What Secrets Does Vietnam's Largest Freshwater Lake Hold That Astonish the World and Earn It Special Protection Status?
Which Freshwater Lake is It?
Vietnam's Largest Natural Freshwater Lake: Ba Be Lake
Ba Be Lake is located in Nam Mau commune, Ba Be district, Bac Kan province, about 70 km northwest of Bac Kan city. Nestled within the arc of the Gam River, this lake lies amid rugged terrain featuring high mountains ranging from 1,400 to 1,600 meters and interspersed valleys.
Situated 145 meters above sea level, Ba Be Lake covers a surface area of over 650 hectares. It is surrounded by majestic limestone mountain ranges rich with caves and underground streams. The lake's average depth varies from 20 to 25 meters during the rainy season and can drop to approximately 10 meters in the dry season.
Ba Be Lake is fed by two small rivers, the Cho Leng River and the Nam Cuong River, before flowing into the Nang River. The lake's current flows at about 0.5 meters per second, increasing to 2.5 to 3 meters per second during flood season. Two small islands, An Ma Island and Ba Goa Island, grace the lake's surface.
Known by the Tay ethnic name "Slam Pé", meaning "three lakes," Ba Be Lake's name reflects its unique topography. Limestone mountain ranges divide the lakebed into three interconnected parts via narrow straits, named Pé Lầm, Pé Lù, and Pé Lèng sequentially.
Ba Be Lake is not only one of Vietnam's largest natural freshwater lakes but also one of only 20 special freshwater lakes worldwide that require protection. It lies within Ba Be National Park, a nationally recognized tourist area attracting thousands of visitors annually.
4 Mysteries of Ba Be Lake
Beyond its breathtaking beauty, Ba Be Lake captivates scientists with intriguing mysteries about its origin and formation.
The Origin of Ba Be Lake's Formation
According to the Government Electronic Information Portal and geological experts, Ba Be Lake was formed approximately 200 million years ago due to a major geological upheaval. This event caused the collapse and submersion of limestone mountain ranges, creating the lake as it exists today. The surrounding area features ancient limestone and sandstone mountains between 1,400 and 1,600 meters high, alongside primeval forests.
The lake's geology and geomorphology are complex, combining Karst, non-Karst, and river-lake ecosystems, resulting in a rich and diverse biodiversity hotspot.
Archaeological Discoveries
Surveys conducted by the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and Bac Kan Provincial Museum in Tham Khit Cave, located in Ba Be National Park's core zone, have uncovered numerous valuable artifacts evidencing prehistoric human activity. These include 54 artifacts such as chipped pebble tools, rough axes, and stone flakes.
Based on tool types, manufacturing techniques, and stratigraphy, archaeologists estimate that Tham Khit Cave was a prehistoric residential site dating back nearly 20,000 years to the late Paleolithic period.
Additional surveys at Na Phong Cave, Tham Mia Cave, and Ba Cua Cave have revealed nearly 100 artifacts dating from 2,000 to 20,000 years ago. These findings illuminate the ancient human history and cultural development in Vietnam's Northeast region.
A Unique Ecosystem
Ba Be Lake stretches over 8 km in length and up to 2 km wide, with a water surface area of approximately 500 hectares. Its average depth is about 20 meters, reaching a maximum of 35 meters. The lake hosts a variety of aquatic and freshwater fish species, including rare species listed in the Vietnam Red Book such as the Kinh Carp, Green Catfish, and Hemibagrus Fish.
This biodiversity makes Ba Be Lake a vital biological treasure, attracting conservation and research efforts from both domestic and international organizations. Protecting Ba Be Lake helps preserve this unique ecosystem and supports regional biodiversity.
In 1995, Ba Be Lake was officially recognized as one of the world's special freshwater lakes requiring protection at the World Freshwater Lake Conference in the United States, underscoring its global ecological importance.
The lake's beauty is often compared to a watercolor painting, with crystal-clear, cool waters reflecting the surrounding majestic mountains. Small islands like Ba Goa Island and An Ma Island add to the lake's enchanting atmosphere.
Connection to Local Culture
Ba Be Lake is deeply intertwined with the culture and legends of the ethnic groups living nearby, including the Tay, H'mong, and Dao peoples. Stories of Ao Tien (Fairy Pond), supernatural beings, and mysterious phenomena enrich the lake's allure for both researchers and tourists.
Every year, from the 9th to the 11th day of the first lunar month, locals celebrate the Long Tong festival, praying for favorable weather and abundant harvests.
Journey to Ba Be Lake
According to Ba Be Lake Tourism, traveling from Hanoi to Ba Be Lake is accessible despite the mountainous terrain. Visitors can choose from bus, private car, or motorbike travel options, each offering unique experiences.
Traveling by Bus
Buses from Hanoi to Ba Be Lake are popular among tourists. Departures are available from My Dinh or Giap Bat bus stations, with a journey time of approximately 3-4 hours. Reliable operators like Thuong Nga and An Binh serve routes to Bac Kan, from where smaller buses or taxis cover the remaining 16 km to Ba Be Lake.
Traveling by Private Car
Driving by private car or motorbike via National Highway 3 or 279, then smaller roads, offers flexibility and scenic views. However, the roads are steep and winding, requiring experienced drivers comfortable with mountain driving.
Traveling by Motorbike
Motorbike travel is ideal for adventure seekers but demands careful preparation due to challenging slopes, passes, and occasional fog.
Tourist Activities at Ba Be Lake
Ba Be Lake offers a variety of activities that showcase its natural beauty and cultural richness.
Boat Trip to Explore the Lake
Rent a motorboat or traditional dugout canoe to explore Ba Be Lake. Enjoy panoramic views of limestone mountains, fishing villages, and primeval forests. Key attractions include Puong Cave, Ao Tien (Fairy Pond), and the lake’s small islands.
Exploring Puong Cave
Puong Cave, located on the lake’s west side, features magnificent stalactites and a mysterious ambiance. Visitors can take boat tours inside the cave to witness spectacular natural rock formations shaped over millions of years.
Trekking and Nature Exploration
Hiking around Ba Be Lake offers opportunities to discover limestone mountains, ancient forests, and cool streams—perfect for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Visiting Cultural Villages
The surrounding villages of the Tay, Dao, and H'mong ethnic groups offer rich cultural experiences. Participate in traditional activities, learn about local customs and crafts, and join the vibrant Long Tong festival celebrated at the start of the lunar new year.
Enjoying Local Cuisine
Don’t miss local specialties such as grilled Ba Be Lake fish, "Cap Nach" pork, upland sticky rice, and bamboo-tube rice. These dishes highlight fresh mountain ingredients and traditional flavors.
Important Travel Tips for Ba Be Lake
- Weather: Ba Be Lake enjoys a cool climate year-round. Winters can be cold, so pack warm clothing if visiting during this season.
- Transportation: Roads to Ba Be Lake can be remote and challenging. Prepare your vehicle and plan your itinerary carefully.
- Nature Conservation: Ba Be Lake is a precious natural heritage site. Visitors must follow environmental protection rules, avoid littering, and respect the ecosystem.
Ba Be Lake is an ideal destination for nature lovers, cultural explorers, and history enthusiasts. Experience the wonders and mysteries that make Ba Be Lake a unique treasure of Vietnam.
Article by Nguyệt Phạm (nguoiduatin.vn)
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