Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve: Everything You Need to Know

Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful and pristine nature reserves. Located in Ninh Binh province, often referred to as the Halong Bay on land, it’s a great place to experience local landscapes and Vietnamese culture without the crowds you’ll find in Trang An. In this blog post, we will provide you with everything you need to know about Van Long Nature Reserve – not only the fun stuff but also a few things to be aware of before visiting the reserve.

Van long wetland nature reserve

Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve

Situated in the Gia Vien district of Ninh Binh Province, just about 80km south of Hanoi, Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve is the largest wetland in northern Vietnam. It covers an area of over 3000 hectares with a spectacular landscape that boasts towering limestone cliffs, meandering waterways, and vast stretches of marshland.

Van Long Nature Reserve, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

The reserve is also a sanctuary to an array of plant and animal species, including the largest population of the endangered Delacour’s langur in the world.

Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Designated as a protected area since 1999, the reserve actively strives to ensure the preservation of its ecosystems, while offering visitors an unforgettable journey amidst Vietnam’s rich natural heritage.

Ecology

As you float along the calm waters of Van Long Wetland, you’ll be captivated by the splendor of its surroundings. The magnificent limestone karsts rise majestically from the water, draped in lush foliage, and create a dramatic backdrop.

Lotus flowers at Van Long Wetland Reserve

The vegetation in Van Long is also rich and varied – from towering 100-year-old trees to delicate aquatic plants that dance with the movement of the water.

The most beautiful feature of the Van Long Wetland Reserve is the dozens of lotus flowers that are blooming across the waterways. At the time of my visit, in December, there weren’t that many, but if you visit Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve in May or June, the whole area will be filled with beautiful lotus flowers.

→ Also read: Pu Luong, Vietnam: Things to Do, Where to Stay and How to Get There

Wildlife

One of the primary reasons behind the establishment of the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve was the preservation of the critically endangered Delacour’s langur.

This captivating primate, with its striking black and white fur, is endemic to Vietnam and is found in only a few other locations. Van Long is home to the largest population of this langur, with about 100 individuals thriving in the area.

Apart from the Delacour’s langur, Van Long also shelters various other species like the Asian black bear, the serow, and the clouded leopard. While sightings of these elusive creatures may be rare, knowing they reside within this protected sanctuary is a testament to the reserve’s commitment to conservation.

While navigating through the narrow waterways, also keep an eye out for the abundant birdlife that thrives in the reserve. Over 50 bird species, including some rare migratory birds, inhabit the area, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers alike.

→ Also read: Why You Should Visit the Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh in Vietnam

Caves

Caves at Van Long Nature Reserve

While not as spectacular as the caves in Trang An, you can also find a few caves at the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve. There are 32 caves in total in the whole protected area but you’ll probably only see one or two during your visit to the nature reserve.

This is due to the fact that only a fraction of the Van Long Nature Reserve is accessible and open to tourists.

→ Also read: Hang Mua Viewpoint + Mua Caves: Is It Worth It?

Best way to explore Van long Nature Reserve

The best way to explore the Van Long Nature Reserve is by embarking on a bamboo boat ride. Expertly navigated by a local rower, these boats allow you to glide effortlessly through the serene waterways, soaking in the enchanting views, and getting up close with nature.

East Side Gallery mural

During my visit, I was able to see a few Delacour’s langurs and a few storks and herons. Compared to Trang An and Tam Coc, this location breathes peace and quietness and the serenity is a nice change from the hustle and bustle of the overcrowded tourist attractions around Ninh Binh.

Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Unfortunately, during my visit in December, the weather wasn’t that great. It was mostly clouded and, although the temperatures were pleasant, I think March would be a better month to visit, or May or June if you want to see the hundreds of blooming lotus flowers.

THE BEST TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR VIETNAM

Here are the websites I personally use whenever I travel to Vietnam:

ACCOMMODATION

Booking.com: For the best cheap guesthouses, homestays or small hotels

Hostelworld: To find the best hostels located in the cities

Homestay: For unique immersive homestays in the cities as well as in the Vietnamese countryside

TRANSPORT

12GO and Bookaway: The best transport websites for long-distance buses and train travel in Vietnam

GRAB: for taxi rides in cities and nearby attractions

Skyscanner: For affordable flights to Vietnam

ACTIVITIES

Eatwith: Dine with locals inside their home for an immersive foodie experience

Withlocals: Experience cities in Vietnam with local people that show you around. This is a good idea if you want to stray off the beaten path!

Viator and Get Your Guide: For (vegan) food tours, street food tours, and tours in general

VISA

Get your Visa for Vietnam online through the Evisa website

INSURANCE

If you’re looking for travel insurance, the one with the best benefits online is without a doubt Heymondo! It’s very easy to ask for a quote on the website and if you book with this link you’ll get 5% off!

SIM-card

Get access to mobile data straight away when entering the country with a Vietnam E-sim or an Asialink E-sim when traveling through multiple countries.

Opening times and entrance fee

Boat dock in Van Long Nature Reserve, Vietnam

Van Long Nature Reserve is open year-round and you can visit every day of the week between 8 A.M. and 6 P.M. Do note that it can be quite foggy in the winter months and not ideal to take photos. March to May is a better option to pay a visit.

At the ticket booth, you need to buy two sorts of tickets. One entrance ticket and a separate ticket for the boat. We paid 110.000 VND for two people and the boat.

The ticket booth is a little hard to find and we saw a lot of people struggling to locate it. It’s not located at the boat dock but further up the street, away from the water. Here is the location of the boat dock and the ticket booth on Google Maps.

How to get to Van Long Wetland Reserve

Getting to Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve can be done from Hanoi since it’s only 80 kilometers away but the best place to stay in the area to discover this gorgeous natural scenery in Tam Coc or Trang An.

We stayed in Trang An and visited Van Long Nature Reserve using free bicycles that were offered by our accommodation, Moon Garden Homestay, in Trang An. The distance between the tourist area around Tam Coc, Trang An, and Ninh Binh and the wetlands is around 20 kilometers.

Boat rides in Van Long Nature Reserve, Vietnam

For us, it was perfect to visit the Wetlands by bicycle. The terrain is completely flat and our bicycles didn’t have any gears but getting there was a breeze.

Do make sure that, if you type in the address in Google Maps or Maps.me that the GPS doesn’t send via the QL1A, which is a highway that leads to Hanoi. It seems to be the shortest route, but there is a much more scenic route that you can take that passes by Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.

If cycling is not your thing, you can rent a motorbike or ask a taxi to take you there. Motorbikes and private cars can be booked easily through your accommodation.

There are also tours from Hanoi that cover Van Long Wetland Reserve often paired together with other attractions and sights in the area like Phat Diem Stone Church, Cuc Phuong Nature Reserve, or Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.

Where to stay near Van Long Wetland Reserve

There are a few accommodations near Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, however, it’s much more comfortable to stay in the area around Trang An and Tam Coc. There are more facilities there for tourists and other sights are in closer proximity.

nonetheless, I will list a few options near Van Long Nature Reserve and afterward a few at Tam Coc and Trang An.

NEAR VAN LONG NATURE RESERVE:

Van Long Family Homestay: This homestay is located in a small village near Van Long Nature Reserve and offers free bicycles.
Nha Lua Homestay: Another homestay in a small village near the nature reserve offering tastefully designed rooms using natural materials

Travelers who like a bit of luxury can stay at the nearby Emeralda Ninh Binh Resort but this is a far from sustainable option.

TRANG AN:

Trang An Moon Garden Homestay: This is the location where I stayed in Trang An. It’s a cute, compact homestay with a small pool that takes up most of the backyard garden. The room was very comfy, with one of the nicest bathrooms I’ve seen in Vietnam in this price category. There’s a kettle in the room to make tea and coffee which is always a nice bonus if you’re traveling long-term. Breakfast is included but I found the pancakes to be a bit icky.
Ninh Binh Valley Montana Homestay: This is another homestay located in Trang An. I didn’t stay here but it was my favorite place to eat in Trang An. The outdoor area by the water is a great place to have dinner in the evening and the staff at Montana Valle is incredibly kind. They even gave us treats on Christmas day. The rooms look good too and they get some raving reviews on Booking.
Ninh Binh Valley Homestay: If you fancy sleeping at a spectacular remote location in between the limestone cliffs then the bungalows of this homestay are a perfect choice!

TAM COC:

Tam Coc Memories Homestay: This is the perfect place for young backpackers who like to play pool and have a beer by the beautifully designed pool with water that flows into a limestone cliff. The rooms at this homestay are immaculately clean and the beds are super comfy. I stayed here for a few nights but decided to look for a place with a calmer vibe a little further out of the center.
Mom’s homestay: Mom’s homestay can also be found online as Tuan Ngoc Hotel which is a little confusing. Nevertheless, this was my favorite place to stay in Tam Coc. This family-run hotel/homestay has a very nice pool and the family running the hotel is genuinely kind en incredibly helpful. The included breakfast is a la carte and they have motorbikes and bicycles on site for hire.
Tam Coc Ngo Dong homestay and vegan restaurant: This little homestay cooks the best vegan Vietnamese food in Tam Coc. While there are a few plant-based eateries in Tam Coc, the food at this homestay is the best I had in Tam Coc. Do be aware that the portions of some of the dishes can be quite small. The rooms were very clean and the fact that they looked out onto a wall didn’t seem to bother the guests.

Where to eat near Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve

Thung Sen Restaurant, Tam Coc

Although there are a few restaurants around Van Long Nature Reserve, the best options can be found in the area around Tam Coc.

We had lunch at one of the places at the boat dock and were overcharged dramatically for our food. It’s at a ladies’ place on the left-hand when you face the boat dock. She offers free parking space for your bike in return for buying a drink. We got some incredibly cheap tea from her before we left on our boat ride so we decided to have lunch there afterward.

The menu had no price list but since she was so kind and the tea was so cheap we didn’t bother to ask. When we got our bill, she charged almost double the price of what you would pay in similar eateries in the area.

I’m not saying that all the restaurants around Van Long would do this and of course, we should’ve asked in advance. But it left a bit of a bitter taste in our mouths, also because our boat lady got mad at us for not tipping her enough.

Nevertheless, here are some great restaurants options in Tam Coc:

Thung Sen Tam Coc restaurant & café: Thung Sen is my top choice in the area around the Mua caves and Tam Coc. It is located off the beaten path on a side road close to the Thai Vi temple. The location of this restaurant is absolutely mindblowing and the whole enterprise is family-owned. In between the limestone mountains, you can find several places to sit and eat lunch or dinner or just enjoy a Vietnamese coffee. Most of the food you’ll get on your plate is organically grown in their own garden.
Tam Coc Ngo Dong homestay and vegan restaurant: The best vegan food in Tam Coc can be found at the restaurant of this homestay. Be sure to try the pho, pumpkin soup, and mushroom fritters.
Minh Khoi restaurant: this place has the best Banh Mis in town. Vegans can order the one with tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables. Do ask them if the sauce is vegan. They used mayonnaise at the time of my visit.
An Tam Coc Restaurant: I ate one of the tastiest dishes here during my whole trip through Vietnam, eggplant with tofu in a clay pot.

Tips for visiting the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve

Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve

Here are a few more tips for your trip to Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve:

The Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve is gorgeous and the peacefulness, once you’re on the water, is amazing. But do be aware that next to the nature reserve is an enormous factory. When we were cycling around the factory we couldn’t believe that a nature reserve could be so close by. So, if you see photos of the nature reserve, keep in mind that you will also see a big factory nearby in reality.
The boat ride was absolutely lovely and we were also incredibly thrilled to see the endangered langurs. Out boat lady didn’t speak that much English but she was very kind during the whole boat ride. However, when we embarked we tipped her 20.000 VND but this was not enough. She said she wanted 40.000 VND and got angry when we didn’t give it to her.
I already said this in the section about how to get to Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve but make sure you take the scenic route via Hoa Lu to get there and not the highway that leads to Hanoi.
Bring binoculars! That way you can observe the langurs and birds much better.

Final thoughts

There you go! I hope you enjoyed this article about Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve. With its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife, it’s the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the more famous tourist attractions around Ninh Binh and get in touch with nature.

If you’re looking to explore a natural paradise, Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve is a great option.

Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions about visiting Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve or drop me a message through my contact page!

ENJOY!

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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March 16, 2023

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Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!

On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!