Trekking in Vietnam's Ba Vi National Park

[Active Travel Asia]

 

Undoubtedly Ba Vi National Park is one of Vietnam’s most awesome trekking trails, with loads of scenic views. But this destination is less known than other Vietnamese trek routes in the international expat community. Check out the reasons why you should not miss trekking experience in Ba Vi National Park and let yourself continuously stand astounded by many interesting things found on the trekking route.

Located in Ba Vi Mountain Range, about 60 kilometers to the west of Hanoi, Ba Vi National Park, originally a French hill station (a getaway for Indochina's French colonizers), is considered as a fascinating destination for a weekend escape from the capital. With a total area of over 10,000 hectares, the park offers an amazingly biodiverse area of resorts along with a string of mysterious French ruins and a host of intriguing mini-hikes and trekking trails.

No matter your trekking experience or physical fitness, you’ll find a trek route in Ba Vi National Park for you. Below, we’ve listed out some striking features why a strenuous climb in Ba Vi should be priority in your Hanoi day tour. 

Location

Usually, to travel from Hanoi to other tourist attractions, you may need at least a half day for transferring along with one night to take a rest. But Ba Vi National Park is easily accessible in about an hour and a half by motorbike or 45 minutes by car, Read here for details.

For one day trip visiting Ba Vi National Park, you can easily conquer the highest peaks in the mountain range, discover a host of ancient relics hidden deep inside the jungle or simply celebrate a jungle picnic party with friends. Besides, some travelers prefer a two-day trip in Ba Vi National Park combining harmoniously between adventure and relaxing. With an ideal greenery space of the jungle, a variety of trekking trails catering to all skill levels, plus five-star services at some upscale resorts located amongst the mountain range.

 

Make sure you explore the Ba Vi jungle with a local guide as he can introduce you to many fauna and flora species in detail.

Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation

The park's wildlife and biodiversity are truly extraordinary, for starters home to 1,209 plants, 503 of which are precious medicinal herbs; some rare and valuable plants found in the jungle include calocedrus macrolepis and podocarpus neriifolius, etc. Meanwhile, the fauna include 66 species, mostly small or medium ones such as chrotogale owstoni, arctictis binturong, felis temminckii, capricornis sumatraensis, and lophura nycthemera. The most numerous animals, of course, are insects, with 552 species found, seven of which are listed in Vietnam’s Red Book, including mantis religiosa, lethocerus indicus, attacuc atlas, actias selene, lamproptera curius, troides helena, and graphium antiphates. A trained guide will help you get the most out of flora and fauna spotting.

 

Various Trekking & Hiking Trails

Comparing to Vietnam’s northwest and southeast mountain slopes, Ba Vi Mountain Range is much steeper. The average slope of the area is 250, from an altitude of 400m above sea level, the average slope is 350 attaching with many exposed stone walls. As of that, moving in the park can be dangerous, and with its unpredictable topography it's best to go accompanied by a professional guide. 

 

Stunning panoramic view of Ba Vi National Park from King Peak at 1,296m above sea level.

Lots of adventure seekers are into trekking in Ba Vi National Park. Before your trip, we highly recommend you get a good idea to assess your level of fitness as well as arrange a logical itinerary to conquer the three summits of Ngoc Hoa Peak at 1,131m above sea level, Tan Vien Peak at 1,226m, and King Peak at 1,296m, the highest point in the jungle. You should research Ba Vi’s topographic in advance as each peak is located at different directions. Usually, for Hanoi day trip, travelers prefer combining two out of these three peaks. The reward for this strenuous climb is the chance to capture the gorgeous mountain panoramas - incredibly magnificent and truly worth your effort!

People all around Vietnam gather at Temple of President Ho Chi Minh to commemorate Vietnam's founding father.

Historical Ruins & Sacred Temples

Ba Vi used to be an upscale resort during the French colonization in Indochina. Due to a pleasant climate year-round as well as convenient way from Hanoi to Ba Vi, from 1932 – 1944, the French constructed many projects there such as the summer camp, the church and military zone. 

Especially, at an altitude of 1,000 – 1,100m above sea level, there is a system of secret French political prisons built solidly to confine Vietnamese communists and others fighting against colonialism. With an area of  2,500 square meters, it could hold retain up to 200 prisoners. Inside there are still many imprints of shackles and large stone mills with a diameter of nearly 4m used to torture prisoners. 

Besides an array of French historical ruins, Ba Vi Mountain range is also considered as the most sacred mountain in Vietnam with the Temple of President Ho Chi Minh (a national hero and founding father) and the Upper Temple worshipping the God of Ba Vi Mountain Range, one of The Four Immortals in traditional Vietnamese mythology.

To reach the Temple of President Ho Chi Minh at King Peak, from the foot of Mount Ba Vi, you have to pass 12km of a winding road then continue to climb more than 1,320 stone steps. Annually, on 21st July (Lunar New Year), Vietnamese leaders from ministries, departments, Hanoi capital along with people all around the country will gather here to offer incense to commemorate President Ho Chi Minh. 

Overall, it’s not easy to show you all the quintessence and appeal of Ba Vi Mountain Range in mere words. Just refer our travel guide and plan your upcoming Vietnam trekking tours in Ba Vi National Park on the soonest day. Want more information about Ba Vi? Active Travel Asia is always here to help you customize your adventure tour.