Thung Nang Boat - Bich Dong - Thung Nham Bird Sanctuary
A Journey Through Nature & Serenity
Dear Amazing Traveler,
Welcome to Ninh Binh – where peaceful waterways, ancient temples, and vibrant wildlife come together.
This one-day journey combines a scenic Thung Nắng boat ride, a visit to Bích Động Pagoda, and the beautiful Thung Nham Bird Sanctuary.
Enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by nature, culture, and local heritage, from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, starting and ending in Ninh Binh.
1. Thung Nắng Boat Tour – The Valley of the Sun
A peaceful and less crowded alternative to Tam Coc, Thung Nang (“Sun Valley”) offers a relaxing boat ride through caves and untouched countryside landscapes. The site is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and each boat carries up to 2 tourists.
Along the riverbanks, you will see water lilies and local houses, giving a truly local feeling. To see water lilies in full bloom, it is best to come before 10:00 in the morning, as they close under strong sunlight.
The trip takes about 1.5 hours, making it ideal for those who prefer a shorter boat ride. Along the way, you might see ducks, birds, fish, or even mountain goats. The boat also passes through two cool, dark caves, softly lit by a small torch so visitors can admire stalagmites formed over thousands of years.
Quieter than Tam Coc but just as beautiful, Thung Nang is a hidden gem you shouldn’t miss.
Thung Nang Boat Tour - Water Lilies Flower
2. Bích Động Pagoda – The Ancient Cave Temple
Built over 600 years ago, Bich Dong Pagoda is a charming ancient temple complex nestled into limestone cliffs near Tam Coc. The pagoda is built on three levels - Ha (Lower), Trung (Middle), and Thuong (Upper) - connected by about 170 stone steps.
Surrounded by limestone mountains and lush greenery, the peaceful setting offers beautiful views and a tranquil spiritual atmosphere. In front of the pagoda, a water lily pond blooms from June to December, adding to the area's natural charm. Sometimes, locals also grow lotus flowers, depending on the season and local farming conditions.
Bich Dong is a perfect combination of history, spirituality, and nature, making it a lovely stop when visiting Tam Coc.
Duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Opening hours: 7:30am - 4:30pm.
Bích Động Pagoda – The Ancient Cave Temple
3. Thung Nham Bird Sanctuary – The Kingdom of Birds
Thung Nham Bird Park is an eco-tourism park famous for its large bird sanctuary. Every day, thousands of birds (locals say around 40,000) return to their nests, creating a spectacular natural scene surrounded by limestone mountains and peaceful wetlands.
Besides bird watching, visitors can also take a boat to Buddha Cave (included in the entrance ticket) and walk to Mermaid Cave, two fascinating natural attractions inside the park.
To watch the birds, visitors can either take a small boat (up to 10 people) to the bird valley for a closer view.
Breeding Season: From September to April, many bird species nest and raise their chicks in Thung Nham. During this period, visitors may see nests with eggs, young birds, and mother birds feeding their chicks, making it one of the best times to visit.
🕊 Best time to visit:
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Around 7:00 - 9:00 AM
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After 3:00 PM, when birds return to their nests and the sunset creates beautiful scenery
Thung Nham Bird Sanctuary – The Kingdom of Birds
TRIP SCHEDULE
9:00 AM – Pick-up from your hotel in Ninh Binh City
9:15 AM – Enjoy a 1.5-hour Thung Nắng boat tour
11:00 AM – Visit Bích Động Pagoda
12:30 PM – Lunch at a local restaurant
2:00 PM – Explore Thung Nham Bird Sanctuary
4:30 PM – Drive back to Ninh Binh City
5:30 PM – Tour ends at your hotel with beautiful memories
NOTE
As we’ll visit a pagoda, please dress respectfully — wear shirts with sleeves and pants or skirts that cover the knees.
WHAT TO BRING
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Camera
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Hat
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Umbrella
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Sunblock
INCLUSIONS
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Private A/C car transfer
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Local English-speaking tour guide
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Entrance fees, sightseeing tickets, boat tickets
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Lunch (vegetarian and dietary options available)
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1 bottle (500ml) of mineral water per person
EXCLUSIONS
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Personal drinks & expenses
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Travel insurance
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Tips and gratuities for tour guide/driver (recommended from 10 USD/person)
Group size | Tour Price (USD/Pax) | Car Type | Car Only (USD/car) |
|---|---|---|---|
01 person | 99 | 4 – 7 seater Car | 42 |
02 people | 62 | 7-seater Car | 42 |
03 people | 52 | 7-seater Car | 42 |
04 people | 45 | 7-seater Car | 42 |
From 05 people and up | 49 | 16-seater Van | 70 |
Cancellation by Customer
More than 7 days before arrival: 10% of total tour price.
Within 1 day to 7 days before arrival: 30% of total tour price.
Within 12 hours to 24 hours before starting time: 50% of total tour price.
Within 12 hours before starting time: 75% of total tour price and 100% after 12 hours.
Pick-up service
For private tour: the pick-up time is up to the guest, it is customization
The hotel pick-up must be at in city central area, in case your hotel accommodation is outside of this area, please kindly inform us about that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the tour suitable for children?
A: Yes. The tour is suitable for families with children, and we can adjust the itinerary to make the trip more comfortable
Q: Can elderly travelers join the tour?
A: Yes. Since this is a private and flexible tour, we can adjust the activities according to your physical condition.
Q: Can I book a private car without a tour guide?
A: Yes, We also offer private car and driver services for travelers who prefer to explore Ninh Binh independently.
Q: How many people can share a Thung Nang boat?
A: For foreign visitors, each boat is limited to 2 adults.
Q: What kind of car do you use?
A: We use modern, clean, air-conditioned electric cars or SUVs, with models from 2025. Our vehicles are comfortable and well-maintained for a full day of travel.
Q: How do we pay?
A: You can pay by Vietnamese Dong (VND), international bank transfer through OnePay - a secure payment link accepting Visa, Mastercard, and other major credit and debit cards. Cash is also convenient in Vietnam and helps avoid credit card fees. If you need to stop at an ATM, simply ask your driver.
Q: Can we change the plan during the day?
A: Yes. This is a private and flexible tour, so you can adjust the itinerary during the day. Want to spend more time at Mua Cave or skip Hoa Lu? Just let us know. Any additional entrance tickets or extra transfers, such as to Cuc Phuong National Park, will be subject to an additional fee.
Q: Can we leave our luggage in the car?
A: Yes. If you are traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh or Ninh Binh to Hanoi, you can leave your luggage safely in the vehicle while exploring the attractions.
Q: What if it rains?
A: The tour can usually continue in light rain. The misty mountains of Ninh Binh can be especially beautiful in rainy weather. If there is heavy rain, your driver and guide can adjust the schedule to make the day more comfortable.
Q: Do we need to pay a deposit?
A: Yes, we require a 20% deposit of the total booking price to confirm your reservation. The remaining balance can be paid before or on the tour day.
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