{"id":2230,"date":"2025-07-28T04:11:20","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T04:11:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vietnamtourism.info\/?p=2230"},"modified":"2025-07-28T06:40:24","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T06:40:24","slug":"top-unforgettable-things-to-do-in-van-long-wetland-nature-reserve","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vietnamtourism.info\/?p=2230","title":{"rendered":"Top Unforgettable Things to Do in Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When travelers think of Ninh Binh<\/a>, popular spots like Tam Coc or Trang An often come to mind. But just a short distance away lies one of Vietnam\u2019s most peaceful natural treasures \u2014 Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve<\/strong>. Often described as “the largest inland wetland in the Red River Delta,” this serene destination is a paradise for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and eco-tourists seeking a more authentic experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re wondering what makes this place so special, here are the top things to do in Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve<\/strong> \u2014 activities that will show you a quieter, more intimate side of Vietnam\u2019s natural beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Experience the Tranquility of a Van Long Boat Ride<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The highlight of any trip to Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve<\/strong> is undoubtedly the Van Long boat ride<\/strong>. Unlike the busy boat tours in Tam Coc or Trang An, Van Long offers a calm, uncrowded ride on a hand-rowed sampan. Your journey begins at the boat dock, where local women skillfully guide you through a network of crystal-clear waterways surrounded by limestone karsts and reeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Van Long boat ride<\/strong> usually lasts 90 minutes, gliding past caves, lotus fields (in summer), and tranquil reflections of towering cliffs. Some of the caves you\u2019ll pass include Ca Cave, Hang Bong, and Rua Cave \u2014 each with its own quiet mystery. As you drift along, the silence of the wetlands wraps around you. You might hear nothing but the splash of an oar or the distant cry of a bird.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For photographers, this is a dream location. For those seeking peace, it\u2019s even better. The experience is meditative \u2014 like stepping into a watercolor painting come to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Van Long Natural Reserve is very famous for its natural beauty of kinds of grasses grown on nice lagoons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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2. Spot the Endangered Delacour\u2019s Langur<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most unique aspects of Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve<\/strong> is its role as the last refuge for the critically endangered Delacour\u2019s langur<\/strong> \u2014 a rare black-and-white primate with striking white patches on its thighs. Van Long is home to the largest population of this species left in the wild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re lucky, you’ll see the Delacour\u2019s langur<\/strong> resting on the cliffside or leaping between limestone peaks. These shy creatures are best spotted during early morning or late afternoon boat rides. Local rowers, who know the langurs\u2019 favorite spots, may help point them out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The chance to see the Delacour\u2019s langur<\/strong> in its natural habitat makes Van Long one of the top spots in Vietnam for wildlife lovers. Few places offer such rare biodiversity in such an accessible location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The famous eco-tourism of Ninh Binh,Vietnam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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3. Discover Bird Watching in Van Long<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Another key reason why Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve<\/strong> is so special is the birdlife. With more than 100 bird species, the area is a top destination for bird watching in Van Long<\/strong>. Whether you’re an experienced birder or just love nature, you’ll be amazed by the variety of bird species found here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best season for bird watching in Van Long<\/strong> is the dry season, from November to April. During this time, migratory birds join local species in the wetlands, and sightings are frequent. Look out for the white-browed crake, kingfishers, herons, and storks flying across the sky or nesting in the reeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes bird watching in Van Long<\/strong> so special is the silence \u2014 no noisy engines, no overcrowded boats, just you, nature, and the sound of wings in the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Explore the Countryside Around Van Long<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the wetland itself, Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve<\/strong> is surrounded by quiet villages and rice fields that offer an authentic slice of rural Vietnamese life. You can rent a bicycle or simply walk along the country paths that run between the cliffs and fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a chance to see farmers tending their crops, water buffalo grazing, and children playing along dirt roads \u2014 all set against a stunning backdrop of karst mountains. A visit here is not just about nature, but also about people and culture. The slow pace and genuine hospitality of the locals make it a warm and memorable part of your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a traveler who enjoys going off the beaten path, this is one of the most meaningful things to do in Van Long<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Visit Nearby Spiritual and Cultural Sites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While most visitors come for the nature, Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve<\/strong> is also home to a number of small temples and pagodas, tucked away at the foot of limestone cliffs. Thanh Son Pagoda<\/strong>, for example, is a peaceful spot built partly into the rock face. It offers panoramic views over the wetland and is a lovely place to pause, reflect, and take in the spiritual side of the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These sites are rarely crowded, offering a more personal, meditative experience than larger tourist temples elsewhere in Vietnam. For those looking to combine nature with cultural exploration, this is an ideal addition to your itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6. Enjoy a Peaceful Sunset Over the Wetlands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sunsets at Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve<\/strong> are pure magic. As the sun lowers behind the karst mountains, the entire wetland glows with soft golds, pinks, and purples. Birds return to their nests, the water mirrors the sky, and the limestone cliffs take on a warm hue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many visitors, this is the perfect way to end their day \u2014 floating gently in a sampan during golden hour, camera in hand, soaking in the silence. It’s not only one of the most beautiful things to do in Van Long<\/strong>, but also one of the most peaceful experiences you\u2019ll have in Vietnam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Landscape with boat in Van Long natural reserve in Ninh Binh, Vietnam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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How to Get to Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve<\/strong> is located in Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh, roughly 85 km from Hanoi. Getting there is easy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n