Ba Be National Park

Ba Be National Park is a protected area in Ba Be District, Thai Nguyen Province, northern Vietnam, centered on Ba Be Lake, Vietnam's largest natural freshwater lake. Established in 1992, it covers about 10,048 hectares of limestone karst, evergreen forest, rivers and caves. Notable for rich biodiversity, scenic lake landscapes, caves such as Puong and Hua Ma, Dau Dang Waterfall, and traditional Tay villages, it is recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park and Ramsar wetland site.

Visitors can expect a forested limestone karst landscape centered on the 8 km long Ba Be Lake with calm waters, forested islands and surrounding mountains. Exploration is mainly by motorized boat or kayak on the lake and Nang River, on foot along forest trails, and inside accessible caves such as Puong Cave and Hua Ma Cave. The park includes Tay stilt-house villages such as Pac Ngoi and Bo Lu, a visitor centre, and viewpoints over the lake and valley. Activities focus on nature sightseeing, photography and village homestays.

Established as a national park in 1992 under Decision 83/HDBT covering 10,048 hectares. Recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2004 and as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2011 for Ba Be Lake wetland system. The area has long been inhabited by Tay and other ethnic communities.

The park area is home to Tay, Dao and Hmong ethnic communities, known for traditional stilt houses, fishing and farming practices, folk songs and festivals. Villages such as Pac Ngoi and Bo Lu within and around the park preserve Tay cultural architecture and offer community-based homestay experiences for visitors.