As the largest wetland nature reserve with imposing mountain ranges amid a vast lake, Van Long Lagoon in Ninh Binh Province has been recognized as “the largest natural picture in Vietnam” by the Vietnam Book of Records. Van Long Lagoon, with a total area of more than 3,500 hectares, is located in the northern delta, Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province. It is home to thousands of rare fauna, flora and aquatic creatures, many of which are on the edge of extinction.

However, Van Long was not always a natural lagoon. After building a dyke line on the Day River bank to prevent flooding in 1960, Van Long emerged as a wetland with a vast lake, limestone mountains and over 30 magnificent caves.

From November until April next year, Van Long will be the hibernating spot of choice for many birds migrating from the North, such as the Bonelli eagle, gray heron, white stork, etc. If tourists visit Van Long in the afternoon, they may spot langurs swinging from one branch to another, swimming in the lake, and storks returning to their nests at sunset.

Once arriving in the sightseeing spot for the first time, tourists may be enchanted by its harmonious combination of imposing cliffs and mountains and vast lakes which form the breathtaking and poetic scenery that nature has blessed the land of Ninh Binh.