Where is Van Long Nature Reserve?
Van Long Nature Reserve is located in Gia Van Commune, Gia Vien District, in Ninh Binh Province, northern Vietnam. It lies about 20 kilometers northwest of Ninh Binh city center—a 35-minute drive by car—and approximately 86 kilometers south of Hanoi, making it a convenient 1 hour 45-minute journey by road from the capital.
This protected wetland spans over 3,500 hectares, making it the largest inland wetland nature reserve in the Red River Delta. Far less touristy than Tam Coc or Trang An, Van Long offers a peaceful and pristine natural environment, ideal for travelers seeking quiet escapes and authentic landscapes.
What truly sets Van Long apart is its unique blend of limestone karsts, tranquil waterways, and rich biodiversity. It is one of the last remaining habitats of the critically endangered Delacour’s langur—with a population of over 100 individuals, the reserve is considered one of the most important conservation areas for this rare primate species.
Visitors can explore the reserve via small paddle boats, gliding through serene canals flanked by towering cliffs and lush vegetation. Along the way, you might spot rare birds, butterflies, and if you’re lucky, a langur perched high on a cliffside.
Must-Do: Bamboo Boat Ride in Van Long
How to Get to Van Long Nature Reserve
Van Long is easily accessible from both Hanoi and Ninh Binh, making it a perfect day trip or stop on a longer journey through northern Vietnam. Here are your best options:
✅ By Car or Taxi
The Hanoi–Ninh Binh Expressway (CT01) offers the fastest and most direct route, covering about 88 kilometers in under 2 hours. Private cars or ride-hailing apps like Grab (available in Ninh Binh) are the most convenient if you prefer door-to-door service.
This is the best option if you’re traveling with family or a group and want to explore at your own pace.
✅ By Bus or Limousine Van
Several interprovincial buses run daily from Hanoi’s Giap Bat and My Dinh bus stations to Ninh Binh city. The trip takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
Once you arrive in Ninh Binh, you can take a taxi, rent a motorbike, or arrange a local tour to Van Long (about 35 minutes away).
For added comfort and convenience, book a limousine van service like Khanh An Limousine or Ninh Binh Excursion Limousine. Some operators even offer direct drop-off at Van Long, avoiding the need for transfers.
✅ By Motorbike (for the adventurous)
If you’re comfortable navigating Vietnamese roads, a motorbike journey from Hanoi to Van Long can be an exhilarating experience. Expect about 2 hours and 15 minutes of riding time.
Take Highway QL1A or the CT01 Expressway (motorbikes not allowed on expressways, so follow the highway route instead). The roads are mostly flat and scenic once you enter Ninh Binh province.
Important: You’ll need a valid international driving permit (IDP) recognized in Vietnam, and always wear a quality helmet.
Entrance Fees & Opening Hours at Van Long Nature Reserve
Visiting Van Long is both affordable and simple to organize, making it a great stop for nature lovers, families, and photographers alike.
💰 Ticket Price
- 100,000 VND per person (approx. 4 USD)
This includes the entrance fee and a traditional sampan boat ride piloted by a local rower. Each boat typically carries 2 passengers for a private, peaceful journey through the wetlands.
Note: Prices may vary slightly during high seasons or public holidays.
🧾 Where to Buy Tickets
- You can purchase your ticket directly at the official ticket booth near the entrance to the boat pier.
- No need to book in advance—boats are almost always available, especially on weekdays.
- Local tour agencies in Ninh Binh or Hanoi can also arrange combo tickets and transfers.
🕗 Opening Hours
- Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The last boat ride usually departs by 5:00 PM, so it’s best to arrive earlier in the day to enjoy the full experience.
Best Time to Visit Van Long Nature Reserve
Van Long is a year-round destination, offering unique landscapes and wildlife encounters in every season. Your experience can vary greatly depending on when you go—so here’s what to expect throughout the year:
🌸 May to June: Lotus Blooming Season
This is arguably the most picturesque time to visit Van Long. During late spring and early summer, the wetlands are covered in a sea of blushing pink lotus flowers. The calm waters mirror the sky, karst cliffs, and lush blooms, creating a surreal and dreamlike scene.
- Photographer’s dream: The early morning light and reflections are perfect for stunning landscape shots.
- Sensory delight: Enjoy the subtle floral aroma as you glide silently through lotus-covered water.
🐦 November to April: Prime Birdwatching Season (Dry Season)
During the dry months, Van Long becomes a refuge for numerous migratory bird species flying in from colder regions. Birdwatchers can spot herons, egrets, and storks—plus the occasional rare Black-faced Spoonbill.
- Best wildlife visibility: Lower water levels make birds and langurs easier to spot.
- Cool, comfortable weather: Great for outdoor activities and long boat rides without the heat.
☀️ July to October: Rainy Season
Though this period sees more rain, it also brings lush green landscapes and fewer tourists. Boat rides still operate during dry windows, offering a more tranquil and immersive experience.
What Makes the Boat Ride Unique?
Unlike the larger metal or plastic boats in Tam Coc or Trang An, Van Long’s small bamboo boats offer a more authentic and intimate experience with nature.
You’ll drift through calm waters and pass by fascinating caves such as:
- Chanh Cave
- Ca Cave
- Rua Cave
- Bong Cave
Admire the clear water that reveals underwater vegetation, algae, and even natural coral. It’s peaceful, immersive, and truly off the beaten path.
Other Things to Do in Van Long
While the boat ride is the highlight of Van Long, there’s more to this peaceful corner of Ninh Binh than just wetlands. For curious travelers, the reserve also offers cultural discoveries, outdoor adventures, and a chance to sample authentic northern Vietnamese cuisine.
🛕 Visit Historical Temples and Shrines
Just a short distance from the reserve, Dich Long Temple is a must-see for history and culture lovers. Built in 1740, this centuries-old structure is part of a larger complex that includes a network of natural limestone caves—some of which were used as places of worship.
In 1990, Dich Long was officially recognized as a national heritage site for its religious and architectural significance. Visitors can explore serene courtyards, ancient altars, and caves echoing with stories of Vietnam’s spiritual past.
🚴♂️ Cycle Around the Countryside
The rural roads surrounding Van Long are perfect for a leisurely bike ride. As you pedal along the dikes and village paths, you’ll pass:
- Lush rice paddies
- Quiet hamlets and ancient temples
- Water buffalo and working farmers in the fields
- Striking views of limestone karsts under the open sky
🌇 Best time to cycle: Late afternoon, when the golden hour bathes the landscape in warm light—perfect for photos and peaceful reflection.
Bikes can often be rented from guesthouses or local tour operators in the area.
🍲 Sample Local Cuisine
No trip to Van Long is complete without tasting some of Ninh Binh’s rustic specialties. Here’s what to look out for:
- Cơm cháy (crispy rice): Golden, crunchy rice squares served with sweet-savory sauce or pork floss.
- Thịt dê núi (mountain goat): Free-range goats raised on rocky hillsides—meat is tender yet firm, and often served grilled, steamed, or “tái chanh” (cured in lime juice).
- Ốc núi (mountain snails): A rare and seasonal treat, these snails are foraged from limestone cliffs and usually stir-fried with lemongrass or steamed with herbs.
🍽️ Where to eat: Family-run restaurants around Van Long and nearby Gia Van commune often serve these dishes fresh and affordably.
Nearby Attractions to Combine with Van Long
Hang Mua
Climb nearly 500 stone steps to reach the top of this viewpoint, offering sweeping views of Tam Coc’s golden rice paddies and winding river. It’s one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Ninh Binh.
Trang An
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trang An features a boat tour through limestone caves, ancient temples, and spectacular scenery. Compared to Tam Coc, the routes here are longer and more diverse.
Bai Dinh Pagoda
This massive Buddhist complex is famous for:
- The longest corridor of Arhat statues in Asia
- Vietnam’s largest bronze bell
Set against forested hills and valleys, Bai Dinh is a spiritual and architectural marvel.
Cuc Phuong National Park
For nature enthusiasts, pair your Van Long visit with a trip to Cuc Phuong, Vietnam’s oldest national park. It spans across Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa provinces.
The park is home to:
- 2,234 species of plants and mosses
- 122 species of reptiles and amphibians
- 66 fish species
- 135 mammals
- 336 bird species
- Nearly 2,000 insect species
Final Thoughts
Van Long is the perfect destination for travelers seeking peace, natural beauty, and authentic cultural experiences. Whether you’re gliding on a bamboo boat, biking through rice fields, exploring historic temples, or indulging in local food, Van Long offers a refreshing escape from the tourist crowds.
