Do you dream of swapping the gentle hum of your daily routine for the lapping of water and the song of birds? Of a beautiful getaway in the heart of preserved nature, where water is your playground? Then get ready!
Ba Be National Park is THE ideal destination for souls (and feet) eager for aquatic adventures. Its immense freshwater lake, a true turquoise pearl nestled in the mountains, offers a myriad of ways to immerse yourself in its legendary aquatic landscapes.
Just imagine: for generations, long before the word "tourism" even existed, local inhabitants were already carving canoes from the surrounding forest wood to navigate and fish. These elegant, slender vessels aren't just simple boats; they are true cultural symbols, intimately linked to Ba Be's identity. Today, they are your passport to an authentic immersion, silently gliding over peaceful waters, in the heart of untouched nature that has lost none of its splendor.
Kayaking down the Nang River, a must-do in Ba Be National Park - Mr Linh's AdventuresKayaking: For an active exploration of secret spots
Kayaking, this booming water sport, finds its ideal playground in Ba Be with a network of rivers and streams that wind through a spectacular mountainous landscape. Whether the water is shallow (perfect for timid beginners) or deeper (for intrepid explorers), kayaking allows you to uncover those isolated nooks that larger boats can only envy. Ready to grab a paddle? Here are a few itineraries to get your feet wet!
The legendary serenity of the lake
Paddle along the shores of Ba Be Lake, lazily gliding past islets. These small islands are legendary: it's said they were home to the widow and her son from the origin story of Ba Be Lake. Continue your journey to An Ma Temple. This 2 to 3-hour route is a true rejuvenation in the clear, refreshing waters of the lake. And if an Indiana Jones spirit awakens in you, make a short stop (leaving your kayaks dry, of course!) for a ten-minute walk to Fairy Pond (Ao Tien).
Kayaking and SUP through Puong Cave - Mr Linh's Adventures
Adventure in Puong cave
For a slightly longer and truly picturesque experience, start your journey upstream on
the Nang River, near Buoc Lom. After crossing the charming village of Cam Ha, the highlight: you enter the famous Puong Cave by kayak! This 13-kilometer journey is a kind of natural "love tunnel," considered one of the most rewarding before opening onto the lake for a well-deserved swim and a moment of relaxation.
The Nang river challenge
If the call of a challenge tempts you, depart from Coc Toc, Bo Lu, or Pac Ngoi. Your mission, should you choose to accept it: paddle through dense reed beds and flooded forest areas around the lake. You can hug the shoreline to spy on forest birds and freshwater fish (without disturbing them, of course!) before heading down the Nang River to the majestic Dau Dang waterfall. This is the most demanding itinerary, stretching over 15 kilometers of river. But we promise, the visual reward is worth it!
Good news for both beginners and experienced paddlers: kayaks can be rented by the hour or as part of a guided tour. Expect to pay between 150,000 and 250,000 VND (approximately 6 to 10 USD) per person.
SUP in Ba Be National Park offers a fun and active experience - Mr Linh's AdventuresStand-Up Paddle (SUP): Standing on water, head in the stars!
And why not try Stand-Up Paddle (SUP)? It's a relatively new activity in Ba Be, but it's really gaining popularity! It offers a fun and active experience, ideal for working on your balance (and potentially your sense of humor if you fall in!) while enjoying a spectacular panorama of the rock formations, caves, and cliffs that border the lake and the Nang River. SUP is generally offered in organized tours, including a guide and accommodation.
A boatrip is ideal to discover the serenity of Ba Be lake - Mr Linh's AdventuresMotorboat excursion: To enjoy the scenery
For those who prefer to explore the lake without too much effort (no judgment here!), a motorboat excursion is the ideal choice. These tranquil cruises will effortlessly take you to some of Ba Be's most emblematic natural and cultural sites.
- • An Ma temple: a sacred site linked to the legend of a Mac dynasty general who died honorably on the lake.
- • Puong cave: an impressive limestone formation where the Nang River decided to cut directly through the mountain.
- • Ba Goa islet (Widow's Islet): this tiny speck of land on the water has a touching story to tell, and you can discover it up close.
- • Dau Dang waterfall: where the river meets a geological fault, creating a spectacular waterfall in the middle of the primary forest.
- • Local villages on the lake's edge, like Bo Lu and Pac Ngoi: you can take a lunch break there and discover the life and customs of the Tay people.
These excursions are suitable for all ages, from families with budding explorers to older visitors who appreciate comfort. A typical trip lasts between 1 and 3 hours, just enough time to savor every moment.
The unique experience of a dugout canoe trip on Ba Be lake - Mr Linh's AdventuresTraditional dugout canoe: For an unforgettable cultural experience
No engines. No noise. No rush. Here, time slows down, and stress melts away. A dugout canoe trip is undoubtedly one of the most serene and meaningful ways to connect with Ba Be Lake. Imagine yourself gliding on the water, and beneath you, you'll feel the gentle, soothing rhythm of the water, like a natural lullaby inviting you to serenity. Let your senses awaken: you'll hear the melodious song of birds inhabiting the dense forest, the delicate rustling of the wind in the trees, and perhaps even the discreet and intimate murmur of small waves caressing the hull of your boat.
And the best for last: this unique experience will be enriched by the presence of a local fisherman who will guide you. A true guardian of the lake, he will share with you legends, folklore, and ancestral traditions of his community, passed down carefully from generation to generation. It's much more than a simple boat ride; it's an authentic immersion into local culture, a rare and preciously preserved eco-cultural experience in Ba Be.
Ba Be along the water is an authentic immersion into local culture - Mr Linh's AdventuresBa Be: Much more than just a lake!
Ba Be Lake and its surroundings offer a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Whether you're a kayaking enthusiast, a lover of peaceful cruises, or seeking a unique cultural experience aboard a dugout canoe, the waters of Ba Be await you for an unforgettable discovery!