Discover the serenity of Vietnam’s largest wetland ecosystem where endangered species thrive amidst breathtaking limestone karsts – your complete guide to Van Long’s natural wonders
Van Long Nature Reserve stands as northern Vietnam’s most pristine ecological treasure—a place where time seems to slow down and nature reveals itself in magnificent splendor. While many travelers rush to explore the famous landscapes of Ha Long Bay, this hidden gem in Ninh Binh province offers a more intimate connection with Vietnam’s natural heritage. As we venture into 2025, this comprehensive guide unveils everything you need to know to experience Van Long’s untouched beauty.
Established in 1998 and spanning an impressive 3,500 hectares, Van Long Nature Reserve has earned its reputation as Vietnam’s “no-wave bay” due to its extraordinarily calm waters. Unlike its more famous cousins in Ninh Binh—Tam Coc and Trang An—Van Long remains delightfully uncrowded, preserving its authentic charm and tranquility.
What truly sets Van Long apart is its remarkable biodiversity. The reserve hosts:
Most significantly, Van Long shelters the world’s largest population of the critically endangered Delacour’s langur, with approximately 120 individuals as of late 2024—up from 90 in previous years. This represents nearly 60% of the global population of this rare primate.
The limestone karst ecosystem of Van Long is also part of the larger UNESCO-recognized Trang An Landscape Complex, cementing its status as a site of outstanding universal value.
Van Long Nature Reserve is located approximately 90 kilometers south of Hanoi in Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province. Several transportation options are available:
From Ninh Binh city center, Van Long Nature Reserve is approximately 20 kilometers northeast:
GPS Coordinates: 20°22’14.9″N 105°51’17.0″E
The ideal visiting period for Van Long spans from November to April, when the climate offers perfect conditions:
2025 Special Note: The reserve has extended boat operation hours to begin at 5:30 AM from March to September, allowing visitors to witness the spectacular sunrise over the limestone peaks.
The quintessential Van Long experience involves gliding across mirror-like waters on a traditional bamboo sampan. These flat-bottomed boats are manually rowed by local villagers who possess intimate knowledge of the waterways.
The boat journey weaves through limestone corridors where silence is broken only by the gentle splashing of oars and calls of birds. Your boatman or boatwoman might point out hidden wildlife along the journey, including the elusive Delacour’s langur if you’re fortunate.
Van Long’s perfectly still waters create a phenomenal mirror effect, doubling the majestic landscape through crystal-clear reflections. The limestone peaks appear to extend infinitely downward, creating a symmetrical wonderland.
Best Photography Spots:
Photography Tips:
One of the rarest primates on Earth, the Delacour’s langur (Trachypithecus delacouri) finds sanctuary in Van Long’s limestone cliffs. With distinctive black fur and white “shorts,” these langurs are the reserve’s flagship species.
Best Viewing Locations:
2025 Sighting Statistics:
The newly established Langur Observation Platform near the visitor center provides informational displays about conservation efforts and telescope equipment for enhanced viewing.
As the largest cave in Van Long Reserve, Hang Ca stretches an impressive 250 meters in length and 8 meters in width. The cave is partially navigable by boat, allowing visitors to venture into its mysterious interior.
Cave Features:
The cave maintains a constant temperature of approximately 23°C (73°F) year-round, providing a cool respite during summer months.
Van Long’s diverse habitats support over 100 bird species, making it a premier destination for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts alike.
Notable Species:
Prime Bird Watching Locations:
The reserve provides bird checklists and rents binoculars (100,000 VND/day) at the visitor center. The recently completed Bird Watching Trail connects five prime observation points across a 2.5-kilometer pathway.
Experiencing the countryside surrounding Van Long offers insight into authentic rural Vietnamese life. Several well-marked cycling routes wind through traditional villages, rice fields, and lotus ponds.
Popular Routes:
Bicycle Rental:
Local homestays often provide complimentary bicycles for guests, making this an economical way to explore beyond the waterways.
Rising 328 meters above the wetlands, Meo Cao Mountain offers the most spectacular panoramic views of Van Long Nature Reserve. The recently improved trail to the summit provides a moderately challenging hike through forested slopes.
Hiking Details:
Viewpoint Facilities:
The summit rewards hikers with a 360-degree vista encompassing the entire reserve, surrounding villages, and distant mountain ranges. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical from this vantage point.
From May through September, Van Long’s lotus ponds burst into magnificent bloom, creating carpets of pink and white flowers amid emerald-green pads. The largest lotus field spans approximately 25 hectares in the northeastern section of the reserve.
Best Viewing Times:
2025 Lotus Festival:
The inaugural Van Long Lotus Festival will be held in June 2025, featuring photography competitions, lotus tea ceremonies, and cultural performances celebrating this iconic flower.
Introduced in 2024 and expanded for 2025, Van Long’s night safari offers a rare glimpse into the reserve’s nocturnal ecosystem. Using specialized non-intrusive lighting and guided by conservation experts, these tours reveal a different side of the wetlands.
Safari Details:
Nocturnal Wildlife Possibilities:
Advance reservation is essential, with bookings available through the reserve’s official website or authorized tour operators.
Van Long offers visitors unique opportunities to contribute to wildlife conservation through organized activities throughout the year.
Participation Options:
These programs require advance registration and include educational components alongside hands-on conservation work. Participation fees (200,000-500,000 VND) directly support the reserve’s conservation fund.
Beyond the famous Hang Ca, Van Long harbors 31 additional limestone caves, each with unique geological features. Several of these caves have been made accessible to visitors in recent years.
Notable Cave Systems:
Cave Access:
The waterfront area at Van Long features several floating restaurants built on bamboo platforms, serving authentic Ninh Binh cuisine with ingredients sourced from surrounding farms and the reserve itself.
Must-Try Dishes:
Notable Eateries:
Prices remain reasonable, with full meals ranging from 150,000-300,000 VND (~$6-12 USD) per person.
The villages surrounding Van Long offer authentic homestay experiences that support local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Many of these family-run accommodations have been certified under Vietnam’s sustainable tourism standards.
Top-Rated Options:
For luxury travelers, the Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh offers 5-star accommodations just 3 kilometers from the reserve entrance.
Introduced in 2024, self-guided kayaking allows visitors to explore the more open sections of the wetland at their own pace. This activity is perfect for active travelers seeking a more immersive experience.
Kayaking Details:
Morning kayaking (7:00-10:00 AM) offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities, while afternoon sessions provide dramatic lighting for photography.
Recognizing Van Long’s appeal to photographers, the reserve now offers specialized photography workshops led by professional nature photographers. These sessions combine technical instruction with insider knowledge of prime shooting locations.
Workshop Options:
Workshops include equipment advice, field instruction, and post-processing tips. Prices range from 1,200,000-2,500,000 VND ($48-100 USD) depending on duration and group size.
Van Long’s central location in Ninh Binh province makes it an ideal base for exploring other notable sites in the region:
For the ultimate northern Vietnam experience, many travelers combine Ninh Binh with a 5-star cruise through Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, creating a comprehensive journey through Vietnam’s most spectacular landscapes.
The Van Long Visitor Center hosts daily cultural performances showcasing traditional music and dance from the region. These 30-minute shows feature local artists performing:
Performance Schedule:
Admission is included with the reserve entrance fee, though a donation box supports the local performing arts school.
Opened in late 2024, the Van Long Biodiversity Education Center provides fascinating insights into the reserve’s ecological importance through interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations.
Center Highlights:
The center spans 1,200 square meters and employs cutting-edge technology to explain complex ecological concepts to visitors of all ages. Audio guides are available in eight languages.
Surrounding villages welcome visitors to participate in seasonal agricultural activities, providing authentic cultural exchanges and hands-on experiences:
These half-day experiences can be arranged through homestays or the visitor center (350,000 VND per person) and include traditional farming tools, guidance from local farmers, and a meal featuring the harvested ingredients.
Completed in early 2025, the Van Long Biodiversity Trail is a 4-kilometer boardwalk circuit that allows visitors to explore the reserve’s terrestrial ecosystems without disturbing sensitive habitats.
Trail Features:
The trail takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and offers excellent opportunities for plant identification, insect observation, and bird watching away from the waterways.
The most exclusive way to experience Van Long Nature Reserve is from above. Launched in 2025, sunrise hot air balloon flights offer breathtaking aerial perspectives of the entire wetland ecosystem.
Balloon Experience Details:
This bucket-list experience provides unparalleled photography opportunities and a silent, peaceful perspective on the landscape that few visitors ever witness.
Entrance Fee:
Boat Ride:
Operating Hours:
Van Long has made significant strides in improving accessibility for all visitors:
Contact the visitor center at least 48 hours in advance to arrange specific accessibility accommodations.
Van Long Nature Reserve stands as a conservation success story in Vietnam. Since 2000, the Delacour’s langur population has increased from fewer than 60 individuals to approximately 120 today. This recovery is attributed to:
Visitors can support these efforts by:
The reserve reinvests 15% of all tourism revenue directly into conservation programs, creating a sustainable model for ecological protection.
After exploring Van Long’s tranquil beauty, many travelers continue their northern Vietnam adventure with these complementary experiences:
As overtourism affects many of Vietnam’s natural wonders, Van Long Nature Reserve remains a sanctuary of tranquility and ecological integrity. Its combination of breathtaking landscapes, rare wildlife, and authentic cultural experiences creates a destination that satisfies both nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
The reserve’s commitment to sustainable tourism ensures that your visit not only provides unforgettable memories but also contributes to the preservation of one of Vietnam’s most precious ecosystems. In a rapidly developing country, Van Long stands as a model for how tourism and conservation can work in harmony.
Make 2025 the year you discover this hidden gem of northern Vietnam—before the rest of the world catches on to its magical allure.
Have you experienced Van Long Nature Reserve or are you planning a visit? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
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