Van Long Nature Reserve is not your typical tourist spot. Unlike most tourist attractions which are commercially run and motivated, Van Long is the exact opposite: not as developed and popular as other sites. Yet surprisingly, it is just how some visitors like it, that is, those who value quiet and privacy over crowds and commercialism.

Trang An and Tam Coc – Bich Dong are just some of the famous destinations because of their many caves and historical relics. Compared to these, Van Long is a far cry with its absence of vendors selling goods and agents advertising their services. But it has a vast 3,000 hectares land area, which is home to an amazing 457 plant species, 39 animal species, 32 caves, and several mountains. Located at Ninh Binh, it is known as “the bay without waves” and moreover considered to be the largest wetland in Northern Vietnam.

While it is already a point of interest that Van Long is home to a wide array of plant and animal species and breathtaking natural sights, the place becomes even more enchanting with its cradling of over 40 Delacour's Langurs (Trachypethicus delacouri), listed as “critically endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This is considered to be the largest population of the leaf-eating monkeys.

As if that's not mystical enough, still other majestic creatures can be found at Van Long, including birds, wild ducks, and storks. The latter in particular, are a local favorite because they feed on channeled apple snails which destroy crops, thus helping the farmers in the process. Storks can consume up to 1 kilogram a day, a huge help to the local land tillers. Moreover, storks are also a favorite subject among photographers, stating that their flying pose is similar to that of the Sarus cranes, found in the Mekong Delta Province of Ca Mau. But chancing upon these endangered creatures is as rare as their status since boat rides along the site happen during their sleeping time.

Van Long was first introduced in 1999. But it had since limited investment, hence the small draw among tourists. Yet, its lack of popularity and commercialism are actually one, if not the main, reason why it also attracts particular visitors, those who value solitude and privacy over crowds and commercialism. To these guests, they surprisingly find peace in this otherwise simple yet amazing gift of nature.