How to visit Ba Be in 1 day/ 24h? Surrounded by majestic mountains, Ba Be Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Vietnam. It is in Ba Be National Park, Bac Kan province, northern Vietnam. About 250 km from Hanoi, roughly a 5-hour drive, Ba Be National Park offers breathtaking natural landscapes, rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, and unique geological features. Let’s explore Mr. Ewan’s Ba Be itinerary for one day along with the highlights, and activities that made his trip memorable!
To change the scenery after spending several days in Hanoi, I booked a Ba Be itinerary for 1 day with the Vietnam travel agency Autour Asia, which had been recommended to me for its enchanting landscapes and lush greenery. Overall, the Ba Be 1-day tour is quite short, so it doesn’t allow for a complete exploration of the site. However, my two friends and I still managed to visit the most iconic spots.
The nature in Ba Be National Park remains remarkably pristine, harboring rare flora and fauna. Ba Be Lake, in particular, is stunningly vast, surrounded by mountain ranges that create an incredibly romantic setting. The sites visited during the boat trip on Ba Be Lake were also highly captivating. However, a piece of advice: it’s best to be in good physical condition to follow the Ba Be itinerary for 24 hours, as the schedule allows little time for rest.
Brief travel itinerary for Ba Be in 24 hours:
06:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Hanoi - Ba Be by bus - Lunch
Early in the morning, our driver picked us up to begin our 24-hour adventure in Ba Be. We hit the road before sunrise, passing through the tea plantations of Thai Nguyen. Driving through these fields, we couldn’t help but marvel at their vibrant greenery. The driver explained that the tea plants here produce one of Vietnam’s most fragrant and flavorful green teas.
After leaving Thai Nguyen, we made a stop in Bac Kan town. We paused here for lunch in this charming location. The meal, introduced by our guide, featured specialties from the Tay ethnic group: roasted pork, hill chicken, steamed sticky rice, fresh fish from Ba Be Lake, and wild vegetables. It was a true feast showcasing local flavors!
12:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Excursion on Ba Be Lake
After lunch, our driver took us to Ba Be Lake to begin a boat tour, undoubtedly the most memorable activity of our day in Ba Be. Before boarding the boat, we took a short hike of about 2 km to reach the pier. The dirt path was easy to navigate, and the surrounding greenery brought a refreshing and serene ambiance. The sunlight filtering through the leaves highlighted the grandeur and wild beauty of the Ba Be National Park.
Our boat ride lasted about three hours, covering the lake’s expanse. The emerald-green, tranquil waters invited us to pause and take in the scenery. Our first stop was An Ma Temple, located on a small island surrounded by fluttering butterflies, giving it an ancient and mystical feel. Nearby, some groups were camping—a captivating activity that truly intrigued me. If I ever return to Ba Be for a longer stay, camping here will be on my list!
The boat ride was truly soothing. We drifted across the vast lake, carried by a gentle breeze and pleasant weather, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. However, one small drawback was the noise from the boat’s motor, as it was an older model.
We then stopped at Ao Tien before continuing to the Dau Dang waterfall. To reach the base of the waterfall, we followed a small trail, and the sight of water cascading down the rocks was simply breathtaking and awe-inspiring.
Finally, we visited Ba Goa Islet, a place steeped in mystery. Our guide shared a legend about how the islet symbolizes the kindness and generosity of a virtuous woman. The ancient trees surrounding it added to its enigmatic aura. This was the final stop on our Ba Be itinerary 1 day, a journey filled with discoveries and emotions.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Local market in Ba Be
Afterward, we returned to the pier to explore the local market stalls. It was the perfect opportunity to buy a few souvenirs from Ba Be. The locals, particularly the ethnic minorities, were incredibly warm and welcoming. According to our guide, the population in Ba Be primarily consists of the Tay people, one of Vietnam’s many ethnic groups. They are easily recognizable by their distinctive traditional attire and their unique accent when speaking Vietnamese.
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Ba Be - Hanoi by Bus
After that, we boarded the bus back to Hanoi. By the time we arrived, it was already dark. And so, our one-day itinerary in Ba Be came to an end.
Regarding the weather in Ba Be 1-day, we were fortunate to have been well-advised and enjoyed a beautiful day for our trip. It was slightly hot and sunny at noon, but fortunately, the forest walk and the boat ride were refreshing thanks to a pleasant breeze, and the sky was clear with a few clouds. Our guide even mentioned that we were lucky to have such good weather, as it often rains in Ba Be during October.
I hope Mr. Ewan’s Ba Be one-day itinerary has provided you with useful information for your upcoming trip to Ba Be National Park. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Autour Asia for prompt and efficient assistance!
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