Referring to the ancient capital, it is impossible not to mention Van Long lagoon in Ninh Binh. As a charming painting with unspoiled scenery, this place was once chosen by the famous film studio Legendary Entertainment as the setting for the movie Kong – Skull Island. Through sharp footage showing the beauty of the lake, Van Long has since quickly become a destination to attract tourists.
General information
Van Long lagoon eco-tourism area is located in Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province, about 80 km from Hanoi. Covering an area of nearly 3,500 hectares, it is considered the largest wetland nature reserve of the Gulf of Tonkin with a rich and unique ecosystem. There are many rare flora and fauna systems here, such as the white-breeded langur, which is listed in the Red Book.
Moreover, the climate in Van Long Lagoon is fresh all year round but perhaps most shimmering and poetic, especially in the summer when ripe rice fields put on a golden color. The water surface is clear and calm like a giant mirror. Surrounded by limestone mountains of various shapes. In particular, the cave system with the eye-catching perennial stalactites. Everything gathered together paints an attractive multi-color ink painting, like a masterpiece that nature bestows on this land.
Read more: Bai Dinh Pagoda: The largest temple complex in Southeast Asia
Van Long Lagoon and some experiences to get the best adventure
The best moment to explore
With a diverse ecosystem and vegetation, Van Long Ninh Binh lagoon is always an ideal destination at any time of the year. However, Ninh Binh travel experience said that if you want to admire the lotus season, remember to go in the summer, from May to June. The space is covered with a pink color.
Or you can consider the dry season (from November to April next year). This is the ideal time to enjoy the beauty of flora and fauna, flocks of birds fly to nest. Avoid going in the rainy season because the weather is cloudy and not suitable for exploring the beautiful outdoors.
How to get there
Only less than 100 km from Hanoi, this distance is not too far. To get there, you can use many kinds of transportation including trains, passenger cars, self-driving cars and motorbikes. Except for two means of train and bus, you have to go to the station as prescribed, traveling by self-driving vehicle will be more convenient. In this way, you go down the national highway 1A, go through Ly palace to Gian Khau junction, then turn left and follow the road to Nho Quan to Gia Van commune, Gia Vien district.
How long for staying in Van Long Lagoon
Like Trang An or Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Van Long lagoon in Ninh Binh has too many things to explore. You should spend a day leisurely admiring the beautiful scenery. However, if the time is tight, you can spend half the morning exploring a few other spots first and then go to Van Long lagoon. In the afternoon, the atmosphere here is quite lively, because it is the time when the foraging birds return to the nest.
Read more: Explore Mua Cave: Everything you should know
Van Long lagoon Ninh Binh and interesting experiences you should know
In recent years, Van Long has been loved by many tourists. Coming here, you can fall into the immense water and admire the charming landscape painting and countless other interesting experiences.
Sailing around Van Long Lake
Sitting on beautiful small boats, you will be immediately mesmerized by the beauty of pristine, eye-catching Van Long Lagoon. In addition to the majestic mountain scenery, the feeling of floating on the blue water surface, hidden under the clear water is moss and algae just like colorful coral reefs. Even the water is so clear that you can see the poetic, lyrical scenery of the clouds and mountains. Especially in the early morning and late afternoon, the sparkling sunrise and sunset reflect the enchanting souls of many travelers.
Visiting the caves near Van Long lagoon
An interesting activity not to be missed when traveling to Ninh Binh on your own is to explore unique caves with multi-shaped stalactites. The limestone mountains, caves with many different shapes, are home to many wild animals.
One of the largest caves to mention is Ca Cave (Fish Cave). This cave consists of half floating and half sinking with a pretty view. Inside the cave there are many species of fish. Of course, if you want to visit the cave you have to go by boat, don’t forget to take some pictures too.
Visiting spiritual tourist attractions
In Van Long lagoon ecotourism area, there is a whole temple complex located right on steep mountain terrain for you to visit. Temples and pagodas such as Thanh Mau temple, King Dinh Tien Hoang temple, Dich Long pagoda, Thanh Son pagoda.
Admire the sunset at Van Long Lagoon
If you go to Van Long lagoon in the afternoon, visitors absolutely must not miss the moment of watching the sunset from the caves. This is sure to be a memorable experience too.
If you still have time, you can combine visiting other attractive tourist attractions near Van Long such as: Kenh Ga Hot Springs Ninh Binh (11 km away) Bai Dinh Pagoda (19 km away) Trang An (20 km away) ) Chau Son Monastery (19 km) Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and Tuyet Tinh Coc Ninh Binh (17 km) Danh Thang Tam Coc (25 km)…
Some notes when traveling to Van Long lagoon
Traveling to Van Long lagoon, you should pay attention to prepare all personal belongings such as hats, hats, …
When going on a boat trip to Van Long lagoon, you should take a maximum of 3-4 people. Avoiding many people will not be safe.
Be friendly with the boatman. They will take you to all locations in Van Long lagoon.
Should keep the environment clean and do not litter indiscriminately in the lagoon. At the same time, avoid hunting and chasing the animals here.
Van Long Lagoon – Global Green List
In 2020, Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve (Ninh Binh) was officially approved and certified by the Global Green List Commission (IUCN). Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve is the first nature reserve in Vietnam and Southeast Asia to achieve this award.
This official approval and certification will promote Ninh Binh government to protect and explore Van Long lagoon as the tourist destination and also put more efforts in conservation activities to protect and develop the wild ecosystem and milestone mountain as the largest wetland in Vietnam.
This also contributes positively to the development of tourism in Ninh Binh province in the future. Because Van Long lagoon is currently a wild and famous destination in Ninh Binh, every year it attracts millions of domestic and international tourists to visit.
Find out more Ninh Binh Tour here: NINH BINH TOURS FROM HANOI
