Looking for a Ba Be travel itinerary for 3 days? This iconic natural site in Vietnam, with its vast national park, the stunning Ba Be Lake, mysterious caves, charming islets, and breathtaking waterfalls, offers a wide range of activities for travelers: hiking, kayaking, excursions, and even spiritual tourism. If you're seeking a detailed program to explore Ba Be in 3 days, dive into the experiences and review of the Risso couple on their unforgettable adventure, organized by Autour Asia, your Vietnam travel agency
After completing our trip in southern Vietnam, we took a flight to Hanoi, where we spent 2 days exploring the capital. We then began our 3-day itinerary in Ba Be, marking our first journey in northern Vietnam. Known as one of the largest freshwater lakes in the country, Ba Be is often called Ha Long Bay on land. Needless to say, I was very excited about this getaway.
Overall, the Ba Be itinerary 3 days was perfectly organized. It started with a boat trip on Ba Be Lake, followed by a trek to local villages and mysterious caves. Regarding accommodation, we stayed in a traditional stilt house with decent amenities. In my opinion, 3 days in Ba Be were fine — neither too long nor too short.
Starting our 3-day itinerary in Ba Be, the driver picked us up early in the morning to head from Hanoi to Ba Be Lake. The journey was smooth and hassle-free, and we arrived late morning.
Once there, we checked into our accommodation and had lunch. We stayed in a private room at a homestay, a traditional stilt house belonging to the local ethnic groups. The room, though simple, was clean and equipped with all the necessary amenities.
After lunch, we headed to Ba Be National Park and took a short walk to the lake. There, we embarked on a boat tour around Ba Be Lake. The emerald-green, serene surface of the lake stirred only as our boat passed by, while the horizon revealed a breathtaking view of limestone mountain ranges encircling the lake.
Our first stop was Ao Tien, a tranquil corner of the lake in a valley surrounded by pristine tropical rainforest. It was a true haven of peace. Next, we visited An Ma Temple, a spiritual site on a small island in the middle of the lake. I found the temple’s architecture quite ancient, though not particularly remarkable in the context of the trip.
Our excursion ended with a visit to Ba Goa Islet, which stood out from other islets thanks to its tall, majestic trees covering this charming little island. This place is also tied to a captivating legend about a mother and child who once lived here, adding a touch of history to the site's natural beauty. End of the first day of the Ba Be itinerary 3 days.
The second day of our 3-day trip to Ba Be was dedicated to a hike through local villages to discover the daily life of local people. We walked approximately 20 kilometers that day, so it’s essential to bring suitable shoes and clothing for this itinerary.
We began with a visit to Pac Ngoi Village, where we met members of the Tay ethnic group. Dressed in their traditional black attire, they warmly welcomed us. The village, located by the shores of Ba Be Lake, exuded a peaceful atmosphere with its stilt houses harmoniously nestled among tall trees.
Next, we headed to Qua Village for a traditional lunch with the locals and enjoyed a moment of rest. In the afternoon, we continued to Chay Village, which was smaller but equally rich in local culture and surrounded by enchanting natural landscapes.
Our final destination for the day was Na Phong Cave, located in Ba Be National Park. This 700-meter-long cave, with a relatively low ceiling, features an underground river running through it. The rock formations, sculpted over time by the flowing water, created a fascinating and unique spectacle, making it the perfect end to a day full of discoveries.
In the evening, we went kayaking around Ba Be Lake and admired the sunset from the water. The scenery was truly breathtaking, providing a perfect conclusion to our last evening of this Ba Be 3-day itinerary.
In the morning, eager to make the most of our last day, we woke up early for a bike ride around our accommodation. After this activity, we returned to have breakfast, pack our belongings, and check out of the room.
Our driver then took us to Hua Ma Cave, which I found to be the most impressive and memorable spot of our Ba Be 3-day itinerary. Nestled at the foot of a mountain and surrounded by dense vegetation, the cave is accessible after climbing several steep and slippery steps. Despite the effort, we were awestruck by the beauty and mystery of the cave. Its smooth walls, varied stalactites, and stalagmites descending from the ceiling created a breathtaking natural spectacle.
After this visit, we had lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to Hanoi, where we arrived in the evening. This marked the end of our Ba Be itinerary 3 days, an unforgettable experience blending nature, culture, and adventure.
Having traveled in November, the weather during our 3-day stay in Ba Be was slightly cool in the mornings and evenings but dry, with no rain, which was perfect for tourism and outdoor activities like kayaking, boat trips, or trekking in the national park. A light windbreaker was enough to stay comfortable. My travel consultant explained that the weather in Ba Be is pleasant year-round, except during the rainy season from April to October. The atmosphere is always fresh and cool, offering a refreshing break from the often stifling heat of major cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
A Ba Be 3-day travel itinerary is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature that is both majestic and poetic, meet local people, and explore their culture along with the fascinating legends surrounding this destination. We hope the review from the Risso couple has provided you with useful insights into the beautiful Ba Be National Park! Don’t forget to contact Autour Asia for more information on other destinations in Southeast Asia!
Yes, Ba Be is a family-friendly destination. With its serene lakes, gentle boat rides, and easy treks, it offers a relaxed environment perfect for families.
The boat rides on Ba Be Lake are especially enjoyable for children, allowing them to explore the natural beauty while staying safe.
Short hikes to nearby villages like Pac Ngoi can be suitable for families, though some paths may be challenging for very young kids.
Staying in local homestays provides an authentic experience, and the region’s peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal place for families to bond and enjoy nature together.
Pac Ngoi Village, located within Ba Be National Park, offers a unique glimpse into the traditional life of the Tay ethnic group. Visitors can explore the village's charming stilt houses surrounded by lush greenery and Ba Be Lake.
Engage with the friendly locals, who often wear traditional black attire, and learn about their customs and daily routines. Trekking or cycling around the village reveals stunning landscapes and peaceful rural scenes.
You can also enjoy delicious local meals featuring fresh ingredients like lake fish and sticky rice, often prepared by homestay hosts, making Pac Ngoi a must-visit for cultural and natural exploration.
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