Ba Be National Park: A Complete Travel Guide

If you are looking for a natural escape from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, Ba Be National Park is a perfect destination for you. Known as the “Green Lung of the North”, Ba Be National Park is located in Bac Kan Province, about 240 km from the capital, this park offers stunning scenery of waterfalls, rivers, valleys, lakes and caves, surrounded by lush green mountains.

What is Ba Be National Park and why visit it?

Ba Be National Park, established in 1992, stands as Vietnam’s eighth national park, encompassing an expansive area exceeding 23,000 hectares, with 10,048 hectares designated as strict conservation zones. This pristine sanctuary boasts remarkable biodiversity, housing a plethora of rare and endangered species like the Francois’ langur, Tonkin snub-nosed monkey, Asian black bear, pangolin, clouded leopard, otter, turtle, python, orchid, bamboo, and palm. The park isn’t only a haven for wildlife but also serves as a home to over 13,000 individuals from 13 distinct ethnic groups, each proudly preserving their traditional cultures through generations.

The main attraction of Ba Be National Park is Ba Be Lake, which is the largest and highest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam. Comprising three interconnected lakes joined by broad channels, this aquatic marvel stretches for approximately 8 kilometers. Its tranquil, crystalline surface mirrors the sky and surrounding mountains, creating a mesmerizing tableau. The lake’s depth, ranging from 20 to 25 meters, makes it an ideal spot for swimming and fishing.

How to get there from Hanoi?

There are several ways to get to Ba Be National Park from Hanoi. You can choose between bus, train or private car depending on your budget, time and preference.

Bus is the most popular and economical means of transportation to Ba Be National Park. Multiple bus companies operate daily services from either My Dinh Bus Station or Luong Yen Bus Station in Hanoi to Cho Ra Town or Bac Kan City, which are in close proximity to the park. The bus journey typically lasts around 6 hours and costs approximately 200,000 VND (about 9 USD) per person.
Train: There are two trains that run daily from Hanoi Railway Station to Bac Kan Railway Station, which is about 70 km from the park. The train journey takes about 8 hours and costs around 150,000 VND (about 7 USD) per person.
Private car: You can hire a car with a driver from Hanoi and enjoy the scenic drive through the countryside. The car journey takes about 4 hours and costs around 2,500,000 VND (about 110 USD) per car.

Things to do in Ba Be National Park

Exploring Ba Be Lake

Ba Be Lake is the heart and soul of Ba Be National Park. It is a natural wonder that will take your breath away with its beauty and tranquility. If you want to connect with nature and get away from busy cities, here are some intriguing activities for you:

Boat trip:

How about going on a boat trip to soak up the beauty of the lake and its surrounding areas? You can rent a boat from nearby villages like Bo Lu or Pac Ngoi and simply unwind as you cruise downstream. There’s so much to see along the way, including stunning mountains, forests, islands, caves, and waterfalls.

Don’t forget to stop by An Ma Temple, Fairy Pond, Widow Island, and Puong Cave for some extra exploration. The whole trip usually takes around 3 to 4 hours and costs approximately 300,000 VND (which is about 13 USD) per boat.

Swimming and fishing:

The lake is a great place for swimming and fishing. The water is crystal clear, perfect for a refreshing swim. If fishing is more your thing, you’ll find a variety of local fish like carp, catfish, perch, and snakehead.

Want to improve your fishing skills? Don’t worry, you can join the friendly locals who will be happy to share their tips and tricks. Just remember to bring your own equipment.

Visiting Nang River and Dau Dang Waterfall

Rafting:

An adventurous activity that provides an adrenaline rush. You can join a rafting tour starting from either Mr. Linh’s Homestay in Bo Lu Village or Dau Dang Waterfall. The tour provides a raft, paddle, helmet, and life jacket. The rafting experience typically lasts about 2 hours and costs around 400,000 VND (approximately 17 USD) per person.

Picnic and camping:

How about spending a relaxing time on the river bank or near the waterfall? You can bring your own food or grab something tasty from local vendors. If you don’t have camping gear, don’t worry! You can easily rent tents, sleeping bags, and mats.

And of course, no camping experience is complete without a bonfire to cozy up to, roasting marshmallows, and singing songs. The cost for this delightful experience is around 100,000 VND (4 USD) per person.

Visiting Pac Ngoi Village

The village is situated on the Nang River’s bank, near Ba Be Lake. It has over 80 stilt houses with ancient architecture and an ethnic minority style. Surrounded by green mountains, forests, and waterfalls, the village offers a beautiful and peaceful scenery.

In the village, the people belong to the Tay ethnic group. They cultivate rice and maize close to the river, and they also engage in fishing in Ba Be Lake. Tourism plays a significant role in many households of the village. When you visit Pac Ngoi village, you’ll have the opportunity to savor delightful local cuisine, experience staying in a stilt house, enjoy boat rides and fishing activities, witness captivating performances by Tay girls, and explore the ethnic villages surrounding Ba Be Lake.

Don’t miss the vibrant night market held on Fridays and Saturdays, where you can meet people from various ethnic groups and learn about their lives, cultures, and products.

Ba Be National Park accommodation

If you’re looking to completely immerse yourself in nature, Mr. Linh’s Homestay and Ba Be Lake View Homestay are highly recommended choices. Both are known for their cleanliness, hospitality, and offer a beautiful view of Ba Be Lake. These are the preferred accommodations for many travelers visiting Ba Be National Park.

For those seeking a more authentic experience or traveling on a tight budget, staying in the houses of Tay people in Pac Ngoi or Bo Lu village is a good option. The cost per person can range between US$ 2 and 4, providing you with an affordable stay while experiencing the local way of life.

I hope this travel guide has given you some useful information and inspiration for your trip to Ba Be National Park. I wish you a wonderful time there!