Ba Be National Park, Bac Kan

Ba Be National Park is a 10,000-hectare protected area located in Bac Kan Province, Northern Vietnam. It is best known for Ba Be Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, but the park also protects vast areas of primary forest, limestone karsts, rivers, and wetlands.

The park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 1,200 plant species and more than 400 animal species, including rare mammals, birds, fish, and insects. For travelers exploring Vietnam by motorbike, Ba Be offers a peaceful contrast to busy cities and a perfect stop between Hanoi, Cao Bang, and Ha Giang.

Getting to Ba Be Lake with Motorbike

Reaching Ba Be National Park by motorbike is straightforward and rewarding, with scenic mountain roads throughout the journey.

• From Hanoi to Ba Be Lake: approximately 200km, taking around 5 hours, making it achievable in a single day.

• For a more relaxed journey, many riders stop overnight in Bac Son Valley, reducing the daily ride to about 175km (4.5 hours).

• From Ba Be to Cao Bang: around 130km and just over 3 hours, making Ba Be an excellent stop when riding toward Cao Bang or the Ha Giang Loop.

The routes are suitable for small and mid-sized motorbikes, and the scenery improves the further north you ride.

Where to Stay

Accommodation around Ba Be Lake caters to all budgets and travel styles.

You can choose to stay directly on the lake, where most accommodation options are located, or in nearby villages and small towns for a quieter experience.

Options include:

• Local homestays – affordable, authentic, and great for cultural experiences

• Guesthouses and hotels – comfortable and mid-range

• Eco-lodges and resorts – higher comfort with lake views

Staying near the lake makes it easier to join boat tours, swimming spots, and sunrise or sunset views.

Ba Be Lake

Ba Be Lake covers roughly 600 hectares and is the main highlight of the national park. Most attractions within the park are accessed by boat, and a half-day boat tour is the most popular way to explore the area.

Boat tours can be arranged:

• Through your accommodation

• Directly at the docks with local boat drivers

During the summer months, swimming in the lake is a refreshing way to cool off after a long motorbike ride. Many lakeside homestays offer direct access to the water.

Puong Cave (Dong Puong Cave)

Puong Cave is a dramatic river cave carved by water over thousands of years. The cave is approximately 30 metres high, 30 metres wide, and 300 metres long.

• The river flows directly through the cave, so visiting the interior requires a boat

• You can also ride a motorbike to the cave entrance and view it from a nearby bridge

• Located conveniently on the route between Ba Be Lake and Cao Bang, making it an easy stop

Dau Dang Waterfall

Dau Dang Waterfall is accessible only by boat, followed by a short walk from the docking area.

Rather than one large drop, the waterfall stretches for nearly 1km, with water flowing over layered rock formations. While the waterfall itself is modest, the boat journey through jungle and river landscapes is the real highlight.

Near the docks, you’ll find a local restaurant serving fresh lake seafood, making this a popular lunch stop during boat tours.

Hua Ma Cave

Located just south of Ba Be Lake, Hua Ma Cave is easily reached by motorbike when heading back toward Hanoi or Bac Son.

• Around 700 metres long

• High ceilings with impressive formations

• Well lit with concrete walkways, making it one of the easiest caves to explore

There are 250–300 steps from the parking area to the entrance, and a small entrance fee applies

Summary – Why Visit Ba Be National Park by Motorbike

Ba Be National Park is one of the most rewarding stops in Northern Vietnam and works perfectly as:

• A standalone destination

• A scenic break between Hanoi and Cao Bang

• An alternative or addition to the Ha Giang Loop

Most travelers spend one night here, arriving early or leaving late enough to enjoy a half-day boat tour. With more time, staying two nights allows for a full lake tour and deeper exploration.

With its vast lake, jungle landscapes, caves, waterfalls, and quiet mountain roads, Ba Be Lake is one of the most unique natural destinations in Vietnam and should not be missed on a northern motorbike adventure.

Related Routes

Ba Be fits naturally into many northern Vietnam motorbike routes, especially those connecting Hanoi, Cao Bang, and Ha Giang, you can see them here.

<iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=19flGSF3J1UrV7w7kAR8lqCMjgQp9e3Zo&ehbc=2E312F” width=”640″ height=”480″></iframe>