Ninh Binh: Watching birds from a boat at sunset in Thung Nham

At Thung Nham Bird Garden, the most captivating moment is at sunset: the surface of Tien Lake is calm and still, murmuring along the forest edge, and flocks of wild birds fly back to their nests. This is the largest natural bird garden in Northern Vietnam, located within the Thung Nham eco-tourism area, in the core region of the Trang An scenic landscape complex (Ninh Binh).

Why Thung Nham is worth a visit at the end of the day.

According to the Ninh Binh Provincial Department of Tourism, the bird sanctuary is home to tens of thousands of individual birds belonging to more than 46 species such as cranes, phoenixes, storks, herons, egrets, ducks, teals, fire-breasted magpies, starlings, etc.; some of which are listed in the Vietnam Red Book. The bird sanctuary has about 5,000 nests of various types.

In winter, only a few species of birds migrate south to escape the cold; the majority remain in Thung Nham Bird Garden. This rhythm of "coming and going" makes the visit feel like a timed appointment with nature.

Explore in two ways: by boat or on a 2km walk.

To visit the bird sanctuary, tourists can choose one of two itineraries:

• Sitting in a boatFollowing the path along Tien Lake into the semi-submerged area: this method is suitable for those who want to enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace, and it's easy to spot flocks of birds soaring at close range as you follow the water's edge.
• Walkcrossing the long forest road2kmTo reach the elevated observation point: suitable if you enjoy the feeling of "walking through" the greenery before gazing out at the bird's nest landscape.

Whichever way you choose, the most beautiful meeting place is still...at sunset, when flocks of birds fly back to their nests. This is also the time many people choose to take photos.

"Habitat map" of bird species, viewed from the cliff overlooking the water.

In Thung Nham, the way birds choose their habitats also creates a distinct "layered picture." High cliffs are home to cranes and herons; the medium-sized bamboo thickets provide an ideal habitat for egrets. And herons usually build their nests scattered among the reeds near the water's edge.

The moment a bird spreads its wings and soars freely through the sky often comes unexpectedly: sometimes it's just a soft sound, a movement at the edge of the reeds, and then the whole space seems to "come alive" with the rhythm of its wings.

A firsthand experience: sitting in a boat and waiting for flocks of white storks to fly back to their nests.

Ms. Vu Hong Hai (Hanoi) shared: “This is my first time visiting Thung Nham Bird Garden. Sitting in a boat gliding along the lake, watching flocks of white egrets fly back to their nests at sunset, I was truly captivated.”

Many tourists also choose to capture images of flocks of birds soaring before their eyes; foreign tourists often linger at vantage points to take photographs.

Conservation principles you need to know before you go.

Representatives from the Thung Nham Eco-tourism Area Management Board stated that the area always prioritizes nature conservation. To protect bird populations, the area only uses...rowboatTo reduce noise, stop posts were also installed to ensure safety.Minimum distance 2mKeep a safe distance between the boats carrying tourists and the flocks of birds, avoiding frightening them.

Visitors are also requested to maintain cleanliness and silence while visiting the bird sanctuary. The bird sanctuary and protected forest area are patrolled 24/7 to minimize any impact on the ecosystem. The area has also been dammed to store food for the birds and planted with trees, creating favorable conditions for the birds to gather and build nests.

According to the management board, over the years, the tourist area has actively coordinated with local authorities to educate people against hunting in order to protect the bird population when they fly out to forage. As a result, the bird species in Thung Nham Bird Garden have been almost completely preserved.

Tips for a more fulfilling trip

• The hour of twilightto witness the sight of flocks of birds flying back to their nests — the highlight of the bird sanctuary.
• Keep quiet.And maintain the distance as instructed at the stopping point, to avoid startling the birds.
• If walking, prepare yourself for the stretch.2kmThe path along the forest edge before reaching the high observation point.