Introduction
Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve is one of the most appealing eco-tourism destinations in Ninh Binh. It features a unique and diverse ecosystem, home to many rare flora and fauna typical of the region. Additionally, the reserve captivates visitors with its breathtaking, pristine beauty. Notably, some scenes from the famous movie “Kong: Skull Island,” directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, were filmed in this reserve.
To learn more about this tourist destination, visitors should read the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve provided by Ninh Binh Private Car. The useful information compiled in this article promises to enhance your sightseeing experience, making it both safe and enjoyable.
Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve Overview
Currently, Van Long is the largest wetland nature reserve in Northern Vietnam, situated in Gia Van commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province. This reserve is included in the list of special-use forests of Vietnam and is recognized as a Ramsar site globally.
Additionally, Van Long Ninh Binh Reserve covers a total natural area of over 3,500 hectares, with approximately 400 hectares as regularly flooded land. This attraction gives visitors the chance to engage in fascinating eco-tourism and admire the stunning beauty of nature.
Furthermore, Van Long (Ninh Binh) is regarded as a priceless gem in the area. It attracts a large number of tourists and scientific researchers from around the world. To meet the needs of visitors and researchers while protecting its inherent value, Van Long Nature Reserve is only open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. Visitors can take advantage of this time to explore many unique things here.
How To Travel To Van Long Wetland
Van Long Wetland is roughly 28 kilometers from Ninh Binh City and 87 kilometers from Hanoi City Center. Due to its handy location, tourists can travel in a variety of ways, including private cars, buses, trains, and taxis.
Plus, visitors can consult our article “How To Get From Hanoi To Ninh Binh” for additional information on how to do it.
By Train
The North-South railway line that runs through Ninh Binh makes it easy to travel by train from Hanoi Station to Ninh Binh. Some trains that operate on this route include SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7, SE9, SE19, and SE35. Visitors can choose the train that best fits their travel schedule. See more at Ninh Binh Railway Station.
By Bus
Traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by bus is a popular and convenient option. Several reputable bus companies, such as Hoang Long, Sao Viet, and Duy Duc, offer services on this route. This mode of transportation is reasonably priced and quick, allowing you more time to explore the stunning Van Long Wetland. See more details at Ninh Binh Bus Station.
By Taxi
Renting a taxi is another option for traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Although you can enjoy the convenience of being picked up door-to-door, this option can be expensive since fares are calculated based on distance. Furthermore, prices are typically not displayed, which may have the potential for overcharging.
By Private Car
If you prefer a safe and private transportation option, renting a private car is the best choice. Our transportation service offers customers the convenience of being transferred to their desired location by a local driver who is familiar with the area and possesses excellent driving skills. In addition, we offer reasonable prices and are publicly listed on the website ninhbinhprivatecar.com.
Best Time To Visit Van Long Nature Reserve Ninh Binh
Van Long Wetland Reserve is in the heart of a valley surrounded by towering limestone mountains. This area enjoys a cool and refreshing atmosphere throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for visitors at any time. However, two particular periods stand out for experiencing the beauty of Van Long Lagoon:
- May to June: During this time, lotus flowers bloom in Van Long Wetland Reserve. Visitors can admire the water’s surface, adorned with the poetic and vibrant pink of the lotus petals. It’s a perfect opportunity to capture beautiful footage and take romantic photos among the blooming flowers.
- November to April: This period marks the dry season at Van Long Reserve, coinciding with the migration of northern birds that come to breed. Visitors can witness the breathtaking sight of flocks of birds perching on trees or soaring in the sky.
The best times to visit the reserve during the day are early morning and late afternoon. In the morning, the air is crisp and refreshing, allowing visitors to appreciate the enchanting beauty of dew drops clinging to the treetops.
Likewise, the late afternoon offers a spectacular view as flocks of birds return to their nests after a day of foraging. The last rays of the sun combined with the melodic chirping of the birds create a truly unforgettable and magnificent scene.
Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve Tickets
Van Long Nature Reserve is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Ninh Binh. Despite its popularity, ticket prices are very affordable, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors. This tourist spot offers two types of tickets: tickets to visit landscape and boat tickets.
For detailed ticket prices for other popular tourist attractions in Ninh Binh, please refer to our article “Ninh Binh Entrance Fee 2025.”
Tickets For Scenic Spots
The entrance ticket prices for visiting scenic spots in Van Long Nature Reserve are as follows:
- Adults: 20,000 VND/ticket.
- Children under 1m2: Free.
Boat Tickets
Travelers who wish to experience a boat trip to explore Van Long Wetland need to purchase an additional boat ticket, priced at 60,000 VND/person. Each boat can only carry a maximum of 2 people for less than 2 hours. Further, all boats are manually rowed to help protect the ecological environment of the reserve.
Highlights Of Van Long Nature Reserve
Biodiversity
Van Long is a nature reserve known for its diverse and rich ecosystem. The tropical forest ecosystem on the rocky mountains is home to over 100 individuals of Delacour’s langur. Additionally, the plant ecosystem comprises 722 species, while the animal ecosystem features 39 species across 19 families. Besides the Delacour’s langur population, Van Long also works to preserve other rare animals, such as Asian bears, mountain goats, and leopards.
Moreover, Van Long owns a beautiful bird garden with more than 100 bird species. Visitors can easily see Chinese pond herons, black herons, and white storks foraging for food in the wetlands or perched on tall trees. Traveling by boat provides the best opportunity to admire the diverse natural beauty of this swamp.
Landscape
In addition to its rich ecosystem, Van Long Lagoon is noted for its stunning surrounding scenery. The calm, clear water surface resembles a giant mirror, reflecting the natural landscape and creating a breathtaking watercolor painting that captivates visitors. The transparency of the water allows guests to observe the layers of moss and algae thriving at the lagoon’s bottom.
The area is also home to approximately 1,000 beautiful natural caves, some of which have been developed for tourism, such as Ca Cave, Rua Cave, and Chanh Cave. Additionally, Van Long Wetland features a unique system of limestone mountains, many of which have intriguing names like Meo Cao Mountain, Hom Sach Mountain, and Mam Xoi Mountain.
Top Things To Do At Van Long Reserve Ninh Binh
Enjoy A Boat Trip On Van Long Wetland
Boating on Van Long Lake is an experience that visitors should not miss. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of Northern Vietnam, characterized by limestone mountains and lush tropical forests.
As you glide through the water, you’ll encounter a variety of scenes that provide a visual feast. This journey also allows you to explore the entire Van Long Lagoon, which boasts a unique ecosystem. Guests have the chance to observe rare wildlife and vibrant birds from a distance during the trip.
Explore 32 Stunning Caves
At the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, visitors can admire the breathtaking beauty of 32 caves. These caves feature beautiful stalactites and stalagmites along with crystal-clear blue waters. Similar to Tam Coc, visitors will navigate through the caves on bamboo boats for an optimal viewing experience.
Visit Sacred Temples And Historical Sites
Van Long Wetland is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its historical relics, which reflect the region’s cultural values, such as pagodas and temples. These ancient structures are contained in fascinating historical stories of Vietnam.
Tourists can combine visits to scenic spots within the reserve with explorations of spiritual sites like Holy Mother Temple, Thanh Son Pagoda, and Dich Long Pagoda. Many visitors come here seeking peace and praying for blessings in their lives.
Admire Stunning Limestone Mountains
Most of Ninh Binh’s attractions feature impressive limestone mountains. These overlapping formations showcase the majesty of nature. Notably, the limestone mountains in Van Long Lagoon are often named according to their shapes, featuring unique names such as Cat Scratch Mountain, Da Ban Mountain, and Hom Sach Mountain.
Try Local Cuisine
Experiential tourism is not just about admiring beautiful scenery; it also includes savoring unique local cuisine. In Ninh Binh, visitors can enjoy specialties made from mountain goat meat, such as Cơm Cháy – goat soup, stir-fried goat meat, etc. Additionally, dishes like Ninh Binh Mountain Snails, Fish Salad, and Van Long Grilled Snakehead Fish are also popular among tourists.
Top Attractions Near Van Long Lagoon
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda is a renowned spiritual tourist destination located in Ninh Binh. It was built at the western entrance of the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital relic site, specifically in Gia Sinh, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh. Bai Dinh covers a large area divided into two sections: the ancient and new pagoda. Inside the complex are many impressive structures, such as Tam The Temple and the Corridor of 500 Arhats.
Mua Cave
The Mua Cave tourist area is situated on Ngoa Long Mountain and is one of the unique attractions within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. To enjoy the beautiful scenery of this area, visitors must climb 486 steps to reach the mountain’s summit. The picturesque natural scenery includes rivers, mountains, fields, sky, and people.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Tam Coc – Bich Dong is a popular destination for tourists due to its poetic beauty. To explore the three distinctive natural caves in Tam Coc, visitors will take a leisurely Tam Coc boat ride on the gentle Ngo Dong River. Additionally, Bich Dong features an ancient pagoda built into a rocky mountain with traditional architecture and historical stories related to the Vu Lam palace during the Tran Dynasty.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a site rich in historical significance from Vietnam’s feudal period. Once a prosperous capital during the Dinh, Tien Le, and Ly dynasties, this historical site still retains several important structures, including the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang, King Le Dai Hanh, and Princess Phat Kim, as well as the ancient citadel.
Conclusion
In summary, Van Long Nature Reserve is a captivating destination that should not be missed when visiting Ninh Binh. This area is blessed by nature with stunning landscapes and a diverse ecosystem, boasting countless species of flora and fauna. It also houses many significant historical relics of the nation. Whether you are interested in adventure travel or exploring Vietnamese culture, this reserve offers something for you.
Above is all the information about Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve that Ninh Binh Private Car wants to send to our readers. We hope the information in this article will help you have an interesting travel plan in Van Long Wetland.