Ba Be National Park

Ba Be Lake is the only significant natural freshwater lake on a large mountain in Northern Vietnam. From Thai Nguyen City, the capital of Bac Thai province, you follow Highway 3 to the towns of Bac Can and Phu Thong. After another 16 km, you will arrive at Ba Be Lake, approximately 225 km from Hanoi. Ba Be Lake is situated at an altitude of about 145m above sea level, 8 km long, 3 km wide, and approximately 20-30m deep.

Ba Be Lake is nestled amidst the majestic limestone mountain range in Ba Be District, Bac Kan Province, 180 km northwest of Hanoi, encompassing the communes of Nam Mau, Khang Ninh, Cao Thuong, Quang Khe, Cao Tri. In 2004, Ba Be National Park was recognized as the ASEAN Heritage Garden.

In fact, the lake is a combination of three smaller lakes named Pe Lam, Pe Lu, and Pe Leng, hence the name Ba Be (which means Three Lakes in Vietnamese) originated from this. Ba Be Lake is surrounded by limestone mountains and dense forests, serving as the habitat for many rare bird and animal species. Visitors can take a traditional dugout canoe to explore the small islands such as Po Ga Mai and An Ma, and Puong Grotto. The grotto is approximately 300m long, with a height and width ranging from 30-40m. The stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave are beautiful and diverse in form. Some resemble reclining Buddhas, sitting tigers, climbing monkeys, and more. If time permits, tourists can take a one-hour boat ride to visit Dau Dang Waterfall. The three-tiered waterfall, standing at 100m tall, adds to the magnificent scenery.