Unveiling the Secrets of Ba Be Lake: A Traveler’s Guide

One of the beautiful destinations in the Northeast region, located on a route that can be combined with many other journeys, Ba Be Lake is a popular choice among backpackers for their travels. This is a freshwater lake in Bac Kan, Vietnam.

It is one of the 100 largest freshwater lakes in the world and is situated within Ba Be National Park, recognized as a national tourist area of Vietnam. Join us at RuudNguyen.com to explore Ba Be Lake

Ba Be Lake (Photo: Cao Anh Tuan)

The lake was formed over 200 million years ago. During the late Cambrian period of Southeast Asian continental formation, a massive body of water, covering an area of approximately 5 million square meters and over 30 meters deep, emerged amidst the limestone mountains, creating Ba Be Lake. The lake’s three interconnected branches are named “Pé Lầm”, “Pé Lù”, and “Pé Lèng”. With the Ba Be travel experiences shared below, we hope you can plan your perfect trip.

Introduction to Ba Be Lake

Ba Be Lake’s greatest value lies in its unique geological landscape, remarkable geological features, and immense biodiversity. It is the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam.

Ba Be Lake (Collected Photo)

In 1995, Ba Be Lake was recognized by the World Freshwater Lake Conference, held in the USA, as one of the 20 special freshwater lakes of the world that need to be protected. By the end of 2004, Ba Be National Park was acknowledged as an ASEAN Heritage Park.

Some Information about Ba Be

• The lake is at an altitude of about 145m above sea level.
• It covers an area of over 650 hectares, nearly 8 km in length, and narrows in the middle. The lake is surrounded by limestone mountains with many caves and underground streams.
• Average depth is 20-25 m, with the shallowest parts being 5–10 m.
• The main water source is provided by three rivers flowing into the lake.
• The water in the lake moves at a speed of about 0.5 m/s. During the flood season, the speed increases to 2.5-3 m/s.
• It is the largest tectonic lake in Northern Vietnam, located between shale and limestone regions.
• There are two small islands in the middle of the lake, An Ma Island (resembling a horse wading in water) and Widow Island. On the 5th day of the first lunar month, the An Ma Island hosts the “Long Tong” festival (a traditional field festival) of the ethnic people in the region.
• Ba Be Lake is recognized as one of the 21 national tourist areas of Vietnam.

The Legend of Ba Be Lake

Long ago, in the Bac Kan region, the villagers of Nam Mau annually organized a large Buddha worship ceremony called Vo Gia. People from all around gathered in large numbers. One day, an old leper woman came to the village to attend the ceremony.

Her clothes were tattered and she emitted a foul odor, causing everyone to avoid her. She was shunned and scorned wherever she begged for food, as people feared contracting leprosy. However, a widow living with her son showed compassion.

Unperturbed by the woman’s appearance, the widow invited her into her home for a meal and allowed her to sleep in a corner of the rice storage hut for the night. At midnight, the widow and her son were startled awake by a thunderous noise from the rice hut.

When they opened the door, they didn’t find the old woman but a huge dragon, coiling and roaring like thunder. Terrified, they spent the rest of the night awake and fearful.

Come morning, the old woman emerged from the rice hut and revealed, “I am not a human but a dragon, disguised as a beggar to test the charity of men and women visiting Nam Mau for the Buddha ceremony. Everyone shunned me, except you and your son.

They are all false Buddhists and will face punishment from the powers above, which I am ordained to execute: a great flood. As soon as you see the water rising, you and your son must quickly run to the mountain top. These two husk pieces will help you save people.”

After saying this, the old woman disappeared. The next day, as people crowded for the ceremony, water suddenly surged from all directions, flooding the valley. People climbed onto roofs and trees, but the water kept rising, engulfing even the highest points.

All drowned except for the widow and her son who managed to escape to the mountain top, using the husk pieces as boats. Despite the heavy rain, they rowed around, rescuing people. The mother and son eventually built a small house on the mountain, which later became a bustling village, still known today as Nam Mau Village.

The valley, now submerged, turned into three large lakes, vast as seas, hence named Ba Be Lake. The lakes are interconnected, but boats cannot pass from one to another due to large stone barriers. Ba Be Lake, with its vast expanse and crystal-clear waters set amidst the majestic mountains of northern Vietnam, features a small island called Widow Island, known locally as Go Ba Goa.

When is the Best Time to Visit Ba Be?

Ba Be Lake is entirely surrounded by limestone mountains and pristine forests, making it cool and pleasant all year round. You can visit Ba Be Lake in the summer to enjoy the coolness of a mountain lake.

Visit in the spring to participate in the Ba Be Lake Festival, held annually on the 9th and 10th days of the first lunar month. The festival features boat racing, Con throwing, wrestling, archery, and traditional dance and song performances by various ethnic groups, continuing throughout the festival.

How to Get to Ba Be?

Ba Be is about 220km from Hanoi, with a driving time of approximately 5 hours. Here are some transportation options to Ba Be as suggested by me:

Personal Motorcycle and Car

• From Hanoi, take National Highway 3 towards Thai Nguyen. At the intersection with TL 268 (km 31), turn left towards Dinh Hoa (Cho Chu). Continue along TL 254 to Bang Lung (Cho Don) and travel about 40km more to reach Ba Be.

• From Hanoi, follow National Highway 3 to Bac Kan, then continue to Phu Thong town and turn left onto TL 258. After about 40km, you will arrive at Ba Be.

Public Bus

• From Hanoi, there is a direct bus service to Ba Be from My Dinh bus station operated by Thuong Nga. Alternatively, you can follow the second option suggested by Phuot:

• Take a bus from Hanoi to Ba Be, using the Thuong Nga bus service from My Dinh bus station.

• From Hanoi, take a bus to Thai Nguyen, and at Thai Nguyen bus station, catch a Thuong Nga bus to Ba Be. Ensure to take the right bus from this operator, as other services might only take you to Cho Ra and not all the way to Ba Be Lake.

Accommodation in Ba Be

Within the Ba Be National Park, there are about 4 accommodation services including hotels and guesthouses. Additionally, most lodging facilities are located in Cho Ra and areas surrounding Ba Be Lake.

The homestay model is being vigorously developed and invested in; for instance, in Pac Ngoi, there are about 10 family-run businesses offering combined dining and lodging services. If you enjoy immersing yourself in nature, staying in a village homestay is recommended to fully experience the serene atmosphere of the highland forests.

Beautiful Tourist Spots in Ba Be

Hua Ma Cave

Hua Ma Cave is located in the south of Ba Be Lake, about 10 km from the center of Ba Be National Park. Situated on the banks of the Leng River, on the slopes of Co Don Mountain in Quang Khe commune, Ba Be district (Bac Kan), this large cave is captivatingly beautiful and shrouded in mysterious legends.

Also known as ‘Hanging Cave,’ Hua Ma is perched halfway up a mountain, 350 meters above sea level, and extends over 700 meters in length. The ceiling of the cave reaches heights of 40-50 meters, with an entrance facing east and an exit to the south. The cave overlooks the lush greenery and waters of Ba Be Lake.

From 2003-2004, Hua Ma was surveyed and opened for tourism in 2007. Since then, it has become an ideal destination for visitors near and far. To enhance the visitor experience while exploring the cave, the Bac Kan province has invested in lighting systems and pathways, prioritizing both conservation and development of the cave’s natural landscape. Along with Ba Be Lake and Pac Ngoi Village, Hua Ma Cave is set to become a key integrated tourist area in Bac Kan, attracting both domestic and international visitors.

Puong Cave

Puong Cave is a natural attraction within the Ba Be National Park, a karst tunnel cave in the Lung Nham limestone mountains along the Nang River in Ba Be district, Bac Kan province. The cave is part of the Lung Nham limestone range, located north of Ba Be National Park and about 5 km from the center of Cho Ra town.

Boating into Puong Cave (Collected Photo)

Puong Cave was formed by the Nang River flowing through the Lung Nham limestone mountains. The cave is 300 meters long and over 30 meters high, featuring steep rock walls and numerous stalactites of various shapes and colors. Inside Puong Cave, thousands of bats reside and take refuge.

Boats can navigate the Nang River through Puong Cave. Hence, as we follow the Nang River downstream for another 8 km, we reach a river junction. From there, turning left leads into Ba Be Lake, while continuing downstream for about 3 km from the junction takes us to the boat landing of a small village, from where visitors can go to explore the Dau Dang Waterfall.

Dau Dang Waterfall

Dau Dang Waterfall is located between two limestone mountain ranges along the Nang River, at the border between Bac Kan and Tuyen Quang provinces. After flowing under Lung Nham Mountain and forming Puong Cave, the Nang River reaches Hua Tang village where it is obstructed by hundreds of large and small boulders piled atop each other over a 500-meter slope, creating a magnificent three-tiered waterfall. Each tier is separated by a distance of 3-4 meters along its length.

Dau Dang Waterfall (Collected Photo)

This area is also home to the Chien fish, a rare species nowadays, with individuals weighing several dozen kilograms.

Fairy Pond

Situated at a corner of the “third lake” of Ba Be Lake, Fairy Pond is a charming small lake nestled within an isolated limestone basin separate from the main lake. A short walk from the lake’s shore brings you to this pond. Fed by underground water seeping through the surrounding rocks, Fairy Pond maintains the same water level as Ba Be Lake.

Fairy Pond (Collected Photo)

Fairy Pond is inhabited by various local fish species and other aquatic animals. Local fishermen occasionally visit to catch fish, although it is more a place for tranquility and solitude than for hopeful large catches. Like the unique features of Ba Be, Fairy Pond evokes local legends; its name ‘Fairy Pond’ refers to a story about a hunter who, passing by the pond, was enchanted by the beauty of fairies bathing in its waters.

Widow Island

Widow Island (locally known as Po Gia Mai) is a charming small island located in the first lake (Pe Leng) of Ba Be Lake. The island is formed by layers of large and small rocks, with lush vegetation thriving year-round. The tree roots drape over the rocks, giving the island the appearance of a bonsai amidst the lake’s surface.

Sunset at Widow Island (Collected Photo)

Legend has it that the island was once the home of a kind-hearted widow and her child, who, in ancient times, used husks from the rice grains given by the fairy to split into two boats. They used these boats to save the villagers during the great flood that formed Ba Be Lake.

Widow Island is a captivating tourist spot, a verdant gem shimmering in the midst of the crystal-clear waters of the lake, making it an ideal place for visitors to explore and capture memorable photos of their trip to Ba Be National Park in Bac Kan.

Silver Waterfall in Ban Vang

The Silver Waterfall, located in Hoang Tri commune, is part of the buffer zone of Ba Be National Park. Viewed from the top of Khau Vang Pass, the waterfall resembles a white silk ribbon, offering a perfect escape during the hot summer days.

The waterfall is about 40 meters high with nearly vertical cliffs, nestled in the greenery of the forest. Below, there are clear water pools and gently sloping large rocks where you can bathe and enjoy the tranquility.

The water cascades gently yet powerfully from above, striking the rocks at the base and creating thousands of white water bubbles. Immersing yourself in this cool, refreshing stream, all fatigue dissipates, leaving a sense of relaxation and exhilaration.

Silver Waterfall, Ba Be (Collected Photo)

The Silver Waterfall embodies the beauty of pure, untouched nature. Observing the waterfall, one feels transported into a vast natural space. Although Ba Be National Park has developed it for tourism, the area still retains its wild character.

The waterfall’s water, originating from a stream, cascades over rocks, creating tiers. Sometimes the flow is gentle, weaving through stones towards the downstream, and at other times, it gushes fiercely. During the rainy season, the water from the heights forms large waves, creating a cool and pristine atmosphere. Nowadays, the waterfall is a popular spot for visitors to cool off during the summer days.

Standing at the base of the first tier and looking up, the waterfall appears like a multicolored painting, with the pure white of the water, the purples and browns of the rocks, interspersed with the green of the forest. This sight leaves an indelible impression. After resting a while, you can continue to the second tier of the waterfall, an ideal spot to enjoy the clean and cool water, and even use the water flow for a foot massage after a long journey.

Visiting the Silver Waterfall, one can feel the grandeur in the peace and wilderness of the mountains and forests, the fresh and pure air, scented with wildflowers, making for unforgettable moments, enticing one to return time and again.

Pac Ngoi Village

Pac Ngoi, a cultural tourism village in Nam Mau commune, Ba Be district, consists of traditional stilt houses of the Tay ethnic people, located along the Leng River near Ba Be Lake. The village has over 80 households with nearly 400 inhabitants, all of whom belong to the Tay ethnic group.

Pac Ngoi Village Peacefully Located by Ba Be Lake (Collected Photo)

Pac Ngoi still preserves some ancient stilt houses with unique yin-yang tile roofing and distinctive architecture. For generations, the villagers have been cultivating rice and corn on the riverbanks and fishing in Ba Be Lake. Nowadays, most households in the village are involved in service businesses catering to tourists.

Visiting Pac Ngoi, you will have the opportunity to experience and enjoy delicious local specialties (bamboo-tube rice, grilled fish, sour shrimp, sour pork, bird’s nest fern, five-color sticky rice, etc.); stay in stilt houses; explore the lake in traditional dugout canoes; fish in the river and lake; watch Tay ethnic girls perform traditional “then” singing and ‘tinh’ instrument playing, and join the locals in visiting other ethnic villages around Ba Be Lake and purchasing local specialty products.

An Ma Temple

An Ma (An Ma) Temple is located on An Ma Island in the middle of Ba Be Lake. This ancient temple was renovated and rebuilt in 2007. It is dedicated to Buddha, Mother Goddess of the Forest (Mau Thuong Ngan), Lord of the Mountains (Chua Son Trang), and Saint Tran….

Legend has it that the temple honors the loyal warriors of the Mac dynasty, who, after being defeated in the feudal war during the Le-Mac era, fled to Puong Cave and committed suicide there. To commemorate these warriors, the locals built a temple in their honor, initially named after the Mac family.

However, fearing retaliation from the Le royal forces, they changed the name to the Ma family. ‘An Ma,’ in the Tay ethnic language, means ‘peaceful grave,’ signifying the resting place of these loyal warriors of the Mac family.

An Ma Temple is a place of spiritual activity for local residents and visitors and is the site of the annual Ba Be Spring Festival, held on the 10th day of the first lunar month. The An Ma Temple festival is celebrated on the 6th day of the second lunar month each year.

What to Eat in Ba Be

When visiting Ba Be, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the culinary delights of the highland people of Bac Kan. These dishes are readily available and can be easily found in Ba Be.

Grilled Fish at Pac Ngoi

Ba Be Lake is abundant in fish, typically caught by local artisans in small quantities but of excellent quality, with firm, white, and sweet flesh. The locals select a type of fish the size of a thumb, resembling both ‘bong’ fish and ‘nep’ fish from the lowlands, to prepare the grilled fish dish.

The preparation process for this grilled fish dish, while not difficult, is time-consuming. Freshly caught fish of uniform size are gutted, cleaned, and then cooked in a bamboo grill. They are then clamped with bamboo sticks, about 8 – 10 fish per stick, and left to dry in the sun for about 3-4 days.

When ready to eat, the fish are removed from the bamboo sticks and grilled over an alcohol flame (similar to grilling squid), or they can be grilled whole on a charcoal stove (charcoal grilled fish tastes better). There’s no need to grill them too long since they are already pre-cooked. Just enough grilling to cook them through is enough. Overcooking makes the fish bitter and dry, reducing its flavor.

Roasted Suckling Pig

After bleeding the pig, its fur is scraped off using water boiled with guava leaves. The pig is then gutted and cleaned. The belly is stuffed with ingredients like star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, and clove, then roasted over charcoal. During roasting, the pig is frequently wiped with a wet cloth to prevent the skin from burning. When nearly done, it’s pierced with a stick to let the juices and fat flow out.

Roasted Suckling Pig (Collected Photo)

The pig is left to cool for about an hour after roasting to ensure the meat doesn’t fall apart when cut and served. The plate of roasted suckling pig, golden and fragrant, is irresistibly mouth-watering. The taste of the perfectly cooked meat, flavored with star anise, the richness of the roasted pork, and the deeply marinated meat make for an unforgettable eating experience.

Free-Range Chicken

A specialty of the mountainous regions, these chickens are fed with grains and allowed to roam freely, resulting in firm, sweet, and flavorful meat. Particularly, the skin is crispy and very delicious.

Grilled Chicken (Photo: The Thuan)

Sticky Rice from Terraced Fields

A very common dish among the highland people, often served as a side dish with grilled pork and chicken. The rice used for cooking is typically sticky rice from terraced fields, known for its aromatic, large, and sticky grains.

Bamboo Shoots Steamed with Meat

The bamboo shoots used in this dish are typically varieties like Spiny Bamboo, Vay Bamboo. After boiling the shoots, they are split and scored on the inside. A mixture of minced meat, eggs, spring onions, and other finely chopped spices and seasonings, including pepper, is used as a filling.

The mix is then stuffed into the bamboo shoots, which are rolled and placed in a pot. Water is added just enough to cover the shoots, then boiled and simmered until the water is nearly gone. At this point, a bit of pork fat is added to enhance the richness.

Wild Bamboo Shoots (Collected Photo)

Ba Be Sour Shrimp Paste

Fresh shrimp are mixed evenly with a bowl of rice, a spoonful of salt, and a little bit of alcohol. All these ingredients are then placed in a jar, sealed tightly, and left to ferment for about one month before it’s ready to eat.

Sour Shrimp Paste with Meat (Collected Photo)

Ba Be Lake Motorbike Trip Itinerary

Here are some travel itineraries for Ba Be Lake for your reference. Since Ba Be is adjacent to Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang, and Tuyen Quang, you can combine visits to other attractions like Nui Coc Lake, Ban Gioc Waterfall, and Na Hang Lake to create a complete and comprehensive route.

Hanoi – Ba Be – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Mau Son

Day 1: Hanoi – Bac Kan – Ba Be (220km)

• 8 am: Depart for Ba Be Lake from Hanoi
• 12 pm: Arrive at Phu Thong, rest and have lunch
• 1 pm: Phu Thong – Ba Be Lake
• Afternoon visit beautiful sites in Ba Be, boat on the lake, visit Widow Island, Fairy Pond, Dau Dang Waterfall…
• Overnight stay at Ba Be, option for homestay in Tay ethnic villages.

Day 2: Ba Be – Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall (200km)

• Depart from Ba Be to Ban Gioc Waterfall via National Highway 3
• Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, and some border markers in this area. Explore more tourist sites in Cao Bang if interested.
• Overnight stay in Trung Khanh.

Day 3: Trung Khanh – Lang Son – Mau Son (200km)

• From Trung Khanh, return to Cao Bang City
• Travel towards Dong Khe – That Khe to Lang Son. Explore some Cao Bang tourist spots along the way.
• Continue from Lang Son to Mau Son for a rest.
• Overnight at Mau Son.

Day 4: Mau Son – Lang Son – Hanoi (220km)

• Morning visit to a few sites in Mau Son
• Explore Lang Son, try some delicious Lang Son specialties
• Drive from Lang Son back to Hanoi, concluding the journey.

Hanoi – Ba Be – Nang River – Na Hang – Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi – Ba Be Lake (220km)

• Depart from Hanoi to Ba Be Lake
• Spend a full day enjoying Ba Be

Day 2: Ba Be Lake – Dau Dang Waterfall – Na Hang Hydropower Lake (220km)

• Rent a boat from Ba Be (2 boat trips, the first from Ba Be to Dau Dang Waterfall and then travel by motorbike to the next boat station to tour Na Hang.
• About 5 hours for these two boat trips
• Continue from Na Hang to Tuyen Quang City for rest

Day 3: Tuyen Quang – Hanoi (150km)

This day is just a trip from Tuyen Quang back to Hanoi

Hanoi – Thai Nguyen – Nui Coc Lake – Ba Be

Day 1: Hanoi – Thai Nguyen – Nui Coc Lake – Ba Be

• Depart from Hanoi to Thai Nguyen, turn to visit Nui Coc Lake
• Continue from Nui Coc Lake to Ba Be
• Overnight stay and dinner at Ba Be

Day 2: Ba Be Lake – Bac Kan – Hanoi

• Wake up early to visit the remaining tourist spots
• Lunch in a village or Cho Ra town
• Depart from Ba Be to Hanoi at 1 pm, ending the trip.

See more: The Ultimate Foodie’s Guide to Bac Kan

See more: Experience Bac Kan Like a Local: A Guide to Authentic Travel