Top things to do in Vanlong Wetland Nature Reserve, Ninh Binh

.Explore .Relax .Refresh

Stay in wetland inspired minimalist design resort

Explore stunning natural beauty of intact inland wetland

Wildlife watching

Immerse in authentic rhythm of rural life

Cafe and yoga by Vanlong wetland lakeside

Biking amid Ramsar Site and visit historical sites

Relax and pamper yourself with traditional herbal steam bath and massage

Enjoy local cuisines

Where

Located in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, about 1.5 hour by car from Hanoi, Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve (“Vanlong Wetland”), is Vietnam’s 9^th Ramsar site (wetland of international importance), recognized for its unique karst limestone landscapes, vital habitat for endangered Delacour’s langurs, and rich biodiversity. It’s a crucial lowland inland wetland in the Red River Delta, famous for its tranquil “bay without waves” – “a Halong bay on land” scenery.

Other destinations nearby

.Trang An/ Bai Dinh pogado – 18Km – 30 minutes by car

.Tam Coc – 25Km – 45 minutes by car.

.Chau Son Monastery – 16Km – 30 minutes by car

.Cuc Phuong national park – 35Km – 50 minutes by car.

.Nha Tho Da / Phat Diem Stone Church – 60Km – 60 minutes by car.

Key Facts

Location: Gia Vien, Ninh Binh Province, Northern Vietnam

Ecosystem: A complex of freshwater lakes, marshes, swamps, and subterranean systems surrounded by limestone outcrops.

Biodiversity: Home to the critically endangered Delacour’s langur, unique waterbirds, and diverse flora.

Significance: One of the few intact lowland wetlands in the Red River Delta, important for conservation and sustainable tourism.

Nickname: Often called Đầm Vân Long, “the bay without waves” due to its calm waters.

Top things to do

Boat riding on Halong bay on land

Boat riding while enjoying the calm water reflecting limestone outcrops, watching wildlife such as Delacour’s langur, domestic and migratory water birds (during winter).

Bike tours de Vanlong

Bike tours thru Gong Vo village

Experience rhythm of local life, exploring limestone ecosystem and watch wildlife (Delacour de langur) – 80% chance to watch them in the wild.

Visit Lau valley / Hoa Lu cave by bike

Biking and learning about the first army base of the first Dinh dynasty of Vietnam while enjoying a tranquil limestone valley, typical traditional temple architecture.

Trekking to Ba Non mountain and pagoda

Trekking thru limestone mountain, take an over view of Vanlong wetland from the top.

Immersive fruit garden experience

A fruit garden experience, explore typical tropical fruit trees, enjoy hands-on harvesting, offering fresh tastings, cultural insights, and connection to sustainable farming.

Pottery craft village experience

Discover the ancient art of shaping clay and other earthen materials into functional or decorative objects like bowls, vases, and tiles.

Local cuisines

Experience local cuisines made out of home grown/home raised vegetables and livestock, wetland foods.

Vietnam coffee and tea by lakeside

Experience the art of infusing tea with fresh flowers – lotus, jasmine, grapefruit… simple, pure, yet deeply rooted in daily life. The fragrance of flowers woven into tea is like the quiet spreading of positive energy in society – a natural grace that needs no declaration.

Family-bonding Color, Go

Explore Vanlong Nature with your kids thru the collection Color, Go.

Immerse in gardening

Learn organic farming from local farmers using traditional seaweed fertilizer, and participate in tasks like digging, sowing, watering with shoulder poles, and harvesting herbs and vegetables.

Vietnam traditional herbal steam bath and massage

Learn about and pickup local herbs planted right in the garden, and enjoy local relaxation therapy (herbal steam bath and massage) after a long day of exploration.