Van Long Wetland, a precious gem of Ninh Binh tourism, is not only the largest wetland nature reserve in the Red River Delta but also an ideal destination for those who are captivated by the unspoiled, simple beauty of nature. With a diverse and rich ecosystem, this place promises to bring unique and memorable ecotourism experiences. Are you ready to explore this “wave-less bay”?
Van Long Wetland: Introducing the Largest Wetland Nature Reserve in Northern Vietnam
Van Long Wetland, located in Gia Van commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province, about 80km from Hanoi, is a wetland nature reserve with an area of nearly 3,500ha. This place is known for its diverse ecosystem, home to many rare species of flora and fauna, especially more than 40 individuals of the Delacour’s langur, a primate species endemic to Vietnam that needs to be conserved.
Since 1998, Van Long Wetland has been developed for tourism and quickly become an attractive destination for domestic and international tourists. In 2010, it was honored to receive 2 records from the Vietnam Records Center: “The place with the largest number of Delacour’s langurs” and “The place with the largest natural picture”. Not only valuable for biodiversity, Van Long Wetland also possesses stunning natural landscapes, mysterious caves, and ancient cultural and historical relics.
Van Long Wetland is the largest wetland nature reserve in the Red River Delta region
Ideal Time for Ecotourism in Van Long Wetland
Van Long Wetland has a distinct beauty in each season. Visitors can come here at any time of the year, but for the best experience, you should consider the following suggestions:
- Summer (May – June): This is the time when lotus flowers bloom, covering the space with a gentle pink color and fragrant aroma. If you are a photography enthusiast and want to admire the pure beauty of lotus flowers, don’t miss this opportunity.
- Dry season (November – April of the following year): Dry weather is favorable for sightseeing and exploring the diverse ecosystem of Van Long Wetland. This is also an ideal time to see migratory birds and other wildlife.
Absolutely avoid going in the rainy season (July – October) because gloomy, humid weather will affect your experience.
The best time of day to visit Van Long Wetland is early morning or late afternoon. In the morning, you will enjoy the fresh, cool air and admire the beautiful sunrise over the lagoon. Late afternoon is an ideal time to admire the romantic sunset and watch flocks of birds flying back to their nests.
The best times of day to visit Van Long Wetland are early morning or late afternoon
Entrance Fees and Directions to Van Long Wetland
Entrance fees:
- Adults: 20,000 VND/person
- Children under 1m tall: 10,000 VND/person
- Seniors (60 years old and over): 10,000 VND/person
Boat (ferry) ticket prices:
- Adults: 50,000 VND/trip
- Children under 1m tall: 25,000 VND/trip
- Seniors (60 years old and over): 25,000 VND/trip
Directions:
- From Hanoi:
- Motorbike: Travel along National Highway 1A for about 80km to Ninh Binh, then follow the directions to Van Long Wetland.
- Bus: Take a bus to Ninh Binh at Giap Bat, My Dinh, or Yen Nghia bus stations. Ticket prices range from 80,000 – 200,000 VND. After arriving in Ninh Binh, you can take a taxi or rent a motorbike to get to Van Long Wetland.
- Train: Take a train from Hanoi station to Ninh Binh station. Then, you can take a taxi or rent a motorbike to get to Van Long Wetland.
- From the Southern and Western provinces:
- Airplane: Fly to Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi), then travel to Ninh Binh by bus or taxi.
- Train: Take a train from Saigon, Nha Trang, Da Nang stations to Ninh Binh station. Then, you can take a taxi or rent a motorbike to get to Van Long Wetland.
Discovering the Beauty of Ecotourism in Van Long Wetland
Coming to Van Long Wetland, you will have the opportunity to experience unique and exciting ecotourism activities:
Boating and Sightseeing
Sitting on a small boat, gliding gently on the clear blue water, you will feel wonderful peace and relaxation. On both sides are towering limestone mountains, green rice paddies, and flocks of storks flying in the sky. Van Long Wetland is likened to a “wave-less bay” because the water surface is always as calm as a giant mirror, reflecting the sky and mountains.
Van Long Wetland boasts poetic and lyrical scenery with overlapping mountains, clear blue water, and singing birds
Exploring Mysterious Caves
Van Long Wetland has more than 1,000 large and small caves, each with its own unique beauty. You can explore famous caves such as Ca Cave, Bong Cave, Rua Cave, Chanh Cave… to admire the magical stalactites and learn about the unique ecosystem inside.
Observing Delacour’s Langurs
Van Long Wetland is one of the few places in the world that still preserves the rare Delacour’s langur. You can rent a boat to go deep into the reserve to see these playful langurs climbing on tree branches.
Watching Delacour's langurs in Van Long Wetland
Visiting Spiritual Tourist Spots
In addition to natural beauty, Van Long Wetland also has many spiritual tourist spots such as Thanh Mau Temple, Thanh Son Pagoda, Dich Long Temple… These are ideal places for you to learn about the history, culture, and beliefs of the local people.
Checking-in at Ba Chon Mountain Peak
To admire the panoramic view of Van Long Wetland, visitors can climb Ba Chon Mountain peak, the highest peak in the area. From here, you can capture the entire beautiful scenery of the lagoon, from the majestic limestone mountains to the green rice fields and the vast wetland.
Accommodation in Van Long Wetland
To make your ecotourism trip to Van Long Wetland more complete, you should choose a comfortable and convenient accommodation. Ninh Binh has many hotels, homestays, and resorts with diverse prices and services. You can refer to online booking websites to find the most suitable place to stay for your needs.
Ninh Binh Legend Hotel for accommodation near Van Long Wetland
Conclusion
Ecotourism in Van Long Wetland is a wonderful experience for you to explore the unspoiled beauty of nature, learn about the diverse ecosystem, and enjoy relaxing, peaceful moments. If you are looking for a unique and nature-friendly destination, Van Long Wetland is definitely a perfect choice. Come and feel the beauty of this “wave-less bay”!