Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve In Ninh Binh

Introduction

After the birth of the movie:” Kong skull-island”, Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve (Kong Home) has become an attractive destination in Ninh Binh because its magical combination of limestone mountains and wetlands creates a splendid picture.

If you saw this post, the Universe sent you a message to put your luggage on and discover Van Long Wetland with Hanoi Locals now.

The Name: “Van Long”

Do you wonder about the name: “Van Long”?

“Van Long”, translating to “Cloud Dragon”, represents a mystical meeting place of dragons and clouds, an emblem of the convergence of water sources. 

This name encapsulates the dreams and desires of the local people for a tranquil existence, blessed with gentle rains and harmonious winds, akin to the serene dance of a dragon amidst the clouds. Furthermore, “Van Long” vividly depicts a majestic dragon soaring through the clouds.

The Historical Form Of Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve 

Since 1960, a towering dike stretching over 30 km has been constructed along the left bank of the Day River, transforming Van Long into a vast waterlogged area spanning up to 3,500 hectares. 

This has attracted migratory birds seeking food and shelter on their journey to escape the cold. The mountains were isolated and turned into rocky islands amidst the boundless water, which has “accidentally” become a sanctuary for various species of flora and fauna, saving them from the destructive hands of humans.

Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve Location

The Van Long Lake is situated in Gia Van commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province, and is a mere 80km away from Hanoi. 

This spot has been exploited for tourism since 1998 and now become a tourism focal point in Vietnam. This location holds two distinctions from the Vietnam Record Book Center in 2010: ‘The area with the most white-cheeked gibbons’ and ‘The place with the largest natural painting.

In 1999, This place was recognized as a nature reserve, had a name on the special-use forest Vietnam list, and was confirmed as a Ramsar of the world. 

Up to now, Van Long Lagoon has become one of the destinations you must visit when coming to Ninh Binh.

Not visiting Van Long Lagoon is akin to not having been to Ninh Binh. The spectacular natural scenery, seemingly untouched and pristine, will leave you awestruck.

Special Things About Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve

Van Long Nature Reserve takes great pride in its rich biodiversity, and diverse beauty. This is home to Delacour’s langur, which is on the edge of extinction with more than 100 individuals.

Aside from the Delacour’s Langur, the reserve is a refuge for a variety of rare and valuable creatures such as the Tibetan bear, chamois, stump-tailed macaque, and leopard. This place truly is a testament to the wonders of nature.

The reserve’s limestone ecosystem is a vibrant tapestry of life, with a flora system that includes 722 distinct species, eight of which are recognized in Vietnam’s Red Data Book.

Apart from the limestone mountain ecosystem, this place also contains many other ecosystems like fields, lawns, forests, etc..  that are considered as micro earth.

Tourists visiting Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve may find themselves overwhelmed with wonder, akin to Robinson Crusoe’s awe upon discovering his deserted island. Each turn reveals a new surprise, captivating visitors with the lagoon’s pristine natural beauty.

Alluring Activities Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve

Van Long Lake Boat Tour

This is an activity you must try when come here. Van Long Lagoon is regarded as a wave-free bay. Therefore, you can see The gentle flow of water with schools of fish swimming before your eyes.

Sitting on the boat, and let your soul free in the light blue sky of Ninh Binh and The scenery seems real yet surreal, surreal yet real of  Van Long Natural Reserve. Times tend to be streamed lower for you to enjoy all of this beautiful landscape.

Don’t forget to take a picture and upload it on social media, Hanoi Locals guarantees that you will have a thousand likes on your post. Who can ignore the scene of the Damsel between the breathtaking view as a poem without giving a “like”?

Visiting Spiritual Attractions At Van Long Wetland

Apart from the spectacular scenery of Van Long Nature Reserve, the ecotourism complex is famous for many spiritual tourist sites such as pagodas and temples.

Therefore, you can arrange your time soon to have enough time to discover Van Long Lagoon and visit Thanh Mau Temple, Tien Hoang King Temple, Dich Long Pagoda, and Thanh Son Pagoda to pray for your wish. If you have enough sincerity, it will work.

Exploring The Caves Of Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve

For those with a spirit of spelunking, the Van Long Nature Reserve Complex is an unmissable destination. You can explore a variety of caves in this natural wonderland, including the Ball Cave, Fish Cave, and Turtle Cave.

Each cave is a treasure trove of stalactites, presenting a myriad of shapes and sizes that will pique your curiosity and leave you in awe. This is truly a place where the thrill of discovery meets the beauty of nature.

Best Time To Visit Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve

You can come to Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve every time of the year. However, to enjoy all of the beauty here, Hanoi Local gives you some tips

• If you want to have a gentle trip, close-knit with nature, you can come to Van Long Lagoon in the morning
• If you wish to marvel at the diverse wildlife and witness the sunset as the final hues of melon light retreat behind the grand limestone mountains, consider visiting in the afternoon. This is when numerous animals return to their nests, offering a captivating spectacle.
• Do you want a million-view picture with lotus and picturesque background here? You may want to come to Van Long Lagoon from May to June in the summer. When the lake dons a pink hue and the fragrance of lotus flowers begins to fill the air as they bloom their first petals

Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve Price ticket

Despite its popularity among tourists, Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve maintains a reasonable ticket pricing structure. There are two types of tickets: entrance and ferry, both of which are priced affordable.

Entrance Ticket Prices:

• Adults: 20,000 VND/person
• Children under 1m tall: 10,000 VND/person
• Older adults (60 years and above): 10,000 VND/person

Ferry Ticket Prices:

• Adults: 50,000 VND/trip
• Children under 1m tall: 25,000 VND/trip
• Older adults (60 years and older): 25,000 VND/trip

How to Get To Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve

There are many ways to come to Van Long Natural Reserve

By Bus 

This is the first transportation We want to introduce to you. With affordable and safety, you can come to Van Long easily. However, there is an annoying thing you need to notice you need to pay for the ticket and spend a long time catching the bus to Van Long Lagoon, this can put a damper on your fun.

By Taxi

Of course, You can take a taxi to come to Van Long Lake. However, the price costs an arm and leg, and you may encounter some problems inflating the price when encountering tourists.

By Train 

This is another option for you to choose. The pros of the train are affordable, safety and you will have numerous gorgeous pictures with the train. However, You can only travel one way, and the stop times between train stations might cause discomfort.

By Private Car

Best among all choices. This is a clever option for you to choose. Guests can hire a private car from Hanoi Locals to go to Van Long Natural Reserve. Responding to all of the benefits of public transportation. you will have a flexible spot and time to depart. In addition, we will always service you by heart.

• Hanoi to Ninh Binh Private Car – 68 USD/car
• Hanoi To Ninh Binh Limousine – 107 USD/limousine
• Halong Bay To Ninh Binh Private Car – 80 USD/car

Apart from Van Long Nature Lagoon, Hanoi Locals introduces other destinations in Ninh Binh that you concerning.

• Ninh Binh Private Tour 2 Days 
• Hoa Lu – Mua Cave – Tam Coc Tour
• Ninh Binh Tour From Hanoi2 Days 1 Night

Location Near Van Long Wetland Natural Reserve

You can combine other destinations to make your trip more interesting

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

A sacred spot for you to consider. Besides the bountiful nature, clients can visit to admire the historical structure. In addition, you can come here during the festival season to assimilate with local people.

Mua Cave

If you want to have something challenging, This place is a target for you to overcome. Tourists need to overcome 500 ladders to reach the vertex of the mountain. However, the panorama of Ninh Binh from above never lets you down. You will feel satisfied with your strive.

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Considered a sacred temple in Vietnam. Bai Dinh Temple attracts thousands of Buddhist devotees and tourists who come here to pray and save many treasured pictures in here.

This temple held 8 Vietnam and Asian records, along with the unique beauty of the landscape. Bai Dinh temple will bring a new wind for your journey.

Like Van Long, Tam Coc–Bich Dong, Trang An Scenic Landscape, and Thung Nham also offer sightseeing boat activities. These places would be more fitting for a 2-day travel itinerary in Ninh Binh.

Where To Stay When Traveling Van Long Lake 

After a worthwhile day in Van Long Natural Reserve. Hanoi Locals recommend some resorts and hotels to take a nap and prepare for tomorrow’s journey

Van Long Resort

Located in Gia Van, Ninh Binh, Van Long Resort offers top comfort with its 104 luxury rooms. Its prime location near numerous renowned attractions of Ninh Binh makes it an ideal accommodation choice for travelers.

Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh

Nestled in Tap Ninh village, Gia Van, Gia Vien Ninh Binh, Esmeralda Resort Ninh Binh is a 5-star hotel boasting a full range of amenities. Its modern and luxurious furnishings are sure to meet the satisfaction of guests.

Huong Tra Hotel

The convenient location of the hotel at Gian Khau Junction in Ninh Binh provides easy access to well-known tourist spots.

Specialty In Ninh Binh 

Com Chay Ninh Binh 

if you ask the local people what is the specialty of Ninh Binh, the answer always Com Chay

Com Chay is a thin layer of rice that sticks to the bottom of the pot when cooking rice. Each Com Chay is crisp and breaks in your mouth, combined with Vietnamese caramelized pork dip for vegetables will leave you impressive taste.

Mountain Goat Meat 

Goat meat is a popular dish in VietNam, But the mountain goat meat in Ninh Binh is outstanding because goats here graze on the mountains. Therefore the meat here is firmer than in another place.

You can request the restaurant to cook according to the way you want, maybe grilled, steamed, goat spring rolls, stir-fried, goat with ginger soy sauce,…Goat meat is a popular dish in VietNam, But the mountain goat meat in Ninh Binh is outstanding. 

Mountain Ninh Binh Snails

A strange dish that you must hunt and eat once in your life. The season of Ninh Binh Mountain snail begins from April to August. When eating you will feel the crisp and natural sweetness of snail’s meat interject with the light aroma of southern herbology.

Conclusion

Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, offers a rejuvenating retreat for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in its majestic natural beauty. With Hanoi Locals, you’re sure to create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.