Con Den Ecological Area Guide: Eco-Tours & Coastal Adventures in Thai Binh, Hung Yen

A Pristine Coastal Haven

Con Den Ecological Area, located in Thai Thuy Commune, Thai Binh, now a vibrant ward of Hung Yen province following Vietnam’s 2025 administrative reform, is a pristine eco-tourism gem 130 km southeast of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward. Attracting over 30,000 visitors annually, this 3-km-long coastal stretch, part of the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve, features untouched beaches, mangrove forests, and a rich ecosystem with 200 bird species and 500 aquatic species, with entry fees at $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND). It’s a must-visit for nature lovers and eco-tourists seeking Vietnam’s unspoiled beauty.

Con Den’s wild shores, whispering casuarina trees, and biodiverse mangroves offer a serene escape, complemented by local seafood like raw jellyfish salad. Sustainable practices, such as biodegradable materials and solar-powered facilities, align with Hung Yen’s green initiatives, preserving its natural charm. The temperate climate (dry season: November–April, 15–26°C or 59–78.8°F; rainy season: May–October, 22–33°C or 71.6–91.4°F) ensures year-round exploration. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours immerse you in this coastal paradise. Book via the links in this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Update

Vietnam’s 2025 reform merged Thai Binh province into Hung Yen, with Thai Binh City now a ward. Thai Thuy Commune, home to Con Den, remains a key eco-tourism hub in Thai Binh, Hung Yen, easily navigated with updated maps referencing “Thai Binh, Hung Yen.”

Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism with over 17 years of experience, offers eco-friendly tours in Thai Binh, tailored for nature and culture enthusiasts. Our low-impact tours use electric vehicles or bicycles, led by English-speaking guides who share insights into Con Den’s ecosystem and local traditions, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting Thai Thuy’s communities, we align with Hung Yen’s green goals. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, planning is seamless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and explore Con Den responsibly!

Con Den, in Thai Thuy Commune, Thai Binh, 40 km from Thai Binh ward, is a pristine eco-tourism site within the UNESCO-recognized Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve. Its 3-km sand dune, mangrove forests, and casuarina groves host rare birds like storks and pelicans, listed in the World Red Book. Activities include beach walks, boat rides through mangroves, and wildlife spotting, all supported by sustainable practices like recycled materials and local staffing. Combined with nearby attractions like Dong Chau Beach and Keo Pagoda, Con Den offers an immersive, eco-conscious adventure for travelers seeking nature and tranquility.

These budget-friendly activities ($0–$5) offer nature and cultural immersion:

1. Explore Con Den’s Mangrove Forests

Take a hand-rowed boat ride through Con Den’s mangroves, best at 9:00 AM, for $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND), spotting rare birds and aquatic life.

• Cost: $2–$3; entry $0.50–$1.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Hand-rowed boats reduce emissions; supports conservation.

• Tip: Bring binoculars; included in Thai Binh Coastal Tour ($60–$90).

2. Relax at Con Den Beach

Walk Con Den’s pristine beach, best at 10:00 AM, for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND), enjoying casuarina trees and calm waves.

• Cost: $1–$2; entry $0.50–$1.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Avoid littering; supports biosphere reserve.

• Tip: Bring sunscreen; included in Thai Binh Coastal Tour ($60–$90).

3. Savor Raw Jellyfish Salad

Taste raw jellyfish salad in Thai Thuy, best at 11:00 AM (April–May), for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND), enjoying its spicy, sour flavor.

• Cost: $1–$2; entry $0.50–$1.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Sourced sustainably; supports fishers.

• Tip: Try at coastal stalls; included in Thai Binh Coastal Food Tour ($60–$90).

4. Cycle Through Thai Thuy Villages

Pedal through Thai Thuy’s fishing villages, best at 8:00 AM, with bike rentals at $2–$3/day (50,000–75,000 VND), visiting seafood markets.

• Cost: $2–$3; entry $0.50–$1.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Bikes reduce emissions; supports locals.

• Tip: Rent at homestays; included in Thai Binh Coastal Tour ($60–$90).

5. Visit Keo Pagoda

Explore the 17th-century Keo Pagoda in Vu Thu, best at 10:00 AM, for free (donations $0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND), admiring its architecture.

• Cost: Free; entry $0.50–$1.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Walk or cycle to minimize impact.

• Tip: Dress modestly; included in Thai Binh Cultural Tour ($50–$80).

• November–April (Dry Season, 15–26°C or 59–78.8°F): Ideal for beach walks, boat rides, and cycling, with cool, dry weather and fewer crowds (100–150 daily visitors) on weekdays. Perfect for birdwatching and exploring mangroves.

• May–October (Rainy Season, 22–33°C or 71.6–91.4°F): Best for vibrant greenery and seafood like raw jellyfish salad (April–May). Rain gear needed for humid paths; expect larger crowds (200–400 on weekends).

• Festival Seasons: Spring (February–April) for local fishing festivals; autumn (September–October) for nearby Keo Pagoda Festival (lunar September 13–15). Avoid Lunar New Year (January/February) for fewer crowds (1,000+ during Tet).

• Timing Tip: Early mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) for calm exploration and photography; afternoons (2:00–5:00 PM) for beach relaxation and dining.

Con Den, in Thai Thuy Commune, Thai Binh, is 130 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, reachable in 2.5–3 hours:

• By Private Car: Drive via Hanoi–Hai Phong Expressway and Thai Ha Bridge, costing $45–$65 (1,125,000–1,625,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.

• By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly VinFast taxis, $35–$45 (875,000–1,125,000 VND) one-way; $70–$90 (1,750,000–2,250,000 VND) round-trip. Use Xanh SM app.

• By Private Motorcycle: Ride via Highway 1A, $18–$25 (450,000–625,000 VND) fuel; rental $6–$10/day (150,000–250,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).

• By Public Bus: Bus from Giap Bat to Thai Binh ward (2 hours, $2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND), then xe om to Con Den (40 km, $3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND), totaling $10–$16 (250,000–400,000 VND) round-trip.

• By Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): Group bus from Hoan Kiem Ward, $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND)/person for 20+ people, including guide.

• From Noi Bai Airport: Private car ($55–$75 or 1,375,000–1,875,000 VND, 3 hours, 160 km); Xanh SM taxi ($50–$65 or 1,250,000–1,625,000 VND); or Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min) + private car ($35–$45 or 875,000–1,125,000 VND).

• Navigation Tip: Save “Con Den, Thai Thuy, Thai Binh, Hung Yen” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs from Thai Binh ward or Nam Dinh. Parking: $0.60–$1 (15,000–25,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM taxis or group buses reduce emissions; cycling in Thai Thuy minimizes impact.

• Safety: Wear helmets on motorcycles; confirm fares.

Con Den’s flat terrain is ideal for eco-friendly exploration:

• Cycling: Rent bikes at homestays or Thai Thuy for $2–$3/day (50,000–75,000 VND) or electric bikes for $5–$7/day (125,000–175,000 VND). Perfect for 5–10 km loops to mangroves or beaches.

• Motorbiking: Rent motorbikes for $6–$10/day (150,000–250,000 VND) plus $2–$4 fuel, ideal for trips to Dong Chau (10 km).

• Xe Om (Motorbike Taxis): Short trips within Thai Thuy for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Bikes and electric motorbikes minimize emissions; support local rental providers.

• Tip: Check vehicle condition; helmets mandatory for motorbikes.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:

• Clothing: Light layers, sturdy shoes for cycling; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season; hat for sun.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.

• Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).

• Eco-Tourism Gear: Binoculars for birdwatching, camera for beach shots, small backpack.

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for snacks ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.

• Extras: Notebook for wildlife notes; cash for vendors.

Costs for Con Den and Thai Binh Activities

Entry and Activity Fees

• Entry: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND) adult; free for children under 1.3m.

• Con Den Boat Ride: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).

• Con Den Beach: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Raw Jellyfish Salad: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$3/day (50,000–75,000 VND).

• Homestay: $12–$18/night (300,000–450,000 VND).

• Drinks (Tea, Water): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).

• Souvenirs (e.g., Local Crafts): $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND).

• Guided Coastal Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)

• Private Car: $45–$65 (1,125,000–1,625,000 VND).

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $70–$90 (1,750,000–2,250,000 VND).

• Private Motorcycle: $24–$35 (600,000–875,000 VND).

• Public Bus + Xe Om: $10–$16 (250,000–400,000 VND).

• Private Tour Bus: $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND).

• Airport to Con Den: $55–$75 (1,375,000–1,875,000 VND).

• Parking: $0.60–$1 (15,000–25,000 VND).

• SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $12–$22 (bus + xe om, entry, activities).

• Mid-range: $30–$50 (private car, boat ride, guided tour).

• Luxury: $80–$120 (Xanh SM taxi, homestay, premium tour).

• Tip: Budget for entry ($0.50–$1), activities ($1–$5), and transport ($10–$90); carry cash (no cards accepted).

• Timing: Visit at 7:00–10:00 AM for cool weather; November–April for dry exploration; April–May for seafood. Weekdays for fewer crowds (100–150 vs. 200–400 on weekends). Avoid Lunar New Year for quieter visits.

• Booking: Buy entry tickets on-site (QR code e-tickets); reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided visits or homestays. Book boat rides at Thai Thuy centers.

• Sustainability: Support locals with food ($1–$2) or craft ($1–$4) purchases; use reusable bottles. Avoid disturbing mangroves and wildlife.

• Navigation: Save “Con Den, Thai Thuy, Thai Binh, Hung Yen” in offline maps; ask locals in Thai Binh ward for directions. Avoid night travel due to rural roads.

• Safety: Secure valuables; follow safety guidelines at beaches. Carry a flashlight for evening activities.

• Weather: Dry season for comfortable exploration; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and waterproof bags ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.

• Cultural Respect: Say “xin chào” to locals; avoid loud talking in fishing villages. Respect biosphere reserve rules.

• Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Con Den and Thai Binh’s highlights:

• Thai Binh Coastal Tour ($60–$90/person, 1 day): Explore Con Den’s mangroves and beach, cycle Thai Thuy, with seafood lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.

• Thai Binh Cultural & Coastal Journey ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Visit Con Den, Keo Pagoda, homestay ($12–$18/night), and water puppetry. Includes meals, guide.

• Hanoi & Hung Yen Eco-Adventure ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Explore Con Den, Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ninh Binh’s Trang An, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.

• Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!

Con Den Ecological Area in Thai Binh, Hung Yen, with entry at $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND), captivates over 30,000 visitors yearly, 130 km from Hanoi. Its pristine beaches, biodiverse mangroves, and nearby cultural gems like Keo Pagoda shine, preserved by sustainable practices like solar-powered facilities. Legend Travel Group’s Thai Binh Tours guide you through this coastal haven, ensuring a sustainable Thai Binh Travel experience filled with immersive, responsible exploration. Whether boating through mangroves or savoring local seafood, Con Den Ecological Area promises an unforgettable Thai Binh adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-journey today!
Ready to discover Con Den Ecological Area in Thai Binh, Hung Yen? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an authentic coastal adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Source: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group