“The Waveless Bay.” “Halong Bay on Land.” This is what local residents and visitors alike refer to Van Long. But whatever you call it, Van Long Lagoon offers quick retreat for those wanting to get away from urban chaos. It is composed of 3, 500 hectares of Ninh Binh province which is not far from Hanoi. Van Long is lies at the northern delta region of the country and boasts of hosting the region’s largest aquatic nature reserve. If you’re vacationing at Van Long, you can begin your travel at bamboo pier, riding on a beautiful shallow bamboo boat and lazily rowing your way to the center of the lagoon. The water is like a mirror, clearly reflecting the breathtaking mountains surrounding the area and the clear-blue open sky.

The waterlines of Van Long are decorated with amazing willow trees and rush. The tangles cypress vine and coontail look simply mysterious and awesome at the same time as delicate shadows cast their spell on the area. The place is a myriad of exotic plants and animals, including the elusive giant water bug or toe biters as local residents call them, which is included in Vietnam’s Red List. It is also home to the douc langur which is among the list of endangered species. Cruising along Hang Bong or Shadow Cave will give you goose bumps – in a good sense, that is.

The cave is a 100-meter wonder of thousand-year old stalactites which hang down into the water “like ancient fangs.” If you clap your hands inside the cave, the sound is like a weird yet surprisingly enchanting music of an ancient stringed instrument. What makes it even more interesting and worth exploring is that only half of the cave is above water. You’d have to be a true-blue adventure seeker to brave to discover the other half underwater. The elements of time and nature have crafted a number of caves and caverns along the edge of the lagoon. The sunset is another beauty to behold, as the bay takes on a breathtaking sea of pinks and purples all across the sky. As you reach your final destination, Kem Tram Bay offers you two powerful steep mountain ranges that flank the open water, “like two darts connecting heaven and earth.”

Tourists pay VND 45,000 (U.S.$2.25) for a boat tour, which already include visits to Hang Bong, Hang Rua or Turtle Cave, Hang Ca or Fish Cave, and the amazing surrounding mountains. Obviously, it is an amazing deal. About 300 boats are conveniently docked all around the lagoon, accommodating three persons at a time. Getting There Van Long Lagoon is around 80 kilometers or about two hours bus ride from Hanoi. To get there, take National Highway 1A, pass Phu Ly and enter the province of Ninh Binh. Once you reach Gian Khau T-junction, turn left towards Nho Quan. The lagoon is about 8 kilometers further in Gia Van Commune which is located at Gia Vien District.