Van Long Lagoon

The largest wetland in the northern delta, its water dead flat beneath limestone towers.

Van Long is the largest inland wetland reserve in northern Vietnam, and it differs from Trang An or Tam Coc in one decisive way: there are no caves to pass through, and so there are no crowds. Hand-rowed sampans move across water that barely ripples, between limestone towers rising straight out of it — people call it the bay without waves, and the surface really does hold the reflection like a mirror. Van Long's real value is the part few notice: it holds the world's largest population of the Delacour's langur, a critically endangered species found only in Vietnam. Row slowly and stay quiet and there is a chance of seeing them on the cliffs.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Van Long Lagoon?

Early morning, October to April

How much does it cost to visit Van Long Lagoon?

80,000d entry plus the boat fee (indicative)

How long do you need at Van Long Lagoon?

2 hours

What are the opening hours of Van Long Lagoon?

07:00 - 17:00

Did you know

This is the largest inland wetland nature reserve in the northern delta.
It holds the world's largest population of Delacour's langur, a species found only in Vietnam.
Boats here are rowed by hand, crossing near-motionless water between limestone towers.
Unlike Trang An and Tam Coc, the Van Long boat route passes through no caves.

Travel tips

Go early and keep quiet — that is when the langurs are most likely to be visible on the cliffs.
Bring binoculars if you have them; the cliffs are a long way from the boat.

Source: https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/13552106

Updated: 2026-08-16