Ba Be Lake, around 70 kilometers northwest of Bac Kan City, Bac Kan Province, is in the heart of Ba Be National Park. It is the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam and one of the world’s biggest freshwater lakes. It gained international recognition in 1995 when the World Lake Conference in the U.S. classified it as one of the world’s 20 special freshwater lakes in need of investment and protection.
A view of Ba Be Lake in the northern province of Bac Kan - Photo: Thong Lam
Formed around 200 million years ago due to a significant geological upheaval that caused the subsidence of limestone mountains, Ba Be Lake is surrounded by a stunning landscape of limestone cliffs, ancient sandstone formations, and primeval forests.
The lake is renowned for its clear, cool water and its many beautiful small islets, including Ba Goa and An Ma. The biological diversity and picturesque scenery make Ba Be Lake a popular destination for nature lovers.
The area around the lake is home to the Tay ethnic minority people who live in traditional stilt houses. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy the unique specialties of the Tay people after a day of exploring the lake and its surroundings.
By Thong Lam
