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Ba Vi National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Northern Vietnam. With a diversity of ecosystems, a cool climate, and beautiful natural scenery, Ba Vi National Park is always among the most worth-visiting national parks in Vietnam.
If you are planning to visit Northern Vietnam or Hanoi and want to find a tourist destination as close to nature as possible, visit Ba Vi National Park. It is well-known besides long-standing names such as Cat Ba National Park or Cuc Phuong National Park. In this article, IZITOUR will provide you with complete information about this interesting tourist destination!
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1. An Introduction to Ba Vi National Park
When exploring Hanoi, tourists must be familiar with iconic spots of the capital such as the Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hoa Lo Prison, St Joseph Cathedral Hanoi, etc., so we would like to introduce a new attraction if tourists want to escape the crowded streets or the heat of summer - the Ba Vi National Park.
1.1. Some Characteristics of Ba Vi National Park
Ba Vi National Park was established in 1991 and is located less than 60km from Hanoi center.
The park has a total area of 108.2 km2 and according to the most recent survey, the flora and fauna of Ba Vi National Park are very rich and diverse with:
2,181 species of trees
503 species of medicinal plants
65 species of mammals
194 species of birds
61 species of reptiles
27 species of amphibians
552 species of insect.
There are many rare species included in the Red List as well as many endemic species of flora and fauna.
On February 27, 2024, at the 1,100m peak, Ba Vi National Park coordinated with relevant agencies and units to announce and award the Decision to recognize Vietnamese heritage trees for 02 Cypress green trees on Tieu Dong Peak. On the same day, the park coordinated with the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Hanoi Forest Protection Department, and the Hanoi Wildlife Rescue Center to release 174 wild animals of 10 different species, of which there are several rare animal species such as Large Kestrel, Red-breasted Parrot, Tit-billed Babbler, etc., that are eligible to enter the natural environment in Ba Vi National Park.
Ba Vi National Park is also a place to organize major activities such as celebrations, sports activities, etc.
1.2. Means of Transportation to Ba Vi National Park
Bus
- Route 214 departs from Yen Nghia bus station (Ha Dong, Hanoi) - Xuan Khanh.
- Route 71 or route 74 from My Dinh - Xuan Khanh.
After arriving at Xuan Thanh stop, you can take a taxi or a motorbike taxi to get to Ba Vi National Park.
Motorbike
In case you love motorbike trips, you can choose to rent a motorbike in Hanoi and then just prepare your belongings and Google Maps. Each trip by motorbike will take about 1 and a half to 2 hours.
Car/Coach
If you travel in large numbers, you can rent a coach to get to Ba Vi National Park (which is both convenient and safe), the travel cost is about 150,000 VND - 250,000 VND/person.
1.3. Ticket Price to Visit Ba Vi National Park
Entrance ticket price:
Adults: 60,000 VND/person.
Elderly and disabled people: 30,000 VND/person.
Students: 10,000-20,000 VND/person.
Service price:
Tour guide: 300,000 - 500,000 VND.
Tent: 120,000 - 200,000 VND/tent.
Campfire: 700,000 - 1,500,000 VND.
Photography service: 600,000 VND.
2. What does Ba Vi National Park have?
2.1. Ba Vi Natural Forest
Ba Vi National Park has 3 types of forest: Subtropical humid evergreen closed forest; Closed evergreen mixed broadleaf and coniferous subtropical forests and evergreen tropical humid broadleaf forests on low mountains.
The first impression right after you set foot on the Ba Vi National Park is the magnificent natural scenery, immersed in mist. Especially if you come to Ba Vi National Park in the fall - the season of falling leaves, the space here is even more beautiful. At this time, you will witness the forest immersed in the yellow color of the leaves and listen to the chirping of birds amidst an extremely romantic scene.
2.2. Ba Vi ancient church
Ba Vi ancient church is beyond a French-style architectural work in Hanoi. It is magical and mysteriously beautiful. Therefore, many couples also use this location for wedding photography.
People also read: Best Ideas for a Hanoi Photography Tour
2.3. Thien Son Suoi Nga
Thien Son-Suoi Nga is located 5km to the left of the gate of Ba Vi National Park. This is a suitable place to swim and take photos because its landscape resembles that of fairy tales in Vietnamese folk culture.
One of the favorite activities of tourists here is camping.
2.4. Cactus greenhouse
Ba Vi National Park cactus greenhouse is a paradise for those who love this flower as a symbol of intensity, perseverance, and fidelity. This place has up to 1200 unique and beautiful species of cacti.
2.5. Thuong Temple
Thuong Temple is a spiritual relic located on the top of Tan Vien mountain. The Thuong Temple relic complex includes 500 steps with 4 main areas: Uncle Ho Temple, Ha Temple, Trung Temple, and Thuong Temple.
2.6. Ao Vua tourist area
Right at the foot of Tan Vien mountain is the Ao Vua tourist area. Coming to Ao Vua, you can both rest and have fun by playing many interesting games such as throwing darts, rowing boats, throwing rings, lighting campfires as well as many interesting singing and dancing activities.
2.7. Ba Vi Wild Sunflower Season
Going up about 3-4km you will see a sign pointing to the wild sunflower hill and this is also the most beautiful wild sunflower hill in the area.
The wild sunflower is called "the flower that signals winter" because it only blooms around October-November when the North is about to enter a cold winter. The wild sunflowers in Ba Vi are larger and have a darker yellow color than those in other places.
2.8. Ba Vi Mountain Peaks
Ba Vi Mountain has 3 peaks: Vua Peak is 1,296m high, Tan Vien Peak is 1,227m high and Ngoc Hoa Peak is 1,131m high. This is definitely a favorite place for tourists who want to admire the majesty of nature in Ba Vi.
2.9. Bao Thien Tower
Bao Thien Tower, also known as Bao Thien Bao Thap, is a unique attraction in the Ba Vi National Park area. Built on the top of a mountain, this tower is majestic and creates a beautiful scene amidst wild nature.
From the top of the tower, you can enjoy panoramic views of the green plains and the green Ba Vi mountain range.
3. Cuisine of Ba Vi National Park
3.1. Hill chicken
Thanks to the advantage of many hilly and low mountainous areas, there are currently many hill chicken farms in Ba Vi. Chickens here are raised using the free-range method, with the ideal climate making the chicken meat delicious, chewy, and firm.
Hill chicken is prepared in many dishes such as chicken, roasted chicken with lemongrass and chili, chicken salad, chicken hot pot, etc.
3.2. Fresh milk, Ba Vi yogurt
Ba Vi brand milk products are always one of the most popular products in Vietnam. The dairy farms here are raised on a large, modern scale, with strict production processes that create a particularly delicious milk flavor.
3.3. Calf
Cow-calf is also a famous specialty in Ba Vi. Delicious, sweet, and nutritious veal is a gift that captivates visitors. Accordingly, there are many ways to prepare young veal such as raw calf, stir-fried calf, etc.
3.4. Da River fish
Another dish that you cannot miss when coming to Ba Vi National Park is Da River fish. The big fishes in Da River, some weighing up to ten kilograms, are processed into many rich, flavorful dishes such as fish holding bananas and beans, lentil soup, etc.
4. Accommodation When Arriving at Ba Vi National Park
When arriving at Ba Vi National Park, visitors have 3 accommodation options:
4.1. Lodging
To save money on your trip, you can stay at a motel. Room prices at Ba Vi National Park fluctuate around 750,000 VND/room from Monday - to Thursday and about 850,000 VND/room from Friday - to Sunday.
4.2. Resort
For more comfortable accommodation and better services, you can rent resorts in Ba Vi National Park or surrounding areas. It has beautiful natural scenery, a spacious garden, a play area for children, and other convenient services.
Some resorts that have good reviews from many tourists that you can stay at are Tan Da Spa Resort, Lai Farm Ba Vi, and Le Mont BaVi Resort & Spa.
4.3. Camping
Those who want to immerse themselves in nature, and gather around a campfire with loved ones can try the tent camping experience. However, this requires you to be in good health. When camping, you must bring a tent, clothes, and warm blankets because the temperature in Ba Vi National Park drops quite low at night.
5. Best Time to Visit Ba Vi National Park
Ba Vi National Park has its unique appeal and beauty at each time of the year.
The spring has lush green scenery and vibrant flowers
The summer has warm and cool weather in the mountains, creating favorable conditions for exploring the forest and participating in outdoor activities.
Fall is when the National Park turns into a land of bright yellow wild sunflowers.
You can't ignore winter as the right time to experience the cold air of heaven and earth.
6. Some Notes When Visiting Ba Vi National Park
Prepare adequate gasoline, clothes, shoes, snacks, personal items, etc. to ensure safety.
Be very careful when moving because the road to Ba Vi is quite high, and steep and has many complicated turns.
You must be careful when camping and grilling, especially in hot summer and dry weather. You should only place the grill at the edge of the forest, do not place the fire in the middle of the pine forest because if you are not careful, a fire can easily occur.
Learn more about destinations for a day trip from Hanoi:
- Bat Trang Ceramic Village at a Glimpse
- Quang Phu Cau Incense Village: A Colorful Place to Visit in Hanoi
- Explore A Traditional Bamboo Fish Trap Craft Village
- Perfume Pagoda: Divine A Scent of Tranquility in Hanoi
- Tam Coc Bich Dong - the complex of poetic scenic spots
- 5 Reasons to Visit Van Long Nature Reserve
