Vietnam Travel > Travel Special Features > Ba Be Lake - Where heaven and water meet
Ba Be Lake - Where heaven and water meet
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A sharp left-hand turn took us on to Lake Ba Be. The sill water was only disturbed by tiny fish jumping near the boat and the reflections of the jagged coastline on either side of this narrow lake. The mountains look like a giant hand has pushed them to one side. Islands in the Lake are home to birds and monkeys, but no carnivorous quadrupeds.
Widow's Island is a tiny islet in the middle of the lakes. According to local legend, a river ghost created Ba Be lakes by flooding the surrounding farmlands in retribution for local villagers unwilling to aid and old beggarwoman who was actually a ghost in disguise. He spared the life and home of a lonely widow because she was the only one to provide the ghost with food and shelter. Rice husks and ash sprinkled around the widow's house alerted th ghost to which land to preserve.
Close to Widow's Island, the ethnic minority village of Pac Ngoi provides home-stay accommmodtion for visitors. The villagers and Park Tour Guides are also able to offer information about treks in the area.
As the sun set on a picturesque lake, we left our boat for the short walk back to the park's hotel. Breathing in the crisp mountain air, we took in the sounds of small animals settling down for the night aand stars appearing in the clear sky.
Fast Fact: Ba Be National Park
| Distance from Hanoi | 240km (5-6 hours on good roads) |
| How to get there | Motorcycle or Car. Most travel companies can assist with car, driver and guide |
| Accommodation | Hotel and guesthouse in Park, Home stay in Pac Ngoi Village in Park, Hotels in Cho Ra 915km) |
| Area | 5,000 hectares |
| Altitude | 400m - 900m |
| Climate | Tropical monsoonal with average temperature at 22C |
| Best time to visit | Dry season - winter and spring |
| Park Population | Approx. 25,000, in 5 ethnic groups: Kinh, H'mong, Nung tay and Dzao |
| Flore & Fauna | 410 plant species. Over 100 bird & gibbons, wild pigs, panthers (possi bly) and bears |
| Features | Ba Be Lake: 8km long, 0,8km wide and up to 30m deep. Linked to Nang River by a channel. Lake drains into river during rainy season and river water feeds the lake in dry season. Dau Dang waterfalls series: Up to 45 m high and extending for 1km. Puong Cave: 30-40 m high |
| Possible Activities | Boat tour, trekking, photography, stay in ethnic minority village. |
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