Van Long Nature Reserve – Vietnam’s Wetland Wonderland

Van Long Nature Reserve is a tranquil wetland in Ninh Binh, featuring serene waters, breathtaking limestone cliffs, and endangered animals. For nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat or an escape from crowded tourist areas, Van Long Nature Reserve is ideal.

Introduction To Van Long Nature Reserve

The Van Long Nature Reserve, found in Ninh Binh, is a quiet place to enjoy nature with its cool water and huge limestone cliffs. Compared to other higher-profile tourist destinations, Van Long is a much quieter and more natural experience, and no matter what you’d like to do in the park, there is enough peace to please everyone.

As we drifted along in our boat across the still water of the wetland, it felt like we were floating through a watercolor painting. We spotted some ancient langurs, birds, and intriguing rock formations. If you want a peaceful escape from tourists, visiting Van Long is one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh to discover in northern Vietnam.

History Of Van Long Nature Reserve

The Van Long Nature Reserve was formed after a large flood control project was undertaken by local people in Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province. By constructing a dyke more than 30 kilometers along the left bank of the Day River to protect their homes and farmland from annual floods, the dyke accumulated rainwater and river overflow, and the dry terrain became a gigantic shimmering wetland. Nature took its course, and the area evolved into a diverse ecosystem boasting rare species and exquisite scenery.

Now Van Long is not only the largest wetland nature reserve in northern Vietnam, but it is also a peaceful haven of natural beauty. The surface of the water has a mirror effect; limestone mountains tower above, and ornithological caverns are hidden away, making Van Long a popular destination for naturalists, ornithologists, and eco-tourists.

Unique Architecture Of Van Long Nature Reserve

Van Long Wetland Reserve has an extremely fresh natural landscape, which is shaped by an abundance of wetland ecosystem habitats and also by the limestone mountains bordering the wetland.

• Rich diversity of wetland ecosystems: Van Long has a notable diversity of wetland ecosystems and is home to a plentiful abundance of plant and animal species, especially waterbirds.
• Rich diversity of flora and fauna: Van Long contains birds, including the white stork, large and medium herons, pond herons, snipes, snails, and other wildlife.
• Diverse terrain: The wetland is surrounded by limestone mountains, encapsulating the wild and majestic charm, creating the raw poetic tones felt by visitors.
• “A lake without a wave” landscape: On account of the specific terrain surrounding the wetland, the water surface of Van Long often remains calm and mirror-like, thus calling it “the wave-less bay.”
• Attractions inside the reserve: There are many natural attractions to view, including caves and limestone rock, and also freshwater wetlands that are great for eco-tourism or a love of nature.

6 Cultural Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

Van Long Nature Reserve is so much more than beautiful scenery, a place of distinction, culture, and memories you will not forget, surrounds you. Below are some must-see cultural aspects during your trip.

Go For A Boat Ride In The “Bay Without Waves”

Sometimes Van Long Nature Reserve is referred to as the “bay without waves.” The derivation of this name is apparent the moment you sit in a boat and glide across the incredibly still surface of the water. The pollution-free water is so lucid and calm that it reflects the sky and surrounding limestone hills like a giant, natural mirror. You could see underwater plants and algae that looked like coral reefs right through the water, directly from your seat in the boat.

Going for a boat ride is a wonderful way to slow down and connect with nature. The boat ride takes you to picturesque spots like Meo Cao Mountain, Mam Xoi Mountain, and Da Ban Mountain, each with its own name, character, and story.

Explore the Spiritual Site Surrounding The Reserve

The nature reserve is also a place to immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture of the area. Discover spiritual sites to explore in the vicinity of the reserve. Take the time to explore places like Thanh Son Pagoda, Dich Long Temple, and the Temple of the Holy Mother. They provide a calm and peaceful respite from the sightseeing, it’s a great opportunity to take in a little history, whilst exploring traditional Vietnamese architecture, showing centuries of passion and personal devotion.

Whether you are spiritual or just a naturally curious person, these sacred sites are worth a visit. Many people arrive at these sacred sites to make offerings, pray for calm, or simply to listen to local stories passed down through generations. Visiting these spiritual sacred sites is a calm and quiet experience, added to your journey in Ninh Binh.

Explore Enchanting Caves Around Van Long

Van Long boasts a remarkable treasure of over 1,000 caves, most of which you can access from the boat trip. Inside, you will find beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and natural sculptures formed by both time and moisture. The cool air, stillness, and soft light made for an ethereal space.

Famous caves of Van Long include Ca Cave, Rua Cave, Chanh Cave, and Bong Cave. Each will offer a little something different. If you’re an explorer or simply want to experience something beautiful and unexpected, you will leave with lasting memories of this experience and a feeling of delight.

Enjoy Some Local Rural Life

Spending time in the rural areas surrounding Van Long is a great opportunity to engage with the reality of life for Ninh Binh’s people. Many local people are still engaged in traditional forms of farming and fishing, along with local handicrafts. You can walk or bike around local villages, look out over rice paddies that go on to the horizon, and watch farmers working with buffalo or hand-harvesting crops.

If you are fortunate, you may be invited into a local family home to enjoy a meal with them, or even get involved with simple daily tasks. Moments such as this, whether it be helping in the garden, talking to local elders, or watching kids swim in the river, also create moments of simple joy. It is a good reminder to slow down, and a moment to feel situated, more specifically within the Vietnamese countryside, and practice the art of living in this way.

Spotting Delacour’s Langurs In Van Long Wetland

One of the most memorable things to do in Van Long Nature Reserve is to see the rare Delacour’s langurs, also called the “white-short langurs” because of their markings. This is the only place in Vietnam for the most well-known population, with about 200 individuals. The best time to see them is in the early morning or late afternoon when the langurs are active. With a little patience, most visitors will see them swinging around in groups off the limestone cliffs and gliding along rocky ledges in search of food.

The unique karst landscape, with the lush limestone mountains isolated and surrounded by water, is perfectly suited for not only the langurs but also for countless other plant and animal species. Even rare insects such as the giant water bug are still found here, nearly extinct in Vietnam. During certain seasons, flocks of white storks migrating in the thousands take their rest in the reed beds, and it is a sublime experience to watch them collectively take flight at sunset, in such perfect synchrony in the golden hours of light.

Exploring Meo Cao Mountain In Van Long

One of Van Long’s most iconic natural sites is Meo Cao Mountain. A limestone prominence with a unique shape, the sheer walls of the mountain illustrated by long blemishes, some resembling claw marks, origin of its name “Meo Cao” (or “Cat Scratch”). The mountain is on its island, standing 150-200 meters straight up from isolation, and is completely different from its surroundings, something that intrigued both local people and visitors for generations.

Meo Cao has ancient rock paintings made with “ochre,” a natural iron oxide pigment with tree resin. When cascaded with water, the red-tinged images are revealed, where you can see the fearsome outline of a man, as well as a series of pictographic characters. The unknown images are suggested to be an executioner from the past who wore a mask so that the spirits of the dead would not be able to come back and trouble him.

Entrance Fee

When you arrive at Van Long Nature Reserve, you must purchase an entrance ticket and a boat ticket. Below is the detailed price list with discounts for children and the elderly for easy reference:

Best Time To Visit Van Long Nature Reserve

Van Long Nature Reserve is open to visitors at all times of the year, and every season has a distinctive appeal. In the summer months of May and June, if you wish to see the lotus flowers, it is beautiful, as the wetland is transformed into a land of pink paradise with blooming lotus flowers on the water at a time for all photography enthusiasts.

If you are interested in birds, the dry months from November to April are ideal since the north as these migratory birds arrive to nest. The wetland will come to life as a form of motion to what begins as a very tranquil scene.

If you want to enjoy the quietness of the wetland, the best time is early morning. The fresh air and serenity of dawn make for a memorable experience. If you are pursuing sunsets in late afternoon, the golden glows on the water will seal in what appears to be a wonderful beauty.

How to Get to Van Long Nature Reserve

From Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi to Ninh Binh

There are multiple ways to get to Ninh Binh, based on your departure point. If you are coming from Hanoi, you can travel by bus, motorbike, or train. The train ride from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is about 2 to 3 hours in duration and quite inexpensive. If you are departing from Ho Chi Minh City, the easiest way is to fly into Hanoi and then travel by land from there.

Buses are the most common form of transport for travelers heading to Ninh Binh. Well-known companies like Thanh Hung and Hoang Long offer direct routes with incredible reliability and acceptable prices.

From Ninh Binh City to Van Long Nature Reserve

When you arrive at Ninh Binh, you can rent a motorbike or car to travel to the Van Long Nature Reserve. The distance from Ninh Binh’s city center to the nature reserve is around 10-15 km, and the roads are generally smooth and easily traversable.

Things to Know Before Traveling to Van Long Nature Reserve

Before setting out to discover the peaceful waters and wild nature of Van Long, some preparation enhances your trip. Here are some tips to help your trip be safe, smooth, and fun:

• Pack an extra light jacket, sun protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and/or an umbrella to help stay cool in the strong embrace of sunlight.
• Bring sunscreen because you do not want a deep tan when your experience is through!
• Insect repellent is necessary, especially if you plan to be in nature for a certain amount of time.

• If you plan to explore caves, bring a flashlight or stay until dark.
• When you take a boat trip through the reserve, you should wear a life jacket as a precaution and follow safety instructions.
• Bring a bottle of water and a few light snacks to eat while you are exploring, especially if you are traveling with family or friends!

Final Thoughts: Is Van Long Nature Reserve Worth Visiting?

Van Long Nature Reserve is a must-visit if you’re after a tranquil and picturesque escape in Ninh Binh. With its tranquil wetlands, spectacular limestone hills, and rare wildlife like the Delacour’s langur, you’re assured to have a quieter experience away from the crowds. Get in touch with Seni World today to start planning your Vietnam tour!