Why winter in Ba Be is the best idea of your life (yes, even with 3 sweaters)
Summer in Ba Be is for tourists. Winter is for explorers.
And if the temperature hovers around 10°C, even better: fewer people, more soul. It’s precisely the damp cold and enchanting mists that sculpt the authentic charm of the park. Under a sometimes-grey sky, nature doesn’t quite fall asleep; it transforms, while migratory birds claim the silent shores.
Regarding temperatures, expect 8°C to 15°C. Winter is dry, so no mud, no rain, just landscapes wrapped in mist and exceptional visibility: a dream for hikers.
Culture & immersion
The essence of this season is undoubtedly found in the heart of traditional Tay villages, like Pac Ngoi or Bo Lu. It’s there, by the fire, that you warm up while sharing a local meal after a day of exploration. You sleep in a stilt house, the blanket might be a bit scratchy, but the grilled fish and smoked pork hanging above the fire make you forget about the 10°C outside.
Cho Ra market: Don’t miss this gathering (on days ending in 0 and 5 of the lunar calendar). It’s a burst of colors where the Tay, Dao, and Hmong ethnicities come to sell their goods in an ultra-authentic atmosphere.
Tranquility and poetry
With 70% fewer boats than in summer, you’ll feel like you have the lake all to yourself. Navigating the lake in a canoe at this time allows you to skim past Widow Island in absolute solitude, amidst karst cliffs and ancient forests reflected in the water. Sure, the comfort is rustic and requires layering warm clothes, but this austerity is the price to pay to experience Ba Be in its most secretive and poetic form.
It’s a journey for those who prefer the whisper of mist over the sun’s glare, and who know that true warmth is always found inside homes, near the fire and hearts.
BONUS February 2026: Long Tong Festival
If you visit Ba Be at the end of February 2026 (from February 25 to 27), you’ll stumble upon the Long Tong festival (field descent). It’s the Tay Super Bowl: Còn ball throwing, stick fights, UNESCO Then chants, and lots of rượu nếp (also known as Happy Water or Rice Alcohol).
Our advice: Book your homestay at least 3 months in advance (expect prices to be 30% higher during the festival).
Northern Vietnam’s best-kept secret
If you’re not afraid of a little morning chill, winter in Ba Be offers a VIP experience of the national park. It’s the moment when Ba Be reveals its authentic soul, far from mass tourism. So, bundle up and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of winter nature! Because in Ba Be, winter isn’t a tropical bug, it’s a feature.
Ideas for winter outdoors activities in Ba Be National Park: