Things to Do in Ba Be National Park

Ba Be Lake

👉 See full travel guide in https://hoiandaytrip.com/ba-be-lake

To enjoy fully the natural beauty of Ba Be Lake and have the best photos, visitors must take a boat from one of these piers:

– North pier (on the shore of Ba Be Lake, ): 22°24’31.9″N 105°37’22.0″E on Google maps

– South pier (on the shore of Ba Be Lake, near Bo Lu and Coc Toc ethnic villages): 22°24’12.6″N 105°37’11.7″E on Google maps

– Pac Ngoi pier (on the shore of Ba Be Lake, near Pac Ngoi ethnic villages): 22°23’41.2″N 105°37’36.2″E on Google maps

– Buoc Lom pier (on Nang River): 22°27’14.5″N 105°40’29.0″E on Google maps

Here are attractions in Ba Be Lake boat tours:

– An Ma Temple: Perched gracefully on An Ma Island in the middle of Ba Be Lake, An Ma Temple is a sacred spiritual site dedicated to the Mac Dynasty generals who sacrificed themselves during historic battles. Surrounded by lush greenery and calm waters, the temple offers a serene atmosphere where visitors and locals come to pray for peace, luck, and health. Its elevated position provides picturesque panoramic views of the surrounding lake and misty mountains, making it a peaceful stop during boat tours.

– Ba Goa Island (Widow Island): is a charming islet formed by stacked limestone rocks and clusters of green trees clinging to the stone. Legend has it that the island was created from the home of a kind widow and her son, who saved villagers during a devastating flood using magic rice husks. Today, this iconic, solitary rock formation standing amidst the turquoise waters of Ba Be Lake serves as one of the park’s most memorable landmarks for photos.

– Ao Tien (the Fairy Pond): is a secluded small lake nestled high on a limestone hill, filled with clear water supplied by underground mountain springs. Surrounded by dense primeval rainforest and towering crags, the tranquil pond gets its enchanted name from a folk tale that fairies once descended here to bathe and play chess. The mirror-like surface and cool, serene environment create a poetic, untouched haven for nature lovers seeking quiet contemplation away from larger boat routes.

– Dau Dang Waterfall: see full details below

– Dong Puong or Puong Cave: see full details below

Hua Ma Cave

Located inside Coc Mu Mountain within Ba Be National Park, Hua Ma Cave (also known as Treo Cave) is celebrated for its impressive collection of intricate stalactites and stalagmites. Reached by climbing a flight of stone steps through lush forest, the cavern opens into a vast interior featuring high ceilings and majestic rock formations shaped over thousands of years. Warmly illuminated paths allow visitors to explore striking natural sculptures resembling lotus flowers, terraces, and ancient towers, making Hua Ma Cave one of the most magnificent geological highlights in the entire region.

Puong Cave

To see fully Puong Cave in Ba Be National Park, visitors need to take a boat. This place is a stop in 1 boat tour from piers on Ba Be lake (the longest tour) and the tours from Buoc Lom pier (on Nang River, location on Google maps: 22°27’14.5″N 105°40’29.0″E).

The nearest ‘official’ station is Buoc Lom pier. From here, it takes you only 7-10 mins to see the cave.

Unofficial stations are near the cave entrance. Visitors can take a small boat from there to go into the cave with a cheaper rate than the long boat tours that combine with Ba Be Lake. Visitors can find 1 station on this spot: 22°27’55.0″N 105°38’44.0″E and 1 station near the hanging bridge (22°27’32.5″N 105°39’28.0″E).

Puong Cave is a spectacular natural wonder carved directly through a limestone mountain by the Nang River in Ba Be National Park. Measuring over 30 meters high and around 300 meters long, this grand cavern captivates visitors with its vast arched entryways, dramatic stone pillars, and intricate limestone stalactites suspended from above. As boats glide smoothly along the dark river flowing through the cave, travelers are treated to a thrilling and mysterious atmosphere created by the echo of gently splashing water and cool mountain air.

Beyond its striking geology, Puong Cave holds rich biodiversity, serving as the natural habitat for tens of thousands of bats belonging to nearly two dozen species. These nocturnal creatures can often be seen and heard clustering along the ceiling high above the riverbed. Blending geological majesty with wildlife fascinatingly intact, a boat trip through this massive cavern offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Ba Be’s pristine, ancient landscape.

Local Ethnic Villages

– Pac Ngoi Village: Nestled at the foot of dramatic limestone mountains along the banks of the Leng River, Pac Ngoi is a peaceful traditional village of the Tay ethnic minority. The village is famous for its charming, well-preserved wooden stilt houses built on hillsides overlooking lush rice paddies and the lake. Visitors to Pac Ngoi can experience authentic local hospitality through homestays, enjoy traditional Tay folk songs like Then singing, and savor delicious home-cooked regional specialties made from fresh lake fish and forest ingredients.

– Bo Lu Village: ituated right along the serene shores of Ba Be Lake, Bo Lu Village offers an extraordinarily tranquil setting surrounded by green hills and clear waters. This quiet settlement is home to Tay families who maintain their traditional farming and fishing livelihoods. Because of its waterfront position, Bo Lu is an ideal base for renting kayaks, boarding scenic boat trips, or simply taking peaceful walks along the lake edge. The stunning sunrises and calm atmospheric views make it a favorite spot for travelers seeking relaxation.

– Coc Toc Village: Tucked away in a quiet valley at the foot of the mountains on the western side of the lake, Coc Toc Village remains one of the most pristine and authentic Tay communities in the area. Local residents primarily earn their living through traditional fishing and rice cultivation. Less commercialized than other settlements, Coc Toc provides a truly genuine glimpse into daily rural life. Its picturesque scenery, featuring rustic stilt homes bordered by pristine streams and thick forest, makes it perfect for nature walks and cultural exploration.

Dau Dang Waterfall

Situated where the Nang River squeezes through a narrow gorge along the border of Bac Kan and Tuyen Quang provinces, Dau Dang Waterfall is one of the most powerful natural attractions in Ba Be National Park. The waterfall spans a length of nearly one kilometer, cascading dramatically over massive, boulder-strewn limestone tiers into a swirling foam below.

Surrounded by primeval rainforest and towering cliffs, this rugged site offers a stark contrast to the tranquil waters of nearby Ba Be Lake. The area around the waterfall is also famous for hosting rare, giant freshwater fish species, such as the ca chieng, which swim upstream during the rainy season. Accessible via a scenic boat ride along the Nang River followed by a short walk along shaded forest paths, Dau Dang Waterfall is a must-see highlight for visitors exploring the wilder side of the park.