Belonging to Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, Thung Nham Bird Garden Eco-tourism Area (also known as Bird Valley) is located in the core area of Trang An Landscape Complex, about 5km to the south of Tam Coc – Bich Dong Tourist Area and 12km to the west of Ninh Binh City.

Thung Nham is surrounded by untouched green of forests. At dawn, thin dew veil looming in the pristine space of Thung Nham makes visitors feel as being in the fairyland. Gently rowing on tranquil water current, the steersman will take visitors to interesting sites in Thung Nham.

The first stop is the garden bird which is home to 46 bird species with about 50,000 individuals, popularly storks, herons, silver teals, white-rumped shamas… Many of which are recorded in Viet Nam Red Book as mycteria leucocephala, phalacrocorax fuscicollis, phoenicopterus… In silent space, the sound of birds is like a boisterous and cheerful natural symphony. Staying in Thung Nham at about 17h-18h, visitors will have the opportunity to witness flocks of birds flying to the nests.

The boat continues taking visitors to caves in limestone mountains such as But (Fairy), Tien Ca (Mermaid), Ba Co (Three Ladies), Thuy Cung (Water Palace)… to admire diversified-shaped stalactites and listen the legends on the foundation of the caves.

Leaving the boat for going ashore, visitors will visit thousand-year streblus tree grown completely on a large rock. Its shape and posture are considered as incomparable one in Viet Nam. Especially, visitors should not miss the “moving” banyan tree in Goi Dai Temple. According to scientists, the situation of this tree has changed every 300 years due to further development of auxiliary root system. In addition, Thung Nham also has garden with a variety of typical tropical fruits such as guava, apple, star fruit, mango, custard… and the primeval forest with diversified ecosystem which is the habitant of 109 flora species and 150 fauna species.

After discovering the beauty of Thung Nham, visitors can relax in silt-houses and enjoy many rustic dishes as piglets, hill chickens, lake fishes, goat meat, com chay (fried rice crust at the bottom of the pot), bamboo sprout... This place is also suitable for hiking, camping, fishing, weekend vacation...

With the beautiful scenery, Thung Nham is an attractive destination for domestic and international visitors. From late summer to early autumn is the most ideal time for visitors to enjoy the charming pristine natural picture of Thung Nham. From Thung Nham, visitors can also visit other neighboring tourist sites as Bich Dong Pagoda, Tam Coc Landscape, Thien Ha Grotto…

Thu Giang