Ba Be Lake

Ba Be Lake is a 500-hectare freshwater lake located in the northern province of Bac Kan, Vietnam. It is the largest natural lake in Vietnam and is part of the Ba Be National Park, which was established in 1986.

Ba Be Lake

Surrounded by limestone mountain ranges and dotted with underground streams and caves, the lake currently preserves rare fish species recorded in Vietnam's Red Book. It is a popular tourist destination for both Vietnamese and international visitors, who come to enjoy the lake's natural beauty and take part in activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking.

Let Asia King Travel uncover more secret beauties of Ba Be Lake in the next part of the article.

The Legend of Ba Be Lake

According to the Tay tribe’s folklore, one day, an old beggar woman, ragged and dirty, begged for food in a crowd but was chased away. She met a mother and son returning from the market, who helped her. In the night, they saw a dragon at the place where the woman slept. The next morning, the beggar warned them of an upcoming flood and reminded them to scatter fireplace ashes around their house.

Vietnamese people are familiar with the legend of Ba Be Lake

That night, a flood suddenly wiped out the village. Despite the rising floodwaters, the kind mother and son's house remained intact. The mother remembered the old woman's words, dropped two pieces of rice husk into the water, which transformed into two dugout canoes. The mother and son rescued the victims. When the water receded, the sunken area became Ba Be Lake. 

Where is Ba Be Lake?

Ba Be Lake is located more than 200 km from the capital Hanoi and 70 km from Bac Kan City, separated from modernization. There are several ways to get to Ba Be Lake, depending on your budget, like private vehicles, coaches, buses.

You can go to Ba Be Lake yourself to experience own feeling

If you are flying into Vietnam, the nearest airport is Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi. From there, you can take a taxi, bus, or private car to Ba Be Lake. The best time to visit Ba Be Lake is during the dry season, from October to April. During this time, the weather is pleasant and the roads are less likely to be washed out.

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The name of Ba Be Lake

Ba Be Lake gets its name from the fact that it's comprised of three interconnecting lakes: Pe Lam, Pe Lu, and Pe Leng. In Vietnamese, "Ba" means "three" and "Be" comes from the Tay language word "pé," which also means "lake." So, Ba Be translates to "Three Lakes." Locals sometimes refer to it as "Slam Pe" which reflects this origin story even more directly.

Food around Ba Be Lake

The food scene around Ba Be Lake is all about fresh, local ingredients and traditional dishes of the Tay people. Some of the most unique dishes can be mentioned as five-coloured sticky rice, grilled fish, kitchen pork. In addition to these dishes, you will also find a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available around Ba Be Lake.

Grilled fish is a must-try when visiting Ba Be Lake

Things to do in Ba Be Lake

Boat Tour

Everyone loves this activity as the top activity of Ba Be Lake. You can book a boat to go around the lake where you will experience some breathtaking scenery on the cliffs of limestones, mountains and forests. Another one is that you can visit the cave and waterfalls in the surroundings.

A boat tour is the perfect way to relax and soak up the scenery of the lake

Kayaking

Unlike a boat tour, kayaking allows you to venture into smaller coves and canals inaccessible by larger vessels. You might discover towering karst formations jutting out from the water, or hidden caves waiting to be explored.

Experience Ba Be Lake from personal perspective by kayaking

Hiking

Ba Be National Park has a good amount of hiking trails, which provide breathtaking views of the lake and the countryside. One of the options you can select is climbing up to the summit of Ba Ba Mountain which is the highest point in the park.

Explore the wild landscape of Ba Be forests

Exploring Caves

Caves like Puong Cave, Hua Ma Cave, and Tham Phay Cave, can be found around Ba Be Lake. These caves have numerous stalactites and stalagmites, and few of them contain archaeological findings.

Puong Cave is accessible only by boat

Visit the Tay villages

There are several Tay villages located around Ba Be Lake. The Tay people are an ethnic minority group who have lived in the area for a long time. Visiting a Tay village is a great way to learn about their culture and way of life.

You can indulge in traditional Tay dances and music in local villages

Visit the An Ma Temple

The An Ma Temple stands peacefully by the tranquil Ba Be Lake. Ít is a place of religious practice for both locals and visitors from afar, also the site where the Ba Be Spring Festival is held on the 10th day of the first lunar month. Visitors pay homage at An Ma Temple, immersing themselves in the poetic and sacred atmosphere.

An Ma Temple perched on a small limestone island  in the middle of Ba Be Lake

Conclusion

Ba Be Lake is a captivating jewel of northern Vietnam. It offers a stunning landscape with its three freshwater lakes, caves, and surrounding emerald forests. Beyond the natural beauty, Ba Be Lake boasts a unique cultural experience with the hospitality of the Tay people and their delectable traditional cuisine.

Book your unforgettable adventure today with Asia King Travel! Our experienced guides will ensure you discover the beauty and create memories that will last a lifetime. Contact us to craft your dream Ba Be Lake journey.

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