Thung Nang is an attractive tourist destination in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, visited by many travelers for its ripe rice fields and emerald green rivers. If you have plans to visit the Ancient Capital land soon, don’t forget to make a stop at Thung Nang! Let’s explore some useful experiences with DanangPrivateCar.com’s below!
Where is Thung Nang?
Thung Nang tourist area is located in Dam Khe village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. This is a newly discovered tourist spot that has been actively developed with various tourism activities, creating a vast and pristine space. It is precisely this aspect that attracts many travelers seeking a simple and poetic atmosphere, making Thung Nang Ninh Binh their chosen destination.
Many tourists often ask whether Thung Nang Ninh Binh is an abbreviation for the term “thung luong” (valley). However, up to now, this question remains unanswered. Local residents here often use the term “thung” to refer to low-lying areas, flooded places surrounded by majestic mountains. In summer, when the sunlight shines down, making the limestone rocks sparkle and glisten, the local people affectionately call this place Thung Nang.
Guide to getting to Thung Nang Ninh Binh
Thung Nang is just over 100km from Hanoi, taking approximately 3 hours to travel. Therefore, there are various convenient and comfortable means of transportation for you to choose from, such as buses, motorcycles, and cars. However, based on the experience of seasoned travelers, exploring Thung Nang by motorcycle will provide you with the best experiences.
You can refer to the following route to get to Thung Nang: Starting from Ninh Binh city, move along Tran Hung Dao Street towards the South. At the roundabout, take the second exit onto DT491C, and after a stretch, turn right at Ben Thach Bich Intersection. Continue straight, and you will encounter signs directing you to Thung Nang.
Furthermore, if you need a quick and convenient means of transportation to take you directly to your destination, you can use the private car rental service in Hanoi offered by DanangPrivateCar.com’s. With a team of professional drivers with many years of experience, they will ensure your trip to Thung Nang is comfortable and cost-effective. Book a private car service from Hanoi to Ninh Binh today for the most complete Thung Nang experience.
Best Time to Visit Thung Nang
Thung Nang is famous for its emerald rivers and golden rice fields under the open sky. The best time to visit is around May and June.
During this period, you can admire endless stretches of ripe rice glowing in gold. The countryside air is filled with a refreshing scent. For an even better view, climb a mountain and enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery from above.
What does Thung Nang Ninh Binh offer for tourists?
Although it doesn’t possess the picturesque beauty of places like Tuyet Tinh Coc or the fame of tourist areas like Trang An and Bai Dinh, what leaves a lasting impression on visitors to Thung Nang is its pristine and simple charm. Thung Nang is not overly vast, so you only need about half a day to explore and visit this place.
Boat cruise on the river
In the past, water levels dropped during summer because of local farming. In recent years, tourism investments have changed this. Authorities built dams to regulate the flow, making visits easier and enhancing the ancient capital-like charm of Thung Nang.
To explore Thung Nang Ninh Binh, you must travel by boat. The main transport is a small ferry. At the entrance gate, tickets cost 60,000 VND per person, including the boat ride. From the Thach Bich ferry terminal, boats take you around the mountains and into valleys where you can enjoy the sunlight.
True to its name, Thung Nang is filled with sunlight. Rays shine through green leaves, reflect off limestone cliffs, and reach the riverbed. This creates a vibrant yet peaceful countryside scene.
The boat drivers also serve as guides. They skillfully paddle while sharing stories about caves, their names, and their histories. The water is crystal clear, revealing the moss-covered riverbed. Along the banks, rows of green trees and gunnera flower gardens add to the charm. To see the flowers in bloom, visit in April or May.
A trip to Thung Nang offers pure air and endless sunlight. The scenery is pristine yet colorful, peaceful yet lively. As the boat glides smoothly, you may find it hard to leave this magical place.
Explore mysterious caves
After enjoying the sunlight on the small boats, you will head straight to the caves of Thung Nang Ninh Binh. White lau flowers surround the cave entrance, and in open areas, you might spot simple thatched-roof houses. Along the way, the boat passes famous limestone peaks such as Ba Doi Mountain, Coc Mountain, Mang Mountain, and Vang Mountain.
Outside the caves, clusters of reed create a perfect backdrop for amazing travel photos. Before entering, boat drivers hand you a flashlight because the caves lack lighting and remain quite dark.
Inside, the air feels cool and refreshing, a sharp contrast to the sunlit world outside. The ceilings hang low, so at times you must bend your head or brush against sparkling stalactites that resemble dragon scales. Drops of pure water fall from above, a natural gift from Thung Nang. Some rock formations sit so close together that the boat seems unable to pass. Yet, with the skillful hands of the boat drivers, the boat glides smoothly, leaving you gasping in awe as it slips between the stone walls.
Explore the venerable temples and ancient pagodas of Thung Nang
A trip to Thung Nang Ninh Binh feels incomplete without visiting its ancient temples and pagodas.
The Thung Nang Temple is the next stop. Locals worship the Supreme God here, along with nearby temples and shrines. Your boat driver will pause at an open area so you can rest and enjoy light snacks.
The temple was built in tranquility, surrounded by forests and streams on all sides. This peaceful setting creates a solemn and captivating atmosphere.
After visiting Thung Nang Temple, continue on foot to Voi Temple. This ancient site dates back to the Le dynasty and is dedicated to Ly Dong Hai, a respected official once stationed here.
Explore Thung Nham Bird Park
To make your journey of exploring Thung Nham Brid Park Ninh Binh more complete, don’t forget to sit on small boats and pass through Thung Nham, known as the paradise for hundreds of different bird species that gather here. This place is not only a bird garden but also an ecological tourism area, a flooded forest unique to the ancient capital of Ninh Binh.
Tourists visiting Thung Nham Bird Garden in Ninh Binh will sit on boats to enjoy the fresh and airy atmosphere. If you come here in the evening, you will have the opportunity to admire the spectacle of flocks of birds flying across the sky to their nests after a long day of foraging. Especially, after returning from Thung Nham to Thung Nang, you will witness a very peaceful scene of white storks perching in a flooded area – an image that you may not always come across.
If you enjoy outdoor activities in a large group, this is also an ideal place for you. You can organize camping or any outdoor games you like. In the spacious area with fresh air, you are guaranteed to have wonderful moments of relaxation together. Camping and staying overnight at Thung Nham Bird Garden to enjoy the scenery, learn about various animals, and “taste the scent” of the countryside is how many tourists choose when coming to Thung Nham Ninh Binh. Surely, the stress and worries of your busy life will be dispelled. If you choose to camp here, remember to prepare outdoor equipment carefully to fully enjoy nature!
What to Eat When Visiting Thung Nham Ninh Binh
- Grilled field crab with betel leaves: This dish stands out because chefs use wild crabs. The crabs taste crispy and blend perfectly with the aroma of betel leaves. Enjoy them best with hot rice.
- Ninh Binh mountain snails: These rare snails live in limestone caves and crawl out only after rain. They eat forest leaves, which give their meat a herbal flavor. Locals collect them between April and August during the rainy season. People prepare the snails in many ways—steamed with ginger, sautéed with tamarind, or tossed in salads. The must-try dish is boiled snails with lime leaves, served with sweet and sour fish sauce. This version delivers a crunchy texture, rich flavor, and a light herbal scent.
- Yen Mac fermented pork roll: This specialty of Ninh Binh’s ancient capital attracts both locals and visitors. Many tourists buy the rolls as gifts. Locals enjoy them with sung leaves, Dinh Lang leaves, and fresh herbs. For the best taste, dip the rolls in a sauce of fish sauce, lime, garlic, and chili. Each bite offers a fragrant kick and leaves a memorable flavor.
But take note when coming to Thung Nang
- To make your trip more convenient, you should plan your belongings and the places to choose a suitable route.
- After spending several hours in a boat, you may feel tired, so prepare light food and drinks to replenish your energy when needed.
- Bring an umbrella or a hat to avoid sudden weather changes.
- Choose appropriate clothing for easy movement during your journey.
- Prepare insect repellent and sunscreen to protect your skin.
Conclusion
This article about Thung Nang Ninh Binh is brought to you by DanangPrivateCar.com to give readers useful travel information. Thung Nang is also a wonderful addition to your list of places to see in Ninh Binh.
What are you waiting for? Book your trip to Ninh Binh now! If you are still unsure about destinations or routes, just contact us for support.
