Buzz
Vân Long Lagoon boasts pristine landscapes, conveniently located just around 80 km from Hanoi, making it an ideal weekend getaway for friends and family with easy transportation access.
24 Hours Uncovering the Wonders of Vân Long Lagoon – The Cinematic Marvel of 'Kong: Skull Island'
Situated approximately 80 km from Hanoi in Gia Viễn district, Ninh Bình province, Vân Long Lagoon spans nearly 3,500 hectares, making it the largest wetland nature reserve in the northern plains of Vietnam.
With its raw, picturesque scenery and rich biodiversity, this location has been chosen as one of the primary filming sites for the Hollywood blockbuster Kong: Skull Island.
In recent years, Vân Long has gained popularity, as visitors flock to immerse themselves in the vast expanse of water and charming landscapes.
Vân Long – An Ideal Getaway for Weekend Adventures. In just 24 hours, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of this place.
– Departing from Hanoi at 7 AM, arriving at 9 AM
Starting from Hanoi, you can ride a motorbike along National Highway 1A to the Gián Khẩu intersection, turn right, and continue straight for about 4 km. You'll see signposts on your right-hand side, continue for another 3 km to reach the Vân Long boat dock. The travel time is approximately 2-3 hours. Alternatively, you can take the Ho Chi Minh Trail to enjoy the scenery.
Or you can take a bus from Giáp Bát or Mỹ Đình bus stations with tickets starting from 60,000 VND/person. Arrive at the Gián Khẩu intersection and then take a motorbike taxi or taxi to the boat dock. The travel time is 2 hours.
You can stop at the Gián Khẩu intersection and savor the specialty dish of eel vermicelli. In the cool morning air, these delicious, fatty eel pieces will help replenish your energy after a long journey.
– Rest, purchase entrance tickets. Board the boat at 9:30 AM
Vân Long Lagoon showcases a charming, pristine beauty and is an area with exceptionally high biodiversity. The eroded limestone mountain ranges and captivating caves serve as a sanctuary for numerous rare species, including the largest population of white-cheeked gibbons in Vietnam and various bird species.
The ticket management office offers boat rentals for a 2-way journey. You can choose either direction. Opting for the second route increases the chance of encountering rare species such as gibbons. The boat tour lasts approximately 1-1.5 hours. The tour and boat ticket cost around 100,000 VND/boat/2 passengers. After completing the journey, consider giving an additional 50,000 VND tip to the boat driver.
Vân Long is hailed as the 'waveless bay' with its crystal-clear water resembling a vast mirror reflecting the sky. The reed-covered areas within the lagoon enhance its wilderness. It is also a nesting place for various bird species. As the sun sets, flocks of birds flying back create a breathtaking scene.
Boats serve tourists from morning till evening, allowing you to wait until sunset to marvel at thousands of birds returning or explore other interesting places in Ninh Bình.
– 12 PM disembark, rest, and have lunch
During lunchtime, savor the local delicacies like goat meat and burnt rice at restaurants near the conservation area. Gia Viễn is famous for its delicious shrimp paste, and you can take the opportunity to buy some as souvenirs.
– At 1:30 PM, you can explore enticing attractions near Vân Long in Ninh Bình such as:
+ Kênh Gà Hot Springs approximately 11 km away.
+ The ancient capital of Hoa Lư and the mesmerizing “Enchanting Grotto” around 17 km away.
+ Bái Đính Pagoda about 19 km away.
+ Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex roughly 20 km away.
+ Châu Sơn Monastery approximately 19 km away.
+ The scenic Tam Cốc – Bích Động attractions are approximately 25 km away.
– Return to Hanoi at 6 PM, concluding the journey. If you have extra time, consider staying at resorts near Vân Long to fully appreciate the enchanting natural beauty of the area.
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourMarch 17, 2017
