Van Long Wetland – Ninh Binh

Van Long Wetland is located in Gia Van Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province. Situated about 80 kilometers from Hanoi, Van Long Wetland is renowned for its pristine beauty and boasts an incredibly rich and unique ecosystem. The two main ecosystems here are the wetland ecosystem and the limestone mountain forest ecosystem.

Currently, Van Long is supported in the conservation of rare animal species by the Dutch government, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Cuc Phuong Endangered Primate Rescue Center. In addition to its ecological significance, Van Long Wetland is also famous for its rustic, poetic, and picturesque natural beauty, often likened to a paradise on earth.

Watching Delacour’s Langurs in Van Long

Van Long is an area with high biodiversity and a limestone ecosystem that is home to the largest population of Delacour’s langurs (Trachypithecus delacouri) in Vietnam, with over 100 individuals. As the oars gently stir the water, dozens of boats glide silently, beginning the journey to “watch” the white-shorted langurs on the cliffs of Hoang Quyen Mountain.

Most locals are unfamiliar with the langurs’ patterns of appearance. Some say they come out depending on changes in the weather. Fishermen who frequent the area claim that the langurs appear every day, but change their feeding spots daily—so sightings are hit or miss. Sometimes, the langurs descend to the foot of the mountain to drink water; other times, they can be seen basking in the sun high atop the cliffs.

Boat tour Van Long Nature Reserve

Because Van Long is a wetland area (wetlands), you can only enter it with a boat. The eco-friendly boats are made by hand from bamboo. They can go through shallow water what is needed in this nature reserve. The rowers are friendly local people who are happy to show you the area. During the boat trip you will not come across photographers who want to earn something from you or sellers with drinks and snacks.

With the boat you go over the calm water along the tall grass and steep cliffs. From the boat you can watch birds such as kingfishers, herons and storks and if you’re lucky you can even see a very rare monkey; the Delacour Langur. You will also enter a cave during a boat trip.

• Duration: 1 hour
• Routes: There are three comparable routes that all take the same length and cost. If you want more than one hour you can combine multiple routes.

How to get there

From Hanoi

You can book a tour from Hanoi to Van Long. You do this in combination with another destination in Ninh Binh, such as Trang An, Tam Coc or Hoa Lu. You can also travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh yourself.

• Travel by car / taxi for 1 hour and 30 minutes
• With the bus / motorcycle more than 2 hours
• By train (Hanoi – Ninh Binh)

From Ninh Binh to Van Long

Cycling back and forth from Ninh Binh city to Van Long (2 times 20 km) is perhaps a bit too far for most. Another option is to rent a scooter or take a taxi. In addition, there are also tours to Van Long. These are usually in combination with Cuc Phuong Park where you first visit the national park and take a boat trip in Van Long in the late afternoon.

Tips

• The best time to visit Van Long Nature Reserve is late in the afternoon. Birds, especially storks, fly in large numbers back to their nest, which is a great sight. Alternatively, you can also come early in the morning when the birds fly away.
• What you should definitely not skip is a walk or cycle along the dike that lies along the reserve. From here you have a great view over the nature park.
• Take binoculars or a good lens for your camera to spot birds and monkeys.
• Protect yourself against sun or rain when you take a boat trip. Take a hat, sunscreen or umbrella with you