Category: News

A botanical garden
on a grand scale

The park’s rainforest is a veritable giant botanical garden, where century-old trees, sometimes reaching 50 meters in height, stretch their tops towards the sky. Among this lush vegetation, you’ll discover wild orchids in vibrant colors, giant bamboos and a multitude of medicinal plants, treasures used by local communities. For botany enthusiasts, Ba Be is an exceptional place: there are more than 1,300 plant species, including around 200 species of orchids. Some of these orchids are endemic, making Ba Be the most diverse region for orchids in Vietnam and throughout Southeast Asia. The forest, mainly composed of evergreen trees, thrives on limestone soil.

Astonishing fauna at every turn

The national park is a veritable Noah’s Ark, home to an incredibly varied fauna:

In the trees: Primates, like the agile Francois’ langur with its adorable black face, move gracefully from branch to branch. In the sky: More than 200 species of birds color the sky with their plumage, from the majestic silver pheasant to the sparkling kingfisher.
Underwater: Ba Be Lake, meanwhile, is home to unique aquatic species, such as the giant golden carp and various freshwater turtles.
In the caves: The dark depths are home to bats, nocturnal butterflies and perfectly camouflaged snakes.

► Timeout observing animals : The fauna of Ba Be National Park facing climate change

Ba Be and ecotourism:
A positive balance

Established in 1992 and spanning over 10,000 hectares, the park has seen local authorities commit to ecotourism development for over twenty years. The goal is twofold: to preserve this natural gem while offering visitors an authentic and enriching experience.

Today, around ten villages welcome travelers, offering homestay accommodations, outdoor activities such as hiking, peaceful boat trips, and explorations of fascinating caves, along with delicious local cuisine. The economic benefits of this approach directly support local communities, who actively engage in the park’s management and protection.

► Discover the ethnic minorities of Ba Be National Park

Tips for a respectful stay in Ba Be

Before your trip

• Favor the low season to enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere, away from tourist crowds.
• Learn about local traditions and become aware of the specific environmental issues in the region.
• Travel light and bring a water bottle, reusable bag, and personal cutlery.
• Opt for public or shared transportation from Hanoi, promoting sustainable mobility.

A deep dive into geological marvels

The imposing limestone cliffs that stand sentinel along the Nang River’s banks serve as a profound testament to the region’s rich and intricate geological history. The river’s course, a mesmerizing dance of water and stone, meanders through a quintessential karst landscape—a geological phenomenon of extraordinary beauty, born from the patient erosion of soluble limestone rocks. This protracted process, unfolding over millions of years, has etched a complex network of hidden caves, subterranean rivers, and unique, otherworldly rock formations into the very fabric of the land. The myriad caves and cavities that punctuate the rugged rock faces are adorned with intricate formations of stalactites and stalagmites, creating a subterranean realm of unparalleled fascination. The river itself, with its crystal-clear, serene waters, acts as a mirror, reflecting the ever-changing hues of the sky and the verdant, luxuriant vegetation that embraces it.

► Ba Be, travel guide 2025

Activities for everyone

The Nang River and its surrounding environs provide an idyllic playground for those with a passion for outdoor pursuits. Leisurely boat excursions offer the perfect vantage point for appreciating the picturesque landscapes that grace the river’s edges, while invigorating hiking and cycling expeditions unveil panoramic vistas of the majestic mountains that encircle the valley. A refreshing dip in the river’s cool, inviting waters provides a welcome respite, especially during the sweltering heat of summer. Furthermore, the Ba Be region, celebrated for its awe-inspiring caves, offers access to some of the most stunning examples of subterranean beauty, with the Nang River serving as a natural conduit to these hidden wonders. Puong Cave, in particular, with its dramatic and imposing limestone formations, stands as an unmissable highlight for any visitor.

► Ba Be Nature Escape 3 days 2 nights

Origins and significance

This delicious dish is prepared from small fish called “cá mương” (Hemiculter leucisculus), a variety of wild carp that inhabit the waters of Ba Be Lake. Despite their small size, these fish offer firm and delicately sweet flesh, perfect for grilling. The recipe for Grilled Fish Pac Ngoi is a precious heritage of the Tày ethnic group, established in Pac Ngòi, a charming village nestled on the lake’s shores.

► The Tay of Ba Be: A Fascinating People of Vietnam

Traditional preparation

The preparation of Grilled Fish Pac Ngoi is a true ritual. The fish are carefully cleaned and gutted, then delicately pinched between bamboo sticks. They are then sun-dried for several days, an essential process to firm up their flesh. Once dried, they are marinated with a blend of local spices, such as forest pepper (Mac khen), chili, turmeric, and salt, giving them unique flavors. Finally, the fish are grilled over a wood fire, a cooking method that imparts an incomparable smoky flavor and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

1946-1954 : The First Indochina War

During the First Indochina War, which pitted the Việt Minh against the French colonial power, Ba Be, with its rugged topography and low population density, proved to be a strategic refuge for the independence forces. Its dense forests, dotted with caves and steep terrain, offered an ideal natural sanctuary for fighters and cadres of the nationalist movement. Far from the major cities and French-controlled areas, Ba Be could serve as a rear base, a training ground, and a discreet gathering point. Moreover, its proximity to the Chinese border, which became a major supporter of the Việt Minh after 1949, made it a possible transit route for the shipment of resources and materials. The local communities, mainly composed of the Tày, Nùng, and Dao ethnic groups, also played a role, offering their knowledge of the terrain, logistical support, and discretion to the Việt Minh forces

A Journey through History

200 to 300 years ago, the ancestors of the Nùng left their homeland to settle in Vietnam. Today, they form one of the country’s most important ethnic minorities, with over a million people. Their close ties with the Tày and Zhuang people reflect a shared history and a strong cultural identity.

Architecture, Reflecting a Way of Life

The traditional houses of the Nùng, whether on stilts or made of rammed earth (trinh tuong), are designed to adapt to the mountainous environment and climate. The yin-yang tiled roofs and spaces dedicated to storage, animals, and daily life are testimony to their ingenuity and respect for nature.

► The Tays of Ba Be: A Mosaic of Traditions

Language, Religion, and Spirituality

The Nùng language, belonging to the Tai-Kadai group, serves as a bridge to their origins and linguistic cousins. Their spirituality is a blend of animism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, where ancestor worship and shamanic ceremonies hold a central place. The veneration of figures like Quan Âm (Guanyin) highlights the richness of their pantheon.

Origins and history

Mèn mén is an ancestral dish, passed down from generation to generation within the H’Mông people. Its origin dates back to the time when corn became a staple crop in the mountainous regions of Vietnam, replacing rice, which was rare or difficult to grow. The H’Mông, with their ingenuity and deep connection to the land, have transformed this humble cereal into a nourishing and tasty dish. Although Mèn mén is a specialty of the H’mông of Hà Giang, it is also possible to taste it locally in Ba Be.

► The H’mong of Ba Be: The People of the Mountains

Preparation: An ancestral art

The corn grown by the H’Mong people on the high hills is fragrant and sticky. This dish seems very simple, but its preparation requires a lot of effort. The corn kernels are separated, ground and sieved to obtain a very fine and homogeneous powder. H’Mong women must calculate the amount of water needed for the powder to be smooth, neither too dry nor too sticky. Then they steam the corn flour twice. The first time, they steam until the corn flour swells, then they take it out to cool. They stir the steamed flour until it becomes frothy, then steam it a second time, over medium heat, until it is fragrant. The men men is cooked, fragrant, sticky and supple.

Diversity and Traditions

The Dao community is divided into several groups, each possessing unique cultural and linguistic characteristics. Among the most notable are the Dao Lo Giang, the Dao Red, and the Dao Coins, easily recognizable by their colorful traditional costumes and unique practices.

Language and Spirituality

The Hmong-Dao language is commonly spoken, while Vietnamese facilitates daily communication. Sino-Dao, used by ritual masters, serves to transmit ancestral knowledge. The spirituality of the Dao blends popular beliefs, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Ancestor worship and agricultural rituals shape their spiritual life, rooted in respect for nature and past generations.

► Learn more about Dao Ethnic Group

Ban Vuong: A Founding Ancestor

The Dao particularly venerate Ban Vuong, the mythical ancestor considered the founder of their ethnic group. This tutelary figure is central to many rituals essential for the health and prosperity of families. Ceremonies in his honor are significant moments in community life, reinforcing connections to their origins.

Funeral Rites: A Tribute to Ancestors

Dao funeral rites, rich in tradition and spirituality, culminate during the Festival of the Dead, celebrated in the third lunar month. These rituals, often led by shamans, ensure a harmonious transition to the afterlife. Body preparation, offerings, and prayers reflect the unbreakable bond between the living and the deceased.

► Read more : Ancestors worshiping

What makes the Tay so special?

Their stilt houses are true masterpieces of traditional architecture. Built without a single nail, they are perfectly adapted to their environment. The ground floor serves as a stable or storage area, while the family lives upstairs.

The Tay are divided into five groups, each with their distinctive style of clothing: the Tho dress like the Thais, the Ngan wear short shirts, the Phen prefer brown, the Thu Lao sport a pyramidal headband, and the Pa Di are distinguished by their roof-shaped hats.

Music plays a central role in their culture. The dan tinh (string instrument) and the Then singing recount their stories and legends. These oral traditions are their way of preserving their heritage.

On the lake, you will come across their “doc moc” canoes, carved from a single tree trunk – a true symbol of their way of life.

In terms of cuisine, it’s a festival of flavors! Don’t miss their famous Banh Cooc Mo (horn-shaped rice cake), smoked pork, fermented shrimp, and fish soups flavored with herbs.

The Tay mainly practice Then, a religion that blends ancestor worship and Taoist influences. Their festivals, like the Lồng tồng (“field descent” ceremony), mark the year.

Today, you can meet the Tay in the villages of Coc Toc, Pac Ngoi, and Ban Cam. They continue their traditions while adapting to the modern world, creating a fascinating blend of old and new.

So, the next time you pass through Vietnam, make a detour to Ba Be. The Tay will welcome you with open arms, happy to share their unique culture and authentic way of life with you!

► Learn more here

Why indulge in paddling on this enchanting lake?

Three good reasons:

Firstly, kayaking will allow you to discover the most remote and hidden corners of this haven of peace. Navigate to encounter stunning flora and fauna: colorful birds, delicate butterflies, fish swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and with a bit of luck, mischievous monkeys and elegant otters. Prepare your best shots, you’ll come back with an album worthy of a National Geographic documentary!

Next, this water adventure will offer you an authentic immersion into the local culture. Lake Ba Be is home to several ethnic minority villages, such as the Tày and Dao. Let yourself be carried to these warm communities, meet their inhabitants, admire their refined craftsmanship, and learn about their traditional cuisine. An extraordinary cultural immersion!

Lastly, kayaking is a gentle and relaxing activity, ideal for recharging in nature. Rocked by the gentle lapping of the water, the birdsong, and the beauty of the landscapes, you can clear your mind and reconnect with yourself. A guaranteed experience of well-being and fulfillment!

What is the best season for kayaking on Lake Ba Be?

Timing-wise, the best period for kayaking on Lake Ba Be is between March and May, and then from September to November. The climate is mild and sunny during these times, with a more moderate tourist influx than in the high season. However, feel free to venture onto the water all year round, depending on your desires and tolerance to weather conditions.