam.
🚲 Bicycle
Cycling is possible from Tam Coc or Ninh Binh, as much of the surrounding region is relatively flat. Allow time for the ride and check the route before setting off.
🚕 Taxi or Motorbike Taxi
A taxi or motorbike taxi is a convenient option if you do not want to rent your own vehicle. You can arrange transport in Tam Coc or Ninh Binh City.
🚐 Bus or Minivan from Hanoi
Travel first from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by bus or minivan, then continue locally to Thung Nham. You can compare options in our Hanoi to Ninh Binh transport guide.
🚆 Train
Take a train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh Railway Station, then continue by taxi, motorbike or bicycle. Ninh Binh does not have its own airport.
🅿️ Parking
Parking for motorbikes and cars is available near the entrance for a small fee. Confirm the current fee when you arrive.
💡 Suggested Route
If you are staying in Tam Coc, consider combining Thung Nham with Bich Dong Pagoda. This makes good use of the journey and lets you explore two attractions in the same area. If bird watching is your main goal, plan to reach Thung Nham in the late afternoon.
Weather and Best Time to Visit Thung Nham
Thung Nham can be visited throughout the year, but spring and autumn are generally good periods for exploring the countryside around Ninh Binh. September and October are worth considering, while spring can bring flowering lotus plants to some of the area’s waterways. Summer is part of the rainy season, so rainfall can affect outdoor activities.
🌸 Spring
Spring is a pleasant time to explore the park and nearby countryside. Some waterways may be covered with flowering lotus plants, adding to the scenery.
☀️ Summer
Summer falls within the rainy season, and heavier rainfall is possible. Check the weather forecast before planning a long walk or boat ride.
🍂 Autumn
September and October are recommended months for a visit. The countryside can be attractive during this period, and the season is suitable for exploring the park.
🌦️ Check Local Conditions
Weather and water conditions can affect outdoor activities at any time of year. Check local conditions before setting off, particularly during periods of heavy rain.
⭐ Best Time for Bird Watching
For bird watching, the time of day matters as much as the season. Aim to arrive between 3:00 and 5:00 PM, when many birds return to their nesting areas. Opening hours are usually 7:00 AM–6:00 PM, but check locally because times may change. To plan your visit around the local climate, see our guide to Ninh Binh weather, temperatures and rainfall.
Where to Stay near Thung Nham Bird Park
You can stay directly inside the park at Thung Nham Resort or choose accommodation in the nearby Ninh Hai village or Tam Coc. Tam Coc is around 7 km away and offers a wider choice of homestays, resorts, restaurants and cafés. Ninh Binh City is another option if you prefer to stay close to transport connections.
Find Accommodation in Ninh Binh ➜
🌿 Stay in Thung Nham
Thung Nham Resort is located inside the park. It is a practical choice if you want to stay close to the natural attractions and spend more time exploring the area.
🚣 Stay in Tam Coc
Tam Coc is a popular base with many homestays, resorts, restaurants and cafés. It is also convenient for visiting Bich Dong Pagoda and other nearby attractions.
🏡 Stay in Ninh Hai
Ninh Hai village is about 1.5 km from the park and offers accommodation options in the surrounding countryside. It can suit visitors looking for a quieter base.
🏙️ Stay in Ninh Binh City
Ninh Binh City is useful for travellers arriving by train or bus. From there, you can arrange a taxi, motorbike or bicycle to reach Thung Nham.
⭐ Recommended Hotels & Resorts
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💡 Where Should You Stay?
Choose Thung Nham Resort if you want to stay inside the park and be close to its natural attractions. Tam Coc is a good choice for a wider selection of restaurants and accommodation, while Ninh Binh City is useful for transport connections.
💡 Travel Tips for Visiting Thung Nham
A little planning will help you make the most of your visit. Thung Nham combines several attractions across a large area, and the best time for bird watching may be different from the best time to explore the caves.
🌅 Arrive in the Afternoon
Plan to reach the bird-watching area between 3:00 and 5:00 PM if you want to see birds returning to their nesting places.
🎟️ Check Ticket Prices
Admission is reported to be around 100,000–150,000 VND per person. Confirm the current price at the entrance because fees can change.
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Birds can be quite far from the observation point. Binoculars can make bird watching more rewarding.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Comfortable footwear is useful for walking along the paths and exploring the caves. Watch your step on uneven or wet surfaces.
🕳️ Take Care in Caves
Some cave passages are low, and you may need to crouch. Move carefully, especially where the ground is damp or close to water.
🚲 Combine Nearby Places
Consider visiting Tam Coc and Bich Dong Pagoda on the same day, depending on how much time you have.
⭐ Final Tip
Do not plan your entire visit around seeing birds at close range. Explore the caves and waterways as well, and leave time for the bird-watching area in the late afternoon. This gives you a more complete experience of Thung Nham even if bird activity is limited during your visit.
🎫 Thung Nham Bird Park – Entrance Fee & Opening Hours
Thung Nham Bird Park usually opens from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The entrance fee is reported to be around 100,000–150,000 VND per person, although the exact price may change. Tickets are available at the entrance; online ticket booking is not listed as available in the original visitor information.
🎟️ Entrance Fee
- Reported price: around 100,000–150,000 VND per person
- Tickets: purchase at the entrance
- Online booking: not listed as available in the source information
💡 Tip: Check the current admission price before visiting, as fees may change.
🕐 Opening Hours
- Usual opening: 7:00 AM
- Usual closing: 6:00 PM
- Best time for birds: 3:00–5:00 PM
💡 Tip: Opening hours can vary, particularly on public holidays, so check locally when planning your visit.
💡 Good to Know
The park is quite large, so allow enough time for the caves, walking paths and bird-watching area. If bird watching is your main reason for visiting, try to arrive in the late afternoon rather than around midday.
❓ Thung Nham Bird Park FAQ: Visitor Information
Where is Thung Nham Bird Park located?
Thung Nham Bird Park is in Hai Nham Village, Hoa Lu District, about 13 km from Ninh Binh City and a few kilometres from Tam Coc.
How can you get to Thung Nham Bird Park?
Travel to Ninh Binh or Tam Coc by train, bus or minivan, then continue by taxi, motorbike taxi, bicycle or motorbike. A motorbike or taxi is a practical option for the final part of the journey.
Is Thung Nham Bird Park worth visiting?
Yes. The park combines bird watching, caves, boat rides, walking paths and limestone scenery in one ecotourism area near Tam Coc.
Where can you buy tickets for Thung Nham Bird Park?
Tickets are available at the entrance. Online ticket booking is not listed as available in the original visitor information.
What is the entrance fee for Thung Nham Bird Park?
The reported entrance fee is around 100,000–150,000 VND per person. Prices may change, so check the current fee locally.
How large is Thung Nham Bird Park?
The park covers approximately 350 hectares of wetlands, vegetation, waterways and limestone scenery.
When is the best time to visit Thung Nham Bird Park?
Spring and autumn are good seasons to explore the area. For bird watching, late afternoon, around 3:00–5:00 PM, is usually recommended.
Will you always see birds in Thung Nham Bird Park?
No. Bird sightings depend on the time of day and natural conditions. Birds can also be far from the observation point, so binoculars may help.
What are the main attractions in Thung Nham Bird Park?
The main attractions include bird watching, caves such as Mermaid Cave, boat rides, lakes, canals and walking paths through the park.
How can you travel from Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh?
See our guide to travelling from Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh for transport options.
Is Vietnam a good destination for solo travellers?
Vietnam can be explored independently, and Ninh Binh is a popular stop for travellers exploring northern Vietnam. Read our guide to solo travel in Vietnam for more advice.
What should first-time visitors know about Vietnamese culture?
Vietnam has a rich cultural heritage and regional traditions. Read our guide to Vietnamese culture to learn more before your trip.
📍 Map of the Route from Ninh Binh to Thung Nham Park
Thung Nham Bird Park is about 13 km from central Ninh Binh. If you are travelling from Tam Coc, you can also visit Bich Dong Pagoda along the way.
Thung Nham Bird Park and Resort – Photo Gallery
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