Thung Nham Bird Valley

Thung Nham Bird Valley is the biggest birding area of Ninh Binh as well as North Vietnam. It is also named Thung Chim, which means “Valley of Birds” in Vietnamese – thanks to the large number of birds that live and gather in the area throughout the year.

Located about 12 kilometers from Ninh Binh City, this Bird Valley covers around 332 hectares, including a combination of wetlands, rice fields, rivers, and surrounding forest. The main bird-watching area is a smaller core zone where you can observe the birds up close.

Thung Nham is home to thousands of different birds. Over 40 bird species have been recorded in the valley, including white storks, cattle egrets, herons, and bitterns. A famous species here is the black-crowned night heron, often seen near the water in the late afternoon.

During bird migration seasons, thousands of birds arrive and gather in the core of Thung Nham, creating a haven for bird lovers.

Getting there

Thung Nham Bird Valley is located in Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, about 110 kilometers from Hanoi. You could get there by train or bus.

One of the most convenient options is to take the train. These trains are part of Vietnam’s Reunification Express route, offering 7–9 departures daily. They start from Hanoi Station and take 2–2.5 hours to get to Ninh Binh Train Station. Tickets are about 90,000 VND (hard seat) or 120,000 VND (soft seat with AC). Schedules and booking are available at the Vietnam Railway website.

Once you arrive in Ninh Binh, you can take a short taxi or motorbike taxi (xe ôm) to Thung Nham Bird Valley.

The most popular choice among travelers is to take a limousine van or tourist bus. Many companies like Duy Khang or Vexere offer daily trips from Hanoi to Tam Coc or Ninh Binh City, with a travel time of about 2 hours.

Limousine vans are a bit more comfortable, especially since they can pick you up at your hotel and drop you off at the bird valley entrance. The all-inclusive price is around 200,000–250,000 VND per way.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Thung Nham Bird Valley is during the dry season, from November to April. During this time, the weather is cooler, there is less rain, and the sky is clearer, making it easier to see and photograph the birds.

It’s also the peak bird-watching season, especially from December to March, when many birds are nesting or migrating through the area.

The rainy season, from May to October, brings more greenery and fewer tourists, but it can also mean muddy paths and limited visibility. Boat rides may be affected during heavy rain.

Things to do

Taking a boat ride around Thung Nham

A boat trip is one of the main ways to explore Thung Nham Bird Valley. The ride takes about 45 to 60 minutes and is rowed by a local using a small wooden boat. The ride is quiet and does not use motors, which helps keep the environment undisturbed and peaceful.

As you move through the canals and flooded forest, you’ll pass limestone hills and bird nesting areas. Another highlight of the trip is a visit to But Cave, a natural cave with unique rock formations and a cool, quiet interior. The boat passes directly through the cave, allowing you to see the thousand-year-old stalactites up close.

Boat tickets cost around 100,000 to 150,000 VND per person, and each boat can carry 2 to 4 people.

Birding

Birding is the main activity at Thung Nham Bird Valley. Birding in Thung Nham is suitable for both beginners and experienced bird watchers.

As the winters are now much shorter and not too cold, many birds stay all year instead of migrating. This means you can see thousands of birds in the valley at any time of year.

The birds at Thung Nham are used to people. You can walk or take a boat close to their living areas without scaring them. This makes it easy to observe them up close in their natural home.

If you want to see the birds at their most active time, plan your visit for early morning (around 6:30–8:00 AM) or late afternoon (around 4:30–6:00 PM). In the morning, birds leave their nests to find food. In the late afternoon, they return in large numbers, often filling the trees in the center of the valley.

Exploring caves

Thung Nham is home to several natural caves, each with its own story and shape.

But Cave (Hang Bụt) is the most popular. It’s around 500 meters long. Inside, there is a rock that looks like a sitting Buddha, which is how the cave got its name. This cave is normally included in the boat ride.

Vai Gioi Cave (Hang Vái Giời) sits high on a mountain, making it the only and most beautiful viewpoint of the entire Bird Valley. To reach the cave, you’ll need to climb about 400 stone steps. Inside, there are three large chambers filled with stalactites, but the real highlight is the wide view from the entrance, where you can see the valley spread out below.

Tien Ca Cave (Hang Tiên Cá), or Mermaid Cave, is smaller and more hidden. A local legend says a mermaid once lived here. The cave has narrow paths and water that reflects light from the rocks, creating a quiet and peaceful scene.

Where to stay

Thung Nham Resort is the only accommodation inside Bird Valley. It offers private rooms, villas, and stilt-house dorms for groups or budget travelers. The resort is surrounded by lakes and trees, giving you a quiet space to relax in nature. There’s also a restaurant on-site that serves Vietnamese food, so you can dine comfortably without leaving the area.

If you want to stay somewhere more lively, Tam Coc is a good choice. It’s about 15 to 20 minutes from Thung Nham by car and has more restaurants, cafes, and small bars. While the nightlife here is not busy, you can still find a few spots with music, cold drinks, and a relaxed backpacker vibe—a nice way to end the day after sightseeing.

For a quiet and relaxing stay in Tam Coc, Tam Coc Garden Resort is a luxurious option surrounded by rice fields and nature. If you prefer something more local and budget-friendly, Chez Loan Hotel is a small family-run place known for clean rooms and homemade Vietnamese food.