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Ba Be National Park
Ba Be National Park is a protected area located in northern Vietnam. It is and is situated in Bac Kan Province, about 240 kilometers (150 miles) from Hanoi. The park is centered around Ba Be Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, and is home to a diverse biodiversity. The park boasts stunning karst mountains, lush forests, waterfalls, caves with hiking and trekking opportunities, making it an awe-inspiring one-size-fits-all destination.
Ba Be National Park is so tranquil and unspoiled, it might just be the opposite of Hanoi. It's a beautiful place that's away from the crowd and well worth the visit. Come to the region, discover the rural Northern Part of Vietnam and get some peace of mind with nothing but you and nice sceneries of country side among limestone mountains.
Best time to visit Ba Be National Park
The park experiences distinct seasons, and the weather can influence your visit. The most popular time to visit Ba Be National Park is during the dry season, which generally runs from November to April. During this period, you can expect cooler and more comfortable weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and boat trips on the lake.
The rainy season typically occurs from May to October. While the landscape is lush and green during this time, heavy rains can lead to swollen rivers and muddy trails. This may not be the best time for trekking or boat trips, but it can be a beautiful time to appreciate the park's natural beauty. The waterfalls and caves are at their most impressive during the wet season.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Ba Be National Park depends on your personal preferences and what you want to experience. Keep in mind that it's a year-round destination, and each season has its unique charm.
How to get to Ba Be National Park
From Hanoi (~240 km)
By bus or minivan
You can take a bus to Bac Kan Province from My Dinh bus station or Yen Nghia bus station, which costs 200.000 - 250.000 vnd for a one way ticket, provided by bus companies like Qbus, An Binh or Thuong Nga. Once you got to Bac Kan Province you can get on another bus or rent a motorbike and drive to Ba Be National Park.
You can also get a minivan that will take you all the way to Ba Be, usually a 16-seater, which costs about 280.000 vnd/person.
Self-drive
If you're comfortable driving in Vietnam, you can drive a car or a motorbike to Ba Be National Park. The drive usually takes around 6-8 hours, and you can follow National Highway QL3 from Hanoi, heading north towards Bac Kan Province. Be sure to have a valid driver's license and be aware of the road conditions.
Bus to Ba Be National Park
From Ha Giang (~170 km)
By bus
To get to Ba Be National Park, start by traveling from Ha Giang City to Bac Kan. You can take a bus for this part of the journey, which typically costs 100.000 - 120.000 vnd/person. From Bac Kan, you will need to take another bus to continue your journey towards Ba Be National Park. There are different routes you can take to reach Ba Be National Park, and the choice of route may depend on road conditions, personal preferences, and available transportation options. A common route is to go through Cho Ra or Cho Don, which are small towns located near the park. The second bus ride is cheaper and costs about 50.000 - 70.000/person.
By private car
Buses are a more economical option, but a private car may offer more flexibility. Many local travel agencies and tour operators offer bus or minivan services to Ba Be National Park. These services often include pick-up from your hotel and drop-off at your accommodation in the park area. Benefit of hiring a local travel agency, other than private transportation, are the included accommodation and guided activities in Ba Be National Park. If you're totally clueless with the area, you could check out this local travel angency that has been around for almost 2 decades - Vietnam Original Travel.
By motorbike
You also have the choice to drive a motorbike from Ha Giang to Ba Be National Park: Yen Minh - Dong Van - Meo Vac - Bao Lac - Ha Hieu - Cho Ra Town - Ba Be National Park. Riding a motorbike from Ha Giang to Ba Be can br rewwarding but it's nonetheless challenging if dangerous. So again, remember to bring your license and drive safe.
What to visit in Ba Be National Park
Ba Be Lake
This is the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, which covers an area of about 500 hectares (1,235 acres) and is 20-25 meters deep on average. The name of the lake and National Park "Ba Be" translates to "three pools", which can be explained by the fact that the lake is made up of three smaller interconnected lakes: Pe Lam, Pu Lu et Pe Leng. The landscape around Ba Be Lake is nothing short of breathtaking: towering limestone mountains and cliffs rising dramatically from the water, lush forests encircling the lake, vigorous waterfalls, etc.
The best ways to explore the lake and take it all in is by taking a boat trip on one of the three lakes. There are two choices available: kayaks or guided boat tours for the less adventurous. These boat trips allow you to explore the many caves and islands on the lake, including Puong Cave, which is known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Activities like rock jumping and swimming are available as well.
Ba Be Lake
Puong Cave
Puong Cave, is a remarkable limestone cave and one of the most notable natural attractions located within Ba Be National Park.
Puong Cave is a river cave, which means it is partially submerged by the river. It features a wide entrance, which allows natural light to filter in, illuminating the cave's interior and revealing its breathtaking limestone formations. The cave is quite extensive, with a length of approximately 300 meters. Inside Puong Cave, visitors can marvel at the stunning stalactites hanging from the cave's ceiling and the stalagmites rising from the cave's floor. The water dripping from the cave's ceiling over time has deposited minerals, forming these intricate formations.
Another notable feature of Puong Cave is its resident bat colony. The cave is home to thousands of bats, which adds to its natural charm. The sight and sound of these bats can be quite an experience for visitors, especially when they leave the cave at dusk for their nightly foraging.
Puong Cave - Ba Be National Park
Dau Dang Waterfall
Dau Dang Waterfall is situated on the Nang River, which flows through Ba Be National Park. The waterfall is a multi-tiered cascade, with the total height of the falls estimated to be around 1,000 meters. The waterfall is located about 16 kilometers from the central part of the park and is accessible by boat from Ba Be Lake or by trekking through the forest.
Travelers can take a boat ride on Ba Be Lake to go to Dau Dang Waterfall. This allows them to travel the Nang River and take in the beautiful scenery as they go. Boats may get up close to the waterfall's base, giving visitors a close-up look and a chance to experience the cold mist from the cascading water. For those who want to take a more daring approach, trekking to the waterfall are the way to go. While getting to the waterfall, you'll have an opportunity to explore the surrounding forest and take in the sounds of nature.
Dau Dang Waterfall
Final thoughts
Nature enthusiasts, trekkers or simply those who want a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, Ba Be National Park is the perfect destination that is guaranteed to amaze you. Whether you're interested in exploring the natural beauty, engaging with local cultures, or enjoying outdoor activities, Ba Be Lake and its surrounding national park always provide a captivating experience for visitors.
For those looking to explore life in the mountainous regions in Vietnam, you can check out some of these articles:
=> Ban Gioc Waterfall - Vietnam's Great Fall In Cao Bang
