Ba Be is a big natural lake in Vietnam, found in Ba Be National Park, which is a well-known spot for eco-friendly tourism. If you’re up north in Vietnam and craving some nature relaxation, this is the place to be. Now, let’s check out some handy info about this travel spot in the northern region.
Where is Ba Be Lake?
Ba Be Lake, located 70 km northwest of Bac Kan city in Vietnam, consists of three lakes: Pe Leng, Pe Lu, and Pe Lam. It covers about 500 hectares, is 8 km long, and has an average depth of 20 meters, with the deepest point at 35 meters.
Surrounded by limestone mountains and underground streams, the lake is home to rare fish species. It gained international recognition in 1995 for its importance as a freshwater lake, became a national historical and cultural site in 1996, and earned Ramsar site status in 2011 for its global wetland importance.
How to go to Ba Be Lake?
Bac Kan is situated in the Northeast region and is approximately 165 km away from Hanoi. To get from Hanoi to Bac Kan, there are three options:
- Take the old National Highway 3, which takes about 3 hours and is suitable for motorbike travel.
- Follow the Hanoi – Thai Nguyen Expressway and then continue on National Highway 3, which takes around 2 hours but is only accessible by car.
- If you are taking an Extended Ha Giang Loop route, you can also visit Ba Be Lake.
From Bac Kan city to Ba Be Lake, there are two routes:
- Take provincial road 256, which is approximately 60 km in length.
- Take provincial road 257 to Don market and continue to Ba Be, covering about 70 km.
Passenger buses depart from My Dinh bus station in Hanoi. You can choose from bus companies that operate routes between Hanoi and Bac Kan or Cao Bang. These buses often pass through famous tourist destinations, including Ba Be Lake.
For tourists traveling from Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces, the most practical way is to fly to Hanoi and then follow the aforementioned instructions to reach Bac Kan.
When is the best time to go to Ba Be Lake?
You can visit Ba Be Lake throughout the year, as each season offers its unique charm. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons:
- Rainy Season (April to October): This period brings rain, making the surroundings lush and vibrant. The lake is at its fullest during these months.
- Dry Season (November to February): This season is characterized by cold weather, with temperatures sometimes dropping to 0 degrees Celsius, and frost can occur.
However, the ideal time to explore Ba Be Lake is from February to April. During this period, the weather is pleasantly cool, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Additionally, on January 9 and 10 (lunar calendar), you can immerse yourself in numerous festivals that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the local ethnic groups.
Where to stay in Ba Be lake?
In the vicinity of Ba Be Lake, you’ll find a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets:
Hotels and Homestays: Prices for a room for two people vary from 150,000 VND to 1.2 million VND. Community houses typically cost between 70,000 VND to 100,000 VND per person. Accommodation options near Ba Be Lake often consist of local homestays, some with balconies or rooms overlooking the lake. Keep in mind that the amenities here are basic. If you prefer more fully equipped accommodations, you might want to choose a place situated 1 to 2 km away from the lakeside, near the national park gate area.
Recommended Places: According to Tripadvisor, you can consider staying at the following places: Thai Binh Hotel, Saigon Ba Be Hotel, Ba Be National Park Hotel, as well as homestays like Huyen Hao, Tran Xuan, and Hoang Nguyen.
Camping: Camping along the lake is a popular and recent experience that many tourists have enjoyed. Some recommended camping locations include the alluvial land at the end of the Leng River in Pac Ngoi village, Hoi Xuan beach, Lac Nga garden, and Puong cave. Camping prices typically range from 1 to 2 million VND per person, depending on the level of services provided.
These diverse options cater to various preferences and budgets, ensuring you can find the right accommodation for your Ba Be Lake adventure.
Things to explore when in Ba Be Lake
Enjoy the lake
When visiting Ba Be Lake, you have several options for exploring its beauty on the water:
Boat Tours: You can rent a boat for your adventure, and there are typically two departure points: Ba Be Lake and Nang River. These boats can accommodate 12 people for Vietnamese guests and 10 people for foreign guests. Rental prices vary based on the duration (2 to 8 hours) and route, ranging from 300,000 VND to 1 million VND.
Kayak and SUP (Stand-Up Paddle Board): These newer services have become available in the last 2-3 years. You can rent a group of 3 boats for about 1.2 to 1.5 million VND per day. Life jackets are provided to ensure safety, and each group of 3 boats can accommodate up to 6 people.
Guided Tours: If you prefer a guided experience, there is a tour departing from Hanoi that combine activities like SUP, kayaking, and trekking through the national forest. This tour allow you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the North. Package tour prices typically range from 2 to 3 million VND per person and last for two weekends.
Dugout Boat: For a more traditional and cultural experience, consider riding in a dugout boat. These boats have been used by the Tay people around the lake for generations. They are crafted from large trees, about 50 cm wide and 5 to 10 meters long, and are operated using oars. Dugout boats are typically small and can carry 2-3 people at a time.
Pac Ngoi Village
Located in Nam Mau commune, this village is home to around 40 Tay ethnic people. Nestled near the Leng River and Ba Be Lake, it boasts traditional Tay architecture, with ancient stilt houses adorned with yin and yang-tiled roofs.
The villagers make a living through farming, livestock raising, and fishing in Ba Be Lake. Pac Ngoi offers visitors the chance to savor local delicacies like bamboo-tube rice, grilled fish with sour meat, and five-color sticky rice. You can also engage in activities such as fishing, canoeing, and enjoying the beautiful singing of Tay girls.
Hua Ma Cave
Situated within Ba Be National Park, Hua Ma Cave is easily accessible via a 300-meter path from Co Don mountain’s base, complete with stairs for your convenience. The cave entrance measures 3 meters in width and 5 meters in height.
Once inside, you’ll find a vast expanse, spanning about 1 hectare with towering walls and stunning stalactites. Legend has it that this cave was once the domain of a devil, but a vigilant court general, upon hearing the cries of unjust souls, organized a grand ceremony and sacrificed horses to appease the spirits. Afterward, the haunting cries ceased, and over time, stalactites formed, making it a revered destination.
Dau Dang Waterfall
Found along the Nang River, nestled between Bac Kan and Tuyen Quang, Dau Dang Waterfall is a remarkable natural wonder. The Nang River flows through the limestone mountain of Lung Nham, creating the famous Puong Cave. As the river reaches Hua Tang village, it encounters numerous large rocks, forming this captivating waterfall. The waterfall extends over 1,000 meters, divided into three tiers, each spaced 3-4 meters apart. Notably, it’s also a habitat for the rare fried fish species, some of which can weigh several tens of kilograms.
Fairy Lake (Ao Tien):
Fairy Lake, known locally as Ao Tien, is a charming small lake spanning approximately 3 hectares in size. What makes it truly unique is its underground water connections to Ba Be Lake and nearby caves. This intricate system ensures that, despite being situated around 100 meters from Ba Be Lake, Ao Tien is always filled with water. The lake is encircled by moss-covered steps, limestone mountains, and ancient forests, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The ambiance around the lake exudes a sense of peace and mystery, often piquing the curiosity of visitors who come to explore its enchanting surroundings.
Local cuisine near Ba Be Lake
When you visit Ba Be Lake, make sure to savor these delightful local dishes:
Grilled Fish
A beloved local delicacy, grilled fish showcases the freshest catch from the lake. Fishermen clean the fish and marinate them with a blend of distinctive spices before grilling them over charcoal. The result is a mouthwatering dish best enjoyed piping hot, alongside other regional specialties.
Sausage
Ba Be Lake’s sausage is crafted from Ban pork and stands out due to its unique use of rock ginger in the marinade. This ginger, known for its spicy and aromatic qualities, thrives in limestone mountain regions, imparting its distinct flavor to the sausage. After preparation, the sausages are either smoked or stored in kitchens for long-term preservation. Many locals savor these sausages, which become even more delectable when paired with local wine.
Kitchen Smoked Buffalo Meat
Similar to kitchen-smoked buffalo meat found in the Northwestern highlands, the Tay ethnic people in this region also use this method to preserve meat for year-round consumption. Hanging meat in the kitchen not only ensures its long-term preservation but also enhances its flavor. To this day, locals continue to prepare meat dishes in their kitchens for special occasions, such as entertaining distinguished guests or celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year). These dishes are a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the area.
Some useful notes when visiting Ba Be Lake
- Weather: The mornings and evenings at Ba Be Lake can be quite cold, even during the summer months. It’s advisable to bring a jacket to keep warm.
- Mosquito and Insect Repellent: Due to the natural surroundings, it’s essential to have mosquito and insect repellent cream with you to protect yourself from bites.
- Food and Supplies: There aren’t many food and grocery stores in the village, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and bring snacks and drinks with you. It’s also recommended to arrange meals in advance.
- Transportation: If you plan to stay in Pac Ngoi village, you can catch a motorbike taxi at the national park gate or ask your homestay host to arrange transportation for you. This will ensure you have a convenient way to reach your accommodation and explore the area.
