Trekking in Ba Vi National Park Near Hanoi

[Active Travel Asia]

Located in the Ba Vi Mountain Range, about 60 kilometers to the west of Hanoi, the Ba Vi National Park is without a doubt one of Vietnam’s most awesome trekking trails with the picturesque views - but it's still less known than other Vietnamese trek routes in the international community. A fascinating weekend getaway, this onetime French hill station has total area of over 10,000 hectares, with amazing biodiversity, resorts, a string of mysterious French ruins, and of course 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, I've listed out some striking features why a strenuous climb in Ba Vi should be priority in your Hanoi day tour. 

Location

Oftentimes day-trip destinations from Hanoi may require at least a half day's travel plus an overnight. But Ba Vi can be reached by car in just 45 minutes (90 by motorbike); for more details, click here.

On one day trip 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 to Ba Vi, a harmonious mix of adventure and relaxation. With an ideal greenery space of the jungle, a variety of trekking trails catering to all skill levels, plus the five-star services of some upscale resorts located amongst the mountains, definitely Ba Vi National Park is always a brilliant option for Hanoi Day Tour, offering a chance to capture the quintessence of one of Vietnam’s most important conservation areas. 

 

Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation

Ba Vi National Park’s wildlife and biodiversity are truly extraordinary. It's home to more than 1,200 plants, more than 500 of which are precious medicinal herbs; some rare and valuable examples include calocedrus macrolepis and podocarpus neriifolius. Among its fauna are 66 mostly medium-size or small species such as chrotogale owstoni, arctictis binturong, felis temminckii, capricornis sumatraensis, and lophura nycthemera. Insects are the most numerous species anywhere, and here is no exception, with 552 including the praying mantis, lethocerus indicus, attacuc atlas, actias selene, lamproptera curius, troides helena, and graphium antiphates. Make sure you explore the jungle with a local guide (above), who can provide fascinating information and viewing opportunities.

Trekking & Hiking Trails

Comparing to Vietnam’s northwest and southeast mountains, Ba Vi is much steeper; the average slope here is 250m (an as much as to 350), from an altitude of 400m above sea level. That's another reason why a seasoned guide is not just desireable but highly advisable, as moving around this unpredictable topography can be risky for the uninitiated. I'd also highly recommend you assess your level of fitness, as well as research an itinerary. There are three peaks Ngoc Hoa Peak at 1,131m, Tan Vien Peak at 1,226m, and the hiighest, King Peak at 1,296m. On a Hanoi day trip, most visitors combine two of the three. The climbing can be strenuous but oh, so rewarding, with spectacular panoramas!

 

Historical Ruins & Sacred Temples

Ba Vi used to be an upscale resort during the French colonization OFIndochina. Due to a pleasant climate year round, as well as convenient access from Hanoi to Ba Vi, from 1932 to 1944 the French constructed many projects there, including a summer camp, a church, a military zone, and at an altitude of 1,000-1,100m, a secret political prison built to confine Vietnamese Communists and others battling colonialism. With a total of 2,500m2, it held up to 200 prisoners, and inside you can still see shackles and large stone mills with a diameter of nearly 4m used to torture the prisoners. 

Besides this array of colonial ruins, Ba Vi Mountain range is also considered as the most sacred mountain in Vietnam with the Temple of President Ho Chi Minh (below, the founder of modern Vietnam) 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 navigate a 12km winding road, then climb more than 1,320 stone steps. Annually, on 21st July of the 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 as well as the glamour of Ba Vi Mountain Range by words. Just refer to our travel guide and plan your upcoming Vietnam trekking tours in Ba Vi National Park. Want more information about Ba Vi? Active Travel Asia is always here to help you customize your adventure tour.