Ba Be where Nature Queen awaits

8th February 2017

Ba Be national park is a very special place in North Vietnam. Located about 240 kilometers from Hanoi to the North, Ba Be is one of the oldest national parks of the country. Its lake, the largest natural lake in Vietnam, and its mature primary forest are home to hundreds of different species of birds, primates and fishes.

This is a true environmental treasure and gives to every visitor this feeling to unveil a natural kingdom. Ba Be showcases this very unique majesty. This is most probably due to the sparkling colors of the waters of the lake and to the lush green cloud-capped limestone mountains, but there is an harmony in the whole and a very serene atmosphere can be felt out of it.

Ba Be National Park

The park is inhabited by several small communities of Tay and Dao ethnic people. The most famous village is Pac Ngoi, a nice little hamlet lying by the lake, where most of the wooden stilt-houses serve as family-ran guesthouses and welcome visitors all year long. We highly recommend to board a local tuk-tuk boat and venture on the lake.

Pac Ngoi Village

Journey across it and cruise the Nang River to the house of the famous and so-called Mr Pirate. He and his wife are certainly the best cooks of the jungle. They run a restaurant in Dau Dang hamlet, a nice little spot tucked away from any road and only accessible through waterways. Our personal tip: get some duck sausage there and one or more cups of corn wine with the host.

Ba Be Lake

The national park is also an ideal ground for trekkers. Lots of single trails mingle across mountains and forest. This will be an unique opportunity to meet with the Dao people living in the park and taste some rugged remoteness. We highly advise to spend at least 2 nights in Ba Be. It can be included in a loop to Cao Bang province or to the legendary Ha Giang and its UNESCO Geopark.