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August 4, 2025
A Call in the Late Afternoon
At Van Long Nature Reserve, when the sun tilts behind Meo Cao Mountain, flocks of Eurasian Coot, grey herons, and Indian Sported Ducks glide back to the lagoon, chirping and calling to one another. Yet few know that there was a time when these calls almost disappeared.

Một vùng đất lặng lẽ nhưng không hề tĩnh lặng

Nằm cách Hà Nội khoảng 82km, khu bảo tồn Vân Long trải rộng trên diện tích hơn 2736 ha, là vùng đất ngập nước lớn nhất vùng đồng bằng Bắc Bộ. Vân Long không có tiếng động cơ ồn ào, cũng không có dòng người tấp nập. Ở đây, bạn chỉ nghe tiếng mái chèo khua nhẹ, tiếng chim gọi nhau giữa không trung, và đâu đó là tiếng lá xào xạc vọng lại từ dãy núi đá vôi kỳ vĩ.

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History of Formation

The Van Long Ecotourism Service Cooperative was established at the end of September 2019 to improve the management and operations of tourism at the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve. Previously, since 1997, the Gia Vien District People’s Committee had set up the Van Long Tourism Station to tap into the area’s tourism potential. In 2001, the Ninh Binh Provincial People’s Committee officially established the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, covering 2,736 hectares across seven communes of Gia Vien District.

The transformation from a Tourism Station to a Cooperative aimed to professionalize and develop sustainable ecotourism, closely linked with ecosystem conservation and environmental protection in Van Long. (Source: Ninh Binh Tourism, 30.08.2023)

Overview of Van Long Tourism

Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve spans 2,738 hectares, located 82 km from Hanoi and 17 km north of Ninh Binh city. It is the largest wetland reserve in the Northern Delta and holds two Vietnamese records: “The largest population of Delacour’s langurs in Vietnam” and “The largest natural limestone mountain painting in Vietnam” — Meo Cao Mountain.

Nicknamed the “Wave-Free Halong Bay,” Van Long boasts stunning, unique, and pristine landscapes, with rolling limestone mountains reflected in vast, tranquil lakes.

The name “Van Long” combines “Van” (cloud) and “Long” (dragon), symbolizing a place where clouds and dragons converge. It also signifies a gathering of water, as both clouds and dragons represent water. Van Long lagoon was formed when locals built a 30 km dike along the left bank of the Day River to prevent flooding, turning it into an extensive wetland with beautiful islands and caves.

Despite its small area, Van Long has exceptionally high biodiversity, with two coexisting ecosystems: the terrestrial Karst ecosystem and the wetland ecosystem characteristic of freshwater swamps in the Red River Delta. Its flora and fauna are abundant and diverse, including species listed in the Vietnam Red Book, IUCN, and Decree 06, such as Lát hoa, Mã tiền, Clouded Leopard, King Cobra, and more. Notably, it is a safe habitat for Delacour’s langurs — a rare primate species endemic to Vietnam and one of only 25 globally endangered primates. Van Long also provides a rich feeding ground for native and migratory waterbirds and hosts the giant water bug, an insect species considered nearly extinct.

Cultural and Historical Values

Van Long is home to 32 spectacular caves, most of which preserve their original values, such as Hang Bong, Hang Ca, Hang Rua, Hang Chanh, Kem Cham, and Hang Thui Tho. It also houses numerous historically significant sites recognized at national and provincial levels: Hoa Lu Cave, where King Dinh Bo Linh trained before unifying the country; Thung La Temple, dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang’s mother; the Temple of the Four Generals, honoring four generals of the Trung Sisters; Dich Long Cave, known as “Nam Thien De Nhi Dong”; and Thanh Son Tu Pagoda, perched 30 meters above the reserve.

Experiences at Van Long

Visitors can glide through serene waters on traditional boats, enjoying the scenic landscapes, observe and learn about Delacour’s langurs and various wetland bird species, and explore historical sites rich in Vietnam’s heroic history. Night tours offer the chance to watch fireflies and experience the nocturnal life of insects and frogs.

Cultural experiences include discovering local communities via buffalo carts, ox carts, or cycling tours through peaceful villages and vast fields, providing authentic insights into the region’s culture and landscapes. Visitors can also enjoy countryside painting, hand embroidery guided by skilled artisans, and purchase or taste local products as souvenirs from this meaningful and memorable trip.

Van Long welcomes you!

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