Ba Vi National Park: An Ideal Site In A Hanoi Suburb For Your Getaway

Contents

Ba Vi National Park has fresh atmosphere and untouched natural beauty (Source: Collected)

Located just around 60 kilometers away from the center of Hanoi, Ba Vi National Park is famous for the fresh atmosphere and untouched natural beauty. Having an exceptionally diverse bio-ecological system, the National Park is an ideal destination for nature lovers. This article will provide you with everything you need to know to prepare for a flawless day trip to the National Park.

1. Where is Ba Vi National Park Vietnam? How to get there?

1.1. Where is Ba Vi National Park?

Ba Vi National Park is a famous tourist attraction in Hanoi’s suburban area. It is located in Ba Vi District, which is just around 60 kilometers away from the city center. This nature reserve is situated on the mountain range of the same name, covering an area of 10,814 hectares. The natural greens of this place make it an ideal stop for a day trip from Hanoi.

Thanks to its hilly terrain, Ba Vi has a pleasant tropical monsoon climate. The annual average temperature is 23.2°C. It is colder in December and January, when the temperature might decrease by 2-3°C. On the other hand, the temperature reaches its peak during the summer (especially in May and June). Still, Ba Vi National Park weather is still much cooler than in Hanoi’s city center, which makes it the favorite hideaway destination for the people of Hanoi to cool down on hot summer days.

1.2. The best time to visit Ba Vi National Park

Ba Vi Mountain is great for a visit all year round, as each season here has its own beauty. Summer is the peak season, as it welcomes both locals and tourists coming to cool down the heat. However, it is not the only good time to visit the National Park. If you seek weather that is perfect for outdoor activities, come here between April and October. You can expect clear blue skies, gentle winds, and an average daytime temperature of only about 23°C.

In case you want to get away from the crowds, winter and early spring would be the ideal time to come to Ba Vi. Especially, the blooming season of wild sunflowers (“hoa dã quỳ” in Vietnamese) in November makes it even more worth-visiting. The sea of bright yellow ”dã quỳ” along the mountainsides will definitely make you stand in awe.

Ba Vi National Park is an attractive destination all year round (Source: Nguyen Ngoc Tu)

1.3. How to get to Ba Vi from Hanoi?

As Ba Vi National Park is situated close to the city center, you can easily make a day trip or a 2-day-1-night trip to this place. It takes only about an hour to drive from Hanoi to Ba Vi.

There are 3 ways to get to Ba Vi National Park from Hanoi. The journey is not only about going from the urban area to the mountain but also involves going around inside the Park as well, so a motorbike is the most recommended option. The locals often choose to begin their tours at 2 starting points: BigC Thang Long (near Tran Duy Hung – Khuat Duy Tien intersection) and Cau Giay Street.

• From BigC Thang Long: go for about 30 kilometers along Thang Long Boulevard (Lang Hoa Lac Highway) to reach Hoa Lac Overpass. Then head to the area near Dong Mo Cultural Village and Yen Bai Commune before continuing the trip to Ba Vi Mountain.
• From Cau Giay Street: go for about 37 kilometers along Highway No. 32 to reach an intersection near Son Tay Bus Station. Turn left to take a 3.5-kilometer-long road to an intersection near 105 Hospital. Go straight for 9 kilometers to get to Tan Linh Crossroad before turning left and go for 3.5 kilometers more to finally get to the entrance of Ba Vi National Park.

If you find riding a motorbike too exhausting, you can drive a car or simply take a taxi by following the same routes above and you will get to Ba Vi effortlessly. You can also choose to take a bus from My Dinh Bus Station or Yen Nghia Bus Station to get to Xuan Khanh Commune, then take a taxi to Ba Vi.

Motorbike is the best means of transportation for your Ba Vi trip (Source: Collected)

2. Ba Vi National Park entrance fee and prices of available services.

2.1. Entrance ticket to Ba Vi National Park

Once you reach the entrance of Ba Vi National Park, you will see a ticket counter, where you will get a ticket to visit the Park and many attractions inside. Prices are as follows:

• Adults: 60,000 VND/ person
• The elderly and the disabled: 30,000 VND/ person.
• High school students: 10,000 VND/ person
• College students: 20,000 VND/ person

Note: you will be required to show your ID card or student card to get the discounted price.

2.2. Other services at Ba Vi National Park

• Filming & photography: 800,000 VND/ group/ day for groups of below 10 people. For groups of 10-50 people, an additional surcharge of VND 50,000/ person/ day will be applied. You will be charged an additional VND 30,000/ person/ day if your group exceeds 50 people.
• Camping: 20,000 VND and 30,000 VND per person for daytime and overnight camping respectively.
• The national park also provides additional services for camping such as tent rental, BBQ party, campfire, etc. Prices often fluctuate, so remember to check them in advance.

3. What to do in Ba Vi National Park: TOP 7 unmissable experiences

Taking a Ba Vi National Park tour is a great way to reconnect with nature. Considered the “green lung” of Hanoi, Ba Vi Mountain is home to a lush forest and a diverse ecosystem. Additionally, the Park holds significant cultural and historical values. Below are 7 must-try activities that every tourist should experience here.

Note: because there are many attractions to explore in the Park, it is advisable to prepare a Ba Vi National Park map in advance to plan your route as reasonably as possible.

3.1. Trek through the dense forest

Ba Vi is a top destination for trekkers in Northern Vietnam. A trekking tour will take you to Ba Vi’s peaceful mountain and fabulous hiking trails. The trails in Ba Vi National Park are fantastic and not too challenging, so everyone can give it a try. Don’t forget to try climbing to the top of Vua Peak (1,296 meters high), Tan Vien Peak (1,227 meters high), Hang Hum Peak (776 meters high), Ngoc Hoa Peak (1,131 meters high), and Vien Nam Peak (1081 meters high). They will offer you jaw-dropping panoramic views of the mountain and lush forest.

Trekking through the forest will also give you the chance to explore the lush greens and the animals living here. The centenary trees will make you stand in awe with their sizes and ages. The forest in Ba Vi Nature Reserve is also home to 115 species of birds, 45 species of mammals, 61 species of reptiles, and 27 species of frogs. Many of them are endangered species that need urgent protection and conservation.

3.2. Explore the ancient French church

With its natural scenery and pleasant climate, Ba Vi National Park used to be the destination for summer camps and holidays of the French during their colonial period. Nowadays, you can easily find ruins of those ancient camping sites on your way up the mountain road. Among them, a collapsed church stands out as a highlight of the Park.

The ancient French church in Ba Vi amid the dense forest (Source: Collected)

This abandoned church stands amid the dense forest in Ba Vi. The walls and floors of the church are covered with grass and wild tropical flora. It has a nostalgic beauty that can hardly be seen anywhere else. Situated around 800 meters above sea level, there is fog all day around the church, which creates an even more magical scenery. It is also a hotspot for photoholic visitors. Many couples choose this place to take their wedding photos as well.

3.3. Visit the Upper Temple (Den Thuong)

A Ba Vi Trip will not just give you the chance to immerse yourself in the wildness of nature. At an altitude of 1227 meters on Tan Vien Peak lies Den Thuong (Upper Temple) – an important cultural site that is related to the legend of Ba Vi National Park. Flocks of locals head to this temple all year round, especially in spring, to burn incense and show their respect to Lord Tan Vien while admiring the breathtaking view from the mountain peak.

The Upper Temple consists of 3 compartments, which have huge spiritual values despite their not-so-large scale. Coming to the Park, don’t forget to climb up the stairs amid the green forest to reach this site and learn more about the culture of the locals. Also, from here, remember to take a bird’s eye view over the whole area, which will definitely leave you in awe.

3.4. Capture the moments at Cactus Garden

Cactus Garden is a must-see attraction in Ba Vi (Source: Collected)

If you are a photoholic, Cactus Garden is absolutely a must-see in your visit to Ba Vi National Park. The garden is only 1 kilometer away from the Park’s entrance, so it is always one of the crowdest tourist attractions in Ba Vi.

Here, up to 1,200 cactus plants of all kinds gather in a large greenhouse. This huge greenhouse is specially built to preserve the rare species of cacti. Coming here, you will be left in awe as you see the cacti of different types and shapes. Some cacti might be taller than a normal person, while some might just be tiny enough for you to hold them in your hand.

The Cactus Garden is a top attraction for youngsters when they come to Ba Vi. No matter which outfits you wear, vintage or modern, you will easily fit into the scenery here. Hence, don’t forget to bring a phone with a good camera to capture your moments at this beautiful garden.

3.5. Camp at pine hills and have a BBQ party

The pleasant weather and exquisite pine hills have made Ba Vi Mountain a wonderful destination for camping. You can bring tents, grills, chairs, and other stuff with you and find a quiet place amid the pine hills to set up your tent. In case you don’t have the conditions to do so, there are also tent rental and set-up services right on the spot. Some recommended spots for camping are the pine hills near Cote 400, Cactus Garden, the ancient French church, and Tien Sa Lake.

Camping amid the pine hills is an activity that you should try (Source: Collected)

3.6. Indulge in nature in Thien Son Suoi Nga

To the east of Ba Vi Mountain Range is Thien Son Suoi Nga – a stunning eco-tourism site that has mountains, ravines, and Ba Vi waterfalls. Coming here, you will be able to enjoy the majestic natural scenery and relax in the fresh air of the mountains and forests. This area consists of 3 main sites: Ha Son at the foot of the mountain, Trung Son in the middle, and Ngoa Son at the top.

• Ha Son: Here, you can paddle a swan boat on a pristine lake amid the wild mountain. There are some stilt houses on the mountainsides where you can contemplate the tranquility of the area.
• Trung Son: You can hike to reach Nga Stream to immerse yourself in the wild nature. There is also an artificial lake where kids can play fascinating water games.
• Ngoa Son: Located on the top of the mountain, this place features a quiet lake – the perfect place for fishing. Hiking to the peak, you can take in a panoramic view of the legendary Ba Vi Mountain.

The marvelous waterfall in Thien Son Suoi Nga eco-tourism site (Source: Collected)

3.7. Enjoy relaxing time in Ao Vua Tourist Area

Another amazing place to visit in Ba Vi is Ao Vua Tourist Area, which is located on the foot of Tan Vien Mountain. Ao Vua is a large complex of restaurants, resorts, and entertainment areas. The picturesque scenery of nature, together with the activities and services Ao Vua offers, make this place a must-visit for any Ba Vi tour.

Here, tourists can immerse themselves in the wild nature and enjoy moments of peace. Moreover, you can participate in several fantastic games at a waterpark. Ao Vua also has rooms for overnight stays at very reasonable prices, so in case you are thinking about an overnight trip to Ba Vi, booking a room here would be a great idea.

4. What to eat on your Ba Vi National Park day trip?

Not only famous for its spectacular natural scenery, Ba Vi is also renowned for its local dishes. Whether you are a foodaholic or not, don’t miss out on enjoying the mouth-watering delicacies that Ba Vi National Park offers.

4.1. Com lam (sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes)

“Cơm Lam” is a traditional food of ethnic people in the mountainous areas in Northern Vietnam. Glutinous rice is put into a bamboo tube and cooked over the fire. The fragrance of fresh bamboo matches well with the aroma of the rice, altogether creating an irresistible smell. Traditionally, due to financial constraints, the locals only eat com lam with salted roasted sesame. However, nowadays, you can try com lam with grilled chicken and pork.

Com lam and grilled chicken make for a unique dish (Source: Collected)

4.2. Grilled hill chicken

Grilled chicken is another highlighted delicacy in Northern Vietnam in general and Ba Vi National Park in particular. In Ba Vi, the locals don’t raise chickens in the coop but rather let them run free in the garden and hill. Therefore, their meat is very firm. The chicken is marinated and grilled directly on charcoal. The scrumptious taste of this dish will undoubtedly amaze your taste buds.

4.3. Grilled mountain goat

Thanks to its terrain, Ba Vi offers the ideal habitat for goats. As a result, the goat meat here is exceptionally aromatic and firm. With a special recipe consisting of local ingredients, goat dishes in Ba Vi are extraordinarily delectable. Beside grilling, there are many other ways to prepare a mouth-watering goat dish, such as steaming, stir-frying, etc.

4.4. Dairy products

An interesting fact about Ba Vi is that it is home to many cow milk farms. You can pay a visit to one of those and try the fresh milk there. Made from premium milk, the dairy products in Ba Vi are distinctly rich and aromatic. At nearby food stalls, there are yogurt, caramel, and milk cakes for you to try. For the cakes, there are different flavors: white milk, light milk, and chocolate milk. The sweetness of this cake is very inviting, especially when combined with hot tea.

Ba Vi milk cakes, yogurt, and caramel will take you by surprise (Source: Collected)

4.5. Veal meat

Ba Vi has another delicacy: veal (calf meat). Thanks to strict farming standards, the quality of the veal here is top-level. The meat is taken from young calves during breastfeeding. Prepared according to local recipes by skillful cooks, the veal is made into many delicious dishes such as steamed, stir-fried, or grilled veal.

5. Useful tips for your upcoming Ba Vi National Park tour

• The road in Ba Vi National Park is quite steep with sharp turns, so be careful when you ride your motorbike here. On cold and foggy days, lower your speed because visibility can be exceptionally low.
• Wear a pair of sneakers instead of high heels and the likes. You are expected to walk a lot on this trip.
• Bring along insect repellent as there will be lots of mosquitos and insects in the forest.
• Keep the environment clean. Refrain from littering and remember to pack your stuff after camping.
• Keep an eye on the fire when you have a BBQ party or campfire, especially on hot and dry days.
• If you stay overnight, remember to bring a light coat. The temperature tends to drop quickly at night.
• Don’t forget to bring a camera or a good phone to capture your moments in the Park.

Keep the earth clean, don’t litter in the national park (Source: Collected)

Aside from Ba Vi National Park, tourists can visit other tourist attractions in Hanoi’s city center such as Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hanoi Old Quarter, etc. You can also head to the mega malls for several options of indoor entertainment, including the highly-recommended VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium Times City.

Situated in Vincom Mega Mall Times City which is only 6 kilometers away from the Old Quarter, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium are fascinating places for a family outing, especially for children. Vinpearl Aquarium is one of the largest and most modern aquarium systems in Vietnam, while VinKE offers kids a large playground where they can have fun and learn about their dream jobs.

Book tickets of VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium here

With an exceptionally diverse ecosystem and significant cultural values, Ba Vi National Park is a must-see tourist attraction on the outskirts of Hanoi. A trip to this place will offer you the chance to explore the beauty of nature as well as learn more about Vietnamese history and culture. If you are seeking a leisure hideaway from the busy life, come here and enjoy something different!

In addition, Hanoi still has a lot more to offer. Beside the ancient buildings and historical relics, there are many modern entertainment spots for you to unwind in the capital of Vietnam.

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