With the diverse and unique beauty granted by nature, Ba Be Lake – a must-go destination in any North Vietnam tour packages – has long been recognized as a hidden jewel lying in the middle of Northeast forest. The endless stretch of green primaeval forests and the stunning emerald water of Ba Be have never failed to amaze nature lovers and make them fall head over hills with this land.

Located 200km from Hanoi, Ba Be Lake – a part of Ba Be National Park of Bac Can Province – is ranked as one of the 20 largest freshwater lakes in the world and is famous for its unique geological and biodiversity landscapes. There is no exaggeration to say that Ba Be National Park is one of the best places to create the feeling of being “alive” again and is highly recommended to be included in your North Vietnam tour packages.
Ba Be Lake is believed to be formed around 200 million of years ago so that the lake is able to preserve its ancient and primordial beauty with timeless colours. It is not difficult to recognize Ba Be Lake as a huge mirror reflecting the clouds and mountains, creating a harmonious and diverse natural landscape with lively, subtle and fanciful colours.
 
 

 
Not proving to be less inferior, Ba Be National Park – situated in the bow of Gam River and embracing Chay River with an area of 7,610ha, of which 3,226ha is the strict protection zone – is a region rich in biodiversity and is characterized by the typical features of typical montane forests and mountain lakes. Besides, the fauna of Ba Be is also varied in species and numbers and there 66 rare and endemic species listed in the World Red Book as well as Vietnam’s. In the center of Ba Be Park is Ba Be Lake with over 500ha of water surface and is home of 106 endemic freshwater fish species as well as an important source of fresh water for residents living around the area.

If you are a fan of natural beauty and special culture of ethnic minorities, Ba Be is made especially just for you with a variety of activities that is certain to keep you busy all day long.
Yearning for a sanctuary to escape from the crazy life of the city, Pac Ngoi – a beautiful small village lying peacefully by Ba Be Lake – is a perfect destination for relaxing and experiencing the rich culture of local communities, especially Tay people. Pac Ngoi is one of a few villages that have preserved most of the traditional customs of Tay ethnic group under the effect of tourism. Tay people distinguish themselves from other ethnic groups with their wooden simple stilt houses sitting peacefully on the bank of the river, blending harmoniously with the fertile cornfields in the front and the huge mountain ranges behind. Tay people rely mostly on farming and fishing for a living and can be seen fishing on their special dugouts called “doc moc” – made skillfully from one tree trunk and extremely narrow – can glide effortlessly through the water. Besides being known as talented woodworkers, Tay people are also gifted with weaving and brocade embroidery and their looms are recognized as the biggest and most complicated of all looms in Vietnam.

Exciting for a little bit of adventure? Puong Cave (Cao Thuong Commune) draws a huge amount of attention from adventurers. The cave which is 300 meters high, with vertical cliffs and stalactites of various shapes and colours, was formed when the Năng River flowed through Lung Nham limestone mountains, creating a spectacular view of limestone landscape, along with an open access for the Nang River to flow out freely. Inside the cave, explorers are welcomed by hundreds of strange shapes of stalactites hanging down from the ceiling and shining brightly on the water surface.
 
 

 
Puong Cave is also considered a shelter of thousands of night creatures – bats. Another destination to satisfy the urge of adventure is Hua Mạ Cave, which lies silently on the Lonely Mountain in the middle of Ma Forest (Ghost Forest). Hua Ma Cave is well-known for a mysterious legend. According to local legend, Ghost Forest was a place dominated by devils. One day, there was a general passing this way when he heard the hurtful crying of ghost souls of military people who assisted the King against the enemy but was not able to rest peacefully. The general’s troops decided to camp by the river Leng and cut down a horse’s head to make a sacrifice to the gods. Immediately, the howling stopped and over the years there have sprung up many extraordinary stalagmites. From then on, the name “Hua Ma” is created, which means “Horse’s Head” in the local language.

Furthermore, there are different types of other leisure activities for travellers to choose from such as canoeing by “Doc Moc” boats along the lake, trekking in the primaeval forests or cycling through winding trails with endless rows of green trees on both sides. The alluring scent of flowers floating in the air follows you in every step and soothes the worrying souls of those travelling to Ba Be. Paying a visit to Ba Be, tourists are advised to admire the tranquil beauty of Ba Be Lake. Ba Be National Park also savours the great culinary specialities.

Stir-fried fish in bamboo-shaped tubes is very savory. The seafood got freshly caught and under the skillful hands of Tay women. This special dish comes into shape. The fish is caught by manual methods, washed clean, sandwiched in bamboo tubes to drain out water and then roasted on charcoal.
Colourful sticky rice: the sticky rice, using natural materials to create colours such as green, red, purple or black. Which is dyed and mixed together to obtain an attractive colour.
Ba Be National Park, with its exceptional natural beauty, interesting activities and a diverse cuisine, has succeeded in gaining its own reputation on the top list of North Vietnam tour packages. If you are in Vietnam and interested in discovering more about Hanoi – the capital and its significance, we invite you to join us at Free Walking Tours Hanoi. We’ll take you across the building, and provide you with a unique perspective of the city. Book now and don’t miss out on this amazing experience.