When is the best time to visit Vanlong Wetland?

The answer is “the beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder”

Vanlong Wetland remains tranquil and wild in all four seasons. Any time in a year is perfect for photography and peaceful immersion in nature.

Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve (“Vanlong Wetland”) in Ninh Binh, or the “Halong bay on land,” the habitat of critically endangered white pant langur and international station for migratory birds, features 4 distinct seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter — each with unique beauty and charm throughout the year. Featured by stunning limestone karsts rising from emerald wandering rivers, lush rice fields, friendly local peole and tranquil villages and of course, tasty authentic local cuisines. Lush rice fields and green in Spring, Summer of vibrant lotus blossoms; Autumn of dream pink and red water lilies, golden rice paddies and winter of migratory birds.

Four seasons in Van Long

Spring: Jan to March | the bloom of flowers, the season of festivals

Pleasant mild weather results in lush green landscapes, vibrant flowers blooming. This period is often described as a season of spiritual travel in Vietnam, when it is heavily crowded in major pagodas and temples.

Perfect time for a bike tour to fruit gardens to enjoy the pleasant aroma of newly planted rice on the paddy field, lemon and grapefruit in the garden.

Summer: April – August | vibrant lush green rice paddy field and emerald water river

Lotus in full bloom in May – June. June to August: Hot weather and some unexpected rains in the afternoon. Peak season for domestic travellers. Vanlong Wetland, as its name implies, featured by cooler weather than other cities thanks to large water surface and green trees. A boat ride in late afternoon is a good option, then a bike tour along Vanlong Wetland, Dam Cut dike to experience the rhythm of local life at sunset. In late summer, Ninh Binh is sometimes a place for escape from Ha Long storms.

Autumm: Oct – Nov | the golden havest season

Dreamy pinks and purples of blooming water lilies along wandering rivers, mild weather, clear skies, and ideal conditions for boat tours and photography, especially in Tam Coc. The landscape shifts from golden fields to water lily carpets, creating a peaceful, poetic atmosphere perfect for exploring limestone karsts and ancient sites with cooler breezes.

Winter: Oct – Dec | misty morning and cold evening

Time for plants to pull energy into roots, and animals hibernatetime for energy conservation and preparation for spring growth. Featured by cool and dry weather, misty & dreamy morning and cold evening – a good reason for a bbq party by the pool/lake side. Ideal for biking thru tranquil village to experience rhythm of local life.

Key Activities Across Seasons

• Boat Tours: 1.5-hour, trips on traditional, bamboo boats are available year-round to explore the Vanlong Wetland.
• Bike Tours de Vanlong | “all tours are rewarding & beyond exercise”
  Biking and immersing in Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve & experiencing rhythm of countryside life
  Highlights
  .Bike through villages, peaceful dikes, with stunning scenery of a “Halong bay on land”, lush rice paddy fields, limestone mountains, wandering rivers
  .Wildlife watching: critically endagered langur and migratory birds
  .Experience local seasonal fruit gardens
  .Enjoy fresh & health local cuisines
  .Listen to stories of and enjoy Vietnamese coffe and scented tea by lakeside
  Accessibility
  Some are beginner-friendly (Short tours: Vanlong Garden – Gong Vo village; Vanlong Garden – Vanlong Wetland) while others are challenging (Gia Thuy pottery craft village; Vanlong Garden – Lau Valley/Hoa Lu Cave).
  Tour 1: Vanlong Garden – Gong Vo village

  Distance: 2Km per round
  Duration: 1 hour
  .Experience rhythm of countryside life
  .High chance to watch critically endangered langurs, migratory birds, limestone mountain ecosystems
  Tour 2: Vanlong Garden – Vanlong Wetland

  .Experience a Halong bay on land
  .High chance to watch migratory birds, limestone mountain ecosystems
  .Biking thru lusth rice paddy fields
  Tour 3: Vanlong Garden – Lau Valley / Hoa Lu cave

  Distance: 6Km per round
  Duration: 1-2 hours
  .Explore Dinh dynasty temple and limestone mountain ecosystems
  .Biking thru lush rice paddy fields and river
  Tour 4: Vanlong Garden – Gia Thuy Pottery Craft village

  Distance: 12Km per round
  Duration: 2-3 hours
  .Experience lust rice paddy fields and peaceful rural villages along the way
  .Explore long-lasting Gia Thuy pottery craft village
• Wildlife Spotting: The endangered Delacour’s langur can be spotted on limestone cliffs, and migratory birds especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Cycling: Cycling along the dikes provides a glimpse into local rural life, particularly during the cooler, dry season.
• Stay: in Vanlong Garden

If you are looking for a true immersion into the wetland nature, then Vanlong Garden is of your first choice. Learn more at www.vanlonggarden.vn

Here you can find your authentic local cuisines, have chance to listen to the interesting stories of, and enjoy Khe Sanh cafe, flower scented Vietnamese tea right at the heart of Vanlong Wetland. 

• For tailored bike tour with local English speaking guide, please contact us:
  Vanlong Garden | café & garden retreat
  Hotline: 08 1968 1080 for free support.
  www.vanlonggarden.vn | Fb:vanlonggarden.vn
  Add: Gong Vo, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh (3Km from Vanlong Ticket Counter)