Ba Be Lake, which is called the green pearl amidst Tay Bac Forest and has been recognized as a national forest reserve area, is suggested as a must-visit destination for those who want to flee the heat, smoke and busy city life to relax in nature. Those who once drift on Ba Be Lake can not forget the splendid surroundings and daily activities of the ethnic Tay people living along the lake.
The lake is nestled in Ba Be National Park, lying in the limestone mountainous area at a height of 178 meters in Ba Be District, Bac Kan Province. From the center of the province, tourists can take a car or motorbike for about 65 kilometers and then cross the winding mountainous areas to reach the site.
In 1995, this 500 hectare lake was recognized as one of 20 fresh water lakes in need of preservation. In 2004, it was acknowledged as an ASEAN heritage garden.
Legend says that this area used to be a very large valley sheltering Nam Mau Village. Each year, the villagers gather to hold an offering ceremony worshipping Buddha.
One year, a leprous old woman came to the ceremony but was neglected and asked to keep away from the others. Luckily, a widow welcomed her and gave her food. The next day a monsoon overwhelmed the valley but the house of the widow was somehow raised above the water line and protected. After that, the flooded valley turned into three lakes which today form Ba Be Lake.
There are several beautiful caves, grottos and ponds here for tourists to discover.
From the wharf, Puong Grotto is the first stop. The grotto is dozens of meters high and hundreds of meter long where the Nang River flows through. From Puong Grotto, tourists come straight to Dau Dang Waterfall which is 30 meters high and looks like a sparkling silver carpet.
The next stop should be Tien Pond in a valley surrounded by forest. The pond is over 1,000 square meters and is clean and pure. To reach the pond, tourists have to cross about one kilometer through the forest but on the way are a lot of wild species.
Tourists are welcomed to stay the night at the Pac Ngoi Stilt House Tourist Village and enjoy corn wine of the Dao Khua Quang ethnic people.
Do not forget to take a boat trip around the lake to admire the splendid landscapes and explore the daily activities of the ethnic people. If standing on the peak of the mountain, tourists can take a panoramic view of the lake as a picturesque painting.