1. Overview of Van Long Lagoon Tourism Area

While exploring Ninh Binh, alongside famous attractions like Trang An, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Van Long Lagoon is another spot you shouldn’t miss.

Van Long Lagoon is considered the largest wetland nature reserve in the Red River Delta region, covering an area of over 3500 hectares. It has been open to visitors since 1998 and quickly became a key tourism destination in both Ninh Binh province and the whole country. Migratory birds often make a stop at Van Long Lagoon for food and shelter, thanks to its isolated limestone mountains resembling islands or vast water valleys, inadvertently becoming a refuge for many animals.

Moreover, Van Long Lagoon resembles a giant mirror reflecting a picturesque landscape, attracting Hollywood filmmakers to feature it prominently in scenes of the blockbuster movie Kong – Skull Island. Perhaps it’s these aspects that continually draw numerous adventure seekers to explore this ecotourism hotspot year after year.

1.1 Exact Coordinates of Van Long Lagoon

Location: Located in Gia Van commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province, Vietnam.

Situated in the northeastern part of Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province, about 80km from Hanoi, it takes about 2 hours to travel there. Thus, Van Long Lagoon is a suitable destination for day trips on weekends!

1.2 Ideal Time to Visit Van Long Lagoon

With its diverse ecosystem, each season carries its unique beauty, allowing tourists to visit at any time of the year. However, if you want to witness the blooming lotus season, it’s best to visit Van Long Lagoon in the summer, around May and June each year. During this time, the entire lagoon is adorned with vibrant pink lotus flowers against a backdrop of lush greenery, accompanied by a fragrant scent, sure to attract photo enthusiasts and create stunning photos.

Additionally, tourists can explore Van Long Lagoon during the dry season, from November to April of the following year. This is when birds from the north migrate here to build their nests, offering a chance to admire the beauty of a rich bird ecosystem.

According to experienced travelers to this ecotourism area, the best time of the day to visit is early morning when the air is fresh, dewdrops linger on leaves, and visitors can immerse themselves in the peaceful and serene scenery, forgetting all life’s worries. If you want to enjoy a mesmerizing sunset, then aim for the late afternoon.

1.3 Guide to Getting to Van Long Lagoon

From Hanoi, tourists can reach Van Long Lagoon using various modes of transportation such as motorbikes, buses, or limousines. If taking a bus, you can go to Giap Bat or My Dinh bus station, then get off at Gian Khau intersection in Ninh Binh. From there, you can take a motorbike taxi or taxi to Van Long Lagoon boat dock.

If traveling by motorbike from Hanoi, follow National Highway 1A, turn right at Gian Khau intersection, then continue straight for about 4km until you see signs directing you to Van Long Lagoon. Keep going for another 3km, and you’ll reach the Van Long Lagoon boat dock.

2. Ticket Prices for Visiting Van Long Lagoon Tourism Area

When visiting Van Long Lagoon, tourists need to purchase entrance tickets and boat tickets.

Entrance tickets for scenic spots:

– Adults: 20,000 VND/person.

– Children under 1m tall: 20,000 VND/person.

– Elderly (60 years old and above): 10,000 VND/person.

Boat tickets:

– Adults: 50,000 VND/trip.

– Children under 1m tall: 25,000 VND/trip.

– Elderly (60 years old and above): 25,000 VND/trip.

3. What’s Interesting and Attractive about Van Long Lagoon for Tourists to Explore?

3.1 Boat Ride Around the “Waveless Bay”

Perhaps you didn’t know, Van Long Lagoon is also known as the “Waveless Bay”. Rowing a boat gently on the lagoon, tourists will feel the water surface as smooth as a giant mirror generously bestowed by nature upon this place. Moreover, the water here has a clear blue hue, allowing you to clearly see moss or algae resembling coral reefs, along with beautiful scenes on both sides with quirky shaped limestone mountains like Mâm Xôi (Glutinous Rice Tray), Mèo Cào (Cat’s Scratch), Nghiên (Tilt), Đá Bàn (Table Rock), and more.

3.2 Visit Spiritual Attractions near Van Long Lagoon Not to Be Missed

Besides admiring the picturesque scenery, tourists can also visit temples and pagodas near Van Long Lagoon such as Thanh Mau Temple, Thanh Son Pagoda, Dich Long Temple, etc. These temples and pagodas often have a long history with ancient architecture, inheriting from different dynasties of kings. Most international visitors come here not only to sightsee but also to pray for health and listen to the historical stories associated with the temples and pagodas.

3.3 Explore the Caves Near Van Long Lagoon

Tourists shouldn’t miss out on a “gift” that Van Long Lagoon offers, which is the 1000 caves, sparkling and beautiful. Inside the caves, there are stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes and forms, along with the cool air that will delight you. Some famous caves include Hang Ca (Fish Cave), Hang Bong (Shadow Cave), Hang Rua (Turtle Cave), Hang Chanh (Lime Cave), etc.

4. Some Handy Tips for Travelers to Note When Visiting Van Long Lagoon

To have a smooth journey exploring Van Long Lagoon, you should prepare some necessary clothing and items. Let’s take a look below:

– Bring a jacket, sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, and umbrella for protection against intense sunlight.

– Tourists should also bring a flashlight if they plan to explore the caves.

– For those who don’t want to have “sunburned” skin after returning, it’s advisable to apply sunscreen.

– Insect repellent should also be brought when visiting Van Long Lagoon.

– When taking a boat ride around the ecotourism area, wear a life jacket and protective gear.

– Bring along drinking water and some snacks, enough for yourself or your group!

In partnership with Vietnampeace.com, your ultimate guide to exploring the hidden gems of Vietnam, we invite you to uncover the splendor of Van Long Lagoon. Let us be your companion on this journey of discovery, where every turn reveals a new marvel and every experience leaves an indelible mark on your soul. Embrace the tranquility, immerse yourself in nature’s embrace, and discover the enchanting allure of Van Long Lagoon with us at Vietnampeace.com. Join us as we unravel the secrets of this pristine paradise, where adventure awaits at every step and memories are made to last a lifetime.