Located 250 km away from Hanoi and 70 km away from Bac Kan center, Ba Be National Park belongs to Ba Be district in Bac Kan province. If you seek an escape from the bustling cities and a chance to immerse yourself in nature’s embrace, this pristine sanctuary is the perfect destination when enjoying Vietnam family tours. Let Indochina Voyages help you to prepare for a journey to this marvelous land.
What do you know about Ba Be National Park?
Ba Be National Park is a captivating natural sanctuary in Vietnam travel packages, encompassing lush forests, a pristine lake, majestic waterfalls, and cultural richness, offering visitors a serene and immersive experience in the heart of nature.
- It covers an area of approximately 100 square kilometers (39 square miles)
- Given the designation of a National Park in 1992 in an effort to protect this stunning area of rich biodiversity and unique landscapes, Ba Be is also considered an ASEAN Heritage Park.
- The centerpiece of the park is Ba Be Lake, which is the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam with over 500 hectares (1,235 acres)
- Ba Be National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered ones.
- It is also known as a diverse bird population, with over 200 species recorded in the area
- The park is also of cultural importance, as it is home to several ethnic minority communities, including the Tay, Dao, and Hmong people.
Best way to travel
You can get to Ba Be National Park from Hanoi by traveling by coach or private transport.
The coaches
- Depart from My Dinh bus station from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day.
- Time: 5 hours from Hanoi
- The final stop is Cho Ra town which is 26 km from Ba Be National Park.
- The price is approximately US$11.5 per person.
A Private Car
Besides, another option is booking a private car via Vietnam tour companies. From Hanoi, the driver will pick you up and then drive towards Highway 3. After that, you continue to go straight in this direction to reach Bac Kan province. The distance is about 160 km so you have to spend about 3 to 4 hours getting Ba Be. In addition, this is also a route for both cars and motorcycles.
What about the weather?
The annual average temperature ranges from 21 degrees Celsius to 23 degrees Celsius. Located in a rainy area, the average rainfall in Ba Be National Park is more than 1,600 mm and has abundant vegetation. The Ba Be Lake area and the slopes of Phja Bjooc are almost cool all around the year.
However, Ba Be National Park weather is sometimes very harsh in the winter, lasting from November to January. Winter in Ba Be often has hoarfrost, frost or drizzle, and long wicks of wind that are not conducive to the growth of animals and plants, affecting human activities and health. During the rainy season, many communes along the Nang River are often flooded.
Therefore, the best time to travel to Ba Be National Park is April to October when the park is most beautiful. Travelers admire emerald water full of fish inside and the peaceful beauty of the Northeast mountains with ripe rice fields.
Travelling off the beaten track at Ba Be National Park
Ba Be National Park is one of the most favorite places for ecotourism Vietnam tours. Here are fascinating things to do to help you blend in with nature and escape from the bustling cities.
Enjoy boat trips on Ba Be Lake
First thing first, it’s a pity if you miss taking a boat on Ba Be Lake for sightseeing. The price for a boat is about US$35, a maximum of 12 people. Sailing on Ba Be Lake was a tranquil and enchanting experience, as the boat glided through the serene waters, surrounded by lush forests and majestic mountains, creating a sense of peace and harmony with nature.
Trekking through the park’s trails
Recently, Ba Be National Park trekking has become such an interesting activity for not only Vietnamese travelers but also foreigners.
At Ba Be Lake, there is Tien Pond which is in a round shape with 3,000 m2 in acreage. Moreover, the pond is surrounded by primeval forests, and the pond surface is calm, without any ripples. If you look at the setting sun, there is a rocky slope that is rumored to be where the gods play chess.
From Tien Pond, you can continue the journey to the magnificent Dau Dang waterfall. The waterfall is about 4 km from Ba Be Lake to the West. To get there, you need to walk through small paths through the forest, which takes approximately 20 minutes.
Along the way, you will come across Ba Be’s diverse flora. The waterfall has a length of 1000 m, where the waterfall is created with water fiercely falling down. However, when we arrive in April, as it is not in the watering season, the water level will be low. Therefore, the waterfall would be much more gentle without white foam or white rushing water.
Visit Mystery Hua Ma Cave
One of the ideal destinations for those who love to explore caves is Hua Ma Cave. It’s in the Co Don mountains which is located in southern Ba Be Lake, on the banks of the Leng River, in the middle of the Leo Pen area. In addition, it’s covered by huge shrubs. In the middle of the mountain, Hua Ma cave which is deeply ingrained in the direction of the East – South is solitary and murky all around the year. With a height of 350 m above sea level, travelers will walk up the gently sloping steps along the ridge. The entrance fee is US$1.1/person.
Walking into the cave, you will be a little startled because of the huge differences between inside and outside of the cave. According to the locals, the length of the cave is about 7km, while the ceiling is about 40 – 50 m in width. The gorgeous stalactite emerges from the cave. The deeper you go into the cave, the more “secrets” are gradually revealed.
Visit Pac Ngoi Village
Another interesting point for the Ba Be National Park Tour is the Pac Ngoi village of Tay ethnic. It’s located at Phu – Phia – Miang mountain. Above all, Pac Ngoi village still retains its own indigenous culture, traditional stilt houses, brocade weaving culture as well as the Tay’s culture.
Coming to Pac Ngoi village, you will experience the daily activities of the Tay people such as weaving cloth, fishing on the river, and making traditional musical instruments.
>> Suggested North Vietnam tours: Adventure The Northeast Vietnam 6 Days
Ba Be National Park accommodation
The most popular Ba Be National Park accommodations are homestays and guesthouses. However, if you want to immerse yourself in nature, Mr.Linh’s homestay and Ba Be Lake View homestay are totally ideal choices. Both of them are highly recommended by travelers because of their cleaning, and hospitality. In addition, they have a nice view of Ba Be Lake.
On the other hand, travelers who want to experience the life of locals or are currently on a tight budget can stay in Tay people’s houses in Pac Ngoi or Po Lu village. It will be a good price for you, which can fluctuate between US$ 2 – 4 for each person.
FAQs
Does Ba Be National Park have a taxi?
Ba Be National Park does not have traditional taxi services as you would find in urban areas. The best way to stroll around the area is trekking or riding a bike or you can rent a motorbike in your homestay for visiting.
Is ATM available at Ba Be?
No, there are no ATMs available within Ba Be National Park itself. It’s advisable to withdraw sufficient cash before entering the park or ensure that you have enough cash on hand to cover your expenses during your visit. The nearest ATMs can be found in nearby towns or cities outside the park but very far from the park though.
What do I need to prepare before coming?
- Book accommodation in advance (homestays, guesthouses, lodges).
- Plan transportation to Ba Be National Park (private car, tour, public transportation).
- Check the weather forecast and pack appropriate clothing and footwear.
- Bring sufficient cash as there are no ATMs within the park.
- Pack essentials such as sunscreen, hat, reusable water bottle, and any necessary medications.
- Research and book activities or attractions in advance, if required.
- Check if any vaccinations or health precautions are recommended.
- Ensure you have travel insurance for medical emergencies.
- Last but not least, don’t forget insect sprays to protect your body because there are lots of mosquitoes and other insects here.
Is it signal and wifi available here?
The signal is stable in Ba Be (except when you are in the cave). Besides, wifi is also often available in homestays at this park and some caves also have wifi too, for example, Hua Ma Cave.
How many days should I spend to visit Ba Be National Park?
The 3-day tour is enough for you to explore this excellent land. Within 3 days, you can take a leisurely boat ride on Ba Be Lake, allowing time to explore its islands, and caves, and enjoy the scenic views. You can also embark on nature hikes, discover the park’s diverse flora and fauna, and perhaps even spot some wildlife. Additionally, this timeframe allows for engaging with the local communities, learning about their traditions, and experiencing their way of life.
If you would like to discover more about North Vietnam, you can combine the Ba Be tour with other destinations such as Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Halong Bay.
For your flexible holiday packages Vietnam:
>> Suggested Ba Be lake tour from Hanoi: Ba Be National Park Adventure 3 Days
>> Suggested Vietnam package tours to the Northeast: Spirit Of Northeast Vietnam Adventure 7 Days
From Indochina Voyages Team
