Around 80 kilometers from Hanoi in the Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province, sits the most bio-diversified wetland in Vietnam. Tourists mostly come here to admire its rich flora and fauna reserve while at the same time enjoy a moment of tranquility. Making up more than 3,500 hectares of the Province, the Van Long Lagoon is a haven for beautiful nature and fascinating wildlife and is a must-go destination for anyone who would like to get in touch with the true Vietnam. The best way to appreciate every wonder this hidden paradise hold is getting in a boat and taking a 2 to 3-hour trip around this large aquatic nature reserve. We are not speaking of huge boats or modern watercrafts.

Instead, every journey would begin in a bamboo pier where around 300 sampans regularly dock. You have to board the shallow bamboo boat, which could only hold about 3 people, and row every inch of the center lagoon. Everything that will unfold before you during the ride will be pure spectacle after another. Varied landscape, natural scenery featuring imposing mountains and tranquil reservoirs offer a feeling of relaxation and relief. With the quiet and calm surroundings, you can hear the sounds of the oars rowing, the fishes swimming and the birds singing. Traveling through the lagoon will take you to the 100-meter Hang Bong (Shadow Cave). Here, the scenery shifts to a wilder and adventurous feel as you gaze upon the thousand year old stalactites hanging down into the water like ancient fangs. The tiniest sound translates into a thundering echo as you row deeper into the cave.

There are many other beautiful caves nearby, all waiting to be discovered. A journey further will take you to the Kem Tram Bay. Two steep mountain ranges flank the open water here like two darts connecting heaven and earth. No boat ride experience could ever be the same. Each will encounter beauty and adventure much better than you will ever expect. Other destinations could include visits to Hang Bong, Hang Rua (Turtle Cave), Hang Ca (Fish Cave) and the surrounding mountains. If you seek for a beautiful venue to relax, enjoy one of these magnificent boat trips and let your mind wander along. To get to Van Long Lagoon, you can take a two-hour bus ride from Hanoi. Take National Highway 1A, pass Phu Ly and enter Ninh Binh. At Gian Khau T-junction, turn left to Nho Quan. The lagoon is around 8 kilometers further in Gia Van Commune, Gia Vien District.