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Ninh Binh has never lost its charm on the map of Vietnam tourism and Dam Van Long is one of those names that anyone must visit at least once. This destination not only captivates with its majestic limestone mountains and rich flora and fauna but also brings a rare sense of peace. Let's take note of some wonderful experiences in this tourist area in the following article!
When visiting Ninh Binh, aside from familiar destinations for travelers such as Trang An, Hang Mua, Tam Coc - Bich Dong, or the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, there is still a natural treasure that anyone will surely fall in love with when witnessing it firsthand, which is Dam Van Long.
Dam Van Long is an ecological tourism area, the largest wetland nature reserve in the Northern Delta with an area of over 3,500 ha and breathtaking scenery. The dam is located in the Northeast of Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province, about 80km from the center of Hanoi.
One of the most attractive destinations in Ninh Binh
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The ecological tourism area is not a natural pond; it was formed from the process of building flood control dikes on the left bank of the Day River by local people. It later became the largest wetland area in the Northern Delta with many caves, rocky islands, and pristine, majestic natural landscapes.
The destination was opened for tourism in 1998 and quickly became a key tourist area in Vietnam with two records: The place with the largest number of white-faced langurs and The place with the largest natural painting.
Dam Van Long with its stunning limestone mountain system
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The tourist area not only has a rich and unique ecosystem but also boasts many beautiful natural landscapes, a system of caves, and cultural relics that bear historical significance. For those seeking a destination in Vietnam suitable for healing after long deadlines, this will be an unmissable choice.
The poetic and peaceful nature at the tourist area
Traveling to Dam Van Long is quite convenient with various transportation methods. Below are some ways to explore this beautiful tourist area in Ninh Binh that you can refer to.
This is a cost-effective and quite popular means of transportation nowadays; you can catch a bus from My Dinh, Giap Bat, or Yen Nghia bus stations, choosing a bus company that has trips to Ninh Binh. The stop is at the Gian Khau intersection in Gia Vien, then take a taxi or motorbike for about 6 more kilometers to reach the destination, with a travel time of about 2-3 hours.
Traveling to Van Long can choose a convenient bus
If you prefer to be in control of your schedule and travel time, driving from Hanoi to Van Long is one of the great ideas. When departing from the capital, you can follow National Highway 1A or the Phap Van - Cau Giay expressway and turn onto National Highway 10, then follow the signs. It takes about 2 - 3 hours to get there.
Self-driving is a wonderful experience when traveling to Van Long
In addition to the two means above, you can choose to depart from Hanoi Station with a stop at Ninh Binh Station, then take a taxi or motorbike to travel to Dam Van Long. This will be an idea for those who do not mind continuous travel and want to enjoy the scenery throughout the trip.
You can go to Van Long by plane or train if you are far away
Additionally, if you are in the Central or Southern provinces, you can choose to fly. Land at Noi Bai Airport and continue with the travel guide from Hanoi city to Ninh Binh.
Visiting Dam Van Long, you will immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of the scenery here. Just with a small boat drifting slowly on the wave-free bay, weaving through lush green vegetation, admiring the white-faced langurs and flocks of storks soaring is enough to make the journey complete.
The reason Dam Van Long is likened to the "wave-free bay" is that even when rowing on the dam, you will feel the water surface as calm as a sheet. The surface of the dam is no different from a giant mirror that nature has bestowed exclusively for Ninh Binh.
Drifting slowly on the boat exploring Dam Van Long
The lake's clear blue water allows you to see the algae and seaweed growing closely together like beautiful coral reefs of various colors. Even more poetic is the scenery on both shores with undulating limestone mountains, uniquely shaped like Cat Cao Island, Mam Xoi Island, Nghien Island, or Da Ban…
Check-in the panoramic view of Van Long while cruising on the boat
Not only does it have beautiful scenery, but the favor of nature for this place is also expressed through a system of 100 natural caves, mysterious and incredibly enchanting. Inside each cave, there are natural stalactite formations in various shapes that make everyone fascinated. Cruising on the boat, you definitely cannot miss Hang Ca, Hang Rua, Hang Bong, and Hang Chanh…
Beautiful caves at Van Long that you should visit
While experiencing at Dam Van Long, you can also visit many nearby temples such as Thanh Son Pagoda, Thanh Mau Temple, and Dich Long Temple. These ancient historical structures with traditional architecture inherited from many dynasties. Visitors when visiting here not only aim to explore interesting historical stories but also wish for peace for their health and family.
Some interesting spiritual destinations near the tourist area
To have a complete trip to Dam Van Long, in addition to a detailed itinerary plan, it is also important to grasp information such as the best season, opening hours, and ticket prices. Take note of the travel handbook for Ninh Binh and the stop at Van Long that we have updated with fun experiences right below.
The diverse ecosystem helps Dam Van Long showcase a unique beauty in each season. Therefore, visitors can explore this spot at any time according to their preferences and suitable schedule. However, if you do not want to miss the opportunity to admire the blooming lotus season, summer around May - June is the ideal time. The entire dam is adorned in a vibrant green dress, just raise your camera and you will have beautiful photos to take home.
The best time to visit Dam Van Long is in the summer months of May-June
Tourists can also visit Van Long to explore during the dry season, specifically from November through April of the following year. This is the time when birds from the North return to nest in flocks, giving you the opportunity to admire the impressive beauty of a wonderful ecosystem.
The best time to visit and explore the beautiful lagoon is early in the morning. The fresh atmosphere of the early morning, with dew still lingering on the leaves, gives you the feeling of blending in with the peaceful scenery, forgetting all worries and quietly relaxing, drifting along the water in a charming little boat.
Van Long Lagoon today is a familiar name on reputable travel sites both domestically and internationally, attracting thousands of domestic and international tourists. The entrance fee for the service area can be said to be very cheap but offers unique experiences that are hard to find elsewhere.
The entrance fee to Van Long is super cheap
Along with the spectacular beauty of nature, Van Long Lagoon in particular and Ninh Binh in general attract tourists with many unique culinary experiences. When visiting the tourist area, you definitely cannot miss:
Fried rice crust with goat meat is a specialty that cannot be missed
When traveling to Van Long Lagoon, don’t forget to look for gifts for friends and family. Ninh Binh Dragon Market and Hoa Lu Ancient Town are two places you can stop by at any time. Dragon Market sells a variety of specialties from mountain goat meat, Kim Son sticky rice wine, to souvenirs like Kim Son sedge, and Phu Loc wooden products.
Hoa Lu Ancient Town is known as the most vibrant shopping space in Ninh Binh. Along the streets, you can easily find many stalls selling exquisite handicrafts. You can choose keychains, stone jewelry, intricate wooden carvings, or exquisite ceramic products.
Buy specialties and souvenirs as gifts at Hoa Lu Ancient Town
A perfect journey from departure to return certainly cannot lack tips from preparation, transportation, and sightseeing. Here are some small notes for your trip that you can refer to:
Keep in mind some tips when traveling to Van Long Lagoon
This article has provided all the information about Van Long Lagoon as well as tips to help you have a wonderful trip in Ninh Binh. If you wish to explore this destination or many other famous places in the List of Ninh Binh Tourism, contact NVK Travel for ideal itinerary advice. Don't forget to check out many other sightseeing and exploration locations at nvktravel.com and prepare for an exciting journey.
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