Ba Be Lake tourism is currently becoming a trend. This is a fairly famous name on the tourism map of Vietnam. The lake is known to many because it is among the top 100 largest freshwater lakes in the world. It is not an exaggeration to say that this place is like a precious gem of Ba Be National Park. And before each trip, we should definitely learn and 'pocket' the necessary experiences. To find out what those experiences are, follow the article below!
Overview of Ba Be Lake
Ba Be Lake is located in Bac Kan province, a tourist spot 200 km from Hanoi. This precious gem has been recognized as an ASEAN National Park. And it is also one of the 20 most beautiful lakes in the world recognized by UNESCO. To achieve this title, you can imagine a part of that beauty.
The lake covers an area of up to 650 hectares. The lake was formed by the tectonic events of the Southeast Asian continent 200 million years ago. Not only a simple tourist landscape, Ba Be Lake also plays a role in regulating water sources. That's why this lake plays a very important role in the environment.
It's no exaggeration to liken the beauty of Ba Be Lake to a painting (Image source: Collection)
The lake is 20 meters deep, with the deepest point reaching 35 meters. Surrounding the lake are majestic, lush green mountain ranges. Therefore, traveling to Ba Be Lake is very suitable for nature lovers. Here, you will breathe in deeply the fresh air. Due to the influence of hydrology and geology, the lake has a quite unique structure. The most remarkable thing is that the lake has never dried up.
Along with that is an equally diverse ecosystem. This, combined, has created a picturesque natural landscape. Therefore, traveling to Ba Be Lake has become a very attractive choice. The number of tourists booking Northern Vietnam 2024 tours to visit here is increasing. If you need a quiet place to heal and purify your soul, there is no place more suitable than this.
Best Time to Travel to Ba Be Lake
Because it acts like an air conditioner, the climate at Ba Be Lake is always cool. Therefore, you can travel to Ba Be Lake at any time of the year. Especially in summer from May to September, when the temperature is always high and quite hot. Therefore, this destination will become an ideal 'cooling off' place for you.
In each season, the lake will possess different landscapes. And best of all, there are also very unique festivals. If you want to learn more about the beauty of Tay ethnic culture, visit the lake from the 9th to the 11th day of the first lunar month. This is when the very interesting Long Tong festival takes place.
Travel to Ba Be Lake on beautiful weather days (Image source: Collection)
January is also the time when villagers rest after the harvest season. Therefore, traveling to Ba Be Lake during this time, you will have the opportunity to experience many interesting things. One of them is to join the joy with the locals here. The festivals take place with many interesting activities. Such as cultural exchanges between ethnic groups. Or enjoy unique folk cultural games such as boat racing, bamboo pushing, and shuttlecock kicking...
Transportation during the Ba Be Lake trip
Ba Be Lake is not too far from Hanoi, just passing through Thai Nguyen you will arrive. Therefore, if you are in the North, you will find it very easy to plan a Ba Be Lake trip. You can take a bus, motorcycle, or self-driving car. If you go by motorcycle, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the natural scenery along the way.
You can rely on the support of Google Maps. Or you can follow the route suggested by Mytour. From Hanoi, you go in the direction of the Hanoi expressway. Arrive at Thai Nguyen then turn onto National Highway 3. When you reach the intersection with TL 268, turn left towards Dinh Hoa (Cho Chu). Continue along TL 254 until you reach Bang Lung (Cho Don). From there, you go about 40 km further to reach Ba Be.
Make sure to prepare a full tank of gas if you're going on a 'road trip' to Ba Be Lake! (Image source: Collection)
If you choose public transport, you can go to major bus stations. Starting from Hanoi, you can go to bus stations like My Dinh, Gia Lam, Giap Bat... There are also many bus companies for you to choose from. Remember to research beforehand to catch the right bus and be on time!
If you are in provinces and cities in the Central or Southern regions, you must catch a bus to Hanoi. There are many domestic airlines operating flights here. Remember to book your ticket in advance to enjoy the benefits. Then from Hanoi, you will choose a suitable means of transportation to Ba Be.
Must-Visit Tourist Attractions at Ba Be Lake
If you have traveled to Ba Be Lake, you cannot miss the destinations here. Learn about them and plan your visit in advance. This will help you optimize your exploration time and visit more places. As well as saving time for your journey.
1.
Ba Be National Park
Having traveled to Ba Be Lake, you cannot miss Ba Be National Park. The scenery here is as beautiful as a painting, definitely mesmerizing you. You will be able to admire and enjoy all the scenes. From primeval forests to caves, limestone mountains, and underground streams...
To visit this place, you should rent a boat. The light boat will take you on a leisurely tour around the lake. The cost of renting a boat is very affordable. If you go with a group, everyone can share the rental cost together. A boat tour will take you to all the highlights here. Such as Fairy Cave, Widow Island, Pe Lam Lake, Puong Cave...
A small boat will take you to explore every corner of the national park (Image source: Collection)
The park covers an area of 7,610 hectares across 5 communes. They are Cao Thuong, Khang Ninh, Nam Mau, Quang Khe, and Cao Tri. That is why the national park possesses such a diverse ecosystem. Here there are more than 1,281 plant species, 322 resident bird species, 106 species of fish living under the lake, 533 species of insects, and 81 species of animals. Among them, 66 species are listed in the Red Book for conservation.
The clear blue water, the vibrant wild life will bring you a strangely relaxing feeling. If you are a nature lover, then traveling to Ba Be Lake is truly a very suitable choice for you. The poetic and majestic scenery here will surely captivate you.
2. Hua Ma Cave
Hua Ma Cave is also a destination you cannot miss when traveling to Ba Be Lake. This tourist destination is loved by many people for its captivating beauty. This place is associated with mysterious legends. Located on the side of the mountain at an altitude of 350 meters, it has brought this place a very special scenery.
The cave is located 6 km from Ba Be Lake. To get here, you will have to climb the 300-meter-long three-level stairs. Inside the cave are stalactites with unique shapes. This has made the space inside the cave more magnificent and mysterious.
The scenery inside Hua Ma Cave (Image source: Collection)
From the cave's location looking down, you will see the whole area of the lake in blue. The scenery is like a landscape painting painted by nature. To facilitate the exploration process, you should wear sandals or sneakers! This will help you move more easily and safely.
3. Puong Cave
During your trip to Ba Be Lake, you can also visit Puong Cave. The cave is located in the limestone area of Lung Nham. Puong Cave is formed by the Nang River flowing beneath the limestone. Inside the cave are many stalactites of various shapes and colors. To explore this place, you can rent a boat for the experience.
Travelers boating to explore Puong Cave (Image source: Collection)
Puong Cave is about 300 meters long and 30 meters high. This is a quite impressive destination loved by many tourists. Inside, you will see the underground river flowing through the mountain wall. Along with that is a smooth white sand beach. The cave is quite dark, so remember to bring a flashlight for a complete exploration!
4. Fairy Cave
Many tourists often visit Fairy Cave during their trip to Ba Be Lake. This destination is a nationally recognized cultural heritage. It is associated with the famous and popular legend of the seven beautiful fairies. It is a well-known and popular story that when you visit the cave, if you are lucky, you will hear it recounted.
One day, the seven fairies decided to descend to the mortal world together. The fairies were so engrossed in bathing that they forgot the time to return. At that time, the sky gate was closed, so the fairies had to hide in the human world. Out of pity, the heavens created this cave for the fairies to rest overnight. Later, the cave was named after that legend.
Fairy Cave with its pristine and mysterious beauty (Image source: Collection)
This cave is located deep underground, about 60 meters. Inside the cave are countless natural stalactites, possessing a dazzling beauty. This has made the cave become splendid and magnificent. There will be cracks and small crevices in the cave. Light and air flow into the cave through them. Therefore, tourists will not feel suffocated or cramped when visiting here.
Around the cave, there are also many eateries serving specialties of Bac Kan. Typical dishes include Cao Minh vermicelli, Beijing roast pork... After a tiring tour, you will surely need to recharge your energy. If so, enjoy the food here!
5. An Ma Temple
The next stop on your trip to Ba Be Lake is An Ma Temple. This temple is located right in the middle of the lake and has a long history. This place worships Buddha, Lord Son Trang, and Goddess Thuong Ngan. Especially, it worships the spirits of the Mac family in the ancient Mac - Le war.
The island where the temple is located has a turtle-shaped rock, protruding about 30 meters high, which looks very prominent. Everywhere is covered with green trees. Setting foot here, you also have the opportunity to admire the magnificent natural landscape. An Ma Temple on this island adds to its sacred and mystical charm.
A sacred destination visited by many tourists (Source: Collection)
According to legend, in the ancient Mac - Le battle, the defeated generals retreated here. When they reached Puong Cave, they ended their lives. Mourning for their heroic sacrifice, the people built An Ma Temple. This temple was originally built to commemorate the Mac family. Because they feared the destruction by the Le family, they intentionally mispronounced it as An Ma as it is known today. In the Tay language, this phrase also means “a beautiful resting place”.
6. Silver Waterfall, Ban Vang
Thac Bac Ban Vang is also a destination sought after by many when visiting Ba Be Lake. From afar, the waterfall cascades down in a white strip, resembling a strip of silk. This 'silk strip' starts from the Khau Vang Pass and flows down below, creating a clear water lake with foamy white water and rugged rocks.
The waterfall is about 40 meters high with almost vertical rock walls. The water continuously pouring down creates a delightful sound. Everything blends together like a symphony of the mountains. Surrounding it is the green color of the lush forest. Don't forget to check-in at this majestic spot!
This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ba Be Lake (Source: Collection)
Despite being developed, the natural scenery here remains very pristine. Many tourists immerse themselves in the waterfall's water. Cooling off and relaxing while admiring the surrounding landscape is an incredibly wonderful experience. You will surely be impressed by the peace and beauty that the scenery brings.
7. Dau Dang Waterfall
For those who love to explore, you cannot miss Dau Dang Waterfall. Your trip to Ba Be Lake will be even more amazing if you visit this place. The waterfall is located between two rocky mountain ranges on the Nang River. The waterfall cascades from a height of 500 meters, creating a majestic landscape.
The beauty of Dau Dang Waterfall leaves us speechless (Image source: Collected)
When you come here, you also have the opportunity to admire a giant and rare fish species. That's the Giant Barb. They are large and very healthy. Some weigh more than 10 kg. For many tourists, this is truly a fascinating and exciting destination.
Things to Note When Traveling to Ba Be Lake
If you are planning a trip to Ba Be Lake, there are some things you should pay attention to. These are very useful and will make your trip smoother. Here are a few tips that Mytour wants to share with you.
Researching tips before your trip is always necessary (Image source: Collected)
- It is advisable to prioritize sneakers, not high heels or flip-flops. This will make your movement more comfortable and easier. Even in summer, it is advisable to bring a thin coat. Because in the evening or early morning, the temperature may drop. In cold weather, you must definitely bring a warm coat.
- If you travel to Ba Be Lake from May to July, you must bring an umbrella and a raincoat. Because this is also the rainy season in Bac Kan.
- There will not be many ATMs in the highlands, so you need to have enough cash on you.
- You may be bitten by insects during your visit. Therefore, bring insect repellent. Also, remember to bring basic medicines. Because in the vast mountains and forests, it will be very difficult to find a pharmacy.
If you're unsure where to go next, consider traveling to Ba Be Lake. This is truly a wonderful destination highly rated by both domestic and international tourists. This travel destination will bring you many joys and precious memories. To book a tour to Bac Kan, contact Mytour via hotline Mytour!