Buzz
If you're looking to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and immerse yourself in nature, then Ba Be Lake is the perfect choice for your journey.
Have You Discovered the Enchanting Beauty of Ba Be Lake?
Where Exactly is Ba Be Lake Located?
Located in Nam Mau commune, Ba Be district, Bac Kan province, Ba Be Lake is 230 km away from Hanoi. Local residents call Ba Be Lake 'Slam Pé', which means three lakes. This name originates from the fact that the lake is a confluence of three branches of the Pé Lầm, Pé Lù, and Pé Lèng rivers.
When is the Best Time to Visit Ba Be Lake?
Ba Be Lake is where the harmony of mountains, rivers, and cool mountainous climate converge, allowing travelers to visit the lake at any time of the year. However, the ideal time to visit the lake is during summer, early autumn, or spring.
Getting to Ba Be Lake
From Hanoi, you can either ride a motorcycle or take a coach to Bac Kan, then catch a ride to Cho Ra town and proceed by motorbike to Ba Be Lake.
By Coach: Coaches to Bac Kan depart from My Dinh or Gia Lam bus stations, with fares averaging between 100,000 to 130,000 VND per trip.
By Private Car: Take National Highway 3, starting from Nội Bài direction, passing through Sóc Sơn towards Thái Nguyên. Be cautious of narrow roads with heavy traffic. At Cho Ra, turn towards the lake, onto a winding mountain road. Pay attention to sharp bends.
Transportation at the Lake
You can rent boats to traverse the lake. For large groups, opting for larger boats is suitable, while adventurous small groups can choose traditional wooden boats. Another way to explore Ba Be Lake from Na Hang – Tuyen Quang is by renting a boat downstream along the Nang River to Ba Be Lake, taking approximately 2 – 3 days. Additionally, cycling along winding forest trails or trekking through the pristine forests around the lake are also highly enjoyable activities.
Must-Visit Attractions
Ba Be Lake and Ba Be National Park: This is the largest lake in Northern Vietnam. The entire lake area is surrounded by mountains and pristine forests.
Puong Cave: With a length of 300 meters and a height of over 30 meters, Puong Cave's magnificence lies in its stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is also home to tens of thousands of bats.
Dau Dang Waterfall: The Nang River is obstructed by hundreds of large rocks, splitting into several small streams. This creates the majestic Dau Dang Waterfall. With a length of over 1,000 meters and consisting of three rocky tiers, each about 3 to 4 meters high, the waterfall adds a wild and romantic charm to Ba Be Lake.
Exploring Hua Ma Cave: Located about 6 km from Ba Be Lake. To reach the cave, visitors must ascend approximately 300 meters along the gentle slopes of the mountain. Inside, there are countless mystical and enchanting stalactites and stalagmites.
Enchanting Fairy Pond: Situated just 100 meters from Ba Be Lake, this pond remains filled with water all year round. Its serene surface holds a legendary tale of fairies descending to bathe in its azure waters beneath the sky.
Pac Ngòi Village: A cultural tourism village in Nam Mau commune, Ba Be district, is a traditional stilt house village of the Tay ethnic minority on the banks of the Leng River, adjacent to Ba Be Lake. The village has over 80 households and nearly 400 residents, all of whom are Tay people.
Moreover, you can explore many other attractions such as Phya Khao tourism spot, Kim Hy, Fairy Cave, Na Dang Waterfall, and Gieng Waterfall Stream.
Accommodation Options at Ba Be Lake
Currently, homestay accommodations are thriving in the villages. In Pac Ngòi Village, there are more than 10 households offering affordable food and lodging services with basic facilities. If you enjoy being close to nature, staying in the village to experience the pleasant mountain forest atmosphere is recommended. Additionally, visitors can stay outside of Bac Kan town or at guesthouses in Cho Ra town, driving into the lake area in the morning and returning to the hotel in the evening.
Must-Try Delicacies
Indulge in the flavors of the mountains with specialties like Grilled Fish from Pac Ngòi, Roasted Suckling Pig, Hillside Chicken, Sticky Rice with Mountainous Flavor, Steamed Bamboo Shoots with Meat, Sour Shrimp Paste from Ba Be, Wild Vegetables, Stream Fish,...
Things to Note
The atmosphere around Ba Be Lake is cool and refreshing, especially in the early morning and at nightfall, so it's advisable to bring warm clothing to avoid nighttime dew. Bring mosquito repellent, insect repellent, and long-sleeved clothing. Additionally, there are few food options and grocery stores in the village, so bring snacks and drinks. It's recommended to pre-order meals so locals can go to the market and prepare food.
Souvenirs to Take Home
In addition to delicious mountainous dishes, Bac Kan also offers many famous specialties that travelers can bring back as gifts for family and friends, such as Na Ri Dong Vermicelli, Bitter Bamboo Shoots, Wild Vegetables, Preserved Plum,...
Compiled by Tiểu Lam (Compilation)
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourSeptember 11, 2015
