Ba Be National Park is one of the most underrated attractions of Vietnam travel. The Northern region is blessed with beautiful natural scenery as well as many species inhabiting the untouched landscapes, and this attraction puts the best of that on display for travelers to have a closer look.
1. An overview of Ba Be National Park
Ba Be National Park is one of the many Vietnamese national parks, contributing to the nationwide wildlife conservation efforts. The park is located in Bac Kan Province in Northern Vietnam, about 250 kilometers away from Hanoi. The large area of the park spans seven communes of two districts, reaching over 10,000 hectares. It is divided into five main areas, including a 3,987-hectare-wide closely guarded zone, an ecological restoration zone spanning 5,374 hectares, an administration and service zone, as well as two buffer zones.
2. The outstanding features of Ba Be National Park
2.1. Karst topography
Ba Be National Park is characterized by a diverse collection of limestone mountains, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. The complexity stems from its long-running history that dates back over 2 billion years. Over the course of its development, many mountains have formed, with heights ranging from 100 to 1,000 meters, and surrounded by even taller mountain ranges.
As you venture deeper into the park through the evergreen rainforest, you will come across its crown jewel, the jaw-droppingly gorgeous Ba Be Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes on the globe. Situated 150 meters above sea level, the lake’s majestic presence is backed up by the numbers: 7.5 kilometers in length, up to 1 kilometers in width, and the deepest point being 29 meters.
2.2. Biodiversity
The biodiversity of Ba Be National Park helps it stand out from other similar attractions in the country. Boasting a collection of 909 flora, the park is home to various species belonging to 517 genera, 149 families, and 5 phyla. On the fauna side of things, the park houses many species including endangered ones. According to statistics from 2012, there are 316 vertebrates, 16 amphibians, and 107 fish species here, including 66 endangered species in Vietnam’s Red Book. Subsequently, Ba Be National Park was established to enhance the conservation efforts of these species.
2.3. Indigenous culture
Accompanying the beauty of scenery and life in the national park is none other than its cultural charm. Archeological findings in the region have shown traces of human life dating back tens of thousands of years, with many ancient tools originating from different eras of Vietnamese history.
Nowadays, the local population is made up of multiple ethnic minorities like the Tay, Mong, and Dao. Partly due to the isolated position of the park, these people have managed to preserve their cultural characteristics, bringing their traditional lifestyle to the modern era. During the visit, tourists will have plenty of opportunities to become one with the culture by experiencing various activities with the locals.
>>> Open your eyes to the beauty of Vietnamese nature!
3. Things to do during your travel to Ba Be National Park
3.1. Take a boat tour on Ba Be Lake and Nang River
Ba Be Lake Vietnam is the undisputed highlight of the park, so many tourists opt for a boat tour that takes them along the lake and Nang River. There are five main tour routes for visitors to choose from:
- Ba Be Lake bank - Pac Ngoi
- Ba Be Lake - An Ma Island - Tien Pond - Puong Cave
- Ba Be Lake - An Ma Island - Tien Pond - Dau Dang Fall
- Buoc Lom - Puong Cave - Dau Dang Fall
- Buoc Lom - Puong Cave - Ba Be Lake
Evidently, aside from Ba Be Lake, the major sites on these routes are An Ma Island, Tien Pond, Puong Cave, and Dau Dang Fall.
The little Tien Pond lies idly in the corner of Ba Be Lake, being a keeper of legendary stories while offering visitors a great spot to unwind and escape. An Ma Island, similarly, is where you can learn about the history of the region as well as get an elevated viewpoint over the lake. Meanwhile, Puong Cave transports you to another world with its enchanting karst formations, and Dau Dang Fall will be a totally stunning sight.
3.2. Enjoy a walk or drive to admire nature
If a boat ride is not really what you are looking for, driving or walking around the park can fill in the spot just fine. Ba Be National Park has also prepared quite a few routes for all your exploring needs:
- Park center - An Ma Island - Tham Kit Cave
- Park center - Pac Ngoi - Bo Lu Village - Coc Toc Village
- Park center - Pac Ngoi - Lom Village - Bo Lu Village
- Park center - Don Den - Khuoi Luong - Tham Thinh - Hua Ma Cave - Silver Waterfall
- Park center - Pac Ngoi - Hua Ma Cave
- Park center - Puong Cave - Cam Ban
Most of these routes begin from the park center and go through local villages, opening the doors for travelers to learn more about the culture here. Furthermore, the scenery along these routes presents a nice change of pace for visitors from bustling cities.
3.3. Explore the local culture and cuisine
Nature is only half of the experience as the aspects that really set Ba Be National Park apart from other attractions is the culture of the local ethnic minorities.
The Tay are known for their traditional music. These friendly locals may even invite you into their homes and let you go through a day in the local life. As you enjoy traditional delicacies like grilled pork served with corn wine with the locals, you can learn a thing or two about their history through legendary tales. On top of that, if your visit coincides with the time of festivals, you can also take part in various activities including dugout boat races, martial arts shows, archery contests, and slingshots.
>>> Read more: North Vietnam itinerary: A great customizable plan for first-time visitors
4. Guide to exploring Ba Be National Park in Bac Kan
4.1. How much are the sightseeing services of Ba Be National Park?
Ba Be National Park does require tickets and each activity has a different price tag:
- Ba Be National Park entrance fee: 70,000 VND
- Hua Ma Cave entrance fee: 45,000 VND
- Ba Be Lake boat ride fee: 300,000 - 1,200,000 VND/ride depending on the route
*These prices may be subject to change. It is recommended that you contact the national park to learn about the latest information for your Ba Be National Park tour.
4.2. Best time to visit
The best time to visit Ba Be National Park is the dry season in Northern Vietnam, from November to April. Still, the park exhibits a different atmosphere in different seasons, so you can always experience something unique whenever you come.
However, keep in mind that the rainy season can be somewhat dangerous due to harsh weather and the temperature can drop lower than 0°C in winter. Be sure to check Ba Be National Park weather before your visit.
4.3. How to get there
The park is not too far away from Hanoi, so it is highly possible for tourists to take a coach or opt for vehicle rental. The journey from Hanoi to Ba Be National Park will take about 4 - 5 hours by following National Road 3 or Hanoi - Thai Nguyen Highway. In case you do not want to bother with navigation, you can take a coach from My Dinh Bus Station in Hanoi to reach Bac Kan.
4.4. Where to stay
Since the park has become more well-known, it is not difficult for travelers to find Ba Be National Park accommodation. Located about 8 kilometers away from the park, Ba Be National Park hotel can be a great choice for tourists, with prices ranging from 250,000 to 300,000 VND/room. Other than that, there are many homestays offered by the locals with prices ranging from 150,000 to 1,200,000 VND/night. These establishments offer basic amenities but will get you as close as the bank of Ba Be Lake.
>>> Make sure to check North Vietnam weather before planning your trip!
Ba Be National Park is an amazing spot for nature lovers looking for a taste of Northern Vietnam’s biodiversity. Not only does the park act as a haven for many endangered species, it also offers its visitors a place to unwind. Jot this place down on your travel bucket list and plan a visit for next time you are in Vietnam.
Aside from Bac Kan Province, Vietnam is home to many other tourist destinations. Going along the country, you can pay a visit to Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Ninh Binh, Hai Phong, Ha Long, and many more.
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