Jump into the Largest Freshwater Lake in Vietnam

The cool waters of Ba Be Lake offering a refreshing dip to beat the heat in Northern Vietnam.

Tracy Dao

July 13, 2022 | 07:20

When coming to Bac Kan, the must-see place for most visitors is Ba Be Lake - the famous and picturesque National Park in Northeast Vietnam.

For Vietnamese, Ba Be Lake is a familiar name. Since childhood, many people must have heard of "the Legend of Ba Be Lake". Not only famous for its legend but the Lake is also known for its scenic beauty.

Jump into the Largest Freshwater Lake in Vietnam

Ba Be Lake seen from above. (Photo: doanhnghiepvn)

Formed from a limestone mountain area that had collapsed due to underground water emptying the mountain, this place accidentally creates one of the most beautiful and largest lakes in Vietnam.

The clear blue water surface will reveal the bottom of the Lake. (Photo: doanhnghiepvn)

As the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, listed in the top 100 largest freshwater lakes in the world, and recognized as one of the 20 special freshwater lakes in the world that need to be protected in 1995, this Lake was also recognized in 2004 as the ASEAN Heritage Park. Some of the above statistics have partly shown the unique features of Ba Be National Park.

The calm lake surface reflects the surrounding scenery. (Photo: doanhnghiepvn)

Spectacular mountain scenery along the lake. (Photo: doanhnghiepvn)

With an area of up to 650 hectares and an average depth of 20-25 meters stretching more than 8 kilometers, Ba Be Lake appears like a flat mirror reflecting the blue sky in the majestic mountains. The lake is the convergence of three tributaries of the Pe Lam, Pe Lu, and Pe Leng rivers. Therefore, this place is also known by the locals as Slam Pe, meaning three lakes.

Ba Be Lake is also known by the locals as Slam Pe. (Photo: doanhnghiepvn)

Ba Be National Park is not only endowed with charming and poetic landscapes but also a large biosphere-protected area with a variety of flora and fauna and a magnificent cave system, from dry caves to water caves and an underground river system.

The massive cave system in Ba Be National Park. (Photo: doanhnghiepvn)

On a ride on the riverbed by raft, visitors will be treated well by a beautiful, surreal picture entirely painted by the hands of Mother Nature. Visitors can create an experience tailored for themselves by choosing large boats, small boats, canoes, and even kayaks.

Tourists can try many activities in Ba Be Lake. (Photo: doanhnghiepvn)

The local ride a raft. (Photo: doanhnghiepvn)

A feeling of adventure and excitement will be brought when being immersed in the water, admiring each million-year-old rock, zooming in on the vast peaceful space, and then hearing about the legend of the lake.

In the early morning, visitors will have an even more wonderful experience when the early mists have not yet dissipated covering the lake, mountains, and forests sometimes hidden in the white curtain of mists, creating an illusory, beautiful and heartbreakingly poetic scenery.

Picturesque scenery on Ba Be Lake in the misty mornings. (Photo: doanhnghiepvn)

Visitors have the opportunity to be immersed in the fresh and tranquil atmosphere when coming to Ba Be Lake. (Photo: doanhnghiepvn)

In the distance, the clouds are floating in the middle of the lake. (Photo: doanhnghiepvn)

On the excursion on the lake, visitors will be taken to places such as Hua Ma Cave, Ao Tien tourist complex, Po Gia Mai island (Ba Gua island), Puong cave, Dau Dang waterfall...

Besides the beautiful scenery, visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy traditional dishes as well as explore the unique culture of the indigenous people.

Once coming to Ba Be Lake, visitors will surely have unforgettable memories and be surprised by the beautiful and magnificent scenery of Vietnam.