Here are some of the notable attractions and experiences at Vân Long:

1. Thung Lá Temple

Thung Lá Temple, located in Gia Hưng commune, Gia Viễn district, Ninh Bình province, is a significant historical and cultural site. The temple is dedicated to the National Mother and Empress Vương Bà, who are believed to have helped King Đinh Tiên Hoàng unify the country. Legend has it that this area once had many precious medicinal plants, where King Dinh's soldiers were treated for their wounds. With its ancient architecture and peaceful natural environment, Thung Lá Temple is a destination that attracts visitors seeking tranquility and a unique cultural experience. (Source: Trangantravel.com)

2. Hoa Lư Cave

Hoa Lư Cave, located in Thung Lau, Gia Hưng commune, Gia Viễn district, Ninh Bình province, was the training ground for Đinh Bộ Lĩnh before he defeated the Twelve Warlords to become Emperor. The cave is situated in a spacious area with a majestic and beautiful natural landscape. Visitors come here to learn about the historical significance of the Đinh dynasty and to admire the enchanting beauty of the surrounding mountains and forests. (Source: "Diversity of Bird Species at Vân Long Nature Reserve," 2023)

3. Địch Lộng Cave: "The Second Most Beautiful Cave of the Southern Sky"

Địch Lộng Cave is located on Bồ Dương Mountain, Gia Viễn district, Ninh Bình province, and is known as "Nam Thiên Đệ Nhị Động" (The Second Most Beautiful Cave of the Southern Sky). This is a large natural cave featuring a magical system of stalactites and a spacious atmosphere. Inside the cave is Địch Lộng Pagoda—an ancient pagoda with a unique architectural style that combines an outdoor temple with one built inside the cave. This area is not only an attractive tourist destination but also a spiritual pilgrimage site for many Buddhists. From the cave entrance, visitors can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the plains and the characteristic limestone mountains of Ninh Bình.

4. Mão Sơn Temple

This temple is dedicated to the Four Red Empresses (Tứ Vị Hồng Nương), who helped the Trung Sisters fight off the Han invaders. After their victory, they were honored by Queen Trưng but only asked for tax and labor exemptions for the people living in the area from Kẽm Trăm of Vân Long to Chi Nê (now in Hòa Bình), allowing them to farm and earn a living. The grateful locals built temples to worship them across the villages. The temple is located in Gia Vân commune, right within the nature reserve, making it a convenient stop on your journey through Vân Long.

5. Thanh Sơn Pagoda

Thanh Sơn Pagoda is a Buddhist temple located in a rock cave at an altitude of about 30 meters, in Gia Vân commune, Gia Viễn. The cave has a path that leads up to the sky and a tunnel that opens up to Dam Cút. (Source: "Diversity of Bird Species at Vân Long Nature Reserve," 2023)

6. Núi Thó Cave – Wild Beauty at Vân Long Wetland, Ninh Bình

Núi Thó Cave is a natural cave nestled within the limestone mountains of the Vân Long Wetland Nature Reserve. It stands out for its pristine beauty and diverse ecosystem. The cave is not only a refuge for many rare animals, including the endemic Delacour's Langur, but also provides a poetic landscape as its reflection shimmers on the clear water. Traces of ancient Vietnamese people from 5,000 to 7,000 years ago have been found here (a fossilized shell bed measuring 1.6m x 0.5m x 0.45m), and the rock walls contain ancient script. Uniquely, the outer walls of the cave also have ancient red drawings of human figures that become visible when water is splashed on them. This is an ideal destination for visitors who love nature, pristine landscapes, and learning about the history and culture of Vân Long.

7. Bóng Cave: A Mysterious Destination

Bóng Cave is located within the Vân Long Wetland Nature Reserve, in Gia Vân commune, Gia Viễn district, Ninh Bình. It is a natural cave that passes through a limestone mountain, notable for its magnificent scenery and calm water that reflects the cliff walls, creating a magical atmosphere. Bóng Cave attracts visitors not only with its poetic beauty but also as a habitat for many rare birds and animals. It is an ideal stop for anyone who loves nature and wants to explore the unique ecosystem of Vân Long and observe the rare, endemic Delacour's Langur.

8. Kẽm Trăm – Wild Beauty within Vân Long Reserve

Kẽm Trăm is a unique scenic spot within the Vân Long Nature Reserve. It is a narrow gorge with two vertical cliffs, creating a stunning natural pathway through the large wetland. The pristine landscape, combined with the clear water and rich ecosystem, makes this a perfect destination for those who love nature and want to discover the untouched beauty of Vân Long. It is particularly popular with tourists who enjoy photography, as the mesmerizing angles offer stunning shots.

9. Đá Bàn Rock (Table Rock)

Đá Bàn Rock is a unique attraction within the Vân Long Nature Reserve. True to its name, this rock has a flat surface like a giant table amidst the majestic mountains and diverse wetland ecosystem. It is an ideal place for visitors to admire the wild beauty of Vân Long, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and most notably, it is the easiest place to spot the rare and endemic Delacour's Langur with the highest sighting frequency in all of Vân Long.

10. Hang Cá (Fish Cave)

Hang Cá is one of the standout destinations in the Vân Long Reserve, known for its pristine natural landscape and rich ecosystem. The cave is about 250m long, with a wide chamber and a high ceiling, and its water remains clear all year round. It is home to many freshwater fish species and rare animals like the Delacour's Langur. Exploring Hang Cá by boat offers a peaceful experience amidst the beautiful scenery, making it perfect for visitors who love nature and enjoy discovering the unique ecosystem of the largest wetland in Northern Vietnam.

11. Mèo Cào Mountain (Cat Scratch Mountain)

Mèo Cào Mountain is an impressive and majestic limestone mountain at the Vân Long Nature Reserve. With its steep terrain and sharp cliffs that resemble cat scratches, this mountain creates a magnificent backdrop in the expansive wetland. It has long been an ideal habitat for many rare animals, including various bird and monkey species, and has become a favorite check-in spot for many tourists.

12. Hand Embroidery Experience at Lãng Nội Village

In Lãng Nội village, Gia Lập commune, Gia Viễn district, visitors have the opportunity to participate in a traditional hand embroidery experience at a local family's home. During this activity, visitors can directly learn the embroidery process under the guidance of local artisans. They not only practice the techniques but also learn about the history and cultural value of this traditional craft. At the end of the activity, visitors can take home the product they made as a memorable souvenir. This hands-on experience helps tourists understand the meticulousness and sophistication of hand embroidery while contributing to the preservation and promotion of this traditional craft in the modern era. (Source: Ninh Binh newspaper)

13. Rural Painting Experience at Lúa Homestay

If you enjoy rural painting, you can visit Lúa Homestay in Cầu Vàng hamlet, Gia Hòa commune, Gia Viễn district, to participate in a painting activity. This experience allows visitors to directly paint, taking inspiration from the peaceful village scenery and the lush green rice fields of the serene countryside. During the activity, guests not only practice painting techniques but also learn about rural life and local culture. At the end, visitors can take home their own artwork as a souvenir. This activity helps tourists better understand the art of rural painting while contributing to the preservation and promotion of the traditional cultural values of Vietnamese villages.