Just 80km from Hanoi lies Van Long Lagoon in Gia Van Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh - nicknamed the “wave-free bay” of northern Vietnam.

With its untouched charm and mirror-like waters that reflect limestone peaks, Van Long has become a tranquil escape for travelers seeking peace away from the bustle of urban life.

Unlike the popular Tràng An or Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Van Long is the largest wetland nature reserve in the Red River Delta, covering over 3,500 hectares and open to tourism since 1998.

Its nickname comes from the stillness of its waters - no engine noise, no waves, only a vast reflective surface mirroring the sky and mountains. Visitors drift in hand-rowed bamboo boats, winding through limestone formations and calm waters for a truly meditative experience.

First-time visitor Le Thi Trang from Hanoi shared her awe: “Floating quietly across the glassy water on a small boat, I felt like I’d touched a rare, peaceful realm. It’s nature at its purest - mesmerizing and soothing in a way few places are.”

Van Long is also a sanctuary of rich biodiversity, preserving ecosystems rare in the Red River Delta. It shelters numerous rare plant and animal species and is a seasonal stop for migratory birds from the north during the winter months.

Scattered across the lagoon’s karst mountains are white-headed langurs, a critically endangered primate species considered among the rarest in the world. These elusive creatures appear only when the lagoon is quiet, making sightings incredibly special.

From November to April, flocks of birds from the north make Van Long their winter haven, painting a lively picture against the quiet backdrop of mountains and still waters.

“The langurs are smart and alert,” said a local boatwoman. “They only come out when it’s peaceful. Foreign tourists sometimes stay a whole week just to catch a glimpse. We consider them gifts from the heavens.”

She smiled as she guided her boat through a narrow mountain pass. “Sometimes we don’t see them for a month. So when they do appear, it feels like the very first time.”

Van Long also enchants with its mysterious limestone cave system. As boats glide between cliffs, visitors are led to caves with names that stir curiosity: Hang Ca (Fish Cave), Hang Bong (Shadow Cave), Hang Rua (Turtle Cave), and Hang Chanh (Lime Cave). Each is a miniature world - shimmering with stalactites, lit by flickering light, and cool as if carved from the heart of the earth.

Vu Diep