Ba Vi National Park Travel Tips: Making the Most of Your Visit (Update 10/2024)

The hustle and bustle of life in Hanoi often make you crave an escape. Perhaps the best destination in the capital is Ba Vi National Park. Here, you can enjoy the fresh air while camping with 500 friends or go trekking. If you’re into photography, it’s the perfect place with a field of wildflowers in November. Moreover, the surrounding scenery offers many prominent spots like pine forests and a ruined church. When you travel to Ba Vi National Park, you’ll be constantly amazed by the stunning natural landscapes against the blue sky backdrop. Let RuudNguyen.com provide you with all the essential tips for your Ba Vi National Park adventure.

Introduction to Ba Vi National Park

Ba Vi National Park is situated in the Ba Vi mountain range, spanning across Ba Vi District in Hanoi and Luong Son and Ky Son Districts in Hoa Binh Province. It boasts a convenient location, just 15 km from Son Tay town and approximately 50 km west of Hanoi’s city center. Since the early 20th century, Ba Vi has been known for its diverse ecosystems, stunning landscapes, and pleasant climate. The region is part of a mountain range running from northeast to southwest, featuring peaks like Vua (1,296 m), Tan Vien (1,227 m), and Ngoc Hoa (1,131 m). Ba Vi is particularly popular among tourists, especially during the end of the year when the wildflowers, particularly the “hoa Dã Quỳ” (wild sunflowers), start to bloom.

The entrance to Ba Vi National Park (Photo collected)

Ba Vi National Park is located amidst the tourist areas of the Ba Vi mountain region. Ba Vi Mountain, also known as Mount Tan Vien, in Ba Vi District, is one of our country’s sacred peaks. It is closely associated with many spiritual legends and is the residence of one of the Four Immortals – Saint Tan Vien. Visitors cannot miss the opportunity to climb to the summit of Ba Vi Mountain, where the Upper Temple, Mother Temple, and especially President Ho Chi Minh’s temple are situated at the peak.

There are two popular highland resorts in Ba Vi, one at around 400 meters and the other at 600 meters above sea level, both dating back to the French colonial period. With its extremely clean and cool climate, Ba Vi National Park has long been a favored destination for both domestic and international tourists. The park is blessed with a diverse ecosystem and abundant plant life, often referred to as the “green lungs” to the west of Hanoi’s capital.

Experiencing a wonderful weekend getaway at Ba Vi National Park, visitors will immerse themselves in the majestic natural landscapes of the mountains and forests. Alongside that, they can explore eerie legends and relive the childhood story of Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh (Mountain God – Water God).

When is the best time to visit Ba Vi for tourism?

The rainy season typically starts in early summer around April and ends in October, with an average temperature of around 23ºC. Mid-summer sees the highest average temperature at around 28.6ºC. If you’re enduring the stifling heat in the city, heading to the Ba Vi mountain to escape the heat is a feasible option. Based on this information, you can plan your visit to Ba Vi according to your personal preferences. Here are some suggestions for the best time to visit Ba Vi:

• During the summer months from May to July, the weather in Hanoi can be quite hot. However, temperatures in Ba Vi are much lower, depending on the altitude. This is a good time to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of the city over the weekend and head to Ba Vi to cool off.
• Late October to the end of November is the time when the wildflowers in Ba Vi are in full bloom. This is a suitable time to visit Ba Vi if you want to capture beautiful photos with these flowers. However, due to climate changes, not every year will have the flowers bloom exactly on schedule. Therefore, before your trip, it’s a good idea to ask friends or check my blog posts to get updates on the current situation.

Directions to Ba Vi

Ba Vi National Park is one of the tourist destinations near Hanoi with convenient transportation for weekend trips. There are three main means of transportation to get there: by bus, motorbike, or car.

• If you choose to travel by bus, you can take one of the following bus routes:
  • Bus 214 departs from Yen Nghia Bus Station to Xuan Khanh.
  • Buses 71 or 74 depart from My Dinh to Xuan Khanh.

The final bus stop is at Xuan Khanh in Ba Vi, which is approximately 5km from Ba Vi National Park. From there, you can take a motorbike taxi or a regular taxi to continue your journey.

If you’re traveling by motorbike or personal car, there are two routes to Ba Vi that you can choose from:

– Starting from Tran Duy Hung, Hanoi (next to the National Convention Center), head in the direction of Thang Long Avenue until you reach the Gom Bridge. Then, turn onto the Hoa Lac overpass. Continue straight and you will pass the Cultural Village, following the signs to Yen Bai commune, and eventually, you’ll reach Ba Vi Mountain. Please note that if you’re riding a motorbike, be careful not to accidentally enter the expressway lane, as it can be dangerous.

– Starting from Cau Giay, follow the Nhon direction and take National Route 32 to the intersection near Son Tay Bus Station, then turn left towards the 105th Military Hospital. Continue straight to the Tản Lĩnh intersection, turn left, and after about 3km, you’ll arrive at the Ba Vi National Park ticket office for visiting.

Accommodation in Ba Vi

Prices for services at Ba Vi National Park

What to do at Ba Vi National Park

Camping

With a temperate climate year-round, Ba Vi is suitable for camping at any time of the year. However, the period from May to November is the ideal time for you to visit and enjoy an exciting journey here.

Cactus Garden

Also known as the Cactus Greenhouse, it’s the most popular place for the younger generation to check in. Thanks to its unique architecture and the distinctive shape of the cactus plants, this place has become an extremely attractive destination for taking photos. Not to mention, with a humble collection of 1,200 cactus varieties here, photography enthusiasts can indulge in their passion!

Cave Ngoc Hoa

The cave is located beneath a towering rock near the foot of Ba Vì Mountain for thousands of years. Due to the shifting and fracturing of geological formations, a unique natural wonder with large, stacked boulders has inadvertently formed, creating a natural cave system. Over the years, local residents have constructed a shrine to transform this place into a temple dedicated to Princess Ngọc Hoa.

Pine Forest

Continuing uphill for about 4 kilometers, you will reach the pine forest area. This marks the point where the elevation is approximately 400 meters above sea level in Ba Vi.

The pine forest area is vast and slightly sloped but relatively flat. Under the sunlight filtering through the pine trees, it creates a mesmerizing and beautiful landscape. This is a suitable place to take a break during your trip to Ba Vi National Park.

If you decide to camp or lay out a blanket and lie down, looking up at the sky covered by pine branches while inhaling the fresh and cool air, there is nothing more wonderful than that!

The Wild Sunflower Forest

Located near the pine forest is the golden wild sunflower garden, covering a corner of the sky. From late October to November, Ba Vi National Park often holds a wild sunflower festival, attracting thousands of visitors.

You can admire the wild sunflowers right at the entrance to the national park and scattered along the road up to the 400m altitude point. The area with the highest concentration of wild sunflowers is behind the 400m pine forest. After passing through the 400m pine forest for about 200m, you can park your vehicle and then turn left to walk along a small concrete road for over 200m to reach the wild sunflower forest. This area covers an area of more than 10 hectares, consisting of 5 zones, with a trail that stretches for over 3km.

During the blooming season, along the road from the slope leading to the garden, you can encounter many wild sunflowers in full bloom on both sides of the road. And when you reach the sunflower garden, you will be amazed by the sight of a space enveloped in the yellow hue of wild sunflowers.

The ancient French church

Continuing for about another 2 kilometers by car, you will come across the road leading to the ancient church on the left. As you start turning onto the small uphill road to the church, this section is more challenging than the previous one due to the steeper slope and more curves. Be cautious not to enter slippery mossy areas and avoid harsh braking. If you’re a female driver, be extremely careful in this section, and it’s best to let experienced male drivers take the wheel.

The ancient church is a famous spot in Ba Vi National Park, and it always attracts many young people who come here for photography, especially during the wedding season.

The Upper Temple (Đền Thượng)

When I was little, almost everyone heard about the legend of “Sơn Tinh – Thủy Tinh” (Mountain God and Water God). Later, as I grew up and explored more about “Đền Thượng” (also known as Chính Cung Temple), I learned that it is a place of worship dedicated to “Đức Thánh núi Tản Viên Sơn Tinh” (the Holy Deity of Mount Tan Vien). According to many historical records, “Đền Thượng” was built during the reign of King An Duong Vuong.

During the reign of King Ly Nhan Tong, it was expanded and constructed on a larger scale. However, over time, the ancient temple was lost, and only the part of the temple leaning against the mountainside remained. After being recognized as a national historical and cultural relic in 2008, Đền Thượng was restored and completed in 2010.

For adventurous travelers visiting Ba Vi National Park, climbing up to “Đền Thượng” is a fascinating challenge. Đền Thượng is located at the summit of Ba Vì Mountain, at an elevation of 1,227 meters above sea level. To reach “Đền Thượng”, you’ll have to climb approximately 500 stone steps. Rest assured, the panoramic view from the top won’t disappoint you. The lush green of the mountain forest blending with the azure sky creates a mesmerizing landscape. If you visit on days with clear skies, you’ll witness a Ba Vi sky paradise beneath your feet.

Ho Chi Minh Temple

At Ba Vi National Park, there are three mountain peaks in the Ba Vi range: Ngoc Hoa Peak (1,131 meters), Tan Vien Peak (1,227 meters), and Vua Peak (1,296 meters). The Ho Chi Minh Temple is located at the highest peak, Vua Peak.

As the highest peak, reaching the Ho Chi Minh Temple requires climbing a staircase of 1,320 steps. Along the way, you can admire the ancient trees with nameplates on their trunks and the towering pine trees covered in green moss, along with entangled vines.

As you ascend, the air becomes colder and thinner, with temperature differences of up to ten degrees between the mountain’s summit and its base. Therefore, for those who intend to conquer the mountain peaks in Ba Vi, it is advisable to bring a thermal jacket and sports shoes for ease of movement.

Ba Vi National Park offers many other attractions such as Ngoc Hoa Cave, the ancient Bách Xanh forest, Bao Thien Tower, and the ancient stone house. If you have time, you should visit these places to have a complete experience when traveling to Ba Vi National Park.

Nearby Attractions to Ba Vi National Park

After exploring Ba Vi National Park, if you still want more adventures, there are nearby attractions waiting for you to discover. Close to Ba Vi National Park, you can find numerous resorts and holiday resorts suitable for group outings and family vacations. Some notable places to consider include Ao Vua, Khoang Sang – Suoi Tien, Lake Tien Sa, and the historical site of K9 Da Chong.

What to Eat in Ba Vi National Park

Bamboo Rice (Cơm lam)

Bamboo rice is a typical dish of the Northwest region. With a simple preparation method, you can still enjoy delicious and hot bamboo rice even when traveling to Ba Vi National Park. If you are camping, it’s a good idea to buy some bamboo rice at the park’s entrance. This dish, served with sesame salt, is convenient to eat with grilled dishes and easy to carry.

Mountain chicken

Mountain chicken, also known as “gà đồi” in Vietnamese, is a specialty dish you can enjoy in the Ba Vi National Park area. It’s typically prepared by grilling or cooking chicken in a mountainous style, often using local herbs and spices for flavor. This dish is popular among visitors looking to savor the local cuisine while exploring the park.

Wild boar meat

Speaking of specialties in Ba Vi, you may have heard of dishes like hill chicken, ostrich meat, or wild boar. Wild boar meat, like other mountain forest cuisine, is prepared simply with various spices. This creates a flavorful dish known as the “masterpiece of the mountains and forests.

Products made from Ba Vi milk

Ba Vi is famous for its dairy products, and Ba Vi milk is a well-known brand across the country. The milk products from Ba Vi have become a familiar name in stores nationwide. With fresh milk sourced from healthy cows, it offers the finest quality of milk. The naturally rich and creamy aroma is why Ba Vi milk is loved by many. When visiting Ba Vi, don’t forget to taste and purchase it as a gift for your loved ones. You can find shops selling various dairy products from Ba Vi along National Highway 32.

Important notes when visiting Ba Vi

• The road to Ba Vi is steep and can be slippery, especially in wet weather. Be cautious when descending, and never turn off the engine to coast downhill. On days with high humidity and fog, pay special attention to the section from 400m to 1100m elevation. Large buses (over 30 seats) are not allowed to operate on the road from 400m and above.
• If you’re using a motorcycle to travel to Ba Vi, it’s recommended to use a manual or semi-automatic transmission because the roads here are steep, especially in foggy conditions. Remember to fill up your gas tank before entering the national park gate.
• Whether it’s a short day trip, a longer adventure, or a relaxing vacation, always carry essential medical supplies for emergencies. These supplies may include medical masks, pain relievers, bandages, mosquito repellent, and basic tools for bike repairs.
• For a safe trip to Ba Vi, especially during hot summer days, bring a light jacket because the temperature gradually drops when you ascend to the Thanh Son Hoang Hoa Tham Temple at an elevation of 1200m.

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