Buzz
Nestled within the renowned Trang An scenic complex of Ninh Binh province, Thung Nham bird garden has only gained widespread recognition among distant travelers in recent years. From Ninh Binh city, it's just about ten kilometers to Tam Coc – Bich Dong. From Bich Dong Pagoda, another four kilometers will lead you to Thung Nham, the heart of Trang An.
Thung Nham, a tranquil oasis in Ninh Binh
By the end of September, while many places in the Northern region remain scorching, Thung Nham boasts refreshing and pure air. As a cluster of mountains, caves, and picturesque waterways, Thung Nham is renowned for being the habitat of numerous bird species such as herons, egrets, swallows, storks, kingfishers, and more, including two rare species listed in the Red Book: the sarus crane and the phoenix. Like many tourist spots in Trang An, the most delightful way to explore Thung Nham is by a leisurely boat ride amidst lush greenery and azure waters.
Enveloped by towering limestone mountains cloaked in dense forests, during autumn days, when the sun has yet to rise high, layers of mist embrace everything, rendering Thung Nham dreamy and ethereal like a fairyland. Autumn is also the ideal season for bird watchers as the cooler weather prompts birds to forage closer to their nests and return earlier. In spring and summer, tourists often stay until dusk to witness thousands of birds returning to roost, covering a vast expanse of water turning red under the twilight.
Recently, tourists visiting Thung Nham often opt to stay overnight as there are now tourist accommodations with cozy wooden houses and a variety of enticing local dishes such as mountain goat, free-range pork, hill chicken, and freshwater fish served with wild bamboo shoots and forest vegetables. Early in the morning, many tourists enjoy boating to the valley area, where there's a picturesque landscape of grass, flowers, and especially colorful clusters of wild orchids. As the sun rises higher, we eagerly venture into the pristine forest area to marvel at the diversity of fauna and flora.
Moreover, Thung Nham boasts a series of pristine caves that are quite captivating. To conquer the Vai Gioi cave, tourists must overcome 439 stone steps to reach its entrance. Perched atop a high mountain, this cave spans approximately 5,000 square meters with three layers, each adorned with countless glittering stalactites and stalagmites resembling the earthly realm, the underworld, and paradise. Legend has it that ancient people held ceremonies here to pray for favorable weather and abundant harvests.
Not far away lies the But Cave, a natural limestone cave stretching 500 meters. The widest part of the cave extends up to 70 meters, with its ceiling reaching about 30 meters in height. The But Cave also features a dazzling array of mystical stalactites. Particularly intriguing is the formation resembling an old man sitting next to an underground river, believed to bestow blessings and good fortune upon visitors. The most fascinating aspect of the But Cave is that it lacks a lighting system; instead, tourists and guides use flashlights for exploration.
Next is the Fairy Fish Cave, stretching over 1,500 meters, adorned with a stunning array of intricate stalactite formations. Carved by nature over millions of years, this place also holds a legend of a mermaid turned to stone. Finally, the Water Palace Cave, spanning 700 meters, also features a magnificent and enchanting array of stalactites and stalagmites, likened to an underwater palace of immense grandeur and splendor.
Situated in the land of King Dinh Tien Hoang of old, Thung Nham also preserves many scenic spots intertwined with legends of the Dinh dynasty, such as the Three Fairy Cave, the Moving Banyan Tree, and the Thousand-Year-Old Fig Tree. The Moving Banyan Tree has stood steadfast in the Thung Nham forests for over a thousand years, shifting its position around the ancient temple three times. Scientists estimate each relocation of the tree spanned over 300 years. As for the Thousand-Year-Old Fig Tree, it is said to have existed since the time of King Dinh, notably growing entirely on a large rock and acclaimed as one of the most beautiful ancient fig trees in Vietnam...
According to Doanhnhancuoituan.com.vn
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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour
MytourNovember 30, 2015
