Ba Be Vietnam: Top 10 Must-Do Activities Not to Miss

During a stay in northern Vietnam, a fantastic place to discover is Ba Be National Park in Vietnam. Located in the district of the same name, it offers a unique perspective of meeting nature and the local ethnic population. There is so much to explore here, with a great variety of flora and fauna, including numerous butterfly species. Here is our guide and our top 10 of the best activities to do at Ba Be Vietnam.

Equipped with an exceptional ecosystem and a natural setting as rich as it is varied, Ba Be is a discovery stop worth marking on your itinerary. Registered as ASEAN Heritage in 2004, the green jewel of Bac Kan province is a rare pearl of nature. In this article, after giving you some practical information about the Ba Be Vietnam site. We point out the best activities to do and tips for enjoying it to the fullest. Happy reading!

Where is Ba Be National Park located and how to get there?

Located in Bac Kan province, Ba Be National Park is approximately 240 km north of Hanoi. The best way to reach Ba Be is by road. You can get there by private vehicle or local buses from Hanoi, Sapa, Cao Bang and Ha Giang.

From Hanoi, the trip takes about 4 hours by car. Bus trips depart from the My Dinh station and take about 6 hours.

Ba Be Map

What is the best season to visit Ba Be in Vietnam?

The period between February and April and from September to November is the best for travelers who want to trek at Ba Be. Indeed, the climate is not too hot and is suitable for hiking. If you want to see the rice fields in their full splendor, April to May and September to October are the best periods for you.

The 10 activities to do in Ba Be National Park

Navigate on Ba Be Lake

The whole is actually made up of three small lakes brought together: Pe Lam, Pe Lu and Pe Leng. The area is surrounded by preserved national forest, the eighth national park of Vietnam since 1992. It was recently recognized by UNESCO. Here you can enjoy the landscape with a cruise on a small Vietnamese boat or by renting a kayak.

Ba Be Lake

One of the places to visit during your water discovery is the An Ma temple which is located next to the lake. It allows you to learn more about the religion and rituals of the local population.

Furthermore, the widow’s island is a beautiful small island located in the center of the Pe Leng lake. It is an ideal place to stop and admire the nature reflected in the lake.

Trek in the forests of Ba Be National Park

Ba Be National Park is a true paradise for hikers. It is a real pleasure to walk and discover generous and lush nature. Mountains, rice fields, watercourses, forests draw an enchanting landscape. You will also have the opportunity to meet some ethnic minorities in the area. You can organize two-day or longer circuits with overnight stays with local families. This experience allows you to fully appreciate the wealth of the places.

Discover the Dau Dang Waterfall

Dau Dang waterfall is located 16 km from Ba Be district, 3 km from the Ba Be lake. It is a refreshing place with magnificent scenery. The watercourse extends for over a kilometer along the Nang River. The whole is set in the middle of fascinating mountains. Two hundred meters below the rapids is a small village of 5 houses belonging to the Tay minority, Hua Tang.

The waterfall and the primitive nature of the forest are extremely impressive. Also, there is a rare and precious species of fish called ca chien that lives in the river. Some of these fish weigh more than 10 kg.

In the surrounding areas of the river, there are several villages inhabited by members of the Tay, Red Dao, White Dao or Hmong peoples.

Explore Puong Cave

By navigating on the lake you can access Puong Cave (Hang Puong). It measures 30m high and crosses an entire mountain for 300m in length. This large dark cave is located at the foot of the Lung Nham mountain. It was formed after years of erosion. This tunnel cave overlooks the river and visitors can explore it by boat.

The dark entrance of the cave leads to a magical maze of stalactites and stalagmites. They cast shadows on the high limestone walls. This incredible hidden world is also home to thousands of bats. Do not be afraid, they are not dangerous!

Admire the Fairy Pool (Ao Tien)

Ao Tien is a charming small lake located on the summit of a mountain. Legend has it that this is where the fairies come to bathe and play chess. It is surrounded by dense tropical forest, the water is translucent and pure.

Visit Hua Ma Cave

Another extraordinary cave is Hua Ma Cave. Located in Ba Be National Park, approximately 80 kilometers from Bac Kan city. It is a cave with exceptional rock formations, visiting it you will discover stalactites and stalagmites that seem to transform into different objects.

Recently, the cave’s infrastructure allows for easier access, the 300m climb to the entrance is worth it.

Venture into Na Phoong Cave

Located in the central area of Ba Be National Park Vietnam, about 500m southeast of the Bo Lu village. Na Phong Cave is a cave with a complex geological structure.

The cave’s length is estimated at approximately 3 km with an underground river running through it. The cave’s ceiling is high, with numerous stalactites and stalagmites. In the cave, you can admire many large columns and abysses from the entrance, which is surrounded by virgin forests. This place hosts a variety of bat and reptile species.

Walk in the traditional village of Pac Ngoi

Located in the central area of Ba Be National Park, the village of Pac Ngoi comprises about 80 families and about 400 people. They are mainly Tay. Pac Ngoi is one of the rare villages that preserves the traditions and customs of Tay ethnic culture.

The village of Pac Ngoi still possesses ancient stilt houses, with unique architectural designs. The inhabitants of this village live from rice and corn cultivation and shrimp fishing on Ba Be lake.

Meet the local ethnic communities

Around Ba Be National Park, several Tay, Dao and H’mong ethnic villages perpetuate a traditional lifestyle in harmony with nature. The Tay, the majority, inhabit the villages of Coc Toc, Pac Ngoi or even Ban Cam, in wooden houses on stilts along the rivers. You discover a quiet daily life marked by fishing and agriculture.

Monoxyl pirogue (thuyền độc mộc) on Ba Be lake

Aboard their monoxyl pirogues (thuyền độc mộc), they navigate with ease on the lake, offering visitors a living glimpse of their ancestral connection with water and forest. Meeting these communities also means sharing a simple human moment, away from classic tourist circuits.

Discover the local craftsmanship of the Tay and Dao

Traditional Tay fabric – A handcrafted creation with symbolic colors and ethnic motifs

Moreover, the local populations skillfully make each canoe starting from a tree trunk and, although extremely narrow, they slide effortlessly on the water. Besides being skilled carpenters, the Tay people are known for their looms among the most sophisticated. You can see women weaving refined fabrics in the fresh air under stilt houses. You can also discover the traditional songs and folk dances that bring these villages to life.

How to visit Ba Be National Park Vietnam?

Here is an example of a typical day to visit Ba Be National Park Vietnam.

Arrival at Ba Be, the evening before the visit. You can choose to stay with a local family to favor human contact. You will have the opportunity to share a friendly dinner with the family and spend a pleasant night at the resident’s home on the edge of the lake.

The next day, we recommend that you wake up early. Start your day with a walk on small paths along the lake. Enjoy the tranquility and serenity of rural life. After breakfast at the resident’s home, opt for a beautiful cruise in a small boat. It takes you across the emerald-colored waters of the lake through splendid landscapes.

Continue the cruise along the Ba Be National Park which is home to bears, monkeys, numerous birds and butterflies. Then go up the watercourse to visit the Phuong Cave, carved into the limestone cliff, the kingdom of bats!

Subsequently, easy hike and visit of the Pac Ngoi Tay ethnic villages, where the inhabitants still live in all simplicity, with their ancestral culture.

Lunch in a small hut on the edge of the lake.

In the afternoon, admire the Dau Dang waterfall before accessing the An Ma pagoda on an islet in the center of the lake.

However, in a single day you will not explore all the places but you will already have a beautiful experience of the area. If you have time and want to discover the places more deeply, you can stay an extra day.

Which Vietnam circuit includes Ba Be Vietnam?

Here is one of our most beautiful circuits that include Ba Be Vietnam: Exploration from North to South 18 days

The circuit Exploration from North to South will let you discover Vietnam in depth. With this complete circuit you will have a perfect overview of this magnificent country. The extraordinary landscapes and contact with the local population will enchant you. This stay combines must-see places and discoveries off the beaten path. All the magic of Vietnam is concentrated in 18 unforgettable days.

In conclusion, a discovery of Ba Be National Park Vietnam is a true breath of fresh air and serenity. Furthermore, it is an adventure outside of time that is worth recommending to big and small!