Escape the crowds and tourist trails! Ba Be National Park, a hidden gem in Northern Vietnam, invites you to a unique experience where water takes center stage. Whether you wish to paddle to secret spots or relax quietly on a boat, Ba Be promises an unforgettable nautical getaway. If you long to exchange the hustle and bustle of your daily life for the gentle murmur of water and the song of birds, prepare for a beautiful adventure in the heart of preserved nature!
Traditional dugout canoes: a journey back in time
Before the rise of tourism, the inhabitants of Ba Be crafted wooden dugout canoes from the surrounding forests for navigation and fishing. These elegant and slender boats are much more than simple vessels ; they represent a cultural symbol deeply rooted in the identity of Ba Be. Today, they allow you to experience an authentic journey, silently gliding over calm waters, in the heart of untouched nature.
Kayaking: to explore hidden treasures
Kayaking, a booming water sport, finds its ideal playground in Ba Be thanks to a network of rivers and streams winding through a spectacular mountainous landscape. Whether you are a novice or an adventurer, kayaking allows you to discover isolated nooks inaccessible to large boats. Here are some itineraries to get you started:
- The serenity of the lake: Paddle along the shores of Ba Be Lake, peacefully gliding past legendary islets, where the story of a widow and her son is told. Continue to An Ma Temple. This 2 to 3-hour route is a true breath of fresh air in the clear waters of the lake. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a short break to walk ten minutes to the Fairies’ Pond (Ao Tien).
- Adventure in Puong Cave: For a longer and more picturesque experience, begin your journey upstream on the Nang River, near Buoc Lom. After passing through the charming village of Cam Ha, you will enter the famous Puong Cave by kayak! This 13-kilometer journey is a true natural “love tunnel,” leading to a well-deserved swim in the lake.
- The challenge of the Nang River: If you enjoy challenges, start from Coc Toc, Bo Lu, or Pac Ngoi. Paddle through dense reed beds and flooded forest areas around the lake. You can discreetly observe birds and fish before descending the Nang River to the magnificent Dau Dang waterfall. This route of over 15 kilometers is the most demanding, but the view is worth it!
- Good to know: Kayaks are available for rent, either by the hour or as part of a guided tour, for a price between 150,000 and 250,000 VND (approximately 6 to 10 USD) per person.
Motorboat excursions: to effortlessly enjoy the scenery
For those who prefer to explore the lake without too much effort, a motorboat excursion is ideal. These tranquil cruises will take you to some of Ba Be’s most iconic natural and cultural sites:
An Ma Temple: A sacred site linked to the legend of a general of the Mac dynasty.
Puong Cave: An impressive limestone formation where the Nang River flows through the mountain.
Ba Goa Islet (Widow’s Islet): A small piece of land with a touching story.
Dau Dang Waterfall: A spectacular waterfall in the middle of the primary forest.
Local villages: Such as Bo Lu and Pac Ngoi, where you can discover the life and customs of the Tay people.These excursions are suitable for all ages, from families with young explorers to older visitors. A typical trip lasts between 1 and 3 hours, just enough time to savor every moment.
Ba Be: much more than a lake!
Ba Be Lake and its surroundings offer a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Whether you are a kayaking enthusiast or a lover of peaceful cruises, the waters of Ba Be await you for unforgettable discoveries!
Text adapted from this original article (which you can consult for more information) :
Ba Be along the water.
