Van Long Nature Reserve Boat & Bike Day Tour

Full day countryside experience from Hanoi

Duration & Timing

Length: Full day, approximately 8 to 9 hours

Start: 08:30 am, hotel pick up in Hanoi

Finish: Return to your hotel in Hanoi

Itinerary

Morning Pickup from Hanoi

At around 08:30 am, our driver and English speaking guide will meet you at your hotel in Hanoi. Sit back and enjoy a comfortable drive south to Ninh Binh and the peaceful landscapes of Van Long Nature Reserve.

Arrival and Short Rest

Upon arrival, take a short break at Golden Rice Restaurant. This is a relaxed moment to stretch your legs, prepare for the cycling activity, and enjoy the countryside atmosphere before starting the day’s experiences.

Countryside Cycling Experience (1 to 1.5 hours)

Begin an easy and enjoyable bike ride through the rural villages of the Northern Delta. The route is mostly flat and follows quiet village roads, passing rice fields, limestone hills, small farms, and family homes.

This ride offers more than scenery. It provides a genuine look into everyday rural life in Vietnam. Along the way, your guide will pause for photos and short breaks whenever you wish.

Optional stops can be arranged to briefly greet a local family and exchange a few friendly words. If you prefer a fully private and scenic ride, the route will focus purely on landscapes and relaxed cycling.

Lunch at Golden Rice Restaurant

After cycling, enjoy a freshly prepared local lunch at Golden Rice Restaurant. This break allows time to relax, recharge, and prepare for the afternoon nature experience.

Sampan Boat Journey in Van Long (1.5 to 2 hours)

In the afternoon, explore Van Long Nature Reserve by traditional sampan boat. The water here is famously calm, creating mirror like reflections of limestone cliffs and wetlands. For this reason, Van Long is often described as a “bay without waves”.

Glide quietly through reed filled channels and hidden corners of the reserve. Visit Dark Cave and keep an eye out for wildlife. With a bit of luck, you may spot the rare Delacour’s langur in its natural habitat. Your guide will share stories about the landscape, wildlife, and ecological importance of the area.

Return to Hanoi

After the boat trip, return to the pier and begin the drive back to Hanoi. The tour concludes with drop off at your hotel in the late afternoon or early evening.

What’s Included

• Private round trip transportation with driver between Hanoi and Van Long

• English speaking local guide

• Bicycle for countryside cycling

• Traditional sampan boat trip in Van Long

• Entrance fees

• Lunch at Golden Rice Restaurant

Not Included

• Personal expenses

• Tips for driver and guide

• Travel insurance

Helpful Notes

• Cycling is easy and suitable for most fitness levels

• Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes

• Recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket or raincoat depending on the season