Ninh Binh Nature Tour: Langurs, Limestone Karst and Wetland Wonders

Join us on an unforgettable day tour exploring the remarkable endemic wildlife and natural wonders of Ninh Binh Province, home to some of northern Vietnam’s most spectacular limestone karst landscapes. Our primary focus is searching for one of the world’s rarest and most endangered primates, the Critically Endangered Delacour’s Langur, alongside an impressive diversity of birds, tropical butterflies and other fascinating wildlife.

Your adventure begins with an early-morning pick-up from your accommodation in Ha Noi, or Ninh Binh upon request, before travelling to the beautiful Van Long Wetlands. Upon arrival, we’ll board a traditional sampan boat for a private, wildlife-focused cruise through a breathtaking landscape of towering limestone cliffs, forested karst formations and picturesque wetlands. This is prime habitat for Delacour’s Langur, with excellent opportunities to observe wetland birds, birds of prey, dragonflies and other wildlife along the way.

Encountering the Delacour’s Langur is a privilege. With fewer than 600~ individuals remaining in the wild, it is among the rarest and most threatened primates on Earth. Our team regularly works in this area and understands the animals’ behaviour, preferred habitats and the best approaches for observing them responsibly. We aim to provide excellent viewing and photography opportunities while ensuring that our presence does not disturb their natural behaviour. For dedicated primate photographers seeking more time in the field and extended photography opportunities, we recommend enquiring about our specialist 2- and 3-day photography tours.

Beyond the langurs, the wetlands and surrounding limestone forests are a fantastic destination for birding, supporting a rich diversity of resident and seasonal species. Regular highlights include Asian Openbill, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Purple Heron, White-throated Kingfisher, Grey-headed Swamphen, Black Bittern and White-browed Crake, alongside the highly sought-after Annam Limestone Babbler. During winter and spring, the area becomes particularly rewarding for migratory birds, including wintering ducks, passage migrants and an impressive variety of raptors. Lucky visitors may even encounter rarities such as Bonelli’s Eagle or Greater Spotted Eagle.

Following our boat cruise, we’ll continue exploring selected areas on foot, following quiet trails through local communities, wetland margins and beneath towering limestone mountains. No two visits are quite the same, and our guides adapt each outing to the season, local conditions and recent wildlife activity to make the most of your time in the field. Along the way, we’ll also explore the region’s fascinating natural and geological history, while keeping watch for other wildlife, including Maritime Striped Squirrel, Golden Birdwing and with some luck, Assam Macaque.

To round off the experience, we’ll enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch with freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee available for those who would like to try it.

After a rewarding day exploring one of northern Vietnam’s most remarkable wildlife destinations, we’ll make our way back to your accommodation, typically arriving in Ha Noi by late afternoon.