Ba Vi National Park – 2 days 1 night experience
Escape the bustling city and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and historical charm of Ba Vi National Park. This 2-day, 1-night itinerary offers a chance to conquer majestic peaks, explore intriguing French colonial ruins, and relax amidst the serene landscapes of this captivating destination just outside Hanoi. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
What to explore in Ba Vi National Park?
1. The Three Peaks In Ba Vi National Park:
- Vua Peak (King Peak – 1296m): The highest peak, offering panoramic views (weather permitting) and home to the Upper Temple dedicated to the Mountain God. Reaching the summit involves a rewarding trek with historical significance. You’ll also find Uncle Ho’s Temple near the top, a place chosen by him to have his ashes scattered.
- Tan Vien Peak (1227m): The second highest peak, where you’ll find the Middle Temple and the Lower Temple, both dedicated to Tan Vien Son, one of the Four Immortals in Vietnamese mythology. The path to these temples offers scenic forest views.
- Ngoc Hoa Peak (1131m): The third peak, offering its own unique perspectives and trails for trekking. You might find the Ngoc Hoa Cave at the bottom of a rocky cliff near this peak, with a small shrine inside.
2. Historical French Ruins:
- Explore the atmospheric remnants of French colonial-era structures dating back to the early 20th century in Ba Vi National Park. These include the Old French Church, a hauntingly beautiful ruin covered in moss, the French Governor’s Summer Residence, and other abandoned villas and a former military base. These sites offer a glimpse into the park’s past as a hill station.
3. Natural Landscapes of Ba Vi National Park:
- Dense Tropical Forests: Trek through lush, diverse forests with a variety of flora and fauna. The air is fresh and cool, providing a refreshing escape from the city. Keep an eye out for unique plant species and birds.
- Pine Forest: Enjoy the serene beauty of the pine forest, a popular spot for picnics, camping, and photography.
- Yen Ky Lake: A peaceful lake within the park where you can rent a boat, relax by the shore, and enjoy the tranquil scenery.
- Waterfalls: While not as grand as some other areas in Vietnam, Ba Vi National Park has some smaller waterfalls like those in the Thien Son Suoi Nga and Ao Vua Tourist Areas (located at the foot of the mountains), offering a chance to enjoy cascading water and natural pools.
- Herb Garden: Discover a collection of traditional Vietnamese medicinal plants and learn about their uses.
4. Unique Attractions:
- Cactus Conservatory: A fascinating greenhouse housing a large collection of diverse cactus species, reportedly the largest in Southeast Asia. It’s a unique and photogenic spot.
- Bao Thien Tower: A relatively new 13-story tower near the peak of King Mountain, built to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi.
5. Activities In Ba Vi National Park:
- Trekking and Hiking: Numerous trails cater to different fitness levels in Ba Vi National Park, leading to the mountain peaks, temples, and through the forests. Maps are usually available at the park entrance.
- Camping: Designated camping areas, particularly in the pine forest, allow you to spend a night immersed in nature.
- Bird Watching: Ba Vi National Park is home to various bird species, making it a good spot for bird enthusiasts.
- Photography: The stunning landscapes, historical ruins, and unique flora offer ample opportunities for photography.
- Relaxation and Picnics: Find a peaceful spot amidst nature to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch in Ba Vi National Park.
Ba Vi National Park – 2 days 1 night experience in April
Here’s a detailed itinerary for a 2-day, 1-night experience at Ba Vi National Park, keeping in mind the current April which falls within the pleasant spring season in Northern Vietnam, ideal for hiking and exploring.
- Theme: Nature Immersion, Historical Exploration, and Relaxation
- Transportation: Assume you’ll be traveling from Hanoi (the most common starting point). Options include private car/taxi (approx. 1.5-2 hours), motorbike (allow more time and caution), or a tourist bus/shared van.
- Accommodation: Options range from basic guesthouses and homestays near the park entrance to more comfortable resorts and bungalows within or near the park boundaries. This itinerary assumes you’ve booked accommodation in advance.
See also: Hiking in Vietnam, where to go?
Day 1: Summit Conquest and Historical Echoes
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Depart from Hanoi. Enjoy the scenic drive towards Ba Vi, passing through rural landscapes and small villages.
- 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Arrive at the Ba Vi National Park entrance. Purchase your entrance tickets (around VND 60,000 per adult, subject to change). If you haven’t already, confirm your accommodation location within or near the park.
- 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Conquer Vua Peak (King Peak): Begin your trek to the summit of Vua Peak (1296m). This is the highest of the three peaks. The trail involves a mix of paved paths and natural steps, winding through lush forest. Enjoy the fresh air and diverse flora.
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch at the Summit: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the summit of Vua Peak. There’s a small, historical shrine (Upper Temple) dedicated to the Mountain God. Take in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside (weather permitting).
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Descend Vua Peak and Explore the French Ruins: Carefully descend Vua Peak. Afterwards, explore the remnants of French colonial-era structures scattered on the mountainside. This includes the old church, the governor’s summer residence, and other abandoned buildings, offering a glimpse into the park’s history.
- 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Visit the Cactus Conservatory: Head to the Cactus Conservatory, home to a diverse collection of cacti and succulents. It’s a unique and interesting spot for photos and a change of scenery.
- 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Check-in and Relax: Travel to your pre-booked accommodation. Settle in and take some time to relax, freshen up, and enjoy the natural surroundings.
- 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Dinner: Enjoy dinner at your accommodation or a local restaurant near the park. Try some regional Vietnamese dishes.
- 7:30 PM onwards: Evening Relaxation: Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Ba Vi at night. If your accommodation offers it, consider a leisurely walk, stargazing (away from city lights), or simply relaxing and enjoying the quiet.
Day 2: Nature’s Beauty and Cultural Insights
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Breakfast at your accommodation or a local eatery.
- 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Explore Yen Ky Lake: Visit Yen Ky Lake, a serene lake nestled within the park. You can rent a small boat for a peaceful paddle, enjoy the reflection of the surrounding hills, or simply walk along the shore.
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Visit the Temple of the Forest God: Explore the temple dedicated to Au Co, the mythical mother of the Vietnamese people. This temple holds cultural and historical significance. The path leading to the temple is often scenic.
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch: Have lunch at a restaurant near the temple or pack a picnic to enjoy in a scenic spot within the park.
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Optional Activities (Choose one or depending on your pace):
- Trekking to other peaks: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for a shorter trek to one of the other peaks like Tan Vien Peak (featuring Lower Temple and Middle Temple).
- Visit the Herb Garden: Learn about traditional Vietnamese medicinal plants and their uses.
- Relax by a waterfall (if accessible and safe): Some smaller waterfalls exist within the park, but accessibility can vary.
- 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Departure Preparations: Check out from your accommodation and begin your journey back towards Hanoi.
- 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Travel back to Hanoi, enjoying the scenery once more.
Important Considerations and Tips When visiting Ba Vi National Park:
- Book Accommodation in Advance: Especially on weekends and during peak seasons, accommodation within and near the park can fill up quickly.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking and trekking, so sturdy and comfortable footwear is essential.
- Bring Appropriate Clothing: Dress in layers as the temperature can change depending on the altitude and time of day. Pack rain gear, especially during the rainy season (though April is generally pleasant).
- Carry Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated and energized during your hikes.
- Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, even on cloudy days.
- Insect Repellent: Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects.
- First-Aid Kit: It’s always wise to carry a basic first-aid kit.
- Park Regulations: Be aware of and respect the park’s rules and regulations. Avoid littering and stay on marked trails.
- Check Weather Conditions: Before your trip, check the weather forecast and be prepared for any changes.
- Transportation: Arrange your transportation in advance, especially if you’re not driving yourself. Consider hiring a local driver for flexibility.
- Flexibility: This is a suggested itinerary, feel free to adjust it based on your interests, fitness level, and time constraints.
- Local Guides: Consider hiring a local guide for deeper insights into the park’s history, flora, and fauna.
Enjoy your immersive experience in the natural beauty and historical significance of Ba Vi National Park!
