Van Long Nature Reserve: Boat Ride off the Beaten Path

Introduction

Vân Long Nature Reserve was the first boat tour we did in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, and it immediately gave us a softer introduction to the region. Unlike Trang An or Trang An, there are no caves to pass through or temples to stop at—just wide, open wetlands framed by limestone cliffs (with one tiny cave where you go back and forth).

It’s also the quietest of the three. While Tam Coc can feel crowded and a bit commercial, and Trang An has become a UNESCO-listed site with a more developed setup, Vân Long still feels simple and local. We barely saw any other boats during our trip, which made it easy to just enjoy the silence and the sounds of nature.

Another reason to visit is the wildlife. Vân Long is home to many bird species, and we spotted storks, herons, and smaller birds darting across the wetlands. If you’re lucky, this is also the best place in Vietnam to catch a glimpse of the rare Delacour’s langur, though we didn’t see any during our ride.

Read: Best Things to do in Ninh Binh Tam Coc

Why visit?

The reserve itself is huge, covering more than 3,000 hectares of wetlands framed by limestone cliffs. Instead of caves and temples, Vân Long is all about open landscapes. The water is so still it acts like a mirror, reflecting the cliffs and sky above. It’s sometimes called the “no-wave bay” because the water stays calm even when other rivers nearby ripple in the wind.

What stood out most to us was the wildlife. The wetlands are home to more than 30 species of birds, and we spotted storks, herons, and smaller ones darting across the water. Vân Long is also one of the last habitats of the rare Delacour’s langur, though we didn’t see any on our ride.

Compared to the busier tours, this one felt peaceful and authentic. There weren’t many other boats, which gave us the space to just enjoy the silence and the scenery. It might not have the dramatic caves of Trang An or the postcard fame of Tam Coc, but the calm atmosphere made it one of the most memorable parts of our stay.

Here are all your accommodation options in Tam Coc

How to get there

Vân Long is located about 15 kilometers northeast of Ninh Binh city, in Gia Viễn district. If you’re staying in Tam Coc like we did, the drive takes around 30–40 minutes by scooter or car. The roads are straightforward, and part of the ride goes through small villages and rice fields, which makes the journey itself enjoyable.

From Hanoi, you can reach Ninh Binh by train, bus, or private car in about 2–2.5 hours, and then continue on to Vân Long. Some organized tours include it as a stop, but most visitors come independently.

Once you arrive, you’ll find a small ticket office and a pier where the boats are lined up. Parking is available right by the entrance, and it was free when we visited.

Unlike Trang An or Tam Coc, the setup at Vân Long is very simple. There’s no big infrastructure or crowds, which is exactly what makes it feel more authentic and relaxed. 

When to visit

Vân Long can be visited all year, but the atmosphere changes a lot depending on the season.

• Spring (March to May): This is one of the best times to go, with mild temperatures around 22–30°C (72–86°F). The rice fields and wetlands are green and vibrant, and the weather is pleasant for sitting on the boat for an hour or two.
• Summer (June to August): The days are hot and humid, often 30–36°C (86–97°F). This is also when the lotus flowers bloom across the wetlands, usually around June and July, which makes the scenery even more beautiful. Just bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water, as the boats don’t offer shade.
• Autumn (September to November): Cooler and drier, with temperatures around 24–30°C (75–86°F). It’s a peaceful time to visit, and the birdlife is especially active as the wetlands fill with migratory species.
• Winter (December to February): Cooler and sometimes misty, with temperatures between 15–20°C (59–68°F). While you won’t see the bright green fields, the fog hanging over the cliffs creates a very atmospheric, almost mystical vibe.

Tip: Go in the late afternoon if you want the best light for photography and a calmer atmosphere. Sunrise is also beautiful if you want to catch the wetlands at their quietest, with fewer visitors and more bird activity.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

How to Visit

Visiting Vân Long is simple and straightforward. Once you arrive, you’ll find a small ticket counter by the road. Then you walk 2 minutes to the pier where the boats line up. The boats are traditional flat-bottomed sampans, rowed by locals who know the wetlands by heart. Each boat usually fits two passengers, which makes the ride feel much more private compared to Tam Coc or Trang An.

The boat tour lasts about 90 minutes, taking you through the calm wetlands with the cliffs reflecting on the water. Unlike the other boat tours in Ninh Binh, Vân Long only includes 1 little cave but no temple—it’s all about nature.

The rowers guide you through narrow channels, past reeds and lotus ponds, and into wide open stretches of water where the silence is broken only by the sound of birds.

What we liked here was how peaceful it felt. During our ride, we barely saw any other boats, which gave us the space to just sit back and enjoy the moment. We even spotted storks and herons along the way, and the reflections on the water were almost perfect.

At the end of the tour, we gave our rower a small tip as a thank-you, and unfortunately, like other tourist places in this region, the rower asked for more, which felt inappropriate. We didn’t know what to do, and we felt bad about it, so we gave him what he asked. That was the only downside of that place.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Tickets & Opening Hours

The cost for a boat ride at Vân Long is 100,000 VND per person (about 4 €). Each small sampan usually takes two passengers, so if you’re traveling solo, you’ll still need to pay the full price for the boat.

The reserve is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last departures in the late afternoon. The boat ride itself lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the rower and the water level in the wetlands.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring a good camera, such as the SONY A7 — it makes all the difference for capturing those unforgettable moments.

Is it Worth It?

For us, it is hard to say if Vân Long was worth it—We loved the boat tour, but the rower’s attitude really brought the experience down, especially since it was the first boat tour we did in Ninh Binh.

Unlike Tam Coc or Trang An, it doesn’t have caves or temples, and there’s none of the tourist hustle. Instead, you glide through calm wetlands, watch the cliffs reflect perfectly on the water, and listen to the sounds of birds around you. It felt quiet, simple, and very local.

We loved how empty it was compared to the other tours. During our ride, we barely saw any other boats, which gave us the chance to just relax and enjoy the scenery. Spotting storks and herons along the way was a highlight, and the stillness of the water made everything look twice as dramatic.

If you only have time for one boat tour in Ninh Binh, most people will tell you to choose Trang An—and we agree it’s spectacular.

Travel Tips

• Best time of day: Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The light is softer, the birds are more active, and you’re less likely to run into other boats.
• Season matters: If you visit in June or July, the lotus ponds are in full bloom and make the ride even more beautiful. Autumn is also great for spotting migratory birds.
• Bring sun protection: There’s no shade on the boats. A hat, sunscreen, and a bottle of water will make the ride a lot more comfortable.
• Cash only: Tickets are paid in cash. Keep small bills handy for convenience.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep your eyes on the cliffs—this is one of the best places in Vietnam to see the endangered Delacour’s langur. We weren’t lucky enough to spot one, but locals often know where to look.
• Quiet expectations: Don’t expect caves or temples like in Trang An or Tam Coc. Vân Long is about peace and nature. If you go in with that mindset, you’ll enjoy it much more.

Read: Best Things to do in Ninh Binh Tam Coc

Where to stay

When it comes to staying in Tam Coc, you’ll find plenty of options that fit all styles and budgets. From homestays in the middle of the rice fields to eco-lodges with pools, the atmosphere here is calm and surrounded by nature. If you only plan to stay a night or two, it’s best to be close to the Tam Coc town center so you can easily walk or bike to restaurants and boat tours. But if you want to relax and wake up with rice paddies at your doorstep, look for something just outside of town.

• (€): Tam Coc Wonderland Bungalow: A cozy and affordable place with bungalows set among the rice fields. You can rent bikes here, and the staff is super welcoming.
• (€€): Halise Home and Retreat Ninh Binh: A mid-range guesthouse with clean, comfortable rooms and a lovely family-run atmosphere. Great if you want something authentic but with a bit more comfort.
• (€€€): Tam Coc Garden Resort: One of the most beautiful stays in the area. Surrounded by gardens and paddies, with a pool and stylish rooms, this is the spot to treat yourself and enjoy a peaceful escape.

Here are all your accommodation options in Tam Coc