Ba Be travel guide: Top things to do for an unforgettable trip

The name "Ba Be" translates to "Three Lakes," referring to the three interconnected sections of Ba Be Lake: Pe Lam, Pe Lu, and Pe Leng. Formed over 200 million years ago, Ba Be Lake is one of the oldest natural lakes in the world. Its tranquil and otherworldly beauty captivates all visitors. Let's explore this fascinating place with Hanoi Voyages now!

Discover Ba Be: A natural wonder in Bac Kan province

Ba Be is located in Bac Kan province, approximately 220 km north of Hanoi. The area is part of Ba Be National Park, which spans over 23,000 hectares and is home to diverse flora and fauna, stunning waterfalls, mysterious caves, and charming rivers. The park is also home to the Tay, Nung, and Dao ethnic minorities, who have lived in harmony with nature for centuries.

Ideal time to visit Ba Be: The best months for your trip

Ba Be is beautiful year-round, but the best time to start your Ba Be travel is from February to April when it is cool, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The temperature is from 25 to 30 degrees. On January 9 and 10, there are many festivals bearing the cultural identity of the ethnic groups in the region.

The rainy season (May to August) brings heavy rainfall, which can make some trails muddy and slippery, but the lake remains fresh and full of life.

How to get to Ba Be

From Hanoi to Ba Be:

• By bus: Take a bus from My Dinh Bus Station to Cho Ra Town, then transfer to a motorbike taxi or private car to reach Ba Be (~5–6 hours).
• By private car: Hiring a private car is the most convenient option, allowing for flexibility and stops at scenic viewpoints along the way.
• By motorbike: For adventure seekers, riding a motorbike from Hanoi to Ba Be offers an exciting journey, but check the weather and road conditions beforehand.

From other cities:

• By plane: The nearest major airport is Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. From there, you’ll need to travel by road to reach Ba Be.

Ba Be travel top highlights: Best tourist attractions to explore

Ba Be is not only famous for being the largest freshwater lake in Vietnam but also for its breathtaking natural landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich ethnic culture. Here are the best places to visit in Ba Be.

Ba Be Lake – The heart of Ba Be travel

No Ba Be travel guide is complete without mentioning Ba Be Lake, the crown jewel of Ba Be National Park. Ba Be Lake stretches over 8 km in length, with its widest point reaching 2 km. The lake covers an area of approximately 500 hectares, with an average depth of 20 meters.

There are many species of water and freshwater fish, including many species especially rare and precious ones recorded in the Vietnam Red Book such as Chép Kình fish, Rầm Xanh fish, and Chiên fish.

Visiting Ba Be Lake, visitors can choose the form of renting canoe, kayak or dug-out canoe (thuyền độc mộc).

Hua Ma Cave

Located 10 km from Ba Be Lake, Hua Ma Cave is one of the most spectacular Ba Be travel attractions. The cave is located at an altitude of 350m above sea level and is about 700m long. When you come here, you will be surprised by many walls with stalactites that are both magical and unique. One of the impressive points that makes this cave famous is that all stalactites are 100% naturally formed. Without any human intervention, they still have unique and strange shapes.

Because it was formed and surrounded by mountains, forests, and trees, the inside of the cave always has a fresh, cool atmosphere. Even if you come here during the hot season, the temperature in the cave will be much more pleasant. When coming here, visitors can freely take souvenir photos and check in with unique stalactite shapes.

• Entrance fee: 25,000 VND (~$1)

Dau Dang Waterfall

Dau Dang Waterfall is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Ba Be National Park. Located on the Nang River, this waterfall flows between towering rock formations, creating a wonderful cascade.

As one of the best places to visit in Ba Be, Dau Dang Waterfall captivates visitors with its breathtaking beauty. From below, you can watch the rushing water crash against the rocks, creating a mesmerizing display of white foam and mist.

On sunny days, the sunlight reflects off the water, making the sparkling foam shimmer like diamonds, adding to the waterfall's enchanting charm.

Ao Tien (Fairy Pond)

If you have the opportunity to visit Ba Be Lake, you cannot miss the charming Ao Tien - a place associated with an extremely interesting legend. Located in the Ba Be Lake complex with vast primeval forests, Ao Tien is a small lake about 3 hectares wide, this lake has underground water streams connecting with Ba Be Lake and nearby caves.

According to local legends, fairies once bathed in this pond, giving it a mystical aura. Although Ao Tien is just 100 meters from Ba Be Lake, it remains full of water all year round. The pond is circular with moss-covered stone steps and limestone mountains. Its mysterious charm and untouched beauty make it a fascinating attraction for visitors exploring Ba Be travel.

Pac Ngoi Village

Pac Ngoi village is located in Nam Mau commune, Ba Be district. This is home to the Tay ethnic minority, who live in traditional wooden stilt houses along the lake. The stilt houses here are all built against the mountain, with the doors facing the lake, creating a poetic feeling amidst the overwhelming natural scenery.

The people mainly live by cultivation, animal husbandry, and fishing from Ba Be Lake. Here visitors can enjoy local specialties like grilled lake fish, five-colored sticky rice, and bamboo-tube rice. Beyond the food, it's also a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Tay culture, discovering their customs, folklore, and traditional Then singing performances - a unique and soulful musical heritage.

What to do in Ba Be: Exciting outdoor activities to try

Ba Be National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Below are the top activities you shouldn't miss during your Ba Be travel experience.

Kayaking on Ba Be Lake

One of the most thrilling ways to explore Ba Be Lake is by kayaking. Unlike traditional boat tours, kayaking gives you the freedom to paddle at your own pace, allowing you to get up close to hidden caves, limestone cliffs, and peaceful inlets. The lake’s calm and clear waters make it ideal for both beginners and experienced kayakers.

• Kayak boat rental ranges from 150,000 - 250,000 VND (~$5,86 - $9,76) /person/boat.

If you want to explore the vast lake, you can rent a canoe (carrying up to 10 people) or experience a dug-out canoe ride with charming Tay girls in traditional indigo dresses.

Trekking in Ba Be National Park

For those seeking adventure, trekking in Ba Be National Park is a must-try experience during your Ba Be travel journey. Ba Be National Park offers a variety of challenging trekking routes, ranging from 20 to 50 km. As you hike through the dense primeval forests and follow the scenic mountain trails used by locals, you'll get a firsthand experience of the daily life of the Tay, Dao, and H’mong people.

The most rewarding part of the journey is spending the night in a traditional homestay, where you can immerse yourself in ethnic culture, enjoy local cuisine, and connect with the warm-hearted villagers. This Ba Be travel experience is an unforgettable way to explore both nature and culture in one trip.

Cycling around Ba Be National Park

Cycling is a fantastic way to explore the peaceful countryside surrounding Ba Be Lake. The roads pass through Tay and Dao villages, rice fields, and scenic viewpoints, offering a unique perspective of the area. At Ba Be Lake, you can rent a bicycle with an attractive price from 90,000 - 100,000 VND (~$3.51 - $3.90)/bike/day.

Explore Ba Be’s cuisine: Traditional dishes you can’t miss

One of the best ways to experience Ba Be travel is through its authentic local cuisine. Here are the must-try dishes in Ba Be that you shouldn’t miss!

Thịt lợn gác bếp (Smoked pork)

Smoked pork, or thịt lợn gác bếp, is a traditional dish of the Tay and Dao ethnic groups in Ba Be National Park. To prepare it, fresh pork is marinated with salt, ginger, and local spices, then hung over a wood-burning stove for weeks, allowing the smoke to naturally preserve the meat. This process gives the pork a rich, smoky aroma and a slightly chewy texture, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Lạp sườn (Smoked sausage)

Smoked sausage in Ba Be Lake is made from local pork. A unique point is that the sausage here is marinated with rock ginger, the fragrant spicy ginger only grows on the limestone mountains with its own flavor. After processing, sausages are smoked or kitchen guard so that it can be preserved for a long time. This is a favorite food for many people and is more delicious when targeting local wine.

Xôi ngũ sắc (Five-colored sticky rice)

A staple in Ba Be’s ethnic cuisine, five-colored sticky rice is a visually stunning dish made from glutinous rice dyed with natural ingredients like turmeric (yellow), gấc fruit (red), pineapple leaves (green), butterfly pea flower (blue) and magenta plant (purple/black). The colors symbolize good luck, prosperity, and harmony in Tay culture.

Bánh giầy lá ngải (Absinthe cake)

In addition to savory dishes, Ba Be cuisine is also known for its delicious traditional cakes. One of the most famous is bánh giầy ngải, also called bánh lá ngải. The cake is made from sticky rice flour with sesame and rock sugar filling, rolled in mugwort leaves, and steamed. When you take a bite, you will feel the smoothness of the sticky rice flour, the rich taste of sesame, the sweetness of sugar, along with the aroma of mugwort leaves.

Ba Be travel tips: What to know before you visit?

To make your Ba Be travel as smooth and unforgettable as possible, Hanoi Voyages gives some useful travel tips to help you get ready for your holiday.

Check visa requirements

If you plan to visit Ba Be, check Vietnam's visa requirements in advance. Many nationalities, including ASEAN countries, the UK, and the EU, can enter visa-free for 15 to 45 days. Most other travelers can apply for a 90-day e-visa online, which takes around 5 to 7 days to process. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and print your e-visa approval before traveling.

For a detailed guide on Vietnam visas, check out our Vietnam Visa Formalities

Pack appropriately

Packing the right essentials will make your Ba Be travel experience more comfortable and hassle-free.

• Comfortable trekking shoes: Essential for exploring Ba Be National Park, Hua Ma Cave, and jungle trails.

• Lightweight, breathable clothing: The weather can be warm during the day.

• Warm layers (November–February): Temperatures can drop at night.

• Waterproof jacket and bag cover: Necessary during the rainy season (May–August).

• Insect repellent: Protect yourself from mosquitoes, especially in forested areas.

• Cash: ATMs are limited in Ba Be, so bring enough cash for your stay.

• Reusable water bottle: Reduce plastic waste and stay hydrated.

• Flashlight or headlamp: Useful for cave exploration and night walks.

Getting a SIM card

Buying a local SIM card when traveling to Vietnam, especially if you plan to visit rural areas like Ba Be. You can buy a SIM at the airport when coming to Vietnam or at the official stores of mobile carriers such as Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone or through the ESIM application.

For more details, you can read our blog Sim card in Vietnam: Everything things you need to know

Respect local culture and environment

Ba Be is home to the Tay, Dao, and H’mong ethnic communities, who have lived in harmony with nature for generations. Visitors should be mindful of their customs and traditions.

• Dress modestly when visiting ethnic villages.

• Ask permission before taking photos of locals.

• Support local businesses by purchasing handmade crafts and booking homestays.

• Do not litter – Help preserve the pristine beauty of Ba Be National Park.

Safety tips for outdoor activities

Exploring Ba Be National Park requires some precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

• Hire a local guide for trekking to avoid getting lost.

• Be cautious when kayaking, especially in deep waters or during windy conditions.

• Wear proper footwear when exploring caves, as surfaces can be slippery.

• Follow park regulations to protect wildlife and natural habitats.

Ba Be is a perfect destination for those seeking nature, adventure, and cultural experiences. Let Hanoi Voyages handle all the details for a smooth and well-organized trip. With expertly curated itineraries, private tours, and local insights, we ensure you experience the best of Ba Be travel in comfort and style. Contact Hanoi Voyages today to start planning your adventure!