Bac Kan, a mountainous province in Northern Vietnam, is not only famous for its vast primeval forests but also for hiding a precious gem of nature – Ba Be Lake. Dubbed the largest "mountain lake" in Vietnam, Ba Be captivates visitors not only with its charming landscape of mountains and water but also with its mysterious legendary stories passed down through generations. Let's join us on a journey to this land, where nature and culture harmoniously intertwine.

Where is Ba Be Lake and what makes it special?

Ba Be Lake is located within Ba Be National Park, in Ba Be district, Bac Kan province, about 230km from Hanoi. It is one of the world's 20 largest natural freshwater lakes, formed over 200 million years ago. What makes Ba Be unique is its special geological structure. The lake sits at an altitude of 145m above sea level, surrounded by majestic limestone mountain ranges and lush tropical forests all year round.

The name Ba Be (meaning 'Three Lakes' in the Tay language, 'Slam Pé') originates from the fact that the lake is the confluence of three river branches: Pe Lam, Pe Lu, and Pe Leng. The lake's beauty changes magically at different times of the day and throughout the seasons. In the early morning, the lake is covered in a mystical, hazy mist. When the sun rises, the lake's surface turns a jade-like blue, reflecting the clouds, sky, and mountains, creating a vivid watercolor painting. At dusk, the sunset bathes the entire space in gold, bringing a strange sense of peace and romance.

What is the legend of Ba Be Lake about?

Associated with the lake's formation is a legendary story rich in humanistic value. The story goes that long ago, the Ba Be area was a bustling valley with Pac Ngoi village. Every year, the villagers held a large festival to worship Buddha. One day, an old, smelly, leprous beggar woman came asking for food, but everyone shooed her away. Only a kind widow and her son took the old woman to their home, fed her, and offered her a place to rest.

That night, the old woman revealed her true form as a giant dragon and told the mother and son that a great flood was coming to submerge the entire valley. She gave them a packet of kitchen ash to sprinkle around their house and two rice husks to use as boats. The next night, while everyone was celebrating, a huge column of water erupted from the ground, sinking everything. The entire valley turned into a vast sea of water, which is Ba Be Lake today. Only the house of the widow and her son was spared, as the ash kept the water out, and the two rice husks turned into two dugout canoes, which they used to save other good people. The story not only explains the origin of the lake but also serves as a lesson on kindness and compassion.

What to do and explore at Ba Be Lake?

A journey of Ba Be Lake travel offers countless exciting experiences, from exploring nature to learning about local culture. Here are the activities you shouldn't miss:

• Boating on the lake: This is the core activity to fully appreciate the lake's beauty. You can hire a local dugout canoe to slowly glide across the clear blue water, visiting famous spots like Ba Goa Islet, Tien Pond, and An Ma Temple.
• Exploring magnificent caves: Ba Be National Park has many beautiful caves, most notably Puong Cave. The cave is 300m long and over 30m high, with myriad-shaped stalactites and is home to tens of thousands of bats.
• Admiring Dau Dang Waterfall: Located on the Nang River, Dau Dang Waterfall is a masterpiece of nature. The majestic waterfall is over 1km long, divided into three tiers, and cascades down with white foam amidst the great jungle. The sound of the falling water and the pristine beauty here will leave an unforgettable impression.
• Learning about local culture in the villages: The area around the lake is home to the Tay ethnic community with their traditional stilt houses. You can visit Pac Ngoi or Bo Lu villages to learn about their life, culture, and enjoy the smooth melodies of Then singing and Tinh lute. Experiencing a stay at a homestay in Pac Ngoi village is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the local life.
• Trekking and cycling in the National Park: With its diverse ecosystem, Ba Be National Park is a paradise for those who love trekking and exploration. The forest trails will lead you to stunning natural landscapes and rich flora and fauna.

What to eat when traveling to Ba Be Lake?

Ba Be's cuisine is rich with the flavors of the mountains, featuring rustic yet unique dishes:

• Pac Ngoi grilled fish: Fresh fish caught from the lake are clamped in bamboo and grilled over charcoal, releasing an irresistible aroma.
• Roasted suckling pig: Free-range pigs are marinated with mac mat leaves and roasted whole until the skin is crispy gold and the meat is soft and sweet.
• Bo khai vegetables: A special wild vegetable, which can be stir-fried with garlic or beef, offering a very distinct flavor.
• Five-colored sticky rice: A fragrant, sticky rice dish colored with natural plant leaves, both beautiful and delicious.
• Bamboo shoots and smoked sausage: Essential specialties in the local people's meals.

When is the best time to visit Ba Be Lake?

Ba Be is beautiful in every season, but the most ideal times to visit are in the summer (May - August) and autumn (September - October). In summer, the weather is cool and fresh, perfect for activities like swimming and kayaking. In autumn, the scenery of Ba Be becomes more romantic than ever with golden terraced rice fields by the lake and cool weather. Spring is also a beautiful time with traditional festivals of the Tay people, such as the Long Tong festival.

How to get to Ba Be Lake from Hanoi?

The journey from Hanoi to Ba Be is quite convenient. You can choose the following means of transport:

• Coach bus: There are sleeper buses departing from My Dinh Bus Station directly to Cho Ra town (Ba Be district). From there, you can take a motorbike taxi or a taxi for about 16km to reach the lake area.
• Private car or motorbike: This is the ideal option for those who love to explore freely. The common route is to follow National Highway 3 through Thai Nguyen, turn left at the intersection with Provincial Road 268 to go to Dinh Hoa (Thai Nguyen), then continue to Cho Don and on to Ba Be.

Ba Be Lake is not just an ecotourism destination, but also a journey back to nature, to core cultural values, and to inspiring legendary stories. The pristine, peaceful beauty and the hospitality of the local people will surely leave unforgettable memories in the hearts of visitors. So pack your bags and start your journey to discover the green gem of the Northeast mountains!

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