Ba Be National Park, 3 days
Ba Be Lake is Vietnam's largest and highest, natural freshwater lake, situated at about 150m above sea level. Ba Be actually means "three lakes" ('Slam Pe') in the local Tay language, the 'lakes' being Pe Leng, Pe lu and Pe Lam. This is an ancient name that refers to the way that the lake comprises three relatively wider sections. Ba Be is however a continuous body of water with numerous small inlets and islets, stretching for nearly 8 kilometres north to south. Due to this rugged splendour Ba Be is sometimes referred to as the 'Ha Long Bay of the mountains'. The depth of the lake is between 17 and 23m on average, with the deepest point about 35m deep. The surface area of the lake fluctuates between 300 and 500 ha depending upon the season and unlike most lakes in karst limestone landscapes, Ba Be Lake remains full all year round.
| - Length of the trip | : 3 days |
| - Trip Starts from | : Hanoi city |
| - Trip Ends in | : Hanoi city |
| - Required booking time | : 15 hours for individuals and 5 days for group in advance |
| - Rates per person | : 314$, for normal tour. |
| - Rates are valid from 1 Oct 2008 |
Details of Tour:
Day 1: Hanoi - Ba Be Lakes (240km, Meals: L/D)
Pick-up at your hotel is at 7:00 am and head for Bac Kan, the province of Ba Be Lakes. During the 6 hours drive, we will stop having lunch at a local food stall in Bac Kan town. Our destination is a small village of the Tay minority people situated inside Ba Be National Park. Arrive at our homestay and refresh with a short afternoon walk around the park and even a swim in the nearby lake. Back home for dinner and talk with our very warm and friendly hosts. Learn about this interesting culture and way of life. Then retire to our beds for a delightful sleep in a traditional stilt home.
Day 2: Ba Be Lakes, boating and canoeing along the lakes (Meals: B/L/D)
Wake up with the chirping of birds and sounds of village life. Well rested, take in the moment of natural tranquility away from the stresses of the city. Breakfast then we start to discover the imposing beauty of the area on a local hand crafted canoe.
Glide along the river, through a pretty cave and onto a powerful waterfall. The whole journey offers great natural scenery and photo opportunities. After lunch at a local food stall near the waterfall, we canoe till our hearts' content into Ba Be lakes and all its majestic. Enjoy great swimming and water fun. Finish the day with a light trek through ethnic minority villages back to our new home. Dinner, followed by a second nights sleep in the traditional stilt home.
Day 3: Ba Be Lakes - Hanoi (Meals: B/L )
Again, take advantage of the morning's fresh air and village energy. Have breakfast and enjoy a last leisurely walk in the park. A bicycle or scenic motorbike ride is a great alternative and also great fun. Pack up your things then say goodbye to your new friends. Leave the village for Hanoi by 10:00 am. If we're lucky, and it is Sunday, we will make a stop on the way to visit Kermis, a typical local maket, in the highlands area. Have lunch on the way. We arrive in Hanoi by 7:30 pm back at your hotel.
Tour price:
Price | Group | Private |
1pax | 2-3pax | 4-6pax | over 7pax |
Private Tour | N/A | 486$ | 314$ | 263$ | 186$ |
Included: English speaking guide, local guide, transport, Eco lodge in the park, permit, admission fees, boat trip along BaBe lake, meal as specified: B for Breakfast; L for Lunch; D for Dinner.
Excluded: Visa to Vietnam, Departure airport tax, Meals which are not included in the program, Personal travel & medical insurance, International flights to and from Vietnam, All personal & daily expenses, All gratuities and tips to drivers and guides.
Notes:
| What to Bring | : Passport, towels, swimsuits, toiletries, rain coat, walking boots, sandals or light footwear, change of clothes, sun block, sun cream with a high factor 10-20, sunglasses & hat with a shade, flash lights, insect repellent, first aid kit. |
| Accommodation | : Eco lodge in the park. |
| Best Time to Do | : all year round, best from September to April of next year. |
| Please Travel Responsibly | : The small things you do will make a big difference! |
| Booking Terms & Conditions | : Surcharges for peak seasons, Christmas and New Year Holidays, lunar New Year Festival, extras for room, air tickets upgrades shall be applied. |
| |
| General information about BaBe National Park & Bac Can: |
| Location | : Bac Kan Province, Northeast Vietnam |
| Distance from Hanoi | : About 250 km - 6-7 hours drive |
| Year established | : 1977, as a national park in 1992 |
| Area | : 10,048 ha |
| Lake area | : 500 ha |
| Typical habitats | : Freshwater lake, limestone forest, and lowland evergreen forest |
| Biodiversity values | : Endangered freshwater fish, bat diversity, orchids, Francois' Langur, butterfly diversity |
Tourism in BaBe National Park
Ba Be National Park is the premier tourist site in north-east Vietnam. A six hour drive from Hanoi it offers a unique natural environment in Vietnam. Ba Be Lake is the centre piece of a landscape dominated by
limestone mountains covered in thick mountainous forest.
The national park offers an inviting environment to relax and enjoy nature. It's special limestone landscape, centred on the lake and dotted with small villages of different ethnic groups, creates a charming vista of both human and natural beauty. To enjoy these sites, there are a range of activities on offer including:
- Boat tours around Ba Be Lake and Nang River stopping off at various beauty spots;
- Trekking through the valleys, forests and visits to caves;
- Cultural experiences, including visits to local villages, markets and musical performances.
Guides are available to accompany individuals or groups on their trips and to provide additional information to enlighten the visit. The national park has a range of accomodation to suit most tastes from homestays in local villages to the comfort of the national park's guesthouses. Other services are also on-hand including workshop facilities, restaurants and some leisure facilities.
Ba Be Lake
BaBe Lake
Ba Be Lake is Vietnam's largest and highest, natural freshwater lake, situated at about 150m above sea level. Ba Be actually means 'three lakes' ('Slam Pe') in the local Tay language, the 'lakes' being Pe Leng, Pe lu and Pe Lam. This is an ancient name that refers to the way that the lake comprises three relatively wider sections. Ba Be is however a continuous body of water with numerous small inlets and islets, stretching for nearly 8 kilometres north to south. Due to this rugged splendour Ba Be is sometimes referred to as the 'Ha Long Bay of the mountains'. The depth of the lake is between 17 and 23m on average, with the deepest point about 35m deep. The surface area of the lake fluctuates between 300 and 500 ha depending upon the season and unlike most lakes in karst limestone landscapes, Ba Be Lake remains full all year round.
Hydrology
The lake is fed by the Ta Han, Bo Lu and Leng Rivers from the south and west, then drains into the Nang River in the north. During high floods in the wet season, water from the Nang River also flows into the lake. In this way, the lake also plays an important role in regulating flooding. The tectonic movements that lead to the formation of the shallow Nang River, caused it to form a dam leading to the formation of the lake. Due to this constant in-flow and out-flow, the water in Ba Be Lake is always in motion, therefore never becoming stagnant and remaining clean.
Lake biodiversity: (Fish)
Ba Be Lake can be considered to be one of the richest natural lakes for fish biodiversity in Vietnam. To date 106 species of fish have been recorded in Ba Be Lake, belonging to 61 genera, 17 families and 5 orders. Twenty species have not recorded since the 1970s and can be considered extinct from the lake. The lake's fisheries are an important part of the diet for local people. Almost every day people can be seen fishing the lake from the traditional dugout 'Doc Moc' canoes. Long nets are suspended a few metres below the surface of the lake from floats made of sections of bamboo. Sections of bamboo seen floating on the lake are also being used for this purpose.
Threats to fish diversity
Recent fishing practices have threatened the fisheries and probably caused the decline in fish diversity. Dynamite and electric fishing kill fish indiscriminately and to a greater extent than is necessary. These practices are illegal throughout Viet Nam and have been curtailed in Ba Be Lake by greater surveillance and by severing socio-economic assistance provided in exchange for activities that help protect the biodiversity. The use of lift nets has also been prohibited.
Local fishermen have also been given training on more sustainable fishing techniques and the value of the biodiversity in the lake. Sometimes a small piece of knowledge can have a big effect. Increasing the mesh size of nets allows young fish to remain free to grow into adults and reproduce, while the fishermen can still catch the more valuable adults. Most significantly the formation of a Lake Management Cooperative comprising fisherman from local communities and the national park has led to greater cooperation to sucessfully address these issues.
Algae
Until now, 179 species of phytoplankton belonging to Chorophyta, Cyanophyta, Bacillariophyta, Euglenophyta, Pyrrophyta and Chrysophyta have been recorded in Ba Be Lake. Chlorophyta being the dominant family with 71 species. A remarkable number of Bacillariophyta have also been recorded, reflecting the fact that Ba Be Lake is located in a mountainous region. The presence of the freshwater red algae Batrachoprmum sp. belonging to Rhodophyta is very important and under certain conditions gives the lake water a red colour.
Nature in National Park
Ba Be National Park lies in the Tropical Southern China area of the Indo-Malayan Realm. This region is characterised by steep limestone mountains, interspersed by lowland non-limestone areas. The underlying geology of the national park is limestone with topography being strongly separated and comprising many high mountain peaks, steep hill slopes, caves, valleys, streams and rivers. Ba Be Lake, which the national park is centred upon and after which it is named lies at 150m above sea level and the surrounding mountains rise up to 1,098m above sea level. The lake is mainly fed by the Ta Han, Cho Leng rivers and Bo Lu rivers.
Vegetation coverage mainly includes two types of forests: limestone and evergreen forests. Limestone forests are distributed on steep mountainsides where the soil is thin and cover most of the park area. Evergreen forests are distributed on low earthen hills covered with a thicker soil layer. The species diversity of the lowland evergreen forests is usually more diverse than those found on limestone mountains. The dominant limestone species include the threatened Burretiodendron hsienmu, Streblus tonkinensis among which climbing bamboo (Ampelocalamus sp) is endemic to the region and often found on hill slopes that lie adjacent to the lakeside.
The forests play an important role in watershed protection. Without this mosaic of plants, the land could likely be eroded due to intensive water flows and water restoration of the lake could therefore be weakened in the flood season. This would cause drought and flood every year, which threaten the lives of local communities in downstream of the Nang river.
Of the fauna in the national park, the most important mammal species for conservation are the Francois' langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) and Owston's Banded Civet (Hemigulus ownstoni). The Francois' Langur was first found in 1995 along the second bank of Ba Be Lake and, in 2001 rediscovered nearby along the Nang River.
The Vietnamese Salamander (Paramesotriton deloustali) was recently discovered in streams in the buffer zone of the national park. These were the first records for this endemic species outside of Tam Dao National Park and considerably extended its range. The national park is also notable for its considerable butterfly diversity, for which to date over 300 species have been recorded. Without doubt, the national park plays an important role in wetland biodiversity and habitats conservation, in particular for freshwater fish, including several species listed in the Red Data Book of Vietnam.
Main place in National Park
Puong Cave
Puong Cave forms a stunning 50m high gateway to the north west of Ba Be Lake in the heart of Lung Nham mountain. The Nang River lazily flows 300m through the cave underlining one of the most spectacular limestone features of Ba Be National Park. The cave is home to 5-10,000 bats belonging to 18 species; the majority of the bat species found in Ba Be National Park. They are usually most active between dusk and dawn. Three species of bat are important for plant pollination and scattering seeds. Insect eating bats also help protect local crops from some harmful pests. Unfortunately, disturbances by tourists and people collecting bat dung as fertiliser are reducing the bat population.
Nang River
The Nang river is part of a large drainage system that brings water from China to Cao Bang via Ba Be, eventually flowing to the Lo river (Tuyen Quang province). The section of the Nang river between Puong cave and Dau Dang village offers a wonderful opportunity to view tropical limestone forest and numerous limestone formations. Keep your eyes open for birds, especially kingfishers and small forest species.
Here is also a good place to meet some of the local residents going about their daily lives; planting maize on the narrow river banks, fishing, or travelling to or from one of the numerous local markets. Not far from Ban Cam, the Nang River meets the waters flowing slowly north out of Ba Be Lake. At this point the lake has narrowed such that the meeting point of these two water courses can be difficult to see from the Nang river approach.
However, for several months of the year there is a clear distinction in colour between the clear lake waters and the soil-laden and reddened waters of the Nang. At these times a line forms at the confluence where the waters blend together, indicating that Ba Be lake is yet to suffer from soil erosion on the scale of the Nang River. This point is also marked by a white brick national park ranger post, which can be seen clearly from the river. At the northern end of the lake, there are numerous orchids and interesting plants to be seen overhanging the water. This is also the best point at which to start looking for larger water birds like egrets and herons.
Dau Dang Waterfall
Dau Dang (sometimes Ta Ken) falls is a natural rapid formed as the waters of the Nang River drop on their way west in to neighbouring Tuyen Quang Province. The falls are nearly 1 Km long, and littered with enormous boulders - some as large as the local houses. The falls also contain many dead trees that have been washed through during the high waters of the rainy season.
Hard to believe in the dry season (October to March), but at the height of the rains the falls can rise to just below the viewing platform in the centre of the falls. At this time Dau Dang is at its most powerful and formidable. Dau Dang village is a picturesque point mid-way along the classic one-day boat trip, which takes in all the sights mentioned here. It is also a convenient place to visit for an afternoon from the main park landing, offering a small restaurant and several small shops. Due to its location, Dau Dang is an important trading post. It is therefore a good place to see local commerce, as residents of several ethnic groups come and go between the lake and villages further west.
Fairy Pond
Situated on "lake three" of Ba Be lake, Fairy Pond is a small water body in a rock basin isolated from the main lake. A short walk from the lake shore brings you to the pond. The pond is fed from waters seeping underground through the surrounding rock, making Fairy Pond the same level as Ba Be. Fairy Pond is home to a number of local fish and other aquatic animals. Local fishermen sometimes come here to try their luck, though this is surely as much for the quiet and seclusion as it is the hope of a large catch. Like the other special features of Ba Be, Fairy Pond is evoked in local legend; the name is in reference to the story of a local hunter who visited the island and became bewitched by fairies whom he found bathing at the pond.
Widow Island
Widow Island is the small island in the middle of the southern part of the lake. Legend speaks of a kind old widow living here, who was spared from the flood that formed Ba Be Lake. The smaller island closer to the shore is where she is believed to have kept her chickens.
In the centre of "lake one", about 300 metres from main boat landing, is a small islet. Tradition says that a long time ago an old widow lived here, delivered by a god who thus saved her from the flood that formed Ba Be lake. After a long day on the Nang river and Ba Be lake, Widow Island is a good place to conclude your trip and admire the stunning lake scenery. You can take pleasure not only from the natural sights, but also from the historical interest of this site; a stone tablet carved with old Chinese, dating back to the Khai Dinh Dynasty, remains on the island. And don't hesitate to take a swim in this clean and cool natural swimming pool, shaded from the sun by the old trees growing on the island
Bo Lu village
Bo Lu and neighbouring Coc Toc, directly opposite the main landing, are a great place to take a short walk through history. There is now road access between all of these villages and the park reception, although boats still offer the most relaxing and enjoyable way to make a visit. Refreshments are available in all of these villages, and there is the option of arranging home-stays in a number of traditional Tay stilt houses. This is a great way to get a feel for local life, as well as see some traditional dance and song or enjoy local foods.
Pac Ngoi mountain and village
Pac Ngoi Mountain rises up to 787 metres and forms an impressive guardian where the Leng River enters Ba Be Lake. In fact Pac Ngoi literally means "mouth of the lake" in the Tay language. A small picturesque Tay village by the same name lies at the bottom of the mountain and is a popular spot for visitors to the national park to enjoy the local Tay culture and hospitality.
Day market at Ban Cam
Ban Cam is a small Tay village spread along one kilometre of the northern bank just before the Nang river meets Ba Be lake. The ‘centre’ of the village occupies a small valley, which is perpendicular to the Nang River and contains a small freshwater stream. The people of Ban Cam are traditionally users of the local dugout canoes - doc moc - for which Ba Be is famous. These are carved from single trees, and although precarious-looking are capable of carrying several people in safety.
Short nature trail
Starting from the national park headquarters alongside the VIP bungalows, the short 45 minuute nature trail takes you along throught the heart of mature limestone forest for which Ba Be National Park is so notable. The path weaves its way along the opposite side of the valley from the road which leads to the lake and eventually meets the road where the valley closes at its top end. The gentle climb up the side of the hillside elevates you through the various layers of the forest and gives you a first hand experience in seeing how the forest is structured. At the height of the trail the view towards the valley reveals the upper canopy of the forest, and looking up the valley you see the thick trunks and sparse ground vegetation of a mature limestone forest. Here the soil is thin and the trunks and roots of the trees twist and turn to secure a firm grip on the rocky hillside.
As the trail ends the trail lightens as it enters into recovering secondary forest before meet the road and a short walk back to the national park headquarters. This short nature trail is an ideal way of getting to know the forests of Ba Be and using the time available upon arrival at the national park or just before leaving.
Local cultures
Ba Be National Park is home to over 3,000 people from five different ethnic groups. For over 2,000 years, Ba Be has been inhabited by Tay people, who make up the majority. Nung and Dao people may have arrived about 100 years ago and Kinh and Mong are relatively recent arrivals. There are 13 villages in the national park, some of which are almost exclusively inhabited by one ethnic group as shown in a map of villages around Ba Be National Park. Usually, Tay villages are situated in low-lying areas, Dao villages at mid-elevations and Mong villages in the uplands.
Approximate proportion of residents of Ba Be by ethnicity: Tay : 58% ; Dzao : 21% ; Mong : 13% ; Nung : 7% ; Kinh ; 1%
Tay and Nung
The Tay and Nung people both belong to the Tay - Thai language group and have many cultural similarities. Traditionally both Tay and Nung build stilt houses with 4 to 7 rows of columns supporting a living area above the ground and storage space for agricultural equipment and livestock underneath. The house is constructed with a two or four-sided roof made from thatch, palm leaves or roof tiles. Such houses are prevalent throughout Ba Be, although many families have now adopted to build their house directly on the ground.
Tay people throughout northern Vietnam have a long and advanced tradition of rice cultivation, usually along valley floors, in addition to cultivating a variety of other crops. The agricultural calendar is marked by the "Long Tong" (Descending to the rice fields) Spring Festival, which gives thanks for the previous harvest and prays for a successful harvest in the year to come. This festival is held next to Ba Be Lake on the 10th day of the lunar new year and is one of the most important local annual festivals. Additionally, Tay people commonly raise livestock and around Ba Be Lake they also fish. The traditional Tay dug-out canoe is still used for fishing.
Tay weaving
Tay people are renowned for their tradition brocade weaving and embroidery. It is normally used for room dividers, blankets, baby carriers, backpacks and tablecloths. A brocade weaving is often given as a gift on special occasions such as weddings or for a new-born baby. Tay looms are among the largest and most sophisticated of the traditional looms found in Vietnam. The primary materials are cotton and silk threads dyed in a variety of different colours.
Many Tay families in and around Ba Be National Park still weave traditional brocades to generate extra income for the family as well as preserving the tradition for the next generation. However the tradition and quality of the Tay embroidery is not as highly developed as in some other areas. The eight-pointed star is a typical motif found in Tay weavings. It also features on other Tay handicraft like shutters and walls made from woven bamboo.
Music and dance
The Tay have their own musical traditions, which continue to have a strong cultural signficance in the area. The national park encourages local musical and dance traditions and performances are often given by groups from local villages. The most distinctive instrument of the Tay people is the "dan tinh" a long string instrument with a semi-spherical sound box at the end.
Dzao and Mong
The Mong and Dzao belong to the same ethno-linguistic group and share many cultural similarities. They usually live in upland areas and traditionally practice swidden agriculture, moving from an area when the soil becomes depleted of nutrients. This practice is now being discouraged and is completely forbidden in national parks. In Ba Be, Mong usually cultivate their crops on sloping land, but also rely on forest products to supplement their livelihoods.
Mong
In Ba Be, Mong houses are always built directly on the ground. The staple crop of the Mong is maize, often ground to make "men men". Other common foods are pumpkins, soya beans, cassava and upland rice. The Mong villages here are more isolated than those of other local ethnic groups and the Mong people live in close-knit communities. They have a strong sense of cultural identity expressed most noticeably through their distinctive dress. The main local sub-groups of Mong are the Black, White and Blue Mong.
Dzao spiritual life
The spiritual life of Dzao people centres on the worship of ancestors and Ban Vuong their mythical common ancestor. It also draws on elements of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Most Dzao villages have a spiritual leader called a Thay Tao who acts as an intermediary between this world and the world of the spirits. The Thay Tao plays a vital role in Dzao spiritual life and is a moral support for the whole community.
The Thay Tao in front of this altar is conducting an initiation rite that all young men must go through to signify their entry into adulthood. The holy books he prays from have been transcribed by the Thay Tao himself from scriptures passed down through generations. The Thay Tao conducts ceremonies for all significant events such as births, weddings, ground breaking, entering a new house, praying for good crops, festivals, funerals and death anniversaries.
