The lakes lie in the middle of a vast limestone mountain range of Ba Be District, Bac Kan Province, 240km from the north-west of Hanoi.
Ba Be itself is actually three smaller lakes joined together – Pe Lam, Pe Lu and Pe Leng. The climate is cool with an average temperature of 22ºC. The best time to visit the area is during the dry season, which is during winter and spring. The area was established as a national preserved forest and tourist center in 1978. Ba Be Lakes area has a lot to offer, including waterfalls, rivers, valleys, lakes, and caves all set amidst picturesque landscapes. Ba Be Lakes are surrounded by many ancient trees, from which several varieties of precious wood are obtained. Up to 30 animal species such as wild pigs, bears, panthers, monkeys, and birds inhabit the area.
Ba Be Lakes, located 145m above sea level, are among the largest natural lakes in Vietnam with a total surface area of 500ha. The surface of the lake was tranquil – a beauty spot if ever there was one, in this land of so much beauty. Visitors will have an unforgettable stay in the mountains by the lakes, enjoying sightseeing boat trips, hikes, and water sports.
From Ba Be, tourists can visit other neighboring scenic attractions such as Dau Dang Fall, Puong Cave, and Tien Pond. Passing by Puong Cave (30m high, 300m long), cruise past the villages of Tau, Cam and Hua Tang, and navigate the way through the river’s forks and brooks, tourists will reach Dau Dang Falls. Catch the breath: it’s worth it. They fall, they drip, they cascade. Take a pick of superlatives. Take a pick of times of day for paying a visit. The falls laps over 1,000m on three levels, each bursting with energy from the mountains that help fuel them.