Thung Nham Bird Garden
Northern Vietnam's largest bird sanctuary - 40,000 birds in a stunning valley setting
Birds~40,000 (46 species)
Visit Time2-3 hours
Area334 hectares
Best TimeEarly AM or after 4 PM
Thung Nham Bird Garden is the largest bird sanctuary in northern Vietnam, nestled in a lush valley within the Trang An Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh province. The park combines spectacular birdwatching with cave exploration and nature walks, making it a wonderful addition to any Ninh Binh itinerary. You can find its exact location on Google Maps.
What to See and Do
- Birdwatching: The main attraction. Thousands of birds including storks, egrets, and herons. Best viewing in early morning or late afternoon when birds return to roost.
- Cave System: Hang Vai Gioi (~5,000 m2), Hang But, and Hang Tien Ca caves offer impressive underground exploration.
- Nature Walks: Well-maintained paths through lush tropical vegetation, showcasing the remarkable biodiversity of Vietnam.
- Boat Ride: Short boat rides available within the garden area.
Tips
- Bring binoculars for the best birdwatching experience
- The late afternoon visit (after 4 PM) is dramatic when thousands of birds return
- Easy to combine with a morning Tam Coc boat ride
- Entrance fees are priced in Vietnamese dong (VND) - check current exchange rates before visiting
- For more activities in the area, browse Wikivoyage's Ninh Binh guide or the official Vietnam Tourism Board's Ninh Binh page
- Ninh Binh Tourist Center includes Thung Nham in some of their nature-focused itineraries
Add Thung Nham to your itinerary
Ask Ninh Binh Tourist Center to include Thung Nham in your custom Ninh Binh tour.
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
What birds can I see at Thung Nham?
Thung Nham is home to around 40,000 birds across 46 species, including storks, egrets, herons, and various waterfowl. The best birdwatching is early morning or after 4 PM when flocks return to roost.
How long should I spend at Thung Nham?
Allow 2-3 hours to enjoy the birdwatching, cave system, and nature walks. If you visit for the evening bird return (after 4 PM), you'll need about 2 hours.
How do I get to Thung Nham?
Thung Nham is about 12 km from Ninh Binh city and just 10 minutes by motorbike from Tam Coc. It's easy to combine with a Tam Coc visit.