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Thung Nham, where the mesmerizing natural scenery unfolds, stands as one of the captivating destinations in the Ninh Binh region. Let's explore with confidence, thanks to Klook's insights!
Thung Nham - a gift bestowed by nature in the heart of Ninh Binh. It attracts both domestic and international travelers with its majestic landscapes and diverse biodiversity. The splendid caves, lush saltwater marshes, and rare bird species create a pristine paradise inviting you to discover. Follow Klook's travel experience to pack your backpack and confidently embark on a journey to Thung Nham!
Introduction to Thung Nham Tourist Area
Thung Nham is located approximately 12 km southwest of the city center of Ninh Binh, in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district. Positioned ideally within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trang An and adjacent to the Tam Coc - Bich Dong tourist area, Thung Nham captivates visitors from all corners of the country.
The name Thung Nham means a valley nestled between rocks, derived from the actual terrain of the area. This tourist area covers a total area of 334.2 hectares, comprising various ecological types: flooded forests, primeval forests, dry caves, and bird gardens. It is home to 109 plant species and 150 animal species, according to recent observations.
Visiting Thung Nham, travelers can partake in various enticing eco-tourism activities such as boat exploration, cave discovery, and bird watching in a natural environment. Exploring Thung Nham in Ninh Binh offers a splendid natural experience for your travel journey with family and friends!
Guide on How to Go to Thung Nham Ninh Binh Independently
Thung Nham is located in the prominent tourist area of Ninh Binh province, making it easily accessible through various means. Klook suggests some transportation options for you:
1. Traveling to Thung Nham by Bus
To reach Thung Nham, first, take a bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Bus stations with trips to Ninh Binh from Hanoi include My Dinh, Giap Bat, Nuoc Ngam, Yen Nghia, etc. Upon reaching Ninh Binh, take a taxi or motorbike taxi to Thung Nham.
2. Traveling to Thung Nham by Private Car
If you want to enjoy the scenic beauty and explore freely on your way to Ninh Binh, you can opt for personal transportation like a car or a motorcycle. The journey to Thung Nham from Hanoi city center is just over 100 kilometers, taking approximately 2 hours by car. The route is as follows: Hanoi - along National Highway 1A to Ninh Binh city - follow route 30/6 - turn onto Vong Bridge - Tham Nhung.
3. Rent a Car/Motorbike
If you've reached Ninh Binh and want the freedom to explore more destinations, then renting a self-driving vehicle is a suitable option for you. The price for renting a motorcycle ranges from 100,000 to 200,000 VND per day. For cars, you can quickly check prices and rent a car on Klook.
Travel Experience in Thung Nham Ninh Binh
If you are planning to visit Thung Nham, here are some useful travel experiences to help you have a memorable trip.
Best Time to Visit Thung Nham Ninh Binh?
Thung Nham boasts beautiful and suitable weather for year-round travel. However, spring (from February to April) and autumn (from September to November) are considered the best times to visit Thung Nham. During these periods, the weather is cool and dry, providing favorable conditions for exploring caves, bird watching, and enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
Travel Tips for Exploring Thung Nham Tourist Area - What to Prepare?
To have a smooth and convenient trip, make sure to prepare the necessary essentials below:
- Appropriate attire: Wear comfortable clothing as you'll be walking and moving a lot. Sweat-absorbing clothes and sneakers will help you navigate various terrains quickly.
- Sun protection items: Since most activities are outdoors, equip yourself with sunscreen, a hat, and a jacket to shield from UV rays and avoid sunburn.
- Bring water and snacks: While there are food and beverage stalls in the tourist area, preparing in advance helps you save costs and ensures you won't get thirsty or hungry during your sightseeing journey.
- Prepare cash: Having cash on hand is convenient for purchasing tickets and using services in the tourist area. Although online transfers are available, carrying some cash helps avoid potential issues of loss or theft.
Reference Ticket Prices for Thung Nham Tourist Area
Thung Nham tourist area is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM in summer and from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM in winter.
Ticket prices for Thung Nham tourist area (including boat tickets to Bird Garden and But Cave) are as follows:
- Adults: 150,000 VND/ticket.
- Children from 1 meter to 1.3 meters: 100,000 VND/ticket.
- Children under 1 meter: Free.
- People aged 80 and over, and people with disabilities: Free.
What to Explore in Thung Nham Tourist Area?
1. Discover Bird Garden
Nestled in Quang Binh region, Thung Nham's Bird Garden Cave welcomes over 50,000 birds of 40 diverse species. Carefully tended, the cave becomes a home to swallows, storks, egrets, kingfishers, and rare birds like flamingos and phoenixes. Exploring the cave, visitors immerse themselves in the pristine scenery, filled with the sounds and colors of birds soaring in the sky. With this experience, Bird Garden Cave in Thung Nham offers captivating beauty for nature lovers and birdwatching enthusiasts.
2. Heaven's Altar Cave
The uniqueness of this cave is evident from its name. Perched on a 400-step limestone mountain, it spans about 5,000 square meters, divided into 3 distinct levels. Each level represents the mortal realm, hell, and heaven. As you step inside, marvel at the sparkling stalactites, taking various mysterious shapes. According to ancient folklore, it was a sacred place where people gathered to pray for favorable weather and prosperity. Don't miss this extraordinary cave on your visit list!
3. But Cave
But Cave in Thung Nham is an unmissable destination, blending nature and spirituality, offering a memorable experience for every traveler. It's the largest cave in the tourist area, stretching about 500 meters. Upon entering, you'll be astonished by a stalactite resembling a Buddha figure seated by the river. Many come here to admire and seek luck bestowed by the Buddha. However, the cave isn't equipped with lighting systems, and each visitor is provided with a flashlight to witness the dazzling beauty within.
4. Water Palace Cave
Water Palace Cave in Thung Nham is a captivating tourist destination with a length of up to 700m. Famous for its pristine and magnificent stalactites, it creates a fairy-tale setting. Stepping into this place gives you the chance to admire a grand space, reminiscent of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
5. Three Fairies Cave
Ba Co Cave, a captivating attraction, draws visitors with its fascinating legend. Legend has it that when King Dinh Tien Hoang was fatally poisoned, even the royal physicians were helpless. Three young girls in Hoa Lu dreamt of a divine water source that could cure the king. Without hesitation, they embarked on a journey to Thung Nham to fetch the water. Unfortunately, they were captured by a ferocious tiger. In admiration of their courage, locals built a tomb and named the cave 'Ba Co.' Explore this site to hear intriguing stories and marvel at this beautiful cave!
6. Spiritual Worship Complex
The Spiritual Worship Complex in Thung Nham is a special spiritual destination that captures the attention of those seeking to explore mysteries. This complex features three notable points: the Great Pillow Temple, the moving banyan tree, and the thousand-year-old bamboo clump.
The Great Pillow Temple is dedicated to honor General Viet Thang Dai Vuong (of the Dinh dynasty) and two deities, Cao Son and Quy Minh. With traditional architecture and serene surroundings, this place offers moments of tranquility in nature.
The moving banyan tree is one of the unique highlights of this spiritual complex. It has moved around the Great Pillow Temple three times, with each move lasting 300 years. Alongside this, the thousand-year-old bamboo clump, linked to the legend of King Dinh Tien Hoang, is an impressive attraction. The unique-shaped bamboo grows on a rock, making it the most beautiful ancient bamboo in Vietnam.
7. Thung Nham Flower Valley
The flower valley in Thung Nham tourist area is a compelling attraction, drawing many young visitors for annual check-ins. The valley boasts thousands of flower and bird species, creating a lively landscape. Each season, it adorns itself with a vibrant palette of blooming flowers. Under the radiant sunlight, explore the pristine beauty of nature and capture picturesque moments like paintings!
Resort Stay in Thung Nham - A Relaxing 'Chill Liu Riu' Experience
Besides indulging in serene and beautiful natural surroundings, Thung Nham tourist area offers various exciting activities for you to experience. Below are some resort activities favored by many tourists:
1. Scenic boat ride: Thung Nham is a stunning natural landscape known as the habitat for over 40 bird species. Rent a boat, admire the surrounding beauty, and observe diverse birds like storks, herons, swans, and more. It's a delightful experience for moments of relaxation.
2. Poolside parties: Thung Nham has a swimming pool within the resort area. You can organize parties here, enjoying the spacious, refreshing poolside environment. The catering services at Thung Nham provide delicious and diverse dishes according to your preferences.
3. Stilt house retreat: For a unique resort experience, consider staying in traditional stilt houses within the tourist area. These wooden houses create a warm, nature-inspired atmosphere. Enjoy delicious meals served here or rent a bike for independent exploration.
4. Camping: To fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings, camping is a popular choice among many travelers. Enjoy the scenery, chat by the campfire, and relish in delightful outdoor feasts.
Food Guide in Thung Nham Tourist Area
When visiting Thung Nham tourist area, indulge in the delicious local specialties of Ninh Binh. Some renowned dishes include:
- Goat meat - Ninh Binh burnt rice: A traditional dish featuring tender goat meat combined with crispy burnt rice, creating a savory and aromatic delight.
- Ninh Binh mountain snails: Freshly caught mountain snails at Thung Nham, maintaining their freshness and chewy texture, paired with various spices for enticing dishes.
- Quạt noodle soup: A unique and flavorful dish with fresh noodles and spiced pork, grilled over charcoal in the local style.
- Eel vermicelli: With broth made from eel bones, imparting a rich flavor, this dish offers delicious and enticing eel vermicelli bowls.
- Ant egg sticky rice: A unique dish featuring rare ant eggs, aromatic and combined with sticky rice, creating a mouthwatering delicacy.
- Ca nhech salad: Live ca nhech fish meticulously prepared with a blend of ingredients such as vinegar, fish sauce, garlic, chili, resulting in a delicious, fatty, and spicy fish salad.
- Kim Son mushroom vermicelli: A local specialty with simple ingredients, including vermicelli and various mushrooms, captivating many diners in Ninh Binh.
Explore more renowned Ninh Binh specialties and bookmark them for your journey!
Nearby Tourist Destinations from Thung Nham Ninh Binh
If you want to explore more tourist destinations near Thung Nham, consider the following:
1. Tam Coc Bich Dong
Tam Coc Bich Dong is a renowned tourist spot in Ninh Binh, boasting stunning natural landscapes with limestone mountains and a meandering river. You can take a boat ride along the river to admire the beautiful scenery on both sides or explore natural caves. Tam Coc features three major caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. Bich Dong is a temple located on the mountain range near Tam Coc, known for its unique architecture and cultural significance to the local people.
Explore and book a Tam Coc Bich Dong tour on Klook!
2. Mua Cave Ninh Binh
Mua Cave is an enticing destination near Thung Nham. Its unique feature is the pathway to the mountain top, offering a picturesque view. To reach the summit, you'll need to conquer a journey climbing 500 stone steps. Though challenging, the breathtaking scenery along the way and the sense of accomplishment at the mountain's peak make it a meaningful reward.
3. Bai Dinh Pagoda Ninh Binh
Bai Dinh Pagoda is a grand temple located in Ninh Binh, known for holding numerous records in Vietnam. Most notably, the temple houses the largest bronze gilded Buddha statue in Southeast Asia. With impressive architecture and vast grounds featuring various towers, shrines, and historical relics, the pagoda is a remarkable cultural and spiritual site. Book a Bai Dinh - Mua Cave Tour conveniently on Klook!
Thung Nham - a precious gem amidst the mountains and forests of Ninh Binh, where you'll immerse yourself in the impressive natural surroundings. From majestic caves to lush mangrove forests, rare bird species to serene landscapes, this tourist destination will undoubtedly create unforgettable memories for you.
Don't miss out on fantastic articles about Ninh Binh travel on Klook Vietnam's Travel Blog: Ninh Binh Travel Tips, Mua Cave Ninh Binh, Tuyet Tinh Coc Ninh Binh, 3 Days 2 Nights Ninh Binh Itinerary, 2 Days 1 Night Ninh Binh Itinerary, Trang An Ninh Binh Travel, Beautiful Ninh Binh Resorts,...
Organize your schedule and head to Thung Nham tourist area now!
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