Van Long Nature Reserve

Van Long is a shallow flooded plain at the foot of limestone cliffs north of Ninh Binh, punted through on flat sampans by rowers who often use their feet, and the water is unusually still - there is almost no wind inside the tower ring, so the cliffs reflect completely. It is a Ramsar site and its conservation significance is specific: the cliffs hold the largest remaining population of Delacour's langur, a black and white leaf monkey endemic to a small part of northern Vietnam and among the most endangered primates in the world, down to a few hundred animals in total.

What you actually see

• Sampans on still water - rowed, sometimes with the feet.
• Complete reflections - almost no wind inside the tower ring.
• The largest Delacour's langur population - a few hundred animals worldwide.
• A Ramsar wetland - among karst cliffs.

When to go

October to April. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Langurs are watched from the boat at distance with binoculars and are not guaranteed. The boat trip is short and rowers expect a tip beyond the fare. It is quieter than Tam Coc but no longer unknown.

Nearby

Trang An and Tam Coc are south; Cuc Phuong national park is west.