Nestled in the pristine landscapes of northern Vietnam, Ba Be National Park emerges as a hidden gem, inviting you into a realm of untouched beauty and cultural richness. Spanning over 23,000 hectares, this expansive national park is a sanctuary of lush greenery, crystalline lakes, and ancient limestone formations, creating an idyllic haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

In this article, we embark on a journey to uncover the enchanting wonders of Ba Be National Park, delving into its captivating landscapes, vibrant flora and fauna, and the rich cultural tapestry woven by the local ethnic groups residing within its boundaries. Join us as we explore the pristine waters, verdant hills, and hidden cultural treasures that make Ba Be National Park an unparalleled destination for those seeking an authentic Vietnamese experience.

About Ba Be National Park

Ba Be National Park is a stunning natural area located in Bac Kan Province, in the northeastern part of Vietnam. The reserve was established in 1992 and is dedicated to protecting Ba Be Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, and its natural resources and biodiversity, including a rich system of flora and fauna, evergreen forests, limestone karsts, wetlands, and caves. Ba Be National Park is home to over 1800 species of plants and animals, including the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey, the Francois’ Leaf Langur, the Asiatic Black Bear, and the Clouded Leopard (according to UNESCO).

When visiting Ba Be National Park, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the local culture, villages, and unique customs of the Tay, Dao, and Hmong communities that live around the reserve.

Where is Ba Be National Park? How to Get There from Hanoi?

To get to Ba Be National Park from Hanoi, you have a few transportation options. Ba Be National Park is located in Bac Kan Province, approximately 230 kilometers north of Hanoi.  You can take a bus from My Dinh Bus Station in Hanoi to Bac Kan City and then transfer to another bus or arrange for local transport to Ba Be National Park. The bus journey takes about 5-6 hours.

For those who enjoy motorbike travel, you can rent a motorbike in Hanoi and drive to Ba Be National Park. The road is overall nice and well-paved.

You can also opt for organized tours to Ba Be National Park provided by local travel agencies to save the hassle.

Things to See in Ba Be National Park

Ba Be Lake

Ba Be Lake is, of course, top of the list; it’s the reserve’s namesake after all. The lake was formed by tectonic processes and is fed by several rivers, including the Nang River. The lake is called “Ba Be” (meaning “Three Lakes”) because it’s actually a system of three connected lakes: Pe Lam, Pe Lu, and Pe Leng. Ba Be Lake covers an area of approximately 500 hectares and is situated at an altitude of about 150 meters above sea level. 

Having been formed supposedly 200 million years ago, Ba Be Lake is surrounded by karst limestone mountains covered in dense vegetation, so naturally it is home to a rich biodiversity.

Dau Dang Waterfall in Ba Be Lake 

The Dau Dang Waterfall is a series of amazing cascades between walls of rock, with a total length of about 1000 meters. The waterfall is located about 16 kilometers from the central part of Ba Be National Park and is accessible by boat from Ba Be Lake or by trekking through the forest.

Puong Cave in Ba Be Lake 

After exploring Dau Dang Waterfall, you can then paddle along the Nang River to reach Puong Cave, a cave nestled in the Lung Nham limestone mountains. The cave is 300 meters long and over 30 meters high, with vertical rock walls and numerous stalactites formed over millions of years in weird shapes and colors. Inside the cave, there are thousands of bats living and roosting.

Fairy Pond in Ba Be Lake

Sitting in a boat and cruising along the lake, you will come to Fairy Pond nestled in a corner of Ba Be Lake. Fairy Pond covers approximately 3 hectares, nestled charmingly in endless greenery, with an underground waterway connecting to Ba Be Lake. Fairy Pond is also associated with a story about a Fairy who used to come down and bathe in the water.

Pac Ngoi Village in Ba Be Lake 

Pac Ngoi is a cultural tourism village of the Tay ethnic group, situated in Ba Be National Park, with over 70 stilt houses. Visitors can immerse themselves in the natural scenery, experience the daily life of the community, enjoy unique dishes, and sometimes participate in cultural activities.

The Tay people are not only known for their traditional weaving and embroidery but also for playing a unique musical instrument called "Dan Tinh," a long-stringed instrument with a crescent-shaped resonator at the end. We highly recommend spending the night at one of the homestays in the village to get to know the life and culture of the Tay better.

Hua Ma Cave in Ba Be Lake 

Another famous landscape within the Ba Be National Park that cannot be overlooked is Hua Ma Cave. As soon as you step into the cave, you can clearly feel the temperature change compared to the outside, as if there is air conditioning inside the cave. The deeper you go, the more amazed you will be by the enchanting rock formations and stalactites, especially with the colorful lighting system, which gives it a cool, mysterious vibe. 

Things to Do in Ba Be National Park

Hiking in Ba Be Lake 

Ba Be National Park not only boasts pristine forests, the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, and magnificent caves, but it is also home to multiple ethnic minority communities. When hiking in Ba Be National Park, you will traverse through rivers and streams, explore a majestic primeval forest, and encounter ancient towering trees that have lived for thousands of years. The hiking trails will also lead you to the villages of the ethnic groups, where you’ll get to have memorable experiences. There are multiple routes to choose from; you can go from Ba Be Lake to An Ma Temple (7 - 10 km), Dau Dang Waterfall (7 - 10 km), Lo Mo Cave (7 - 10 km), or to local villages along the Nang River ( 5 - 7 km).

Camping in Ba Be Lake 

You now have the option to camp in Ba Be National Park, near Dau Dang Waterfall, Bo Lu Village, along the river in Pac Ngoi Village, and the lakeside area in Coc Toc Village. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight, a portable power bank for your phone, a sleeping bag, a camping tent, cooking utensils, matches, a lighter, insect repellent, and a first aid kit.

Taking a Boat Trip in Ba Be Lake 

Boat rides are the most common way to explore Ba Be National Park. Prices will range from 200,000 to 800,000 VND per boat for a maximum of 12 people. There are two types of boats for transportation on Ba Be Lake: motorized boats and traditional wooden boats. Motorized boats are suitable for larger groups, providing faster and more time-efficient travel, while wooden boats offer a more leisurely ride and are suitable for a small group of people.

Many homestay owners in Ba Be now offer kayak rental services. The price for renting a kayak is around 1,200,000 - 1,500,000 VND for three kayaks per day.

Enjoying Local Food in Ba Be lake 

Other than relaxing and immersing yourself in the pristine and enchanting nature, you will have the opportunity to savor incredibly delicious local specialties that can hardly be found elsewhere. Some outstanding dishes in Ba Be include grilled freshwater fish, smoked sausage made from local pork and marinated with traditional spices, Na Ri corn cake, Dam Deng sticky rice, and many more.

Where to Stay in Ba Be National Park

• Ba Be Lakeview—Hai Dang Lodge (Bo Lu Village)
• Quynh Mai Homestay (Bo Lu Village)
• Sai Gon - Ba Be Resort (Na Khieng Village)
• Khanh Toan Homestay (Pac Ngoi Village)
• Ba Be Lakeside Bungalow (Coc Toc Village)

If you’re interested in visiting Ba Be National Park, let's book this tour, or if you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us! 

=> Excursion to Ba Be: 2 days, 1 night