Van Long Nature Reserve offers a serene escape in Ninh Binh with its breathtaking limestone peaks, vast wetlands, and rare wildlife, including the endangered Delacour’s langur. Ideal for a visit between November and March for cool, dry weather, it’s best explored by boat in the early morning or late afternoon, when wildlife is active and the lighting is perfect for photography. This guide also helps you plan the perfect visit with a suggested itinerary for 2 days in Ninh Binh including Van Long Nature Reserve.
What can you expect from the Van Long Nature Reserve boat ride?
Biodiversity
Van Long is a very special place because it holds two national natural records. First, it has the biggest group of Delacour’s langurs, a type of monkey that is in danger of going extinct. There are around 120 of these rare monkeys living in Van Long. Second, it has the largest “picture of nature” – the beautiful landscape of limestone mountains, rivers, and wetlands all together.
These rare animals and this incredible natural scenery make Van Long a very special place. As you take a boat ride through the calm waters, you’ll have the chance to spot all kinds of interesting wildlife, like kingfishers, herons, and eagles. The waters are also full of colorful fish swimming beneath your boat. It’s an amazing place to see Vietnam’s incredible biodiversity up close.
Landscapes
The landscapes of Van Long are truly breathtaking. Towering limestone mountains rise up directly from the still, clear waters, creating a mirror-like reflection. It feels almost unreal like you’re floating on air as your boat glides through this stunning natural setting.
The reserve covers over 3,500 hectares, with a mix of wetlands, rice fields, and dramatic limestone peaks. It’s a landscape that seems to come straight out of a dream, with the mountains and water blending together seamlessly. As you explore by boat, you’ll be surrounded by this incredible natural beauty on all sides.
Best things to do at Van Long Nature Reserve
1. Explore a collection of beautiful caves
The limestone landscape is dotted with fascinating caves, each telling its own geological story. Ca Cave stands out with its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, while Bong Cave offers a mysterious passage through the mountain. During your boat ride, your local guide can point out these natural wonders and share interesting facts about their formation.
2. Admire splendid limestone mountains
The karst formations here rise dramatically from the water, creating a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Unlike other locations in Ninh Binh, Van Long’s mountains appear to emerge directly from the water, with their bases completely submerged. This creates stunning photo opportunities, especially during sunrise when the first light hits the peaks.
3. Visit mountainous temples
Hidden among the limestone peaks are several ancient temples, including the serene Bach Van Temple. These spiritual sites offer not only cultural insights but also spectacular viewpoints over the reserve. The temples are less frequented by tourists, offering a more authentic experience of local religious practices.
The best time to take the Van Long boat trip
The ideal time to visit is between November and March when the weather is cool and dry. However, each season offers its own charm: Summer (May to August) brings lush green landscapes but occasional rain, while autumn (September to November) offers comfortable temperatures and golden rice fields.
For the best experience, arrive either early morning (5:30 – 7:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 – 5:30 PM) when the wildlife is most active and the lighting is perfect for photography.
Crowd, cost and duration of Van Long Nature Reserve boat ride
- How is the crowd?
The beauty of Van Long lies in its peaceful atmosphere. Unlike its more famous neighbor Trang An, Van Long sees fewer tourists, allowing for a more serene experience. Most visitors arrive between 9 AM and 2 PM, so planning your visit outside these hours ensures an even quieter experience.
- Entrance fee & Opening hours
The entrance fee is very reasonable at 60,000 VND (approximately $2.5 USD) per person, plus 80,000 VND ($3.3 USD) for the boat ride (each boat can accommodate up to 2 people). The reserve is open daily from 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
- How long does it take?
A typical boat ride lasts about 1.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore the reserve’s highlights and spot wildlife. However, you might want to allocate 2-3 hours total to fully appreciate the area, including time for photos and temple visits.
How to get to Van Long Nature Reserve?
Phase 1: From Hanoi to Ninh Binh
The journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh takes about 2 hours by car or bus. You can catch a shuttle bus (tickets around 150,000 VND) or hire a private car (approximately 1,200,000 VND one way).
Phase 2: Ninh Binh Attractions to Van Long Nature Reserve
By car
If you prefer the convenience of a car, here are the driving times from some of the top attractions in Ninh Binh to Van Long Nature Reserve:
- From Mua Cave: 15 km, approximately 25 minutes by car
- From Trang An Complex: 20 km, about 35 minutes by car
- From Bich Dong Pagoda: 18 km, roughly 30 minutes by car
- From Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: 12 km, about 20 minutes by car
Having a private car allows you to easily hop between the different sights in Ninh Binh before finishing your day at the serene Van Long Nature Reserve.
By motorbike
Renting a motorbike gives you the freedom to weave through the scenic rural roads at your own pace. From your hotel in Ninh Binh, you can hop on your bike and reach nearby attractions like Bich Dong Pagoda or Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in 30-45 minutes.
The roads connecting the main sights to Van Long Nature Reserve are relatively straight and well-maintained, making for an enjoyable motorbike journey. Just be sure to leave around 1 hour to cover the 18-20 km distance from places like Trang An or Mua Cave to reach the boat docks at Van Long.
Riding a motorbike allows you to really soak in the lush, green rice fields and limestone mountains that Ninh Binh is famous for. Just be sure to wear a helmet and ride safely.
Is Van Long or Trang An boat trip better?
While both destinations offer stunning landscapes, they provide different experiences. Van Long offers a more authentic, peaceful atmosphere with fewer tourists and lower prices (140,000 VND total vs. 250,000 VND at Trang An). The boat ride at Van Long is shorter (1.5 hours compared to Trang An’s 2.5-3 hours) but offers better opportunities for wildlife spotting. While you take Trang An boat trip, you can explore more caves and cultural sites, while Van Long excels in natural scenery and tranquility. In conclusion, it’s worth visiting both.
Suggested Ninh Binh 2-Day tours including Van Long Nature Reserve
You can take the itinerary below as a reference. If you are looking for more trip ideas with various tour durations with estimated rates, it’s better to check our list of Vietnam tour packages.
Day 1: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Van Long Nature Reserve – Trang An
- Morning: Grabbing Hanoi breakfast as a local people, then depart from Hanoi and drive to Ninh Binh.
- Afternoon: Visit Van Long Nature Reserve, a hidden gem known for its stunning karst mountains and tranquil waterways. Take a leisurely boat ride through the reserve, admiring the breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife.
- Evening: Take your leisure time or head to Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark on a boat trip through the winding rivers, passing through hidden caves and ancient temples.
Day 2: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Bich Dong Pagoda – Hanoi
- Morning: Start your day with a scenic bike ride through the picturesque countryside, exploring charming villages and rice paddies. Then visit Bich Dong pagoda in the early morning to stay away from crowds. Hike up to Mua Cave, a popular viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.
- Afternoon: Return to Hanoi, concluding your unforgettable Ninh Binh adventure.
Above is just a recommended itinerary, if you want to organize your Vietnam tour including Ninh Binh, you can contact us here or email at [email protected] to get the quote and detailed proposal. As we offer PRIVATE TOURS, your itinerary will be customized to match your travel interests from budget, activities, accommodations, etc.
Van Long Nature Reserve promises an unforgettable Ninh Binh experience, blending stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and cultural insights. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking tranquility, a boat ride here offers a serene escape from the usual tourist crowds. Ready to explore this hidden gem? Contact us to create your customized Ninh Binh adventure!
