Ba Be lake – A breath of nature

Ba Be Lake is located within Ba Be National Park in Bac Kan Province and is the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam. About 200 km from Hanoi, Ba Be remains one of the few destinations in the country that has preserved its pristine natural beauty, untouched by signs of commercialization.

A trip to Ba Be offers the chance to immerse yourself in lush greenery and breathe the fresh air of ancient forests. One activity not to be missed is taking a boat trip on Ba Be Lake. A 45-minute to 1-hour ride with a few cold beers in hand makes for a truly relaxing experience—and if you’re up for it, you can even dive into the cool, refreshing waters for a swim.

Near the lake lies a charming little village inhabited by the Tay ethnic minority. Here, locals are farmers, fishermen, and also hosts of cozy homestays. Staying in a Tay homestay is a truly rewarding experience—you get to share a home and a delicious meal with your hosts, while enjoying unique cultural performances presented by graceful Tay women.

Though Ba Be may not yet be widely famous, for adventurers like us, it is an exceptional stopover filled with beauty, authenticity, and warmth.