Ba Be Lake- A Masterpiece of Mother Nature

Ba Be Lake is the largest natural lake in VietNam and one of 100 largest freshwater lakes
in the world. It is located in Nam Mẫu commune, Ba Bể district, Bắc Kạn Province which
is about 230 kms to the north of Hanoi. Ba Be Lake was formed nearly 200 million years
ago, covering an area of 5 million square meters. It is divided into 3 parts: Pe Lam; Pe
Lung; Pe Leng.
Ba Be Lake is a paradise symbol of Bac Kan Province. Ba Be is a poetic and majestic
picture drawn by nature. With many popular sights to see, Ba Be Lake appeals to more
than a million tourists each year. Local people are very kind and hospitable, ready to help
each other. There, tourists can taste traditional foods of Bac Kan, which are made from
fresh ingredients. With its karst topography and poetic peaks, Bac Kan Province and Ba
Be Lake offers travelers majestic landscapes and exciting discoveries.

Things to do in Ba Be Lake

1. Climbing to Puong Cave

Puong Cave is a large cave in Ba Be National Park. Many people describe Puong Cave as
a giant shark’s jaw that swallows all boats inside. Getting into the cave by boat tourists
will be amazed by colorful stalactites with different sizes and different shapes. Tourists
also will have the opportunity to observe bats hanging themselves in cave’s ceiling.

Although millions of tourists visit it each year, Puong Cave is kept in its original form. If
you want to discover the beauty of Mother Nature, Puong Cave is definitely a destination
you must experience.

2. Walking in Hua Ma Cave

About 60 km to the northwest Bac Kan City, Hua Ma is a special cave because it is in the
middle of the “Lonely” Mountain. Hua Ma Cave is 350 metres high above sea level.
Tourists climb up staircases to the entrance of the cave. Hua Ma Cave is 700 metres long,
contains a large number of strange stalactites which stimulate visitors’ imaginations.
Extensive space of Hua Ma Cave makes travelers feel cool and comfortable.
3. Discovering Dau Dang Waterfall

The Nang River has created many impressive sights. One of them is Dau Dang Waterfall.
The height of Dau Dang Waterfall is 1000 metres with its ledges piled up together.
Visitors go to Dau Dang, sit on the rock, listen to the sound of water and enjoy the
formidable and charming rush of water.
Furthermore, Dau Dang Waterfall region is kingdom of the rare Chiem fish. Some fishes
of this species weight over 10 kg. Tourists who travel from March to April have a chance
to observe groups of Chiem fish jump over the waterfall.

4. Admiring Ferry Lake

According to the local myth, once upon a time, the ferry lake was the place where fairies
played chess and bathed. The lake is located at the second part of Ba Be Lake, in the
heart of Ba Be National Park. Ferry Lake is wrapped by forests and limestone mountains
which create a temperate climate. The water in the pond is always clear. Travelers also
will be fascinated by the diversity of animals and plants.

5. Photographing Ba Goa Island

Ba Goa Island is a beautiful, small island that lies in Ba Be Lake. This island was
formed by rocks of different sizes. These rocks pile up together and create Ba Goa Island.
The trees on the island make the island look like a giant.
Tourists travel to Ba Goa Island by boat. This is an ideal spot to have a surrounding view
of Ba Be Lake.

6. Bamboo Rafting in Ba Be lake

With freshwater and beauty all around, bamboo rafting a favorite activity on Ba Be Lake.

Tourist can paddle through the islets and discover hidden caves, and water rice fields. A
good time for bamboo rafting is in the early morning or late afternoon while enjoying
sunrise or sunset.

7. Walking/ cycling/ motorbiking in the villages

Ba Be lake is good place for cycling or motorbiking around flat roads in good weather
conditions. The scenery is beautiful with green mountains and blue rivers. When cycling
or motorbiking, you can truly experience local life with picturesque surroundings such as
buffalos, ducks, rice fields and farmers.
8. Visiting An Ma Temple
An Ma Temple is on An Ma Island in Ba Be Lake. This is an ancient temple which was
restored in 2006. Coming to this temple, tourist not only learn the historical story, but
also have a chance to learn about a typical temple of the Tay ethnic people. A colorful
festival is conducted from 6th to 10th of February on the lunar calendar.

Best Time toVisit Ba Be Lake

The average temperature in Ba Be Lake is from 21 oC to 23oC so it is mostly beautiful all

the time.

To admire the rice fields with vibrant yellow colours, tourist should visit from April to
May. If you prefer to swim in the lake, you should probably go from August to October
when Ba Be Lake has a cool and fresh atmosphere.

How to Get to Ba Be Lake from Ha Noi

1. By bus

-Price: 250000 VND (11 USD)

-Duration: 4 hours – 5 hours

 Buses run in specific times, tourist must be sure to check the timetable carefully.

2. By Personal Vehicles

There are two ways to go to Ba Be Lake:

-Ha Noi- Highway 3 Thai Nguyen- Bac Kan Town- Phu Thong Town- Cho Ra Town- Ba
Be Lake.

-Ha Noi- Highway 3 Thai Nguyen- Yen Do- Safety Zone Dinh Hoa- Chu Market- Cho
Don Town- Ba Be Lake.