Van Long is an ideal destination for nature lovers and those eager to explore a diverse ecosystem. It is renowned for its majestic limestone landscapes, vast wetlands, and rich flora and fauna, notably the rare Delacour’s langurs endemic to Vietnam and various wetland bird species.

1. Getting to Van Long

From Hanoi (approx. 82 km):

• Bus or Limousine: Routes Hanoi – Nho Quan/Ninh Binh from Giap Bat or My Dinh bus stations (approx. 100,000–200,000 VND/ticket), then take a taxi or motorbike to Van Long (2 km).
• Train: Hanoi – Ninh Binh (~2 hours), then hire a vehicle to Van Long (20 km, ~35 minutes).
• Motorbike or Private Car: Follow National Highway 1A, then turn onto DT477 to Van Long (2–2.5 hours).

2. Entrance Fees & Boat Services

• Entrance fee: 20,000 VND/person
• Boat service: Traditional bamboo boat: 80,000 VND/trip (~1.5 hours)

Note: Each boat carries 2 passengers. Early morning or late afternoon trips are recommended for the best experience.

3. Dining & Accommodation

Dining: Local restaurants near Van Long serve specialties such as mountain goat, Tong Truong fish, crispy rice, and river snails.

• Bao Minh Ngoc Restaurant: 0912.562.360
• Ngoc Phuong Restaurant: 0943.826.862
• Tuan Tu Restaurant: 0948.118.864
• Tuan Coi Restaurant: 0965.983.362

Accommodation:

• Budget guesthouses: 250,000–300,000 VND/room/night
• Homestays: 300,000–500,000 VND/room, offering a close-to-nature experience
• Hotels: 500,000–1,500,000 VND/room/night
• High-end resorts: from 2,000,000 VND/room/night

Examples:

• Van Long Green Hotel, Gia Van, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh (36 modern rooms)
• Lua Vang Hotel & Restaurant: 0965.762.585
• Ga Vang Guesthouse & Restaurant: 0916.072.288
• Van Long Family Homestay: 0981.088.456
• Nha Lua Homestay: 7 rooms, outdoor pool, free breakfast, Gia Hoa, Gia Vien
• Toki Retreat Van Long: 15 rooms, riverfront, outdoor pool, free breakfast
• NhaBoong Riverside Homestay: 4 rooms, free parking, Wi-Fi, rural Gia Vien
• Emeralda Resort (~2,000,000 VND/night) for luxury experiences

4. Booking a Tour Guide

For the best experience at Van Long, consider booking a guide. The Van Long Ecotourism Cooperative provides knowledgeable guides who can introduce visitors to the natural landscapes, biodiversity, and unique historical culture.

• Booking: At least 2 days in advance via reception: 0963.106.222

Specialized bird-watching tours:

• Tran Van Bay: 0912.872.490
• Dinh Van Huyen: 0916.071.058

5. Must-Visit Spots

• Scenic & Delacour’s Langur Observation Routes: Ride traditional bamboo boats to explore unique wetland ecosystems and observe endemic wildlife, including Delacour’s langurs and various waterbirds.
• Hang Ca – Hang Bong: Mysterious limestone caves, home to diverse wildlife
• Meo Cao Mountain: Panoramic views of Van Long
• Thanh Son Pagoda: Sacred temple on a limestone cliff
• Hoa Lu Cave, Thung La Temple, etc.: Discover historical and cultural sites linked to King Dinh Tien Hoang
• Traditional craft villages: Embroidery, countryside painting, and interactions with skilled artisans

6. Best Time to Visit

• Dry season (Nov – Apr): Clear skies, pristine water, ideal for sightseeing and photography
• Flood season (May – Oct): Van Long becomes a breathtaking “wave-free bay” with lush aquatic vegetation

7. Best Times for Wildlife Observation

Delacour’s Langurs:

• Summer: 6:00–9:00, 16:00–17:30
• Winter: 15:30–16:30
• Encounter rate: ~60–80%

Bird Watching:

• Summer: 6:00–8:30, 16:30–18:00
• Winter: 7:30–9:00, 15:30–17:30
• Late autumn–early winter: Thousands of migratory birds arrive

Nature Photography: Sunrise and sunset for reflective water and scenic landscapes

8. Recommended Gear

• Binoculars: For observing langurs and birds
• Camera or phone with zoom lens: For landscapes and wildlife
• Sports shoes or sandals: For comfortable mobility
• Hat, sun protection, insect repellent: Especially important for boat trips
• Personal water bottle: Avoid single-use plastics

9. Souvenirs

Visitors can buy local handicrafts as souvenirs, such as:

• Woodblock prints, embroidered scarves, bamboo and rattan crafts
• Ninh Binh handicrafts: hats, conical hats, bamboo fans

10. Local Specialties

• Gia Vien shrimp paste
• Eel noodles, river snails from Van Long
• Ninh Binh crispy rice
• Goat dishes: grilled or cooked with rice husks

Van Long is not only an ideal ecotourism destination but also plays an important role in nature conservation. Be a responsible visitor to help protect this unique ecosystem!