Tucked away in the mountains of northern Vietnam lies a real natural treasure – the mystical Ba Be Lake. Over my 5 years of traveling through Southeast Asia, Ba Be has remained one of my favorite hidden gems to explore.
Surrounded by steep karst peaks blanketed in verdant jungle, three interconnected lakes make up Ba Be National Park. Their glassy emerald waters shine under the sunshine, occasionally disrupted by the splash of fish. The largest lake stretches over 500 hectares, its name meaning “Three Lakes” in the local Tay ethnic language.
As you trek through the jungle or glide across the calm lake by wooden canoe, keep an eye out for some of the endangered wildlife species calling Ba Be home. Rare black-crested gibbons swing through the forest canopy. Over a hundred bird species flock here like the vibrant green peafowl and majestic crested serpent eagles. Endangered Vietnamese salamanders, otters, and golden monkeys also inhabit the diverse ecosystem.
Delving into the local villages scattered around the lakes provides another glimpse into Vietnamese minority culture. Many of Ba Be’s 1,500 residents belong to the Tay ethnic group, living in traditional stilt houses made of wood and bamboo. Visiting the hundred-year-old An Ma temple and watching a performance of Tay water puppetry gives some cultural context to harmonious human coexistence alongside pristine nature here.
As Vietnam bolsters its tourism industry, destinations like Ha Long Bay now overflow with tourists. Yet Ba Be retains its peaceful atmosphere. Its remoteness two hours west from the nearest airport makes access a bit challenging but rewards those who persevere with breathtaking scenery devoid of crowds. Hardy backpackers can embark on demanding mountain treks to cascading waterfalls straight out of a fairytale. Families enjoy boating excursions on the lake and strolls around local villages.
So if you’re looking to get off-the-beaten-path and connect with nature and culture in northern Vietnam, add the extraordinary Ba Be Lake to your travel list. respect this corner of the world by adhering to sustainable tourism. Then its ancient forests, glittering waters, and welcoming minority communities will captivate your heart for years to come.
