Travel Guide to Thung Nang: From A to Z

If you are planning to visit the ancient capital, make sure Thung Nang is on your list. To make your trip even more perfect, let's explore the hidden gems of this tourist destination with BDATrip!

Location of 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 and is currently developing strongly with many attractive activities. When you visit Thung Nang, you will be captivated by the pristine, serene space that exudes the essence of untouched nature. This is why many visitors love coming to Thung Nang Ninh Binh to enjoy the simple, poetic atmosphere and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Many people often wonder if the name "Thung Nang" is a shorthand for "valley." However, to this day, this question has not been definitively answered. Locals use the word “thung” to refer to low-lying, waterlogged areas surrounded by majestic mountains. In the summer, when the sunlight shines down, the limestone rocks glitter and turn golden, creating a stunning scene. Thus, the name Thung Nang was born, embodying the simplicity and closeness to nature in this area.

Best Time to Visit Thung Nang

Thung Nang not only fascinates visitors with its emerald green rivers but also enchants with its golden rice fields stretching across the region. This is one of the highlights of Thung Nang, making anyone want to visit. The best time to explore Thung Nang is around May and June when the golden rice fields shimmer under the summer sun.

When visiting Thung Nang, you can not only admire the vast rice fields but also breathe in the sweet fragrance of the countryside. The experience will be more perfect if you can climb a mountain and gaze out over the magnificent and majestic natural scenery. The vast sky, combined with the scent of ripe rice and the gentle sound of the river, will undoubtedly leave an unforgettable impression on every visitor.

Thung Nang and Its Unmissable Attractions

Scenic Boat Rides

In the past, during the summer, the water in Thung Nang would often dry up, and locals would come here to plant rice. However, in recent years, this area has been heavily invested in for tourism development. The local government has built dams to prevent water from receding, making it easier for tourists to visit and also enhancing the characteristic beauty of the ancient capital at Thung Nang.

To explore Thung Nang Ninh Binh, visitors primarily travel by boat. Right from the entrance, you can buy tickets for 60,000 VND per person, including the boat trip. From Thach Bich boat station, small boats will take you through scenic spots, weaving through the mountains to reach the valley where you can bask in the sunlight.

True to its name, Thung Nang is always bathed in sunlight. The sunlight shines through the lush green leaves, reflecting on the sparkling limestone rocks, even penetrating the riverbed, creating a brilliant and peaceful scene of the Northern countryside.

The boatmen, who double as tour guides, will row and introduce the beauty, names, meanings, and history of the caves. The water in Thung Nang is crystal clear, allowing you to see the riverbed with thick moss. On both sides of the river are lush green trees and picturesque water lily gardens. If you want to see Thung Nang during the water lily blooming season, you should visit around April to May.

When you come to Thung Nang Ninh Binh, you will feel the purity and brilliance of the sunlight piercing through, bringing an extraordinary sense of peace. The beauty here is wild but not desolate, splendid but not overly luxurious. Beautiful without being monotonous. When the boat begins to drift, you will certainly not want to leave, lingering with the serene and captivating beauty of Thung Nang.

Immersing in the Mysteries of the Caves

After enjoying the radiant sunlight, the small boats will take you to visit the Thung Nang Ninh Binh caves. The path to the caves is covered with the pristine white of reed flowers, and occasionally, you will see simple, charming houses appearing from empty fields. On the boat journey, you will admire famous mountains such as Ba Doi, Coc, Mang, and Vang, each with its own majestic and unique beauty.

Right from the outside of the cave, the dense reed bushes create a beautiful backdrop, perfect for taking stunning photos. Inside the cave, the boatmen will provide you with a flashlight as there are no lights inside, creating a dark and mysterious atmosphere.

As you enter the cave, you will immediately feel a cool breeze, completely different from the outside sunlight. The cave ceilings are usually low, requiring you to duck at times, and sometimes, you can touch the sparkling stalactites or feel the pure, clear water droplets dripping from the stalactites—a natural gift bestowed upon Thung Nang. In some places, the rocks are so close together that it seems impossible to pass through, but thanks to the skilled hands of the boatmen, the boat glides smoothly through the rocky crevices, sometimes making you shiver and then breathe a sigh of relief.

During the cave exploration, you will hear fascinating stories from the boatmen, who are not only navigators but also dedicated guides, providing you with valuable knowledge and unforgettable experiences. The visit to Thung Nang Ninh Binh will undoubtedly leave you with beautiful memories of a peaceful, pristine, yet incredibly charming land.

Discovering the Spiritual Marks of Ancient Temples and Pagodas

On your journey to explore Thung Nang Ninh Binh, it would be a great omission if you do not visit the ancient temples and pagodas here. These structures not only hold historical value but also offer serene resting places, helping visitors to deeply appreciate the local culture and spirituality.

The next stop is Thoong Nang temple, where the locals worship Chua Thuong Ngan. The temple is surrounded by other shrines and pagodas, creating a religious complex rich in ancient charm. Upon arrival, the boatman will stop at an open area where you can rest, enjoy the fresh air, and replenish your energy with light snacks.

Thoong Nắng temple is designed and built in a tranquil space, secluded from the outside world. The temple is surrounded by forests and streams, creating a solemn and sacred atmosphere. This is an ideal place for visitors to stop, enjoy the quiet beauty, and learn about the history and culture of the area.

After paying homage at Thoong Nắng temple, you can continue your journey by walking to Voi temple, an ancient temple from the Le dynasty. Voi temple worships Ly Dong Hai, a famous local official. The path to Voi temple is an interesting journey through small trails, winding through lush green trees and the peaceful natural surroundings.

Exploring the Bird Kingdom at Thung Nham

To make your journey exploring the Thung Nham Bird Garden in Ninh Binh even more complete, don't forget to take a small boat and visit Thung Nham, known as the paradise of hundreds of different bird species. Thung Nham is not only a gathering place for numerous rare birds but also an ecological and orchard tourism area with unique flooded forests of the ancient capital, Ninh Binh.

At the Thung Nham Bird Garden, visitors will enjoy sitting on boats, taking in the fresh and airy atmosphere. Especially in the late afternoon, you will have the opportunity to witness the beautiful scene of flocks of birds flying in the sky, returning to their nests after a long day of foraging. The sight of these birds returning creates a lively and colorful natural painting.

After visiting Thung Nham, returning to Thung Nang, you will witness a peaceful scene when flocks of white storks cover a flooded area. This is undoubtedly a beautiful and rare sight, bringing a sense of tranquility and peace.

Thung Nham Bird Garden is also an ideal spot for outdoor activities, especially for large groups. You can organize camping, participate in games, and enjoy the spacious and airy space. With fresh air and stunning natural scenery, Thung Nham will provide you with wonderful moments of relaxation with friends and family.

Many visitors choose to camp and relax at the Thung Nham Bird Garden to admire nature, learn about various animals, and experience rural life. This is a great way to relieve the stress and worries of daily life. If you decide to camp here, remember to prepare all necessary camping equipment to fully enjoy nature.

Unforgettable Culinary Delights at Thung Nang Ninh Binh

When visiting Thung Nang, you should not miss out on some local specialties such as:

• Crispy Fried Field Crab with Betel Leaves: This dish stands out with the combination of natural field crabs and aromatic betel leaves. The crispy texture of the crabs and the unique fragrance of the leaves create an unforgettable culinary experience. To fully enjoy this dish, pair it with hot rice to enhance the flavor and appeal.
• Mountain Snails of Ninh Binh: These rare snails can only be found in limestone caves in Ninh Binh. What makes these snails special is that they only come out on rainy days to forage. They primarily feed on forest leaves and medicinal plants, giving their meat a distinctive flavor similar to herbal medicine. Catching mountain snails is quite challenging as locals have to climb high rocky crevices and can only harvest them from April to August during the rainy season. Once collected, the snails are cleaned and prepared into various delicious dishes such as steamed with ginger, stir-fried with tamarind, or grilled. However, the most distinctive dish is boiled snails with lime leaves, served with sweet and sour fish sauce. The spicy, crispy texture and herbal aroma of boiled mountain snails will captivate your taste buds.
• Nem Chua Yen Mac: This is a famous specialty of the ancient capital, Ninh Binh. Nem Chua Yen Mac is not only loved by locals but also leaves a deep impression on visitors. This dish is often chosen as a gift when tourists visit the area. Nem Chua Yen Mac is best enjoyed with fig leaves, Polyscias fruticosa leaves, and herbs, dipped in fish sauce mixed with lemon, garlic, and minced chili. Enjoying Nem Chua in meals not only stimulates the taste buds but also enriches the flavor of the meal.

What to Keep in Mind When Visiting Thung Nang

To make your trip more convenient and memorable, consider the following tips:

• Plan Ahead: Before setting out, thoroughly research maps and the tourist spots you plan to visit. This will help you organize your itinerary and choose the best routes, avoiding getting lost and optimizing your travel time.
• Prepare Snacks and Drinks: After hours of boat trips, you might feel tired. Bring snacks and drinks to replenish your energy when needed. Snacks like biscuits, fruits, and water will help you stay healthy and refreshed throughout the trip.
• Bring an Umbrella or Hat: The weather can be unpredictable, especially during the rainy season. Carrying an umbrella or hat will protect you from sun and rain, ensuring you stay comfortable and healthy.
• Choose Appropriate Clothing: Wear comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothing suitable for the weather conditions. Lightweight, sweat-absorbent clothing will keep you comfortable during your exploration.
• Bring Insect Repellent and Sunscreen: Protect your skin by bringing sunscreen and insect repellent. These products will help you avoid negative effects from UV rays and insect bites, ensuring a safe and pleasant trip.
• Keep a Relaxed Mindset: Finally, prepare a relaxed and open mindset to fully enjoy your trip. Be ready to explore new things, appreciate the beauty of nature, and experience the local culture. A positive attitude will help you have a wonderful vacation with many memorable moments.

Thung Nang Ninh Binh is an article that BDATrip wants to dedicate to our dear readers, providing more information about this wonderful tourist destination and suggesting a new spot to add to your list of places to visit in Ninh Binh. Don't hesitate any longer, book your trip to Ninh Binh now.

Some Attractive Tourist Destinations in Ninh Binh:

• Travel Guide to Thung Nham Bird Garden
• Explore the Ancient Cave in Cuc Phuong
• Discover the Majestic Nature in Hoa Lu