Discover the Kim Hy Nature Reserve, a hidden gem in Northern Vietnam, promising an unforgettable escape far from the crowds. With Mr Linh’s Adventures, prepare for a total immersion in a biodiversity sanctuary, where imposing karst landscapes and endemic wildlife await you for authentic experiences.
A treasure of biodiversity buried within limestone cliffs
The Kim Hy Nature Reserve, located in Bac Kan province in Northern Vietnam, is an ideal destination for adventurers seeking pristine landscapes and authentic experiences. Established in 2003 and readjusted in 2014 to preserve an ecosystem of invaluable worth, the reserve spans over 15,715 hectares.
The karst landscape is the beating heart of its biodiversity, a true “hotspot” harboring endemic flora and fauna, found nowhere else in Southeast Asia. The Ngan Son River and its tributaries wind through the reserve, guarding endangered species.
The reserve is an open-air laboratory for botanists, listing over 1,072 species of vascular plants, including the precious Nghien, an ironwood used by the Tay and Nung people to build their stilt houses. Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), present only in certain provinces of Vietnam and China, is also found there.
The fauna is equally spectacular, with 99 animal species, 256 bird species, and emblematic residents like the White-cheeked Langur or the Pygmy Musk Deer. The numerous limestone caves serve as refuges for 36 species of bats.
Kim Hy is associated with Ba Be National Park, highlighting the importance of responsible tourism for the conservation of this regional ecosystem.
Kim Hy, practical information
The ideal period to visit Kim Hy is autumn (August-October) for trekking, or spring (February-April) to admire nature in bloom. The rainy season extends from May to October.
Kim Hy is located 70 km northeast of Bac Kan City and is accessible by picturesque roads via Route 279.
Currently, accommodation options in the reserve are limited to homestays with simple facilities; more comfortable options are available in Bac Kan or Ba Be National Park.
For a safe and authentic experience, it is essential to engage experienced local guides and reputable tour operators like Mr Linh’s Adventures, based in Ba Be National Park.
Kim Hy represents a testament to Vietnam’s ecological richness and a symbol of hope for biodiversity conservation in Southeast Asia. Its sustainable tourism development, with hiking trails and the enhancement of its caves and forests, positions it as an emerging ecotourism model. 3Visiting Kim Hy today means discovering a destination in its early stages and contributing to its sustainable development through responsible practices and the support of local initiatives.
Text based on this original article : Kim Hy, the call of the wild in Northern Vietnam