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If you're visiting Hanoi and suddenly have a picnic idea, where would you go? The parks are quite small and still hidden in the suffocating city. Mai Chau feels too far for a quick trip. But when you ask Hanoians, they'll recommend Ba Vi.
Ba Vi Mountains and Hanoi city in the far distance. Photo: Ba Vi National Park
Ba Vi is a district on the outskirts of Hanoi with a mix of flatlands and mountains. Its beautiful scenery and attractions have made it a popular nature destination in the capital. Let's find out more with Asia King Travel and add it to your Vietnam travel plans.
Son Tinh is a character in Vietnamese legends. According to folk beliefs, he is the god who ruled Ba Vi Mountain (also known as Tan Vien Mountain). Among the four immortal saints in Vietnamese folk beliefs, Son Tinh holds the highest place.
Son Tinh Temple at the foot of Tan Vien Mountain. Photo: Wolfarts
His most famous legend is the story of "Son Tinh - Thuy Tinh" (Mountain God - Water God) that all Vietnamese people know. The story tells about the battle between Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh when they competed for My Nuong, the daughter of the 18th Hung King. The story highlights the significance of water management and forecasts the annual flood season.
Legend has it that the 18th Hung King had a daughter named My Nuong, whom he cherished deeply and wanted to find a worthy husband. One day, two young men came to propose. Son Tinh from Tan Vien had the ability to summon mountains. Meanwhile, Thuy Tinh from the sea could raise water however high he wanted.
Both young men were incredibly gifted, making it hard for the king to decide between them. So, he challenged them with wedding gifts: 100 plates of glutinous rice, 100 chung cakes, a nine-tusk elephant, a nine-spur cockerel, and a nine-mane horse. Whoever comes first can marry My Nuong.
Early the next morning, Son Tinh arrived first. Thuy Tinh came later and was furious (of course, all the offerings are land-based). He summoned storms to attack Son Tinh. Floodwaters rose everywhere, but Son Tinh countered by raising the mountains even higher. They fought for months before Thuy Tinh finally gave up. His grudge only grew deeper, and every year in September, Thuy Tinh causes storms and floods, yet he still can not prevail.
Battle between Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh. Photo: Vietnam Textbook
Ba Vi is the westernmost and largest district of Hanoi. It is about 60 kilometers from the city center. Blessed with a picturesque landscape and a rich plant ecosystem, it is often called the "green lung" of the Capital.
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The road is convenient to drive by yourself if you have a personal vehicle or ask a friend to drive with you. Starting from Tran Duy Hung Street to Lang - Hoa Lac Highway and go straight to Ba Vi. If you want to go to the National Park, you need to go a little further and turn left onto Provincial Road 87A. The winding mountain road will be a fun challenge for drivers.
The mountain road. Photo: Intstagram @_linhhhhthuyyy_
Ba Vi is a year-round picnic destination. The most popular months to visit are from April to October to escape the summer heat in the city. Besides, October and November are the seasons of wild sunflowers. The roads will be covered with bright yellow flowers, like an oil painting painted by nature.
The road is lined with bright wild sunflowers. Photo: Ba Vi National Park
You won't have to worry about where to stay, as plenty of comfortable accommodations are available. Most eco-tourism areas offer accommodation services at reasonable prices. Melia Ba Vi Mountain Retreat and Ba Vi Resort are ideal choices to stay within the national park. Other options include Tan Da Spa Resort and Madela Ba Vi, with prices typically starting from 1 million VND per night.
Ba Vi Pine Hill. Photo: VinWonders
For a more flexible and budget-friendly option, homestays and bungalows can be found everywhere. Prices range from 400,000 to 600,000 VND per night. You can enjoy a barbecue in a private space.
Ba Vi National Park covers an area of 11,000 hectares with an average altitude of about 1000 meters. The French began to pay attention to it in the early 20th due to its stunning scenery and cool climate, conveniently located near the capital.
The three tallest peaks of Ba Vi. Photo: Dan tri
It is also a gentle trekking route lasting 2 to 4 hours. The path leads through trails that cross through dense primary forests or tall bamboo forests. You can also cycle to explore the forest through some concrete roads, or challenge yourself by climbing 500 steps to the top of the mountain to visit Son Tinh Temple.
Ao Vua is at the foot of Tan Vien Mountain. It is a small pond that is always full of water throughout the four seasons. According to legend, Thuy Tinh originally brought the water to fight Son Tinh. Now, Ao Vua has been developed into a resort area with a spacious space. The water park offers many fun games, as well as boating and swimming activities.
A refreshing space. Photo: Du lich Ba Vi
What truly attracts visitors here are the towering waterfalls with their ceaseless flow. The three waterfalls amidst the majestic mountains offer a refreshing experience and allow visitors to play at their feet. Khoang Xanh - Suoi Tien has also developed a tourist area with many games at an amusement park.
The beauty of waterfalls. Photo: Checkin Vietnam
If you’re searching for a quiet place near nature, Thien Son – Suoi Nga is your place. This place boasts mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests, divided into three distinct areas: Trung Son, Ha Son, Ngoan Son. These areas gradually increase in altitude, offering diverse experiences: cool streams below, camping areas in the middle, and panoramic forest views at the top.
A place to be alone with nature. Photo: MIA
Because of numerous dairy farms raising cows and goats, Ba Vi is nicknamed “the land of white milk”. Besides fresh milk, other milk products are popular treats. Along the sightseeing route, you will encounter many milk shops. Fresh milk can be bought as a gift but can only be stored in a refrigerator for about 3 days.
Milk products to buy on your trip to Ba Vi. Photo: Trung Nghia / VnExpress
Escape the heat and head to Ba Vi! The picturesque scenery of rivers and streams, combined with the delicious local cuisine is sure to captivate you. Contact Asia King Travel to discover the hidden gems of Hanoi.
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