Ba Vi National Park – How To Explore Wild & Nature In 2023

Ba Vi Wildlife guide – update 2023

Ba Vi National Park is a protected area located in the Ba Vi mountain range, about 50 kilometers west of Hanoi, Vietnam. The park covers an area of 11,000 hectares and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare and endemic species.

The park is known for its beautiful landscapes, including three peaks that form the Ba Vi mountain range, with the highest peak reaching 1,296 meters. The park is also home to several rivers, waterfalls, and streams that provide water for the surrounding agricultural areas.

Visit to Ba Vi National Park can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, camping, bird-watching, and visiting historic sites. The park has several trails that lead to the mountain peaks, including the popular Tan Vien Peak, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

In addition to its natural attractions, Ba Vi National Park is also home to several cultural and historical sites. The park includes several temples and pagodas, including the Temple of the White Clouds (Den Trang), which dates back to the 11th century

Find out about: Vietnam Birding Tours & National Park Tour

Fact: One interesting fact about Ba Vi National Park is that it is home to over 800 species of plants, including several rare and endemic species. The park's diverse range of plant life includes many medicinal and aromatic plants, as well as several species of orchids.

Ba Vi National Park is also home to a range of animal species, including several rare and endangered species such as the Delacour's langur, a critically endangered primate that is only found in a few locations in Vietnam. Other animal species found in the park include macaques, civets, deer, and a variety of bird species.

The park also has cultural and historical significance, as it is home to several ancient temples and pagodas that date back to the 11th century. The park's temples and pagodas are popular pilgrimage sites for locals and you alike, and offer a glimpse into Vietnam's rich cultural heritage.

Ba Vi National Park is a must-visit for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Here are 9 highlights to look forward to:

Here are 9 highlights to look forward to when visiting Ba Vi National Park:

1. Hiking to the mountain peaks: Ba Vi National Park has several trails that lead to the mountain peaks, including Tan Vien Peak, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
2. Exploring the diverse plant life: The park is home to over 800 species of plants, including several rare and endemic species, such as orchids and medicinal plants.
3. Wildlife spotting: Ba Vi National Park is home to a range of animal species, including several rare and endangered species, such as the Delacour’s langur and a variety of bird species.
4. Relaxing in the hot springs: The park has several hot springs that are believed to have medicinal properties and offer a relaxing experience for you.
5. Visiting the temples and pagodas: Ba Vi National Park is home to several ancient temples and pagodas that date back to the 11th century and are popular pilgrimage sites for locals and you alike.
6. Enjoying the waterfalls: The park has several waterfalls, including the Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac), which is a popular spot for picnics and swimming.
7. Camping in the park: Ba Vi National Park offers several camping sites, allowing you to spend a night in the park and experience its natural beauty at its fullest.
8. Bird-watching: The park is home to a variety of bird species, making it a great destination for bird-watching enthusiasts.
9. Learning about the park’s history and culture: Ba Vi National Park has cultural and historical significance, as it is home to several ancient temples and pagodas that offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage

Visit Ba Vi for wildlife.

Visiting Ba Vi National Park is a great idea for wildlife enthusiasts, as the park is home to a range of animal species, including several rare and endangered species. Some of the wildlife you might be able to spot in the park include:

1. Delacour’s langur: A critically endangered primate that is only found in a few locations in Vietnam, including Ba Vi National Park.
2. Macaques: Several species of macaques are found in the park, including the Northern pig-tailed macaque and the Rhesus macaque.
3. Civets: Several species of civets, including the Common palm civet and the Small-toothed palm civet, are found in the park.
4. Deer: The park is home to several species of deer, including the Red muntjac and the Sambar deer.
5. Birds: Ba Vi National Park is home to a variety of bird species, including several rare and endemic species such as the Silver Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, and Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler.

While sightings of these animals are not guaranteed, you to the park can increase their chances of spotting wildlife by exploring the park’s trails and keeping a lookout for signs of animal activity

Tips

Visit Ba Vi

While Ba Vi National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, there are also other reasons to visit the park beyond wildlife. Here are some other activities and highlights to enjoy in the park:

1. Hiking: Ba Vi National Park has several hiking trails that lead to the mountain peaks, including Tan Vien Peak, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
2. Relaxing in the hot springs: The park has several hot springs that are believed to have medicinal properties and offer a relaxing experience for you.
3. Visiting the temples and pagodas: Ba Vi National Park is home to several ancient temples and pagodas that date back to the 11th century and are popular pilgrimage sites for locals and you alike.
4. Enjoying the waterfalls: The park has several waterfalls, including the Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac), which is a popular spot for picnics and swimming.
5. Camping in the park: Ba Vi National Park offers several camping sites, allowing you to spend a night in the park and experience its natural beauty at its fullest.
6. Bird-watching: The park is home to a variety of bird species, making it a great destination for bird-watching enthusiasts.
7. Learning about the park’s history and culture: Ba Vi National Park has cultural and historical significance, as it is home to several ancient temples and pagodas that offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

So whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Ba Vi National Park has something to offer for everyone

There is no ATM here so its better that take cash with you

Go with local guide

We don’t tell you this to sell more tours, but simply because it’s the best way to see more wildlife.

And not to get lost…

The local guides know the park from the inside out and know where the animals often forage. More importantly, the guides have well-trained eyes that will help you to discover everything from the smallest to the largest wonders of Ba Vi national park. You will be surprised what you would have walked past without noticing had you been visiting on your own!

Visit on weekdays

Ba Vi national park is Vietnam’s most popular national park. 80% of the visitors in Ba Vi are Vietnamese. It is great to see that locals are enjoying their own nature parks, which will only make them more aware of what still survives there. And hopefully helps in the protection of these wonderful places. But you might be looking for a place to get away from your busy daily life.

Try to avoid weekends and national holidays. If your planning only allows a visit on the weekend, it is definitely still worth visiting. But you will have to share the roads and the main attractions like the trails with many locals.

Like in other parks around the world with high visitor numbers, wildlife has learned that people are not to be feared. That’s why the popular parks often offer better wildlife observation opportunities than nature reserves with very low visitor numbers and therefore often bigger problems with poaching. The good news is that generally speaking, Vietnamese do not really like walking. Even less when it is in a jungle. So, even on busy weekends, you might still have the forest to yourself.

Bring a compass

This really only applies if you are visiting without a guide. Even though there has been some improvement on the more popular trails, still some trails in there are not well-marked. And besides that, there are no good trail maps available. Often (wildlife) trails branch off the original tourist trails and might cause confusion.

All people we have met who thought they had a good sense of direction, get totally disoriented in these jungles. It is easy when following e.g., a river. But once you get into the continuous forest it is really hard. Even the most basic map can help you if you bring a compass. Study the map before you start the trek.

If you do get lost, and know there is a road to the east that cuts through the entire park, a compass will help you find it. Without it, you are completely lost and will rely mostly on luck!

A compass and some basic study of the area/map would have solved this situation. Phone signal has improved a bit in recent years. But still, once you are deeper in the jungle, you won’t be able to call for help. With an analog compass, you do not rely on battery life.

The souvenir shop in the park at the visitor center might have cheap compasses in stock. But to be sure, better bring one from home or buy it before you enter the park, and test if it indeed points in the right direction…

What is there to see?

Ba Vi National Park is located in Hanoi, Vietnam, and it is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurers. Here are some things you can see and do in Ba Vi National Park:

1. Ba Vi Mountain: The park is named after this mountain, which stands at an elevation of 1,296 meters. You can hike to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
2. Thien Son Suoi Nga: This is a beautiful waterfall that is located in the park. It’s a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
3. Historical Sites: Ba Vi National Park is home to a number of historical sites, including a temple dedicated to the Trung Sisters, who led a rebellion against Chinese rule in the first century AD.
4. Flora and Fauna: The park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life, including orchids, bamboo, deer, and langurs.
5. Birdwatching: Ba Vi National Park is a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it is home to over 300 bird species, including the rare Silver Pheasant.
6. Hot Springs: The park is also home to a number of natural hot springs, which are said to have therapeutic properties

Other activities

In addition to the activities I mentioned earlier, here are some other things you can do in Ba Vi National Park:

1. Camping: The park offers several campsites, allowing you to experience the tranquility of nature while staying overnight.
2. Cycling: The park has many trails that are perfect for cycling, allowing you to explore the park at their own pace.
3. Paragliding: If you are an adventure-seeker, you can experience the thrill of paragliding over Ba Vi National Park. There are several operators that offer this activity.
4. Photography: Ba Vi National Park is a popular destination for photographers, with its breathtaking scenery, stunning waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna.
5. Cultural Activities: you can also learn about the culture of the Muong people, who are the indigenous people of the region. They have their own unique customs, language, and way of life.
6. Relaxation: The park also offers many opportunities for relaxation, including hot springs, spa treatments, and meditation

How to get to Ba Vi?

Ba Vi National Park is located about 50 kilometers west of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Here are a few ways to get there:

1. By car or motorbike: The most convenient way to get to Ba Vi National Park is by car or motorbike. You can rent a car or motorbike in Hanoi and drive to the park, following the signs along the way. The journey takes around 1-2 hours, depending on traffic.
2. By taxi: You can also take a taxi from Hanoi to Ba Vi National Park. The journey takes around 1-2 hours, depending on traffic. Make sure to negotiate the fare with the driver before you start your journey.
3. By public bus: You can take a public bus from Hanoi to Ba Vi National Park. The bus departs from My Dinh Bus Station and takes around 2 hours to reach the park. However, the schedule may not be very reliable, so it’s best to check with the bus company before you go.
4. By private tour: If you prefer a more organized and hassle-free experience, you can book a private tour that includes transportation to and from Ba Vi National Park. There are many tour companies that offer this service in Hanoi.

Regardless of how you choose to get there, Ba Vi National Park is definitely worth the trip if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature.

Weather & Climate in Ba Vi

The climate in Ba Vi National Park is tropical monsoon, characterized by hot and humid summers and cool and dry winters. The average temperature in the park ranges from 22°C to 27°C, with the hottest months being from May to September and the coldest months being from December to February.

During the rainy season, which lasts from May to September, the park receives heavy rainfall, sometimes resulting in floods and landslides. The best time to visit Ba Vi National Park is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and drier.

In general, the weather in Ba Vi National Park can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before you go and pack accordingly. Bring lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, and a rain jacket or umbrella in case of rain.

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