Ba Vi National Park

Ba Vi National Park

A Peaceful Mountain Retreat Just Outside Hanoi

Located just 50 km west of Hanoi, Ba Vi National Park offers a peaceful escape from the bustling capital. Set on an isolated limestone and soil mountain range, the park spans over 12,000 hectares and features lush tropical forests, hidden waterfalls, French colonial ruins, and sweeping mountain views. With three prominent peaks – Emperor Peak (1,296m), Tan Vien (1,226m), and Ngoc Hoa (1,120m) – the park is a popular destination for trekking, nature photography, and cultural exploration.

Why Visit Ba Vi National Park?

Thanks to its unique geography and mild climate, Ba Vi is one of Vietnam’s top ecological tourism spots, often compared to Dalat, Sapa, and Tam Dao. Visitors come here to enjoy:

• Trekking trails through forested slopes and mist-covered mountains
• Scenic lakes and waterfalls like Khoang Xanh, Suoi Mo, and Thac Da
• Birdwatching and botanical tours, with over 800 plant species – including many medicinal herbs
• Historic French colonial relics, including a ruined church and former military camp hidden in the forest between 600–800 meters elevation

Things to Do

• Hike to Ao Vua Waterfall: A beautiful three-tiered cascade with emerald pools.
• Boat along Hai Stream: Visit islets and spot native bird species.
• Explore the Flora & Fauna: The park is home to over 100 bird species, 44 types of mammals, and more than 280 medicinal plants.
• Visit French-era Ruins: Atmospheric remains of colonial-era architecture add a historical touch to your nature trip.
• Enjoy Misty Views: Above 500 meters, fog often blankets the peaks, giving the park a dreamlike feel.

Best Time to Visit

• Ba Vi can be visited year-round, but the most beautiful seasons are:
• Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November) for flower blooms and clear views
• Early Winter for cool misty mornings – sometimes even frost or light snow on the peaks!

 How to Get There

• By Motorbike: About 1.5 hours from Hanoi via Thang Long Highway or Route 32 through Son Tay.
• By Bus: Take Bus 214 (Yen Nghia) or 74 (My Dinh) and get off at Xuan Khanh, then walk 5 km.

Where to Eat

• Most visitors pack food for a picnic, but local restaurants offer Vietnamese classics like:
• Bamboo-tube rice
• Grilled goat
• Bun cha (grilled pork with noodles)
• Pho, Banh Mi, and more

Where to Stay

Here are some great nearby options if you plan to stay overnight:

• Melia Ba Vi Mountain Retreat – Luxury resort in the park
• Ba Vi Homestead – Rustic local experience
• Moon Garden Homestay – Charming traditional house in Ky Son Village

Contact Vietnam Private Tours to book your stay and arrange a customized tour to Ba Vi National Park.

Travel Tips

• Avoid rainy days – trails may be slippery and leeches active.
• Wear insect repellent and long clothes, especially near streams.
• Pick up a map before entering for easy trail navigation.
• Don’t forget to try Ba Vi milk, a local specialty!

Ba Vi National Park is perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway from Hanoi. Whether you’re trekking to a mountaintop temple, wandering through foggy forests, or relaxing beside a waterfall, this scenic escape promises a breath of fresh air – both literally and spiritually.