Thien Ha-Thung Nham: Geological Wonders worth exploring in Ninh Binh

Are you in search of a hidden gem that offers an authentic experience, away from the bustling crowds of tourists in Ninh Binh?

Why not consider Thien Ha and Thung Nham! This area abounds in a variety of breathtaking landscapes and mesmerizing celestial formations, which have seduced many travelers during a trip to Ninh Binh.

Thien Ha and Thien Thanh Caves: Hidden gems in the heart of Ninh Binh's mountains

Nestled in the Tuong mountain range to the east of Son Ha commune, 24 km south-west of Ninh Binh, Thien Ha and Thien Thanh Caves invite you on a fascinating journey. These two remarkable caves, featuring a natural spectacle of sparkling stalactites, evoke an underground galaxy.

Thien Thanh Cave: Where Nature shows its Creativity

Thien Thanh Cave is a dry cave set in a limestone mountain range dating back some 250 million years. This 50-meter-long cave offers a unique sight thanks to its iridescent curtains of sparkling stalactites along the cave walls. 

The cave's large skylight floods the interior with natural light, illuminating the diverse shapes of the stalactites. As the sunlight streams through, visitors can more clearly observe the various formations, which resemble a Buddha, a castle, animals, and even a human ear.

Thien Ha Cave: A Milky Way inside the mountains

Just a stone’s throw from Thien Thanh Cave lies Thien Ha Cave. This cave, almost 700 meters long, is divided into two sections: the dry cave and the wet cave, respectively 200 meters and 500 meters in length. 

Scientific research revealed that Thien Ha Cave is an ever-evolving karst system. The dry cave, 200 meters long and up to 40 meters wide, is home to a multitude of stalactites, testifying to the active geological processes that still shape this exceptional site today.

The journey continues in the humid section of Thien Ha Cave, where an underground river winds its way through the landscape. In this wet cave, visitors can enjoy a boat ride that evokes the sensation of gliding through the Milky Way. As you drift over the tranquil waters, take a moment to admire the stunning features around you, including the glistening stalactites that adorn the cave's ceiling and walls. These natural formations, reminiscent of the moon and stars, are beautifully reflected in the clear waters, creating a magical, dreamlike spectacle. The cool air within the cave provides a refreshing escape from the heat outside, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in their exploration.

Thien Ha Cave also reveals archaeological treasures, bearing witness to the life and creativity of the ancient inhabitants through the ages. Artefacts such as carved pebble tools, rough pottery and bones have been discovered, affording a fascinating insight into the communal life of the ancient Vietnamese.

Ticket price to visit the Thien Ha cave in Ninh Binh

+ Ticket price for adults: 120,000 VND/person (itinerary 1: Thien Ha - Thien Thanh - Buddha Cave) and 200,000 VND/person (itinerary 2/itinerary 3: Thien Ha - Thien Thanh - Buddha Cave- Ghe Cave - Chua Cave).

+ Ticket price for children: 60 000 VND/child for itinerary 1 and 100 000 VND/child for itinerary 2 or 3.

Thung Nham: The Land of Thousands of Birds

Thung Nham, also known as Thung Chim (Bird Valley), is the largest natural bird park in northern Vietnam. The avifauna is particularly abundant, including herons, ardeids, teals, storks, starlings, and many others. A boat tour through theThung Nham Bird Garden is an experience not to be missed. As the boat glides quietly along the water's edge, you can take in the stunning limestone cliffs shaped by time and the exceptional ornithological diversity. Dusk is particularly ideal for watching birds return to their nests.

See how a boat tour in Thung Nham is like through this short video filmed by Authentik Vietnam 

How to Do a Thien Ha-Thung Nham Combined Tour

A Thien Ha- Thung Nham rowing boat trip promises a worthwhile experience. Since this itinerary is less well-known than that in Tam Coc, visitors will have an enchanting adventure amid unspoiled, whimsical beauty.

The adventure starts as you board a small traditional wooden boat. Accompanied by a friendly oarswoman, you glide gently across the water towards the mysterious Thien Ha Cave, while admiring the scenery that features verdant rice paddies, towering karst peaks, and lush vegetation.

After a good half-hour of sailing, you disembark to visit the first 200-meter-long dry cave. A fantastic spectacle of sparkling stalactites and magnificent drapery. Next, you will board the boat again to explore the 500-meter-long wet cave, which offers an even more magical experience. The enhancement of lighting beautifully showcases its stunning formations.

The tour continues along the river, weaving between rice fields and cliffs. You will cross through the Buddha Cave before heading towards Thung Nham. This 6-kilometer excursion, lasting approximately 2 hours, provides a unique insight into the wild beauty of Ninh Binh.

Please note that we do not return to the starting point. You will need to arrange your own transport upon arrival, or you can ask your driver to pick you up at the Thung Nham pier.

For a clearer vision of the Thien Ha- Thung Nham boat tour, we invite you to take your time to watch this short video made by Authentik Vietnam.

Travel Tips for a Successful Visit to Thung Nham and Thien Ha Cave

To make the most of a memorable excursion to Thung Nham and Thien Ha Cave, take a look at the following recommendations:

- **Preserve Natural Beauty**: It is strictly forbidden to break or touch the stalactites. These delicate geological formations take thousands of years to develop.
  
- **Choose Suitable Clothing**: Wear comfortable clothing that is suitable for walking to avoid any discomfort during your exploration.

- **Appropriate Footwear**: Ensure that your shoes are closed-toe and non-slip to provide better traction on the cave's sometimes slippery surfaces.

- **Check Weather Conditions**: Review the weather forecast before your visit. Sunny, dry weather will allow you to fully enjoy the scenery.

For more information about the Thien Ha - Thung Nham excursion, please contact us at info@authentikvietnam.com.

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