Ba Be Tours, Day Trips & Excursions from Hanoi

10 Best things to do in Ba Be Lake (Ba Be National Park)

Ba Be Lake is one of those places that doesn’t try hard, yet somehow manages to impress everyone who makes the trip out there. If you’re researching Hanoi to Ba Be National Park routes or comparing different Ba Be Lake tours, here’s a full list of what travelers actually enjoy - not the generic stuff you see everywhere else.

1. Take a Slow Boat Trip Across Ba Be Lake

This is the signature Ba Be experience, and it’s honestly worth every minute. The longboats glide through glassy water surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, dense forests, and pockets of mist that make everything look unreal.
You’re not rushing anywhere here - the beauty is in the slow pace. You can stop at small islets, pull over for photos, or simply sit back and watch locals paddle by with fishing nets. Most Ba Be National Park tours include this ride, but even if they didn’t, you’d want to book it separately because it’s the best way to understand how massive and peaceful the lake really is.

2. Explore the Massive Puong Cave

Puong Cave looks intimidating from the outside - a giant hollow in the mountain carved by the Năng River. Once inside, you’ll see rock formations shaped over thousands of years, with natural light beaming through like a spotlight.
The cool air is such a relief after trekking, and the constant echo from the flowing river makes the whole place feel alive. It’s not crowded at all, which is rare for caves in Vietnam. Most tours from Ba Be Lake make a stop here, and honestly, it’s one of the more “wow” moments of the trip.

3. Visit the Wild Dau Dang Waterfall

Dau Dang isn’t a huge, roaring waterfall - it’s more of a rugged cascade hidden in the jungle. But that’s precisely the charm. The water rushes through giant boulders, creating refreshing mist and a natural soundtrack that feels straight out of an adventure film.
It’s an excellent spot for nature photos, short hikes, and taking a break with a cup of tea at a nearby local house. If travelers want somewhere that feels untouched, this is the stop to highlight in your itinerary.

4. Go Kayaking on Ba Be Lake

If the boat tour is the chill activity, kayaking is the “I want to move a little and feel the lake” option. Kayaking gives you the freedom to explore quiet coves, hidden corners, and the calmer branches of the lake that big boats can’t reach.
The water is flat most of the year, so it’s beginner-friendly. Early mornings are the best - light fog, zero noise, just the sound of your paddle. Perfect for travelers who want a peaceful, self-paced experience.

5. Trek to Local Tay Villages Such as Pac Ngoi or Coc Toc

Ba Be National Park isn’t only about scenery - it’s also home to Tay ethnic communities who live in beautiful stilt houses along the lake. A trek to Pac Ngoi or Coc Toc gives travelers a close-up look at everyday life: open kitchens, weaving looms, kids swimming in the river, and rice fields stretching behind the houses.
Local guides often share stories about customs, food, and festivals, which adds a human layer to the nature-focused trip. For travelers who want culture + scenery, this is one of the best things to do.

6. Swim in the Calm, Clear Lake

Unlike many lakes in Vietnam, Ba Be is spotless thanks to its protected ecosystem. On warm days, swimming is not only allowed - it’s encouraged in designated safe zones.
The water is cool but not freezing, and floating in the middle of a giant freshwater lake surrounded by mountains hits a different level of peaceful. Many travelers say this is one of their favorite memories from their Ba Be Vietnam trip.

7. Visit An Ma Temple on a Quiet Island

An Ma Temple - The final resting place of Mac Dynasty

This small temple sits quietly on an island, reachable by a short boat ride. It’s not flashy or crowded - more like a peaceful spot where travelers can stretch their legs, light incense, and enjoy the view.
The walk around the temple takes just a few minutes, but the combination of silence, lake breeze, and greenery makes it unexpectedly calming.

8. Join a Traditional Fishing Experience

If travelers want something truly local, fishing with Tay villagers is a fun and authentic activity. They’ll learn how locals use simple nets and traps, how they choose spots on the lake, and how fishing fits into the community’s daily life.
It’s hands-on, slightly chaotic at first, but very rewarding - and it’s the kind of memory that sticks longer than a standard sightseeing stop.

9. Go Birdwatching in the National Park

Ba Be National Park is one of northern Vietnam’s best bird habitats, with kingfishers, hornbills, herons, and dozens of lesser-known species.
Birdwatching tours usually start around sunrise when the forest is loud with calls and movement. It’s ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys slow, mindful travel.

10. Stay Overnight in a Local Homestay

Don’t skip this - it’s genuinely one of the top reasons people fall in love with Ba Be. Homestays in Pac Ngoi, Coc Toc, and Bo Lu offer warm hosts, home-cooked dinners, mountain views, and a night atmosphere that’s incredibly peaceful.
The food is fresh, the stories are real, and the vibe is cozy without being too commercial. Staying overnight gives travelers way more insight than a quick day tour ever could.

Food & Drink in Ba Be

Food in Ba Be is all about going local. Most travelers eat at Tay ethnic homestays, where meals are cooked with fresh ingredients from the lake and nearby villages. Expect simple but flavorful dishes like grilled Ba Be fish, smoked pork, wild mountain vegetables, sticky rice, and comforting homemade soups. It’s the kind of food that feels rustic, clean, and genuinely tied to the landscape.

Western food is extremely limited in Ba Be. There are no Western restaurants in the area, and you won’t find things like pizza, pasta, or burgers. Almost every meal will be served by your homestay host or at small local eateries offering traditional Vietnamese dishes. If you have dietary preferences (vegetarian, mild spice, no pork), inform your host in advance - most homestays can adjust the menu.

For drinks, expect local herbal tea, Vietnamese coffee, and the famous homemade “men la” rice wine if you’re up for something stronger. It’s authentic, it’s local, and honestly, it’s part of the whole Ba Be experience.

How to get there

Ba Be Lake is tucked deep in a rural area with tiny villages and no big towns nearby, so don’t expect public buses to drop you right at the lake. Transportation here is mainly tourism-based, and because Ba Be isn’t a crowded hotspot, options can feel a little limited. Here’s the simplest breakdown of how to get there: