Van Long Nature Reserve is 17 km northeast of Ninh Binh city center, near Trang An Ecotourism Complex and Cuc Phuong National Park. It stretches over 7 communes of Gia Vien District, including Gia Hung, Lien Son, Gia Hoa, Gia Van, Gia Lap, Gia Tan and Gia Thanh. This area was created from 1960, after the construction of a dike of more than 30 kilometers. However, it was not until December 2001 that it was established as a nature reserve. Nowadays, it is one of three special-use forests in Ninh Binh Province.

The natural area of Van Long is over 3,500 ha, 2745 ha of which is under the natural reserve’s management. The area frequently inundated with water is more than 400 ha. Van Long is considered the largest inland wetland in the Northern Delta, a destination that holds great potentialities regarding natural and humanistic tourism. 

The name of Van Long reflects the dream and aspiration of locals for a peaceful life as Van means “cloud” and Long means “dragon”. Both clouds and dragons are manifestations of water; moreover when the dragon meets the clouds, blessed things will occur.
 

Located amongst the valley, surrounded by spectacular ranges of limestone, Van Long is a captivating ecotourism destination. You can visit this wetland at any time of the year, but the most appropriate times are:

• May – June: At this time, the waters of Van Long are overwhelmed by the pink color of lotus flowers. You can seize this opportunity to take romantic photos.
• November – April: If you visit Van Long during its dry season when water birds of the North flock here to build nests, you can witness the eye-popping white created by thousands of birds.

You are highly recommended to arrive here in the late afternoon (15:30 – 16:30) to see flocks of birds, especially storks flying back to their nests. 

Biodiversity
Van Long Nature Reserve is an area of rich biodiversity. Its limestone ecosystem is home to the biggest community of Delacour’s Langur with over 100 individuals. The flora ecosystem of Van Long comprises 722 species, 8 among them are listed in Vietnam’s Red Data Book. When it comes to the fauna ecosystem, it is no less attractive with 39 species and 19 families. Besides Delacour’s Langur, there are a number of rare and precious animals such as tibetan bear, chamois, stump-tailed macaque, leopard,… 

Van Long also possesses a stunning bird garden of 100 species. Some of the most notable ones are Chinese pond heron, cattle egret and white stork that regularly seek for food on swamps and rice fields. If you are fond of bird-watching, this spot will absolutely enchant your eyes.

Landscapes

One of the most striking landscapes here is the system of limestone mountains. Each mountain has its name adopted based on its shape, namely Meo Cao Mountain, Co Tien Mountain, Mam Xoi Mountain, Hom Sach Mountain,… In addition, Van Long has about 1000 beautiful caves, many of them have been serving as tourist attractions. If you have a chance to visit Van Long, don’t miss out on Ca Cave, Rua Cave, Bong Cave and Chanh Cave.
Go to Ninh Binh

► By Train

You can easily go by train to come to Ninh Binh as Tam Diep – Ninh Binh urban axis is situated on the North-South Railway. In Ninh Binh Province, there are also a lot of railway stations, including Ninh Binh, Cau Yen, Ghenh and Dong Giao Train Station. 

Some trains departing from Hanoi are SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7, SE9, SE19 and SE35. If you go from Ho Chi Minh City, the only suitable one is SE8 which departs at 6:00 and arrives at Ninh Binh at 18:05.

► By Car

You can go on Phap Van – Cau Gie- Ninh Binh Highway. With a distance of about 90 km, it may take you around 1 hour to reach the center of Ninh Binh City.

► By Motorbike

If you would like to travel by motorbike, you can go on the old National Highway 1A, through Ha Nam and head towards Ninh Binh – Thanh Hoa.

Ninh Binh – Van Long

The distance between Ninh Binh City and Van Long is around 20 km. If you go on a private car, you can travel back National Highway 1A in the direction of Ninh Binh – Hanoi. As soon as you reach Gian Khau Crossroad (477 Street), turn left and go about 5 km further to reach Van Long Market. Then you turn right and go 2 km further until you reach Van Long Boat Wharf. If you want to try going by bus, you can catch bus number 01 or 09 which runs through 477 Street. 

Extra Tips

• You had better bring hats, sunscreen or umbrellas if traveling in summer.
• A boat is limited to a maximum of 3-4 people.
• You can give the boatman a small tip, about 50,000 – 100,000 VND/boat.
• If you are a birdwatcher, you are advised to bring binoculars or good camera lenses along.

Frequently Questions Are Being Asked About Ninh Binh

1. Which Experiences Are Best For Tours In Ninh Binh?
These experiences are best for tours in Ninh Binh:
AMAZING NINH BINH (2DAYS/1 NIGHT)
NINH BINH IN A DAY (1DAY)
DISCOVER NINH BINH CYCLES TOUR (3 DAYS)
2. What Are The Best Places Plus With Tours In Ninh Binh?
These places are the best combine with Ninh Binh
FROM CAPITAL TO WORLD HERITAGE (5DAYS/4NIGHTS)
HANOI TO SAIGON FOCUS ON WORLD HERITAGE (12DAYS/11NIGHTS)
DISCOVER THE NORTH AND SOUTH (9DAYS)
3. Which Place Is Must See In Ninh Binh?
These places must see in Ninh Binh:
1: MUA CAVE
2: THAI VI TEMPLE-NINH BÌNH
3: TRANG AN COMPLEX
4: CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK
5: HOA LU ANCIENT CAPITAL
6: TAM COC-BICH DONG
7: BAI DINH PAGODA
8: VAN LONG NATURE RESERVE
9: PHAT DIEM CATHEDRAL