Which season is the best to visit Thung Nham? The golden time for bird watching

Thung Nham is located in Hai Nham village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, about 12 km from the center of Ninh Binh city. The name "Thung Nham" originates from its topography: "Thung" means valley, and "Nham" refers to rocky mountains. Once a wild and marshy area, it has now become a sustainable ecotourism zone thanks to the conservation efforts of the management board.

Highlights:

• Diverse ecosystem: Over 109 plant species and 150 animal species.
• Natural bird garden: Approximately 5,000 nests belonging to 46 bird species, including rare species listed in the Red Data Book such as the Great Egret (Hang Hac) and Great Hornbill (Hong Hoang).
• Cave system: Vai Gioi Cave, But Cave, Tien Ca Cave, etc.
• Resort space: Stilt-house resort, eco-friendly swimming pool, fruit orchards, and local cuisine.

Thung Nham is suitable for family trips, couples, groups of friends, or team-building activities, combining sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural experiences.

Thung Nham is beautiful year-round, with each season carrying its own charm. However, autumn (September – November) and early spring (February – April) are considered the most ideal times to visit.

• Autumn (September–November): The weather is cool, pleasant, and has little rain. Trees change into vibrant colors, and the air is fresh. This is when the highest concentration of birds returns to their nests, creating a magnificent sunset landscape. Many visitors consider this the best season for photography and bird watching.
• Early Spring (January–April): Vegetation turns lush green, and flowers bloom profusely (April is especially vibrant with globe amaranth, dahlias, sunflowers, etc.). The mild weather is perfect for spring excursions, taking photos, and exploring caves.

Avoid or reconsider:

• Summer (May–August): Hot and humid with heavy rain, which may affect boating. Birds breed extensively but congregate less at nests in the late afternoon.
• Winter: Colder weather; birds return earlier, but the climate can be quite chilly.

Note: Avoid summer (May–August) as the high heat can tire you out during outdoor activities. Winter (December) is cold, but if you enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, it is still worth a try.

Thung Nham Bird Garden is considered the highlight and the "soul" of the entire ecotourism area. This is where visitors can vividly feel the pristine beauty and the natural rhythm of tens of thousands of birds amid a serene landscape of mountains and waters.

The ideal time for bird watching is late afternoon, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, as flock after flock returns from the fields to their nests. The sight of birds covering the sky, combined with the sound of flapping wings and chirping, creates a vivid and impressive natural spectacle. In autumn and winter, birds tend to return earlier and gather in larger numbers due to the cool, pleasant weather. Alternatively, visitors can visit early in the morning to watch flocks leave their nests to forage, though dusk remains the most beautiful and emotionally evocative moment.

The peak bird-watching season at Thung Nham lasts from August to April of the solar calendar, especially peaking from September to March when the bird count reaches tens of thousands. Not only a prominent ecological attraction in Ninh Binh, Thung Nham Bird Garden also offers visitors an intimate connection with nature and unforgettable moments in the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient capital region.

In addition to bird watching, Thung Nham also offers many rich and attractive experiences for visitors.

• Explore the cave system: Visitors can visit But Cave (also known as Fairy Cave) with natural stalactites shaped like the Buddha, conquer Vai Gioi Cave via a climb of about 500 stone steps to enjoy a panoramic view of Thung Nham from above, or visit Ba Co Cave and Tien Ca Cave. 
• Stroll through flower and fruit gardens: The Valley of Love area stands out with its multi-tiered, vibrant flower arrangements, while the fruit orchard spanning over 80,000 m² allows visitors to pick and enjoy seasonal fruits such as lychee, longan, guava, and mango.
• Unique spiritual experiences: Thung Nham possesses many sacred spots such as the moving banyan tree over 1,000 years old, Goi Dai Temple, Linh Than Shrine, and an ancient Siamese rough bush tree, bringing a peaceful atmosphere for those who appreciate tranquility.
• Recreational and leisure activities: The resort complex features an eco-swimming pool (separate fee of 70,000 VND), a dedicated area for team-building, and bicycle rental services for 50,000 VND/hour, suitable for groups of friends or families wanting to explore the scenery independently.
• Local cuisine: Visitors can savor Ninh Binh specialties such as grilled mountain goat, crispy burnt rice, Tong Truong perch, hill chicken, and mountain snails. 
• Sightseeing information: Summer opening hours are from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM; winter hours are from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Admission tickets are 250,000 VND/adult and 150,000 VND/child, which includes boat service to visit the bird garden and cave system.

Choosing the right time not only allows you to admire the best scenery, but also provides the opportunity to observe thousands of birds during the most vivid moments of the Thung Nham ecosystem. However, to make the journey complete, save time, and ensure you arrive at the golden bird-watching hour, many visitors choose the all-inclusive Thung Nham Bird Garden tour by Sovaba Travel. The tour includes shuttle transport, entrance fees, a boat ride to the bird garden, and an eco-knowledgeable guide, giving you deeper insights into avian life and local history and culture. This is an ideal choice for families, couples, or groups of friends who want to experience Thung Nham in a relaxed, convenient, and memorable way.