Ba Be National Park: A Natural Wonder and a Cultural Heritage in Vietnam

Ba Be National Park is a spectacular destination in Bac Kan Province, northeast Vietnam. It covers over 23,000 hectares of diverse landscapes, including a large freshwater lake, limestone mountains, evergreen forests, waterfalls, caves and rivers.

The park is home to more than 650 plant species and 412 animal species, many of which are rare and endangered. It also has a rich cultural and historical heritage, as it was a base of resistance against the northern invaders in the 16th century. Ba Be National Park was established in 1992 and has been recognised as a national historical and cultural relic site, an ASEAN Heritage Garden and a tentative World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is one of the most important natural reserves in Vietnam and a must-see attraction for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Ba Be National Park: A Biodiversity Hotspot and a Scenic Destination in Vietnam

Ba Be National Park is a remarkable place in Bac Kan Province, northeast Vietnam. It covers over 23,000 hectares of diverse landscapes, including a large freshwater lake, limestone mountains, evergreen forests, waterfalls, caves and rivers. The park is home to more than 650 plant species and 412 animal species, many of which are rare and endangered. It also has a rich cultural and historical heritage, as it was a base of resistance against the northern invaders in the 16th century. Ba Be National Park was established in 1992 and has been recognised as a national historical and cultural relic site, an ASEAN Heritage Garden and a tentative World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is one of the most important natural reserves in Vietnam and a must-see attraction for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Some of the highlights of Ba Be National Park are:

• The core area of the park is 7,610 hectares, divided into four zones: rocky mountain forest, rare animal habitat, ecological restoration area and administrative and research area. The park also has a buffer zone of 42,000 hectares.
• Ba Be Lake is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in Vietnam, with an area of about 500 hectares and a length of more than 8 kilometres. It is divided into three smaller lakes: Pe Lam, Pe Lu and Pe Leng. It was named as one of the world’s 20 special freshwater lakes by the World Lake Conference in 1995.
• The park has a high biodiversity rating, with 650 plant species, 412 animal species, 87 fish species and 332 butterfly species. Some of the rare and endangered species are Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys, Asian black bears, pangolins and red wolves. The park also has 20 butterfly species that are new to Vietnam.
• The park has many unique natural features, such as Na Phoong Cave, Ao Tien Pond, Puong Cave, Tien Cave and Dau Dang Waterfall. These places offer spectacular views and opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Read more: Exploring Sustainable Tourism at Vietnam’s Stunning Ba Be Lake

In addition to its natural beauty, Ba Be National Park is also a significant historical site. During the 16th century, a general of the Mac dynasty used Puong Cave as a stronghold in the resistance against northern feudal invaders. This rich history adds another layer of depth to the park’s appeal. Ba Be National Park holds a crucial position among Vietnam’s 25 national parks, contributing significantly to the country’s natural diversity and conservation efforts. Looking ahead, Bac Kan province plans to invest and strategize appropriately to gain recognition for Ba Be ASEAN Heritage Garden as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. This recognition will further highlight the park’s global significance. As part of this process, local authorities are committed to responsibly resettling residents living within the park’s core area. This initiative ensures that both conservation and community needs are met.

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