Basic ecotouristic information on Ba Be National Park (Vietnam) - localization, access, characteristic, fauna and flora, possible activities.
Localization
North Vietnam; 240 kilometers north of Hanoi, about 70 km northwest of the provincial capital Bắc Kạn, and about 14 km west of the town of Cho Ra.
Access
Easy - by bus (or car) from Hanoi to Bac Kan City (4-5 hours). From there by local bus or taxi to Ba Be park (about two hours).
Characteristic
76 km2; The largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, stretching about 8 kilometers in the north-south direction in a karst mountainous area. The surface area of the lake fluctuates between 3 and 5 km2 between dry and wet season. Unlike many lakes in karst limestone areas, Ba Bể Lake never falls dry. Its average depth varies between 17 and 23 meters, the maximum depth is 35 meters. The lake lies about 150 meters above sea level, making it also Vietnam's highest lake. Three rivers feed into the lake from the south and the west. During the dry season, water is drained from the lake northwards into the Nang River. During high floods in the wet season, the latter flow is reversed however, and the lake takes up water from the Nang River thereby acting as a buffer regulating flooding. Many caves and waterfalls. Typical ecosystems: evergrren forest, karst ecosystems, freshwater ecosystems (lake, rivers), wetlands.
Fauna + Flora
Species List - See the Attachment Below
(Species list may not be complete)
Possible activities
Hiking and trekking (1 - 3days tours), the park features numerous hiking and trekking trails
Lake kayaking and boat trips, cycling, cave expeditions, fishing.
Note
Puong Cave is a large cave in the north of the park through which the Nang River flows. The main cave is up to 50 meters high and about 300 meters long. It is inhabited by a population of 5 to 10 000 bats belonging to 18 species.
Biosphere Reserve
Best time to visit X - IV (dry season).