Ba Be National Park, located in Bac Kan Province of Vietnam, appeals to tourists by stunning natural landscape and rich biodiversity. Visiting the park, you can engage in outdoor activities, experience local culture, and relax in the peaceful atmosphere. Let’s see the top 09 things to do in Ba Be National Park with Handspan Travel Indochina!

Ba Be National Park

Through this blog post, you will know these activities below. 

Boating and kayaking on Ba Be Lake

Boating and kayaking on Ba Be Lake are amazing things to do in Ba Be National Park. 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

Boating and kayaking allow you to adore the surrounding landscapes, and navigate the lake's serene waters. You can rent kayaks from guesthouses near Ba Be Lake. Remember to check the kayak’s condition before setting off. Besides, even when you are good at swimming, it is a must to wear a life jacket for safety. 

Boating on Ba Be Lake

Let’s paddle through the water, connect with nature, and take in the tranquility of the surroundings! You can consider kayaking during the late afternoon to adore the sunset over the lake, which is an unforgettable awesome scenery. 

Trekking 

Trekking is undoubtedly among the most fantastic things to do in Ba Be National Park. This is the best way to explore the park, as you can enjoy panoramic views and discover the park’s dense forests, waterfalls, streams, and caves along the way. The park features numerous hiking and trekking trails that allow you to explore its diverse landscapes. Here are some available trails you may want to take.

Puong Cave Trail

The Puong Cave Trail is a relatively easy trekking route, suitable for families with children. The trail will lead you to the Puong Cave, a natural masterpiece located in the North of Ba Be National Park. Along the way, you can admire an alluring view of the lake and surrounding limestone karst mountains. It takes you about two to three hours to finish this trail. 

Ba Be National Park trekking route

Dau Dang Waterfall Trail

Compared to the Puong Cave trail, this trekking route is harder. It takes you to the Dau Dang Waterfall, 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

Trekking to the Hmong villages

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. 

While you can explore these trails yourself, it will be better to have a local guide who can provide you with useful knowledge about the park. 

Cycling

Among the things to do in Ba Be National Park, cycling is also worth experiencing. It is an ideal way to enjoy the park’s fresh air and stunning scenery. The park offers various cycling routes which are suitable for different health conditions. You can choose to ride around the Ba Be Lake to admire the lake view and lush landscapes surrounding it. You can also choose to cycle through the villages and experience local people’s life and culture. Here are some tips for cycling inside the park.

Renting a bicycle

You can rent bicycles from the local guesthouses or homestays near the park. Remember to check the bikes’ conditions carefully and make sure they are suitable for the terrain.

Packing essential items

Before starting your ride, you should pack essential items with you. For example, water and snacks are needed in case you are tired. 

Checking the weather condition

 Weather condition affects your trip. Therefore, it is a must to check the weather so that your cycling trip to Ba Be National Park runs smoothly. 

Visiting ethnic minority villages

Visiting ethnic minority villages is also among the best things to do in Ba Be National Park. The park is home to several ethnic minority communities, including the Tay, Hmong, and Dao people. You will have a chance to 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. Here are some popular villages in the area.

Pac Ngoi Village

Pac Ngoi Village is the Tay ethnic minority village inside Ba Be National Park. The village appeals to tourists with its surrounding natural landscape of lush greenery, rice paddies, and Ba Be Lake. The village is also well-known for its intact culture. They are shown in the traditional Tay stilt houses which are typically made of wood with thatched roofs. Besides, the Tay people’s costumes are also impressive. Walking around the village, you can catch up with local villagers in their traditional clothes. Visiting the village, you can also learn about the Tay people’s traditional crafts. They are extremely good at weaving and embroidery. 

Pac Ngoi Village

Nam Dai Village

Nam Dai Village is home to the Hmong ethnic minority people. Coming to the village, you will have a chance to know the Hmong people’s daily life and traditional handicrafts. The Hmong people in Nam Dai Village are well-known for embroidery, batik, and indigo dyeing. If you visit the village during the festive time, you can enjoy a crowded atmosphere. Hmong festivals are vibrant, colorful, and filled with traditional music, dance performances, and cultural rituals. 

Coc Toc Village

Coc Toc Village is the residence of living of the Dao ethnic community. Visiting the village, you will have a chance to interact with the Dao local people and learn their customs, traditions, and rituals. The Dao people are known for their herbal medicine making, embroidery, silver jewelry making weaving. You can ask and join these authentic experiences with them. 

Coc Toc Village

Visiting local villages is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Ba Be National Park. Now, it’s time to come to the park and have your own experiences!

Staying in a homestay

Staying in a homestay is also among the with-trying things to do in Ba Be National Park. This allows you to live with local families and participate in activities hosted by the locals. Below are some recommended homestays you may want to stay in.

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 among 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

Cave exploring

Cave exploring is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Ba Be National Park. You will have a chance to discover the unique geological karst formations of these two amazing caves below. 

Puong Cave

Puong Cave, one of the most well-known caves in Ba Be National Park, belongs 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. Entering the cave, you will feel amazed by the impressive scenery inside. You will see diverse stalactites and stalagmites with various strange shapes hanging down from the ceiling which is more than 20 meters high. 

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. Remember to bring a flashlight or headlamp to see the stalagmites and stalactites, as it is quite dark inside the cave. 

Wildlife spotting

Mentioning things to do in Ba Be National Park, it will be a miss if you do not join wildlife spotting activity. With a diverse flora and fauna system, the park is extremely suitable for this experience. 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.

Delacour langur in Ba Be National Park

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. While joining this activity, you may want to follow the tips below.

• Respect the wildlife and their habitat
• Be patient and quiet
• Bring a camera with you
• Avoid flash photography
• Follow the park’s regulations

Let’s visit the park and keep an eye on the park’s plants and animals along the way!

Bird watching

Bird watching is also among the wonderful things to do in Ba Be National Park. Besides mammals, the 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, etc. Here are some tips to have an efficient birdwatching adventure.

Choosing an ideal time

Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for bird watching, as birds are most active during these times. Besides, the atmosphere and serene ambiance in the early morning and late afternoon are also comforting, which enhances your experience. 

Bringing a binocular

A binocular is extremely essential for your bird-watching experience. It allows you to observe birds from a far distance. 

Having a guide with you

You can see different kinds of birds along the trail. However, you may need a good guide who can help you to identify the birds you encounter. 

Respect the wildlife and their habitat

You should not get too close to the birds, as this may disturb their netting areas. 

Trying local foods

Besides the magnificent landscape, Ba Be National Park is also rich in culinary traditions. Trying local foods is therefore among the attractive things to do in Ba Be National Park. 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.

In conclusion, you have just known about the most exciting things to do in Ba Be National Park. For more detailed information about the park, please visit our blog post: Exploring Ba Be National Park: Things to know before you travel. If you want to have a complete experience, you can refer to our tour package: Ba Be National Park.