Travel Guide

From reed-bobbing boats to farmers' tours, Van Long offers an eco-tourism journey that is both relaxing and inspiring for conservation

Attractions not to be missed

Hoa Lu Cave

Cultural and historical monuments of national level, bearing strong marks of the former capital lands.

Thanh Son Tu Pagoda - Thung La Temple

Cultural and historical monuments of national level, bearing strong marks of the former capital lands.

Bird Garden — Table Rock

The route is specialized for observing waterfowl and rare primates such as moles, golden monkeys.

Cave Bảo — Zinc Hundred

Take a boat ride through the lagoon and enjoy views of limestone mountains, waterfowl and white-rumped Woodpecker.

Fish Cave — Cave Ball

Combining natural landscapes and spiritual values, explore the cave system and ancient monuments.

Diverse & Characteristic Local Culinary Culture

Baked copper perch with banana leaves

Ninh Binh elderberry

Copper crab soup with jute

Organic Lotus Tea

Gia Van clove sauce

A few little things to make the trip bigger

A memorable journey comes not only from the destination, but also from meticulous preparation and seemingly small moments.

What to see in Van Long through the seasons

May — June (lotus season), September — November (bird season), season to observe the young of the White-rumped Woodpecker

Desires of the people

Support conservation in Van Long: Donate or participate in local nature conservation programs such as: conservation awareness propaganda campaigns; volunteer for conservation activities in Van Long, or conservation organizations in Ninh Binh in particular and Vietnam in general.

Working hand in hand to protect the ecosystem

Do not exploit or sell wild animals or plants. Because these are violations of the law that can be subject to administrative or criminal sanctions, with a maximum fine of VND 2 billion — 15 years in prison, as well as being the main factor in the deterioration of the biodiversity of the ecosystems here.

Carry Items

Bring binoculars if you want to watch birds from a distance

Only biological insect repellent cream should be used, avoiding contamination of the wetland

Suit Suggestions

Lightweight, good sun protection, wear sneakers or anti-slip sandals

Some notes

Do not feed animals: This can harm their health and natural behavior.

Noise limitation: To avoid panicking animals.

Take pictures: Keep a safe distance from animals, do not turn on Flash when shooting.

Do not litter: Always carry a garbage bag and dispose of it in the right place as prescribed.

News & Stories

A Culinary Guide to Vân Long

September 8, 2025

The Vân Long Nature Reserve, located in Gia Van Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province, is likened to a “bay without waves” in the middle of a flooded plain. It’s known for its limestone mountain scenery reflected on still water, a rich ecosystem, and a peaceful environment free from the tourist bustle of other places. The cuisine here is not just food; it is a soul that reflects the riverine and mountainous culture of the Northern Delta. Next, let's explore the specialty dishes you should try when visiting Vân Long.

Van Long Nature Reserve Travel Guide – Ninh Binh

To make the most of your visit and exploration of Van Long Nature Reserve, the Van Long Travel Guide provides detailed information on how to get there, the best times to visit, must-see attractions, unmissable experiences, as well as essential equipment to bring and available services. We hope this information will help make your trip a successful and memorable one.

Ongoing Conservation Activities at Van Long

At Van Long Nature Reserve (Ninh Binh), a variety of forest conservation and wildlife protection activities are being implemented in a coordinated and effective manner. From collaborating with local authorities on land management, raising community awareness through outreach programs and hands-on experiences, to strictly monitoring violations of forest resources, all efforts demonstrate a continuous commitment to sustainable development and climate change mitigation.

Types of Tourism at Vân Long

At Vân Long, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in pristine natural beauty and experience a variety of unique tourism activities, including scenic tours, specialized thematic tours, thematic tours combined with local cultural exploration, cultural tourism, sports tourism such as cycling, hands-on experiences at traditional craft villages, painting workshops, or even becoming a farmer to relive the childhood of Vietnamese people through agricultural activities, and more.

Village Protects Forest – Forest Sustains Village.

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.

Protect the water for the birds, keep it clean for ourselves.

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.

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.

Van Long – The Wave-Free Bay in Northern Vietnam and Its Journey Toward Sustainable Development

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.

Van Long welcomes you!

Discover, preserve, feel & accompany Van Long

Contact Information

Vân Long Ecotourism Services Cooperative

Ninh Binh Forest Protection and Special Purpose Forest Reserve

Introduction

About Van Long Conservation News Contact

Tourism

Type of travel Travel Guide

Services

Boat service Other Services

© Copyright Van Long

2025. All rights reserved.

Many thanks to the photographers: Grégoire Dugois, Xuân Lâm, Nguyễn Mạnh Hiệp, Đinh Văn Huyên, Lê Khắc Quyết and Trần Văn Bẩy for the beautiful photos.