In the past, residents of Tap Ninh village mainly lived by farming and fishing. Life was uncertain, and a poor harvest year would bring worry to everyone. However, since the establishment of the Van Long Nature Reserve and with permission from the local authorities to set up the Van Long Tourism Cooperative, small boats have begun carrying visitors to observe langurs, watch birds, and enjoy the natural scenery.

In the past, the water in Van Long Lake was so clear that you could see schools of small fish swimming beneath the floating plants. But one year, the water changed color. Lotus leaves withered early, fewer birds appeared, fish became scarce, and some indicator insect species, such as the giant water bug, nearly disappeared.

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.

Over more than two decades, Van Long — the largest wetland reserve in the Northern Delta — has undergone remarkable transformation. Not only is it renowned for its "Dragon and Cloud Convergence" scenery, with limestone mountains reflected on the calm lake, but it is also home to the rare Delacour’s langurs, harboring unique ecological and cultural values.

In Tập Ninh village, on the edge of the Vân Long Nature Reserve, lives a man named Mr. Tinh—a farmer who has spent his entire life connected to the rivers and rice fields.