Van Long Nature Reserve: A Jewel in Ninh Binh’s Natural Landscape

Welcome to Van Long, the largest wetland nature reserve in the northern delta plain of Vietnam! This place impresses with its tranquil and pristine beauty, as well as its diverse ecosystem with limestone mountains and rare animal species like langurs and birds.

This article will provide you with an overview and useful information for exploring the Van Long Nature Reserve. Now, let's begin.

Written by Jade NGUYEN, (local expert) Updated on 21-02-2025

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Table of contents

1. Where is the Van Long Nature Reserve located?
2. Boat Ride: The Highlight Activity in Van Long
3. Other activities in Van Long
4. How to get to Van Long?
5. When to visit Van Long?
6. Suggestions of other interesting destinations
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is the Van Long Nature Reserve located?

Van Long Nature Reserve is located in Gia Vien District of Ninh Binh Province. It is located approximately 20 km northwest of Ninh Binh city center (about 35 minutes by car) and about 86 km from Hanoi (about 1 hour and 45 minutes by car). Van Long is separate from other popular tourist destinations such as Tam Coc, Hang Mua, and Trang An.

*The tranquil beauty of the Van Long Nature Reserve*

Covering an area of more than 3,500 hectares, it is the largest wetland nature reserve in the northern Delta Plain of Vietnam. Van Long is an ideal destination to discover a unique ecosystem, surrounded by limestone mountains, and to admire the unspoiled beauty of nature. Limestone formations occupy nearly three-quarters of the reserve.

Thanks to its favorable natural conditions, this place is home to hundreds of species of wild flora and fauna, many of them rare, including birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

*This is home to various species of birds. Photo: VnExpress*

In particular, more than 100 white-mantled langurs live here, an endangered species of primate endemic to Vietnam. It is the area with the largest population of this species in the world. In terms of flora, the reserve has 457 plant species, of which 8 are included in the Red Book of Vietnam.

Go long — *The white-mantled langur in the reserve*

If you are looking for a quiet place, away from the hustle and bustle, but with stunning natural beauty in Ninh Binh, Van Long is an excellent choice.

"Vân" means cloud and "Long" means dragon. "Vân Long" translates as a dragon flying through the clouds or as a dragon that finds the clouds. This image symbolizes prosperity and peace, also reflecting the desire of the local inhabitants for a quiet and prosperous life in this region.

📌 Entrance fee and opening hours

Entrance fee: 100,000 VND per person.
Where to buy tickets: Directly at the reservation ticket office, at the entrance.
Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (hours may change depending on weather conditions and festivities).

📌 Note: During Vietnamese Lunar New Year, the reserve may be closed on the first day of the lunar calendar.

2. Boat Ride: The Highlight Activity in Van Long

2.1. How to take a boat trip?

When you visit Van Long, you can't miss the experience of sailing on unique handcrafted bamboo boats.

van long nature reserve — *The experience of sailing in Van Long is incredibly peaceful*

The ticket price is approximately 100,000 VND per person, and can be purchased directly at the entrance of the reservation. Each boat has a maximum capacity of 2 passengers. The tour lasts around 1 hour and a half, offering an unforgettable journey through majestic limestone mountains and mysterious caves, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery.

The boatmen are friendly and enthusiastic, willing to share stories about the area, although they may not speak other languages fluently.

📌 Note: It is recommended to carry cash. If you are satisfied with the ride, you can tip around 50,000 VND as a thank you to the boatman. Find out more about: Tips when tipping in Vietnam

2.2. What makes the Van Long boat ride special?

The Van Long boat tour will take you through a lagoon surrounded by limestone mountains and natural caves. Here you will find more than 1,000 caves, some of the most outstanding are: Chanh Cave, Ca Cave, Rua Cave, Bong Cave.

van long nature reserve

Each of these caves is home to impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.

From the boat, you can admire the crystal clear water, which allows you to clearly see algae, aquatic plants and natural corals at the bottom of the swamp.

📌 Comparison with Tam Coc and Trang An:

Unlike the rides in Tam Coc and Trang An, the boats in Van Long are smaller and simpler, made of bamboo, which provides a closer feeling to nature.

If you want to avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle, Van Long is the perfect choice. Here you can enjoy absolute peace, where the only thing you can hear is the sound of the water, the singing of the birds and the echo of the oars hitting the lagoon.

Useful tips for the boat trip:

✅ Bird watching: Many species of birds are protected here. If you want to see flocks of birds returning to their nests, the best time to take the boat trip is around 4 pm.
✅ Langur watching: The reserve is home to the white-mantled langur, an endangered species. However, during cold weather, they are less likely to be seen, as they usually take refuge inside caves.
✅ Respect for nature: Do not throw garbage in the lagoon or in the surroundings. Do not disturb or scare away the animals that inhabit the reserve.

3. Other activities in Van Long

3.1. Visit to historic temples and shrines

Near Van Long Lagoon, visitors can explore historical and spiritual sites such as Thanh Mau Temple and Thanh Son Pagoda.

One of the most prominent destinations is the Dich Long temple, built in 1740. Not only is this temple an important place of worship, but it is also home to a system of impressive natural caves. For its historical and cultural value, the Dich Long Temple was recognized as a national monument in 1990, becoming a must-see for those exploring the Van Long region.

3.2. Van Long Bike Tour

Biking is a great way to immerse yourself in the quiet and simple rural life that surrounds Van Long. You can pedal along the dikes, surrounded by towering limestone mountains and vast green rice fields. You can also visit the ancient temples and pagodas that add a mystical touch to the landscape.

Along the way, it is common to see farmers working in the fields and buffalo and cows grazing on the sides of the road.

*The tranquil landscape seen from the dike*

Sunset is the most recommended time to enjoy this walk, when the sun gently illuminates the rice fields and mountains.

3.3. Local Dining Experience

When you visit Van Long, you can't miss its traditional dishes, known for their unique flavors and connection to local produce. Featured dishes:

✅ Com chay (crispy rice): It is prepared with tam rice or glutinous rice, fried until golden brown and crispy. It is a delicious and very popular snack.
✅ Thit de nui (mountain goat meat): A highly appreciated local specialty. Goats are naturally raised in the mountains, which makes their meat lean and firm. Before cooking, the meat is washed with salt water and wine to remove any strong odor. It can be enjoyed in various preparations: De tai chanh (kid marinated with lemon), De nuong (grilled kid), De hap (steamed kid), De xao lan (kid sautéed with spices).
✅ Oc nui (mountain snail): A rare delicacy found on limestone cliffs. It is usually prepared sautéed with aromatic herbs or steamed with lemon leaves.

📌 Where to try these delicacies? You can find these dishes in some of the restaurants most recommended by locals, such as: Nha hang Chim Nha La, Nha hang Ngoc Phuong, Nha hang Tuan Coi, Nha hang Bao Minh Ngoc. These restaurants are known for offering authentic, high-quality food in a cozy atmosphere.

If you're looking for a complete Van Long experience, combining a boat ride, a bike tour, and a tasting of local cuisine will make your visit unforgettable.

4. How to get to Van Long?

To travel from Hanoi to Van Long, visitors can take a train to Ninh Binh. From Ninh Binh Railway Station, you can continue the journey by taxi or motorbike to the Van Long Nature Reserve. More details: Guide to going by train in Vietnam

If you're coming from other nearby destinations, such as Ha Long or Mai Chau, you can opt for a luxury bus or van to Ninh Binh. These vehicles typically drop off passengers in the city center or near the Van Long Swamp. From there, you need to take a taxi or motorbike to get to the reserve.

Within Ninh Binh Province, getting around by motorbike is a popular choice due to its convenience and flexibility. However, we do not recommend this option to foreign tourists, as it can be dangerous if you are not used to the local roads. In addition, an International Driver's Permit is required. For comfort and safety, it is best to hire a tour with private transportation that suits your itinerary.

LEARN MORE: COMPLETE GUIDE TO NINH BINH

*The levee path runs parallel to the Van Long Reservoir*

5. When to visit Van Long?

Ninh Binh province, where Van Long is located, experiences the four seasons typical of northern Vietnam. Here's some information about the weather throughout the year so you can choose the best time for your visit:

Spring (January - March)

During January and February, the weather is cold and rainy, with an average temperature of 16-17°C. Rainfall is usually drizzle, and sunny days alternate with cloudy days. On sunny days, the sky is clear and the scenery is clearly visible. On rainy days, fog can make the view of the landscape and wildlife more limited. In March, the weather starts to get warmer.

Summer (April - June): Best Time to Visit Van Long

The climate is hot and humid, with plenty of sunshine. May and June are the most beautiful months, as it is the season of lotuses. The reserve is filled with pink flowers, creating a spectacular landscape, ideal for a boat trip.

*In the lotus season at the Van Long Nature Reserve*

Autumn (July - September)

It is considered the rainy season in Van Long. The climate is cool and pleasant, with light winds. Rains usually occur in the afternoon or evening.

Winter (October - December)

The climate is dry and cold, with lower temperatures. The days are clear, which makes it easy to observe the landscape.

📌 Useful fact: If you're interested in seeing migratory birds, the best period is from November to April, according to locals.

More information about the weather for your trip to northern Vietnam in general:

6. Suggestions of other interesting destinations

Hang Mua

The most visited destination in combination with Van Long is Hang Mua. This place features nearly 500 stone steps leading to the top of a mountain, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Tam Coc and the sprawling golden rice fields, winding between limestone mountains along the Ngo Dong River. Learn more here: How to Conquer Hang Mua?

Mua cave — *Hang Mua, with nearly 500 stone steps*

Hoa Lu

The ancient capital of Hoa Lu was the first capital of Vietnam, and it preserves important historical and cultural sites.

Here you can visit temples dedicated to Vietnamese kings, located at the foot of imposing mountains, which generates a solemn atmosphere full of history. This site is closely linked with the Dinh and Le dynasties. More information here: What to do in Hoa Lu?

Temples in Hoa Lu — *The temple dedicated to kings in Hoa Lu*

Tam Coc

In Tam Coc, visitors can take a boat ride on the Ngo Dong River, navigating between majestic limestone mountains, caves, and rice fields. This destination is more touristy and crowded compared to Van Long, but it offers an unforgettable experience.

Tam Coc Landscape — *The landscape of Tam Coc with the Ngo Dong River meandering*

Trang An

Together with Tam Coc, Trang An is part of a UNESCO recognized site as a Cultural and Natural Heritage of Humanity. The experience in Trang An also includes a boat ride, but with a more varied tour, combining caves, temples, and unique natural landscapes. More information here: Trang An by boat: 8 essential things to visit

Bai Dinh

Bai Dinh is one of the largest Buddhist temple complexes in Vietnam. If you visit Van Long, you can combine your tour with a visit to this majestic complex, which holds several records, such as: The longest arhat statue corridor in Asia, The largest bronze bell in Vietnam, etc.

Bai Dinh Pagoda — *The Bai Dinh pagoda complex includes multiple temples, all located on the mountainside, surrounded by vast valleys*

Cuc Phuong National Park

A trip to Van Long can also be combined with a visit to Cuc Phuong National Park, one of Vietnam's most important nature reserves, which spans the provinces of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa.

Covering an area of 22,408 hectares, Cuc Phuong is a protected tropical forest with exceptional biodiversity. It is home to numerous endangered species of flora and fauna and is one of the first three internationally recognized botanical gardens in Vietnam.

Cuc Phuong National Park is home to 2,234 species of vascular plants and mosses, 122 species of reptiles and amphibians, 66 species of fish, nearly 2,000 species of insects, 135 species of mammals, and 336 species of resident birds.

Thanks to its extension and natural beauty, it is an ideal place for lovers of hiking and nature exploration.

Suggested itineraries in Vietnam, with a visit to Ninh Binh:

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How was the Van Long Nature Reserve formed?

In the past, the Van Long Nature Reserve was accidentally created when local inhabitants built a dam to prevent flooding. Over time, the area became an extensive wetland, developing the natural ecosystem we see today.

*Boat dock in the Van Long Nature Reserve*

Is it safe to visit Van Long?

Yes, Van Long is a very safe destination for tourists. The area is well protected to preserve its biodiversity and environment. Safety measures have been put in place for visitors. Read more: 7 things about safety in Vietnam

📌 Advice: During the boat ride, always wear your life jacket for peace of mind.

Take photos in Van Long — *Tourists are photographing wildlife while boating in Van Long*

Where to stay in Van Long?

There are several accommodation options in the vicinity. One of the most recommended is the Emeralda Ninh Binh Resort, designed with the aesthetics of a traditional village in northern Vietnam.

Here visitors can experience the local culture, enjoy typical dishes, and participate in traditional activities. Without a doubt, it is an excellent option to stay near Van Long. Read more: Where to Stay in Ninh Binh: Best Suggestions

CONCLUSION

The Van Long Nature Reserve is an ideal destination for travelers looking for tranquility and nature in its purest form. We hope this article has given you an overview and helpful tips for exploring Van Long's unspoiled beauty.

If you want to discover more wonderful places in Vietnam, please contact us. We will be happy to design a tailor-made itinerary, making sure you enjoy your trip without worries. Write to us and let's start planning your next adventure!

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