Ba Be National Park is one of the ideal destinations for ecotourism in the North of Vietnam. Visiting the park, you can immerse in the pristine nature, explore the rich biodiversity and join exciting outdoor activities. Let’s explore Ba Be National Park with HandspanTravel Indochina!

Ba Be National Park

Through this article, you will find these pieces of information below.

General information about Ba Be National Park

Ba Be National Park is a stunning natural destination located in the Bac Kan province of Vietnam. Located at an altitude of more than 300 meters above sea level, the park includes rivers, lakes, limestone mountains, and forests. It is home to over 1,200 species of plants, including several rare and endemic ones. Its forests harbor diverse wildlife, such as langurs, gibbons, deer, and various bird species. 

Ba Be National Park

The park has a total area of more than 7,600 hectares, divided into four functional areas. They are: the rocky mountain forest in the center of the park (3,226 hectares); habitats of precious animals and ecological restoration area (3,623 hectares); and special use area (450 hectares).

Ba Be National Park is inhabited by several ethnic minority communities, including the Tay, Dao, and Hmong. These communities have a rich cultural heritage and maintain traditional practices, offering visitors a chance to experience their unique way of life, customs, and handicrafts. 

Local people singing on Ba Be Lake

How to get to Ba Be National Park from Hanoi?

Ba Be National Park is about 240 kilometers from Hanoi, which you can get to by motorbike, or a coach. Let’s see how to transfer by each way!

Getting to Ba Be National Park by motorbike

From Hanoi, if you want to drive a motorbike to Ba Be National Park by yourself, you can follow the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen highway to National Highway 3. At the intersection with Provincial Highway 268, turn left to go to Dinh Hoa (Cho Chu). From here, keep running along Provincial Highway 254 to Bang Lung (Cho Don), then drive another 40 kilometers to reach the park. 

Ba Be National Park

By driving your own motorbike, you can stop en route and admire the scenery along the way. However, if you are not familiar with Vietnam’s transportation system, you may want to use a coach or limousine for safety. 

Getting to Ba Be National Park by coach

From Hanoi, you can catch a bus from My Dinh or Gia Lam Bus Station to Bac Kan City. The journey takes around 4-5 hours. The price is around VND 200,000 for a turn. From Bac Kan City, you can take a local bus or hire a taxi to Ba Be National Park. The park is about 50 kilometers from Bac Kan City, which takes you about two hours.

The ideal time to visit Ba Be National Park

The dry season, which is from October to April, is an ideal time to visit Ba Be National Park thanks to flavor weather conditions. The dry season in Ba Be is characterized by cooler temperatures and lower rainfall. The average temperature at this time is from 15 Celsius degrees to 25 Celsius degrees. This makes it more comfortable for outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and exploring the park's trails.

Ba Be National Park trekking route

Besides the mild climate, Ba Be in the dry season is also attractive by the stunning scenery. The lush vegetation and pristine beauty of Ba Be National Park are particularly captivating during the dry season. 

While the dry season is a good time to visit the park, you can also consider coming here in the rainy season, which typically lasts from May to September. The rainy season leads to increased water flow in Ba Be Lake, waterfalls, and rivers within the park. This can enhance the majestic beauty of cascading waterfalls, and boat rides on the lake can be more exhilarating. However, heavy rain can lead to muddy and slippery trails, and affect outdoor activities.

Ba Be Waterfall

Overall, you can visit Ba Be National Park at any time of the year, depending on your itinerary and preference. However, it is recommended to check the weather forecast to ensure a smooth trip here.

Spots to visit in Ba Be National Park

Ba Be National Park offers a range of beautiful spots to visit, each showcasing the park's unique natural wonders and cultural heritage. Below are some amazing spots in Ba Be National Park you may not want to miss.

Ba Be Lake

Located at the heart of the park, Ba Be Lake is famous for its emerald water. It is the only natural lake in the mountain of Vietnam, surrounded by karst limestone mountains and lush forests. Spanning an area of about 500 hectares, the lake is fed by several rivers. The crystal-clear waters of the lake reflect the surrounding greenery, creating a tranquil and mesmerizing ambiance. 

Ba Be Lake

Ba Be Lake

Dau Dang Waterfall

Situated at the Nang River, Dau Dang Waterfall is a magnificent cascade flowing through the dense forests. The waterfall is divided into three parts. Coming here, you can listen to the sound of nature, and admire the majestic beauty of the waterfall and mountainous scenery. 

Dau Dang Waterfall

Dau Dang Cave

Puong Cave

Puong Cave is a natural masterpiece located in the North of Ba Be National Park, belonging to the Lung Nham - Puong Cave limestone mountain range. To explore this 300-meter-length cave, you will have to boat along the Nang River. Although the cave’s gate is small, you will feel amazed when you enter the cave. The ceiling of the cave is more than 20 meters high, and the average width is 30 meters. Visiting the cave, you can marvel at diverse stalactites and stalagmites with various strange shapes hanging down from the ceiling. 

Puong Cave

Hua Ma Cave (Leo Pen Cave)

Hua Ma Cave, located in the South of Ba Be Lake, is another fascinating spot within Ba Be National Park. The cave not only attracts tourists by its beauty but also by the legends and folklore associated with it. 

Hua Ma Cave

From the mountain’s foot, you will have to follow the steps along the mountainside to reach the cave entrance. Entering the cave, you will be impressed by the airy space inside, with a length of about 700 meters, a width of about 1 hectare with a ceiling of 40-50 meters high.

Let’s explore the cave's chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, and learn about its geological history!

Tien Pond

Tien Pond is a small pond connected to Ba Be Lake by underground water. It is surrounded by limestone mountains and the old forests of Ba Be National Park. The pond is home to many aquatic plants and animals. The calm waters and surrounding landscapes create a tranquil atmosphere, making it a great spot for relaxation, enjoying a picnic, or simply taking in the natural beauty.

Things to do in Ba Be National Park

Visiting Ba Be National Park, you can enjoy the park's natural beauty, engage in outdoor activities, experience local culture, and relax in the peaceful surroundings. Let’s unlock exciting experiences here!

Boating and kayaking on Ba Be Lake

Exploring Ba Be Lake by boat is one of the must-do activities in Ba Be National Park. Boating and kayaking allow you to adore the surrounding landscapes, and navigate the lake's serene waters. Let’s take in the tranquility of the surroundings and visit the various islands and caves within the lake.

Boating on the Ba Be Lake

Trekking and hiking

Trekking is one of the most exciting experiences of exploring the splendid landscape of the Ba Be National Park. The park features numerous hiking and trekking trails that allow you to explore its diverse landscapes. The most popular route in Ba Be National Park is trekking to Hmong villages inside the park. Starting your journey from the lakeside trail, you will reach Coc Toc Village, the traditional village of Tay people living by fishing on the lake. After passing through mountains and majestic primeval forests, you will see the tranquil villages of Hmong people on the high mountains. Walking along these villages, you will see local people wearing traditional Hmong clothes and growing corn and cassava on terraced fields. 

Ba Be trekking route

Visiting ethnic minority villages

Ba Be National Park is home to several ethnic minority communities, including the Tay, Hmong, and Dao people. Visiting the park, you can learn about the locals’ culture, visit their homes, enjoy local dishes and wines, listen to traditional music, and join their traditional festivals if you come here at the festival time, etc. Let’s take the opportunity to interact with local people and learn about their way of life!

Pac Ngoi Village

Wildlife spotting

Ba Be Lake and its surrounding national park are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The park is predominantly covered by evergreen forests, which consist of various tree species such as dipterocarps, Fagaceae, and Magnoliaceae. These forests provide habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species. Ba Be National Park is inhabited by numerous mammal species, including some rare and endangered ones, such as Delacour's langur, Asian black bear, Asian golden cat, etc. Let’s keep an eye out for these species along the trails!

Delacour's langur in Ba Be National Park

Bird watching

Besides mammals, Ba Be National Park is also home to various bird species. Bird species found in Ba Be National Park include the great hornbill, crested serpent eagle, pied kingfisher, and many more.

Accommodations near Ba Be National Park

There are several options for accommodation in and around Ba Be National Park. You can choose from homestays, guesthouses, and eco-lodges that offer a chance to experience the local culture and hospitality. 

Homestays in Ba Be

• Ba Be Lake View Homestay
  • Address: Pac Ngoi, Ba Be National Park
  • Contact: (+84) 965 989 699

Ba Be Lake View Homestay has a panoramic view of Ba Be Lake. Staying here, you will have a chance to enjoy the Tay people’s traditional dance performances, boat trips, trekking, and exploring the cave on request.

Ba Be Lake View Homestay

• Chi Hoa Homestay
  • Address: Nam Mau, Ba Be, Bac Kan
  • Contact: 0977 332 984

Chi Hoa Homestay is also an ideal place to stay overnight in Ba Be. Surrounded by mountains, fields, and villages, the homestay is tranquil enough for relaxation. Besides its great location, Chi Hoa Homestay also offers exciting activities for tourists like a campfire, boating, visiting Ba Be National Park, etc. You can choose between private rooms for 2 guests, 4 guests, or a dorm with a capacity of up to 25 guests. 

Chi Hoa Homestay

• Quynh Mai Homestay
  • Address: Bo Lu Village, Coc Toc, Nam Mau, Ba Be, Bac Kan
  • Contact: 033 679 8090

Quynh Mai Homestay is also one of the homestays in Ba Be you may want to refer to. The homestay also offers a great view and different services. You can choose a private room or a dorm to stay in.

Quynh Mai Homestay

Hotels, bungalows in Ba Be 

• Ba Be Ecolodge
  • Address: Thuong Giao, Ba Be, Bac Kan
  • Contact: 0971 111 318

With its spacious space and tranquil atmosphere, Ba Be Ecolodge is an ideal accommodation near Ba Be National Park. The lodge has three main areas: the guest house, dining area, and outdoor stage area. The guest house area offers rooms with full facilities, divided into different areas: A1 area with 10 rooms, A2 area with 9 rooms, A3 area with 6 rooms, A4 area with 4 rooms, and a stilt house with dorm and private rooms.  

Ba Be Ecolodge

• Ba Be Lakeside Bungalow
  • Address: Coc Toc Village, Nam Mau, Ba Be, Bac Kan
  • Contact: +842093984666

Ba Be Lakeside Bungalow, inspired by the stilts of the Tay people in Ba Be, is also a choice of accommodation in Ba Be. It has 12 bungalows in total, divided into two types: Deluxe Bungalows and Suite Bungalows. All bungalows here have a balcony with a view of the Ba Be Lake and surrounding mountains and are equipped with full amenities like air conditioning, wifi, and a rain shower. 

Ba Be Lakeside Bungalow

Local cuisines in Ba Be

Besides the magnificent landscape, Ba Be National Park is also rich in culinary traditions. Below are some local cuisines you can try here.

Grilled fish

Ba Be Lake is known for its abundance of fish, particularly the ca trich fish. Grilled fish therefore one of the delicious foods here. It is often served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce. Besides grilled fish, fish hotpot or fish cooked in clay pots are also favorable. 

Bamboo shoot dishes

Ba Be's forests are abundant with bamboo, and bamboo shoots are a popular ingredient in local cuisine. Don't miss the chance to try dishes like bamboo shoot soup or stir-fried bamboo shoots with pork. 

Five-colored sticky rice

Five-colored sticky rice is a local cuisine of the ethnic minorities in Ba Be National Park. Besides sticky rice, the ingredients to make this cuisine include beans, peanuts, or sesame seeds. The colors of the sticky rice come from natural materials like pandan leaves, Gac fruit, and turmeric.

Overall, Ba Be National Park is an ideal destination for nature and outdoor activities lovers. If you want to have a complete experience in Ba Be, you can refer to our tour package: Ba Be National Park. Don’t hesitate to contact our team if you have any concerns.