Ba Be Lake: Perfect place to escape for peace

date 15:19 | 12/04/2024

Ba Be Lake: Perfect place to escape for peace

Located inside the Ba Be National Park in Bac Kan Province, North Vietnam, Ba Be Lake is a captivating natural wonder that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Not too crowded and common like Sapa or Halong Bay in the same region, this is a lesser-known area with its picturesque beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance. Let Indochina Voyages help you to explore everything this pristine destination has to offer!

Ba Be Lake Resourceful tidbits

This is the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, covering an area of approximately 500 hectares.

After the Ba Be Area was established as a national park in 1992, the site was soon recognized by UNESCO as the third Ramsar site in Vietnam – an important wetland of the world.

Situated in Ba Be National Park, it is surrounded by lush forests, limestone mountains, and cascading waterfalls, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your journey.

It is home to a diverse range of aquatic species.

The region is home to 13 tribal villages, mostly Tay minority people and smaller groups of Hmong & Dzao people

How to get to Ba Be Lake?

To reach Ba Be Lake, you can fly into Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Within a distance of 240 km, reaching the Ba Be Lake from there, you have several options:

Private Transfer: Arrange a private car or van from Hanoi to Ba Be Lake. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours, passing through scenic countryside landscapes.

Public Bus: Take a bus from Hanoi to Bac Kan City, and then transfer to another bus or hire a taxi to reach Ba Be Lake. The total travel time is around 6-7 hours.

The transfer may take you at least 5 hours excluding a stop to stretch your leg on the way so you will reach Ba Be homestay at noon. The ticket per way costs you around 15 – 20 USD/person.

Besides choosing Hanoi as your base above, you can join a Vietnam Tour and choose Ba Be Lake as one of your destinations to go. But overall, to reach Ba Be Lake directly, the only type of transport you can choose are vehicles traveling by road because there are no stations or airports in Ba Be – Bac Kan.

Ideal time to go

Ba Be Lake can be visited year-round, but the best time to go is during the dry season, which runs from October to April. During this period, the weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and less rainfall. The surrounding landscapes are lush and vibrant, offering beautiful scenery for outdoor activities.

However, it’s worth noting that Ba Be Lake’s charm is ever-present, even during the rainy season when the area is shrouded in mist, creating a mystical ambiance.

Must-do Activities at Ba Be Lake

Ba Be Lake offers a wide range of activities to indulge in, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. Here are some must-do experiences:

Boat Trip

Throughout your boat trip along the Ba Ba Lake, you will have a chance to see a few beautiful caves with special rock formations developing for more than millions of years. With an average depth of 20 – 25m and the deepest part of 35m, the lake bed is really an ideal home for various marine life where finding over a hundred species of freshwater fish in the lakes.

Explore the hidden corners of the lake, witness the limestone formations, and marvel at the surrounding landscapes. Don’t miss the chance to visit Puong Cave, a mesmerizing limestone cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.

Kayaking

If you would like to be more active and get closer to the karst around the lake, going kayaking will more more fun than by motorboat. Paddle your way through the calm waters of the lake, discovering its hidden nooks and crannies. Kayaking allows you to get up close to the lush vegetation, spot wildlife, and experience the tranquility of this untouched paradise.

The cost per kayak is 10 – 20 USD/hour for two persons. Swimming around Ba Goa Island is also a good way to cool you down after a long hour of kayaking.

Trekking and Hiking

Inside the Ba Be National Park, after enjoying a boat trip, it is a great idea to trek and hike through this excellent park. Explore the dense forests, encounter unique flora and fauna, and discover captivating waterfalls, such as Dau Dang and Ba Goa. The park offers a variety of trails suitable for different fitness levels.

Cycling

Rent a bicycle and cycle around the scenic countryside surrounding Ba Be Lake. Pedal through quaint villages, interact with locals and enjoy the idyllic landscapes at your own pace.

The road to Ba Be Lake also leads to Hua Ma Cave – The first wonder of the Ba Be Area. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore it while immersed in the tranquil atmosphere of the countryside and the scenery of the combination of mountains and forests.

Riding a motorbike for exploring on your own

To visit the Ba Be Lake, you are suggested to hire a motor boat to go through or stop over around 4-5 routes: Widow’s Island, Pagoda, Puong Cave, Dau Dang Waterfall, Fairy Pond… that takes you around 1 hour and a half for maximum. But this way suits for the first-time visitors within a short period of time.