Vietnam - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 154

Boasting mountains high, rivers deep, and waterfalls, lakes and caves, Ba Be National Park (
0281-389 4014; admission 20,000d per person) is an incredibly scenic spot. The region is sur-
rounded by steep peaks (up to 1554m), while the park contains tropical rainforest with
more than 400 plant species. Wildlife in the forest includes bears, monkeys, bats and lots
of butterflies. Surrounding the park are Tay minority villages, whose people live in stilt
homes.
Ba Be (Three Bays) is actually three linked lakes, with a total length of 8km and a
width of about 400m. The Nang River is navigable for 23km between a point 4km above
Cho Ra and the Dau Dang Waterfall (Thac Dau Dang), which is a series of spectacular cas-
cades between sheer walls of rock. Puong Cave (Hang Puong) is about 30m high and 300m
long, and passes completely through a mountain. A navigable river flows through the
cave.
Park staff can organise tours, starting at about US$35 per day for solo travellers, less
for a group. Boat trips (hire around 650,000d) take around seven hours to take in most
sights; canoeing, cycling, boating and walking excursions are also possible. Tay-owned Ba
Be Center Tourism ( 0281-389 4721; www.babecentertourism.com ; Bolu village) arranges
homestays, boat trips and trekking and kayaking.
Sleeping & Eating
There are two accommodation options not far from the park headquarters.
Park Guesthouse ( 0281-389 4026) has semi-detached bungalows (350,000d) and rooms
(220,000d) that are fairly basic. Meals (from 50,000d) are available here - place your or-
der a few hours ahead.
Homestays in stilt houses (per person 70,000d) at Pac Ngoi village on the lakeshore are very
popular. The park office can help organise this. Meals (40,000d to 60,000d), which can in-
clude fish from the lake, are available.
Only cash is accepted; the nearest ATM and internet access are in Cho Ra.
Getting There & Around
Ba Be National Park is 240km from Hanoi and 18km from Cho Ra.
Most visitors get here by chartered vehicle from Hanoi (six hours) or on a tour.
A noon bus (180,000d, six hours) leaves Hanoi's Gia Lam bus station for Cho Ra,
where you'll have to overnight before continuing to Ba Be by xe om (100,000d).