Buzz
Ba Be Lake tourism is currently becoming a trend. This is a fairly famous name on the tourist 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!
About Ba Be Lake
Ba Be Lake is located in Bac Kan province, a tourist destination 200 km from Hanoi. This precious gem has been recognized as an ASEAN National Park. It is also one of the 20 most beautiful lakes in the world recognized by UNESCO. To achieve this title, you can also imagine to some extent the beauty of it.
The water surface area of the lake is up to 650 hectares. The lake was formed by the tectonic event of Southeast Asia 200 million years ago. Ba Be Lake is not just a simple tourist landscape, it also plays a role in regulating water sources. That's why this lake plays a very important role in the environment.
It is not wrong to liken the beauty of Ba Be Lake to a painting (Source: Collected)
The lake is 20 meters deep, with the deepest point reaching 35 meters. Surrounding the lake are majestic, lush green mountains. Therefore, Ba Be Lake tourism is very suitable for nature lovers. Here, you will breathe in the fresh air deeply. Due to the influence of hydrology and geology, the lake has a quite unique structure. The most outstanding thing to mention is that the lake has never dried up.
Along with that is an ecosystem that is equally diverse. This, combined together, has created a picturesque natural landscape. Therefore, Ba Be Lake tourism has become a very attractive choice. The number of tourists booking Northern Vietnam tours in 2024 to visit here is increasing. If you need a quiet place to heal, to purify your soul, then there is no better place than this.
Best Time to Visit Ba Be Lake
As Ba Be Lake acts as an air conditioner, the climate here is always cool. Therefore, you can visit Ba Be Lake at any time of the year. Especially in the summer from May to September, when the temperature is always high and quite hot. Therefore, this destination will become an ideal 'cooling place' for you.
In each season, the lake will have different landscapes. And above all, there are also very unique festivals. If you want to understand more about the beauty of the Tay ethnic culture, come to the lake from the 9th to the 11th day of the first lunar month. This is the time when the interesting Lồng Tồng festival takes place.
Visit Ba Be Lake on beautiful weather days (Source: Collected)
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 the unique folk culture activities such as boat racing, stilt walking, and con throwing...
Means of Transport for Ba Be Lake Travel
Ba Be Lake is not far from Hanoi, just passing through Thai Nguyen is already there. Therefore, if you are in the North, you will find it very easy to plan a trip to Ba Be Lake. You can take a bus, motorbike, or drive a car yourself. If you go by motorbike, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the natural scenery along the way.
You can ask for the support of Google Map. Or you can follow the route suggested by Mytour. From Hanoi, you go in the direction of the Hanoi highway. To Thai Nguyen and 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 another 40 km to reach Ba Be.
Make sure to prepare a full tank of gas if you're going on an adventure to Ba Be Lake! (Source: Collection)
If you choose public transportation, you can go to major bus stations. Starting from Hanoi, you can go to bus stations like My Dinh, Gia Lam, Giap Bat... And there are also many bus companies for you to choose from. Remember to check beforehand to catch the right bus and be on time!
If you are in provinces or cities in the Central or Southern regions, you will need to catch a bus to Hanoi. There are many domestic airlines operating flights to Hanoi. 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.
Unmissable Tourist Attractions at Ba Be Lake
If you've traveled to Ba Be Lake, you can't miss the attractions here. Research and plan your visit in advance. This will help you optimize your exploration time and visit more places, saving you time for your journey.
1. Ba Be National Park
Having visited Ba Be Lake, you cannot miss Ba Be National Park. The scenery here is beautiful like a painting, sure to mesmerize you. You will get to see and admire all kinds of landscapes. From primary forests to caves, limestone mountains, and underground streams...
To explore this place, you should rent a boat. A light boat will take you cruising around the lake. The cost of renting a boat is very affordable. If traveling with a group, you can share the rental cost. A boat tour will take you to all the highlights here. Such as the Fairy Cave, Widow Island, Pe Lam Lake, Puong Cave...
A small boat will take you to explore every corner of the national park (Source: Collection)
The park covers an area of 7,610 hectares across 5 communes. They are Cao Thương, Khang Ninh, Nam Mẫu, Quảng Khê, and Cao Trĩ. This is why the national park has such a diverse ecosystem. Here, there are more than 1,281 plant species, 322 resident bird species, 106 fish species living under the lake, 533 insect species, and 81 animal species. Among them, 66 species are listed in the Red Book for conservation.
The clear blue water, vibrant wild life will bring you a uniquely relaxing experience. If you love nature, traveling to Ba Be Lake is truly a great choice for you. The poetic and majestic scenery here will surely captivate you.
2. Hua Ma Cave
Hua Ma Cave is also a must-visit destination when traveling to Ba Be Lake. This tourist destination is loved by many people for its charming beauty. This place is associated with mysterious legendary stories. Located on the mountain slope at an altitude of 350 meters, it has brought a very special landscape here.
The cave is located 6 km from Ba Be Lake. To get here, you will have to climb the three-level steps for 300 meters. 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 (Source: Collection)
From the cave's location, you can see the entire green lake area. The scenery is like a landscape painting painted by nature. For convenience during the exploration process, you should wear sandals or sports shoes! 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 under the limestone. Inside the cave, there are many stalactites of various shapes and colors. To explore this place, you can rent a boat to experience it.
Tourists sitting on a boat exploring Puong Cave (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 water 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 Ba Be Lake trip. This destination is a nationally recognized cultural heritage. It is closely 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.
One day, the seven fairies decided to descend to the human world together. The fairies were so absorbed in bathing that they forgot the time to return. At that time, the sky gate was locked, so the fairies had to take shelter on Earth. Out of pity, the God created this cave for them to stay overnight. After that, the cave was named after that legend.
Fairy Cave with its pristine and mysterious beauty (Source: Collection)
This cave is located deep underground, about 60 meters. The cave contains numerous natural stalactites, which possess a sparkling beauty. This has made the cave become radiant and magnificent. Inside the cave, there are small crevices and niches. Light and air flow into the cave through these, so visitors will not feel suffocated or cramped when exploring here.
Around the cave, there are many eateries serving specialties of Bac Kan. Typical dishes include Cao Minh vermicelli, Beijing roasted pork... After a tiring tour, you will surely need to recharge. If so, enjoy the food here!
5. An Ma Temple
The next stop on your Ba Be Lake tour 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 Mother Thượng Ngàn. Especially, it also worships the middle gods of the Mac family in the old Mac - Le war.
The island where the temple is located has a turtle-shaped hill, rising 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 scenery. An Ma Temple on this island adds to its sacred and mysterious atmosphere.
A sacred destination visited by many tourists (Source: Collection)
According to legend, in the old Mac - Le battle, the defeated generals retreated here. When they reached Puong Cave, they ended their lives. In mourning for their heroic sacrifice, the people established An Ma Temple. This temple was originally built to commemorate the Mac family. Due to fear of destruction by the Le family, it was built off-center and became An Ma as it is 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 color, like a strip of silk. This 'silk strip' starts from the peak of Khau Vang Pass and flows down. It forms a clear water lake with foamy white water and rugged rocks.
The waterfall is about 40 meters high with nearly vertical cliffs. The water flows incessantly, creating a very pleasant sound. Everything blends together like a symphony of the mountains. Surrounding it is the green of the cool forest. Don't forget to check in at this majestic space!
This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ba Be Lake (Source: Collection)
Although it has been exploited, the natural scenery here is still very pristine. Many tourists immerse themselves in the waterfall's water. Bathing in the cool water while admiring the surrounding scenery is an incredibly wonderful experience. You will surely be impressed by the peace and beauty that the landscape brings.
7. Dau Dang Waterfall
For those who love to explore, Dau Dang Waterfall is a must-visit. Your Ba Be Lake trip will be even more fantastic if you stop by this place. The waterfall is located between two rocky mountain ranges on the Nang River. It cascades from a height of 500 meters, creating a majestic landscape.
The beauty of Dau Dang Waterfall is truly breathtaking (Image source: Collection)
Visitors here also have the opportunity to admire a giant and rare fish species. That's the Giant Carp. They are large and very healthy. Some weigh more than 10 kg. For many tourists, this is truly a fascinating and interesting destination.
Tips for Traveling to Ba Be Lake
If you're planning a trip to Ba Be Lake, there are some things you should keep in mind. These tips are very helpful 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 essential (Image source: Collection)
- 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's a good idea to bring a thin jacket. Because the temperature can drop low in the evening or early morning. In cold weather, you must definitely wear warm clothes.
- If you travel to Ba Be Lake from May to July, you must bring an umbrella and raincoat. Because that is also the period when Bac Kan enters the rainy season.
- There won't be many ATM machines in the highlands, so you should have enough cash on you.
- You may get insect bites during your visit. Therefore, bring insect repellent. And also remember to bring basic medicines. Because it will be very difficult to find a pharmacy in the wilderness.
If you're unsure where to go next, consider traveling to Ba Be Lake. This is truly a wonderful destination highly praised by both domestic and international tourists. This tourist spot will bring you lots of joy and precious memories. To book a tour to Bac Kan, contact Mytour via hotline Mytour!
