Top 7 Reasons to Take a Rowing Boat Ride in Van Long Nature Reserve
Nestled in northern Vietnam, Ninh Binh is one of the country’s fastest-growing travel destinations, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and sacred temples. It attracts nature lovers, photographers, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world.
A Ninh Binh rowing boat tour is the best way to experience the region’s spectacular limestone karsts, winding rivers, and hidden caves. The most famous boat trips take visitors through Tam Coc and Trang An, often referred to as the “Halong Bay on Land” for their stunning scenery.
If you prefer a quieter, less touristy experience without compromising on natural beauty, a Van Long Nature Reserve boat ride is an excellent alternative. This peaceful wetland offers equally impressive limestone landscapes, tranquil waterways, diverse wildlife, and a more authentic atmosphere away from the crowds.
Why a Rowing Boat Ride in Van Long Nature Reserve Is a Must-do Experience?
A traditional bamboo sampan ride through Van Long Nature Reserve is one of the most peaceful and authentic experiences you can have in Ninh Binh. Unlike the more crowded boat tours in Tam Coc or Trang An, Van Long offers a tranquil journey into one of Northern Vietnam’s most pristine wetlands.
1. Experience a Traditional Bamboo Sampan
Simple local sampans made of bamboos that you can’t experience anywhere in Vietnam. It is good to do with two people on this sampan, you will be more comfortable and relaxed to enjoy the landscapes of this pristinely natural wetland. If you love to experience how hard to row the boat, you can ask your friendly rower for a try – it could be an experience with good photos to mark your trip to Ninh Binh.
2. Enjoy Nature Without the Crowds
One of Van Long’s biggest advantages is its peaceful atmosphere. There are no souvenir vendors or photographers interrupting your trip, so you can simply enjoy the silence, broken only by birdsong and the gentle splash of the oars. It’s the perfect destination for travelers seeking a slower, more relaxing escape into nature.
3. Spot the Rare Delacour’s Langur
Van Long is one of the best places in the world to see the critically endangered Delacour’s langur in its natural habitat. Local rowers, who have lived beside the reserve for generations, know exactly where these rare black-and-white primates often appear on the limestone cliffs. If they spot one during your trip, they’ll happily point it out, making your boat ride even more memorable
4. Boat Ride Through Untouched Limestone Landscapes
The boat journey lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours, passing spectacular limestone mountains, peaceful wetlands, wild reeds, lotus ponds, and a beautiful natural cave. Since Van Long remains relatively undiscovered compared with Trang An and Tam Coc, you’ll experience a much quieter and more authentic landscape. During the dry season, the water can become so shallow that boats may not be able to pass completely through the cave, adding to the area’s untouched charm.
5. Excellent Value for Money
Van Long is also one of the most affordable boat experiences in Ninh Binh. The entrance and boat ride cost around 150,000VND/ person (6 -7 USD) & two persons/1 boat – significantly less than those at Tam Coc or Trang An, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. Since local rowers rely largely on tips, a gratuity of around US$4–5 per boat is a thoughtful way to thank them for their friendly service and local knowledge.
6. A Paradise for Wildlife Lovers
As the largest wetland nature reserve in Northern Vietnam, Van Long is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Watch herons, storks, kingfishers, and many migratory birds soaring above the wetlands while the dramatic limestone mountains create a stunning backdrop. Combined with the chance to see the rare Delacour’s langur, Van Long offers one of Vietnam’s finest wildlife experiences.
7. Visit a Famous Hollywood Filming Location
Movie enthusiasts may recognize Van Long from the 2017 blockbuster Kong: Skull Island, which used the reserve as one of its spectacular filming locations. Its dramatic limestone peaks, mysterious caves, tranquil wetlands, and untouched scenery perfectly captured the prehistoric world portrayed in the film. Visiting Van Long allows you to experience these cinematic landscapes firsthand.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Van Long Nature Reserve?
Compared to famous attractions such as Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Tam Coc, and Bai Dinh Pagoda, Van Long Nature Reserve remains a hidden gem that many travelers overlook. For years, it received far less attention than Ninh Binh’s more famous landmarks. However, its popularity has grown significantly since scenes from the blockbuster movie Kong: Skull Island showcased the reserve’s breathtaking limestone mountains, tranquil waterways, and untouched natural beauty.
The good news is that Van Long can be visited year-round, with each season offering its own unique charm. However, if your goal is to experience the reserve at its most vibrant, the best moments to visit are early morning or late afternoon. During these hours, the wetland comes alive as flocks of birds leave their nests in search of food or return home at sunset. This is also the ideal time to spot wildlife, including storks, herons, and the rare Delacour’s langur, one of the world’s most endangered primates.
For birdwatching enthusiasts, winter and spring (November to April) are considered the best seasons, as large numbers of migratory and resident birds gather in the reserve.
If you prefer scenic landscapes filled with blooming lotus flowers, plan your visit between May and August. During these months, the waterways are decorated with vibrant pink and green lotus blossoms, creating a picture-perfect setting for photography and boat trips.
In short, there is no bad time to visit Van Long Nature Reserve. Whether you come for wildlife, photography, or simply to enjoy the peaceful beauty of Ninh Binh’s largest wetland, Van Long offers a memorable experience in every season.
We hope this information of boat ride in Van Long nature reserve is useful for your trip to Ninh Binh. You can connect Van Long boat tour with other attractions in Ninh Binh in a day trip or 2-3 day journey from Hanoi.Please, have our suggested itineraries in those following packages reviewed for references and plan your excursions to explore the best attractions of Ninh Binh.
>>>> You may find this trip interested : Hoa Lu Ancient Capital & Van Long Nature Reserve Day Tour
If this pre-designed day tour is not of your interest, please, let us know your travel demands of activities you would love to take, places to visit & the trip durarion you are planning, our travel experts will shortly response you back with customized Ninh Binh tours & useful suggestions for your special Ninh Binh travel experiences.
Some of you may prefer doing the trip yourselves and just need a private car rental to Ninh Binh from Hanoi in a day or a few day journey to explore Ninh Binh’s highlighted attractions, don’t hesitate to drop us a request to [email protected] or contact us +84.988451530 ( WhatsApp), we are happy to support you as a trusted travelmate in Vietnam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Van Long is known as the “bay without waves” because its waters are exceptionally calm and clear, acting like a giant mirror that reflects the limestone mountains and sky. Unlike the busier rivers in Tam Coc or Trang An, the lagoon here is a pristine wetland with minimal current, allowing visitors to see the aquatic plants and moss beneath the surface as they glide along in a traditional rowing boat
While boat rides are available throughout the day, the late afternoon (around 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM) is the most magical time. This is when the temperature cools, the sunset creates a golden glow on the karst peaks, and thousands of white storks fly back to their nests. Early morning is also excellent for bird watching and spotting the rare Delacour’s langurs before the midday heat.
Yes, Van Long is one of the best places in Vietnam for wildlife enthusiasts. It is the primary habitat of the critically endangered Delacour’s langur (identifiable by its black body and white “shorts”). During a 1.5-hour rowing boat ride, you can often spot them on the limestone cliffs. The reserve is also a haven for migratory birds, including herons, storks, and kingfishers.
While Trang An is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cave systems and Tam Coc for its golden rice fields, Van Long is the choice for peace and authenticity. It is significantly less crowded and offers a more “raw” nature experience. It is the largest wetland reserve in Northern Vietnam, providing a quiet atmosphere that is perfect for photography and nature lovers who want to avoid the “tourist traps.”
Since the boats are traditional bamboo sampans without roofs, you should bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. During the winter months (November to February), it can be quite breezy on the water, so a light jacket is recommended. If you are a photography enthusiast, bring binoculars or a zoom lens to capture the langurs and birds from a distance without disturbing them.
Absolutely. Van Long is located about 80 km south of Hanoi (roughly a 2-hour drive). It is an ideal day trip or a tranquil stop on a longer Ninh Binh itinerary. For a seamless experience, Golden Holiday Travel offers private car rentals and tailored tours that combine Van Long with other nearby gems like Cuc Phuong National Park or the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
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