🌞 One-Day Itinerary to Vườn Chim Thung Nham (from Hà Nội) 🌿
Morning:
6:00 AM – Start the journey!
Depart from Hà Nội. It’s about a 2-hour drive (100 km) to Ninh Bình via the Cao tốc Hà Nội – Ninh Bình. A scenic drive with views of rice fields and limestone mountains along the way.
8:30 AM – Arrival at Thung Nham Ecotourism Area!
Once there, stretch your legs, take in the fresh air, and prepare for a day filled with natural beauty.
Morning Exploration (8:30 AM - 11:00 AM):
Vái Giời Cave 🌿:
Start with a visit to this mystical cave. The cave consists of three floors, symbolizing the Heaven, Earth, and Underworld. It’s an amazing geological wonder, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.
Bụt Cave 🌌:
Next up, explore this stunning water cave. Hop on a small boat and glide through the Bụt Cave, where the light dances on the water and the rock formations are awe-inspiring. It’s said to have a natural stone statue resembling Buddha.
Nổi Island 🏝️:
A small island located in the center of the water, surrounded by lush greenery. A perfect spot to relax before the midday heat sets in.
Lunch (11:30 AM - 1:00 PM):
Enjoy lunch at the Thung Nham Restaurant. You can taste local Ninh Bình specialties like:
Cơm Cháy (crispy rice)
Dê Núi (mountain goat meat)
Fresh river fish caught right in the area.
Afternoon Adventures (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM):
Thung Nham Bird Park 🕊️:
The highlight of the trip! In the early afternoon, visit the bird sanctuary where thousands of birds nest. As you walk through the sanctuary, you’ll see many species, including storks, herons, and flamingos. The sight of them returning to their nests is magical!
Fruit Garden 🍊:
Stroll through the Fruit Garden, where you can see a variety of tropical fruit trees and perhaps even sample some freshly picked fruit.
3:00 PM – Wrap up and Return:
After a fulfilling day of nature exploration, head back to Hà Nội. You should reach the city around 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM, just in time for a relaxing evening after the adventure!
🌟 Additional Tips:
Clothing: Comfortable walking shoes and lightweight clothing are recommended. Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen.
Binoculars: Perfect for bird watching!
Camera: You’ll want to capture the stunning limestone karsts and wildlife.
Water: Stay hydrated during the day, especially with the walk through the bird park.
🌤 Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for bird watching, as that’s when the birds are most active.