Marvel at the Enchanting Vân Long – Nature's Masterpiece

Take National Highway 1, cross the Gián Khuất Bridge – leaving Hà Nam province for Ninh Bình, turn right towards Địch Lộng, and you'll discover the Vân Long dike. This 30km dike meanders through villages and fields, reaching all the way to Nho Quan.

Ninh Bình Exploration: Vân Long's Serenity

Thanks to the extensive dike along the Đáy River's right bank, formed in 1965, Vân Long region in Gia Viễn district, Ninh Bình province, has become an expansive flooded area, the largest natural reserve in the Northern Delta with numerous fauna, flora, and aquatic species, including the endangered white-cheeked gibbon and stunning rocky islands and caves.

Unusual Hues During Rain

Typhoon No. 2 made landfall in the Northern provinces, including Ninh Bình, during our visit to Vân Long. As predicted, 'in adversity, there is opportunity.' Due to heavy rain and rising water levels, we couldn't enter the caves. However, this turned into an unforgettable experience as we took a boat ride in the rain, exploring the lotus-filled lagoon and witnessing submerged vegetation beneath the ancient 250 million-year-old limestone mountains.

This is also the homeland of the white-cheeked gibbons, commonly known as thigh-clasping gibbons. Boats seldom reach here due to mud and shallow water.

A fragile boat gracefully navigates through the rain, venturing deep into an expansive lotus-filled lagoon stretching for hectares along the dike and amidst the mountain crevices. The scent of rain-soaked grass fills the air.

Giant, colorful lotus leaves, filled with water, gleam like silver, displaying a peculiar beauty distinct from cultivated varieties. The wild lotus blooms in the wilderness, presenting a unique charm.

The vibrant pink hue of lotus petals radiates the color of life and vitality. Whether rising above the water or submerged, they exude strength and resilience, far from the delicate nature of street-bought lotuses.

The boat stealthily maneuvers through mountain crevices with dense grass, swamp grass, and countless unnamed aquatic species. The fragrance of rain-soaked grass, the croaking of frogs, and the melodious bird songs make the experience incredibly close.

End-of-season cattails continue to glow in vibrant yellow and green, gracefully floating along the water currents. In the distance, mountain ranges disappear into clouds and rain, truly justifying the name Vân Long – the Land of Dragon Clouds.

Regrettably, heavy rain prevented us from admiring the relics of the ancient pagoda and the stone slabs adorned with undeciphered inscriptions and sculptures.

Multiple visits to Vân Long, and every direction is adorned with beauty, every season, rain or shine, unveils a unique charm.

During the dry autumn, this place transforms into a haven for massive green algae and a sanctuary for migratory birds.

Valleys and Mountains in Ninh Bình

Although Ninh Bình tourism is a familiar destination, this land still holds numerous hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. The low-lying, waterlogged areas surrounded by limestone mountains, locally known as Thung, deserve a special mention.

Thung Nắng, not far from Tam Cốc, stands out as one of the most spectacular landscapes in Ninh Bình. Time seems to pause as the boat glides through the flooded emerald green grasslands.

The water is so clear that you can see schools of fish swimming. Tranquil goats peacefully graze on the high rocky cliffs, while flocks of white ducks swim gracefully alongside boats, and water lilies bloom near cave entrances.

Silence and peace are the generous gifts that Thung Nang nature bestows upon visitors. As the boat enters the cave, a refreshing chill embraces you. Yet, nothing compares to the reflections of multifaceted crystal formations on the clear water's surface, visible all the way to the bottom.

The scenery is surreal, resembling scenes from the movie Avatar or an enchanted realm. Exiting the cave leads to the expansive flooded grasslands, surrounded by towering mountains on all sides. Here lies the Thoong Nang temple, venerating the heavenly goddess.

In Thung Nang, there is also the Vối temple, built with intricately carved stones dating back to the Le dynasty, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The landscape here is like a breathtaking masterpiece.

Not far from Thung Nang is Thung Nham, also known as Bird Valley because it is the habitat of various birds such as storks, egrets, kingfishers, swallows, and even two rare species, the red-crowned crane and phoenix.

Thung Nham is famous for a series of caves with luminous formations, notably the Buddha Cave, featuring a stone slab in the shape of a meditating Buddha seated within the cave.

Thung Nham boasts a series of pristine caves, captivating for adventurous explorers. To conquer the Vái Giời cave, you must climb the mountain, overcoming 439 stone steps. This 5,000m² cave with three levels dazzles with enchanting stalactite formations likened to Earth, Hell, and Heaven. It served as an ancient worship site for rain and bountiful harvest prayers.

Noteworthy is the An Tiêm cave, also known as Tuyệt Tình Cốc, within the historical complex of Hoa Lư, where King Đinh Tiên Hoàng once raised tigers, constructed a royal academy, and housed the Dương Vân Nga temple for her spiritual practices.

Further up, there's the Múa mountain with 486 stone steps leading to the Múa cave below. The most spectacular view unfolds during the ripe rice season, standing atop the mountain, marveling at distant million-year-old limestone mountain ranges or the vast golden rice fields sprawling beneath.

By Trần Thùy Linh/Tuổi Trẻ

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour