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Ba Be National Park in northern Vietnam has a Ba Be Lake which is an awesome natural wonder. The lake is the largest freshwater lake in the country. It has beautiful landscapes, diverse ecosystems and a vast cultural heritage, and it would be a site to behold. Located in the middle of limestone mountains, it is a great, adorable spot for nature lovers and thrill seekers. Visiting this Lake enables you to see its clear water and mysterious caves, and the traditional Tay ethnic community lifestyle here.
Location
Photo: Adam Jones / Wikimedia Commons
Ba Be Lake is located in northwestern Vietnam, about 250 kilometres away from Hanoi, in Bac Kan Province. This lake is about eight kilometres long and has been surrounded by thick forests and limestone cliffs. Travelers wishing for a spot that’s equally relaxing and thrilling in a pristine natural setting will find the location is perfect for such.
How To Reach
Photo: Anonymous / Pxhere / Image For Representation Only
By Road: Almost all visitors reach here by bus or private car from Hanoi, covering some five to six hours. From the road trip, there are several stops that you can stop to see, quite undoubtedly, that are Vietnam’s countryside, rice fields, and mountains.
By Tour: Several travel agencies organize tours to the lake comprising transport, accommodation and tour guides. These tours are disembodied and give the tourists a hassle-free time.
By Motorbike: The winding roads and beautiful landscapes leading to the lake attract many adventure enthusiasts who prefer and choose to ride a motorbike to the lake.
Things To Do At Ba Be Lake
1. Explore The Lake By Boat
Photo: Benjamin Smith / Wikimedia Commons
A boat tour of the lake is the best way of exploring the lake. Visitors also have the opportunity to pass through the quiet waters and see magnificent views and hidden caves. It has nothing to do with speed, and so each joins the place to breathe in peace, schlep around the wildlife and sneak by the close villages for fishing. Either a boat ride, a dugout canoe or a motorboat to the lake is an unmissable trip.
2. Trekking Around The Lake
Photo: Niloy Palit / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Around the national park, there is great trekking on offer, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the various flora and fauna. Trails come in the form of forest roads, limestone mountains and remote villages, and they can be on the easy side and the challenging side. Hua Ma Cave is especially scenic because its stalactites and stalagmites are impressive and the hike here is very scenic.
3. Bird Watching Along The Lake
Photo: Adam Jones / Wikimedia Commons
The birds of Ba Be National Park are many, allowing it to be a paradise for bird watching and general wildlife enthusiasts. Kingfishers, herons, hornbills, and rare migratory birds, some of which are only found here, have been recorded here over 300 species. For seeing birds, mornings and late afternoons are when birds are most active and thus easiest to spot.
Places To Visit Near Ba Be Lake
1. Puong Cave
Photo: Ba Be National Park / Wikimedia Commons
Puong Cave is a limestone cave located along the Nang River with a length of 300 meters and a height of 30 meters. Its stalactites and stalagmites form a magnificent underground landscape and it’s known as a cave. As the passengers’ boat passed through the cave, they witnessed thousands of bats hanging from the ceiling. A visit to the lake is always an adventurous experience since the cave allows you to glide through it, surrounded by towering rock formations.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Along the Nang River
Best Time To Visit: Early morning
2. Dau Dang Waterfall
Photo: Ekrem Canli / Wikimedia Commons
It is located along the Náng River, about an hour by boat from the lake, near the village of Dau Dang Waterfall. It had dense forests and gigantic boulders surrounding it, and it consisted of multiple tiers of cascading water. Water is roaring against the rocks and the atmosphere is misty, making it a serene yet powerful natural spectacle. The falls are reached by boat ride or jungle trek from the visitors. Photography, relaxation and even swimming in the calm waters below, are all available at the waterfall.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: 3 km from the Lake
Best Time To Visit: Afternoon
3. Hua Ma Cave
Photo: Hadesvn / Wikimedia Commons
Hau Ma Cave is a hidden gem that is close to the lake and is famous because of its rock formations, which are so unique and eerie at the same time. The cave is 500 meters deep and is decorated with a unique line of limestone formations that resemble sculptures. This is a winding pathway full of geological wonders, a cool, tranquil environment that visitors can explore. Local legends have made the cave a deeply rooted legend that gives the visitor an extra mystique sense of cultural importance.
Entry Fee: 40,000 VND
Location: 5 km from the lake
Best Time To Visit: Late morning
Where To Stay
Photo: Adam Jones / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are different types of accommodations available in the lake, options include homestays and eco-lodges. Traditional Tay ethnic stilt houses are many visitors’ choice of stay, they will be served with local hospitality and home-cooked meals. The Lake Homestay, Mr. Linh’s Homestay, and Ba Be Ecolodge are some popular choices. They offer comfortable stays with a view of the lake and mountains.
Where To Eat
Photo: Andy Li / Wikimedia Commons
In Ba Be Lake, there are some local restaurants and homestays to have some authentic Vietnamese cuisine. It has traditional dishes such as grilled fish, sticky rice and bamboo-cooked pork for visitors to enjoy. Not only do they enjoy the meal, but they enjoy it while overlooking the lakeside, enjoying beautiful food. The local dishes, ranging from fresh to soft, are recommended, the Lake View Restaurant and Mr Linh’s Homestay Restaurant serve fresh and local ingredients.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Adam Jones / Wikimedia Commons
The best time of year to visit the lake is from October through April, which is cool and dry. This is the period in which the lake’s water remains still and the surrounding forests are healthy and lush. Without heavy rainfall, travellers can enjoy boat tours, trekking and wildlife spotting. The most serene atmosphere lies in the early mornings and the late afternoons when mist creeps over the water and birds twitter in the background.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: phgaillard2001 / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost For The Trip
A trip to Ba Be Lake will be on average ranging from 500,000 VND/20 USD to 1,500,000 VND/65 USD depending on transportation, activities and other expenses. Ba Be Lake is a remote destination and it is wise to carry along some essentials like cash since some of the ATMs may not be easily accessible.
Tips For Travellers
- Take comfortable clothing and shoes for trekking and cave exploring.
- Items to bring include insect repellent — the lake, as well as the lake-side and forested areas, may be mosquito ridden.
- It is wise to carry enough cash because card payments are not accepted everywhere.
- Get up early, so you can enjoy the natural beauty and avoid the crowds.
Ba Be Lake in Vietnam is a hidden paradise on earth with stunning scenery, rich cultural experiences and lots of thrilling adventures. The lake offers endless opportunities to explore mysterious caves and watch as cascading waterfalls flood below you. Visiting the lake is not a trip, but a submersion into the natural and cultural heritage of northern Vietnam. Now plan your journey, book your trip with TripXL and enjoy the untouched beauty and tranquility of this majestic destination.
Cover Photo: Adam Jones / Wikimedia Commons
