Ba Vi National Park
Ba Vi National Park
4.5
About
Located in Ba Vi Mountain Range, about 60 kilometers to the west of Hanoi, Ba Vi National Park, originally a French hill station, is considered as a fascinating destination for a weekend getaway. With a total area of over 10,000 hectares, Ba Vi National Park has everything to offer, from an amazingly biodiverse area of tourist resorts, a string of mysterious French ruins to a host of intriguing mini-hikes and trekking trails.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Nhà hà ng Dung Tiến Ba Vì
Hanoi, Vietnam59 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
I went to Ba Vi National Park, I really like it here, Ba Vi National Park has fresh air, very cool. Many check-in points to take beautiful photos. Especially the majestic and beautiful mountain view of Ba Vi National Park. Take photos with majestic clouds
Written January 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BurmeseDays
Melbourne33 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
Ba Vi National Park is a common day trip from Hanoi, but it seems to be difficult to find much information about it. We hired a driver for the day (~$50 US) and headed there.
Trick 1: Get a map when you enter at the base of the mountain …. because there are none up the top. The map shows a couple of walks. The first one you pass, on the way up the hill, to a cave, was ok … cool to be in the jungle, but beyond the cave it got a bit overgrown. On the other side of the road there was another walking track which we attempted to follow … but this was super overgrown and turned into quite a mission. Trick number 2: Wear insect repellent because there are leaches. There are heaps of butterflies though, which is cool. Don't expect to see animals. We did see a couple of birds though.
Lonely Planet had suggested there was an orchid garden and a bird garden, I had the ticket lady mark them on the map, but we did not find them - despite lots of looking around.
There were plenty of facilities main parking area, mid way up the mountain. A couple of restaurants, accommodation etc…. although the main restaurant waved us away (possibly because there was another function on, possibly because we were not looking to sharp after our bushwalking adventures). Nevertheless, you can get food there.
The main attractions seem to be the ruins of the french summer camp - which are pretty cool, and being overgrown by jungle. The tracks here are pretty good. And at the top of the mountain there is a temple dedicated to Ho Chi Minh. Again, the track is good, so easy enough to get there (if you don't mind the 1000+ steps). You'll either be up in the clouds, or have a good view. We had the former.
Finally there are some really old and rare pine trees. There is a sign to these off the road on the way up to the HCM temple. These are also worth the walk (up) for nature nerds. The track was getting overgrown when we visited though.
Trick 1: Get a map when you enter at the base of the mountain …. because there are none up the top. The map shows a couple of walks. The first one you pass, on the way up the hill, to a cave, was ok … cool to be in the jungle, but beyond the cave it got a bit overgrown. On the other side of the road there was another walking track which we attempted to follow … but this was super overgrown and turned into quite a mission. Trick number 2: Wear insect repellent because there are leaches. There are heaps of butterflies though, which is cool. Don't expect to see animals. We did see a couple of birds though.
Lonely Planet had suggested there was an orchid garden and a bird garden, I had the ticket lady mark them on the map, but we did not find them - despite lots of looking around.
There were plenty of facilities main parking area, mid way up the mountain. A couple of restaurants, accommodation etc…. although the main restaurant waved us away (possibly because there was another function on, possibly because we were not looking to sharp after our bushwalking adventures). Nevertheless, you can get food there.
The main attractions seem to be the ruins of the french summer camp - which are pretty cool, and being overgrown by jungle. The tracks here are pretty good. And at the top of the mountain there is a temple dedicated to Ho Chi Minh. Again, the track is good, so easy enough to get there (if you don't mind the 1000+ steps). You'll either be up in the clouds, or have a good view. We had the former.
Finally there are some really old and rare pine trees. There is a sign to these off the road on the way up to the HCM temple. These are also worth the walk (up) for nature nerds. The track was getting overgrown when we visited though.
Written October 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saf Traveler
Hanoi, Vietnam30 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
It's a really nice motorbike ride up to the top but the jungle is so thick in the park that really the only place to stop is at the top parking lot. Otherwise it's steep uphill ride with just nice trees and couple stunning views. Then you walk up the stairs to the Pagoda. Nice walk but that's about it really. Not sure if I missed something but felt like that was all that was on offer.
Make Ba Vi a 1 night thing if you want to get out of the city. But for the tourists out there, I'd say don't plan to go here when there are so many others things around that are way better and worth your time. Go to Nimh Binh instead.. honestly trust me.
Make Ba Vi a 1 night thing if you want to get out of the city. But for the tourists out there, I'd say don't plan to go here when there are so many others things around that are way better and worth your time. Go to Nimh Binh instead.. honestly trust me.
Written August 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chloe_Nguyen83
17 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
It take about 1 hour from Hanoi to Ba Vi district and 30 minutes to reach to Ba Vi National Park. It's perfect place for escaping from hustle and bustle of Hanoi for one day. That trip has made me be impressed by the forested slopes of the mountain and spectacular views. However, you should carefully prepare all essential things such as raincoat, water, snacks and rent a good motorbike with $2-$4/ day. You should avoid rainy days to ensure your safety and your partner. Beside, price for a lunch is very expensive so that you should prepare some foods is the best way to both save money and have funny picnic with your team in the top of mountain.
Written May 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shaiannosaurus
Singapore, Singapore16 contributions
Jun 2017
Firstly it is a huge hassle to get to the park unless you pay for an overpriced tour. We took the local bus to get the location, facing many communication issues with regards to what bus to take and where to drop off at. Even from the designated drop off point one still has to cab to reach the entrance. Renting a motorbike seems to be the only way to get to the park as it is extremely high up the mountain. This was another problem as they only have manual bikes and unlicensed people like ourselves struggled. Eventually the man who rented it to us had to ferry us there himself.
The attractions themselves require separate hikes to view each of them and so I'd recommend bringing a comfortable hiking bag and wearing proper shoes as well as attire. It was very hot, humid and sticky and this is coming from a Singaporean who is used to this kind of heat and humidity back in my own country.
The weather only allowed us to view the waterfall which was the first attraction, but it was frankly disappointing given the fairly long and arduous trek to reach it. The waterfall was not impressive at all and the trail was full of insects which was to be expected but posed a great irritation nevertheless.
That being said, if one were to go early and can ride a motorbike, the park is a great place to spend a day, taking your time to get to each attraction and explore as much of the park as possible. There weren't many people and that made for a peaceful visit. Just be prepared for the steep trails!
The attractions themselves require separate hikes to view each of them and so I'd recommend bringing a comfortable hiking bag and wearing proper shoes as well as attire. It was very hot, humid and sticky and this is coming from a Singaporean who is used to this kind of heat and humidity back in my own country.
The weather only allowed us to view the waterfall which was the first attraction, but it was frankly disappointing given the fairly long and arduous trek to reach it. The waterfall was not impressive at all and the trail was full of insects which was to be expected but posed a great irritation nevertheless.
That being said, if one were to go early and can ride a motorbike, the park is a great place to spend a day, taking your time to get to each attraction and explore as much of the park as possible. There weren't many people and that made for a peaceful visit. Just be prepared for the steep trails!
Written June 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelBugFilms
148 contributions
Dec 2016 • Friends
If you love a hike, getting our in nature and beautiful views....definitely make the trip to Ba Vi National Park.
We hired a car for the day, found a local student to guide us from Hanoi Free Walking Tours and then headed out to Ba Vi.
It's a two hour drive from Hanoi through small towns and roads with water buffalo to traverse, then you get to Ba Vi.
We drove the long windy road up the side of the mountain and then started on our hike up to the pagodas. Our guide Thuy took us on lots of sneaky shortcuts climbing through the mountain which was so so much fun. We went up to a small tower style pagoda which was absolutely beautiful. Then we headed up to a temple dedicated to Ho Chi Minh.
We didn't see any other tourists, only locals. The custom is to grab some junky food from a small shop on the way and then head up and have a picnic at the top.
After the hikes and pagodas we headed to an abandoned, overgrown church which was incredible, we weren't able to stay there long because there was a bride wanting to take her wedding photos!
On the way back down we went through flower gardens and then we paid 10,000VND per person to visit an awesome private cactus garden which had us feeling like we were on the film set of breaking bad.
If you're sick of tourist traps, touters, tourists and traffic.....Ba Vi is the place for you.
A tip: Due to the higher altitude, ba vi is colder than Hanoi so make sure to bring cold weather gear - but you might get hot in the sun or from walking so bring warm weather gear too.
We hired a car for the day, found a local student to guide us from Hanoi Free Walking Tours and then headed out to Ba Vi.
It's a two hour drive from Hanoi through small towns and roads with water buffalo to traverse, then you get to Ba Vi.
We drove the long windy road up the side of the mountain and then started on our hike up to the pagodas. Our guide Thuy took us on lots of sneaky shortcuts climbing through the mountain which was so so much fun. We went up to a small tower style pagoda which was absolutely beautiful. Then we headed up to a temple dedicated to Ho Chi Minh.
We didn't see any other tourists, only locals. The custom is to grab some junky food from a small shop on the way and then head up and have a picnic at the top.
After the hikes and pagodas we headed to an abandoned, overgrown church which was incredible, we weren't able to stay there long because there was a bride wanting to take her wedding photos!
On the way back down we went through flower gardens and then we paid 10,000VND per person to visit an awesome private cactus garden which had us feeling like we were on the film set of breaking bad.
If you're sick of tourist traps, touters, tourists and traffic.....Ba Vi is the place for you.
A tip: Due to the higher altitude, ba vi is colder than Hanoi so make sure to bring cold weather gear - but you might get hot in the sun or from walking so bring warm weather gear too.
Written December 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Calmsloth
Leeds, UK142 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
My boyfriend and I rented a motorbike from Hanoi and set off for a long weekend exploring Ba Vi. The route was relatively easy and took under two hours, we arrived around 4pm, checked into our hotel (Bach Duong) and went out to get some food. The place seemed deserted with the majority of food stalls empty or closed, perhaps because it was quite chilly and out of season for tourists. Nevertheless, we got some tasty pho and bun cha and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings.
We had two days in/around the national park and it was eerily quiet the whole time - definitely a peaceful retreat for anyone wishing to escape the big city for a few days. During our time in the national park we went on three walks - the two peaks (both of which can be completed by anyone of average fitness) and a mystery trail from near the peaks into the forest. This trail was beautiful but also seemed abandoned - there was no one else on the walk and the path grew progressively more hazardous. After walking around two hours (after climbing the two peaks) we were tired and started to wonder when the walk would end - we soon discovered that the end point had been blocked off for construction work. This meant we had to clamber over a ten meter pile of rocks, wood and building materials to get back on the path. Fun; but maybe not to everybodies liking.
It was very difficult for us to find food around/inside the national park, so would definitely recommend picking up some snacks in town & making sure you've had a big breakfast before entering the park.
We had two days in/around the national park and it was eerily quiet the whole time - definitely a peaceful retreat for anyone wishing to escape the big city for a few days. During our time in the national park we went on three walks - the two peaks (both of which can be completed by anyone of average fitness) and a mystery trail from near the peaks into the forest. This trail was beautiful but also seemed abandoned - there was no one else on the walk and the path grew progressively more hazardous. After walking around two hours (after climbing the two peaks) we were tired and started to wonder when the walk would end - we soon discovered that the end point had been blocked off for construction work. This meant we had to clamber over a ten meter pile of rocks, wood and building materials to get back on the path. Fun; but maybe not to everybodies liking.
It was very difficult for us to find food around/inside the national park, so would definitely recommend picking up some snacks in town & making sure you've had a big breakfast before entering the park.
Written March 26, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pavluna
Prague, Czech Republic143 contributions
Oct 2019
We visited Bavi National park by car. It took us 1.5 hours from Hanoi. The entrance fee was 60,000VND/person (12 and older) and 20 000VND per car. There was quite a lot of people as it was Sunday, but most were only there for taking some selfies or to have a picnic. We drove to the uppermost parking lot (#7 on the map), where there are 3 possible ways you can go. We decided to go the the french political prison ruins. It was quite tricky to find as even the locals didn't know where it was but if you follow the signs that point to the toilets and continue down some relatively steep stairs you will reach them. On the way back I recommend visiting the Melia resort in the park just for a coffee. It's a bit pricey but beautiful.
Written October 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oliver S
51 contributions
Feb 2019 • Friends
We took the Thang Long highway, that's quite nice. If you have time, there are also some nice pagodas in thach that, on the way. We started going from hanoi around lunchtime by motorbikes and it took us about an hour+, since we did some stops on the way. You gotta pay an entrance fee at the gates of the national park. From take a high res picture of the map, because there are no free maps. We stopped at couple places on the way(some random nice trail, leading to leech infested high grass and the french church)
The road was cery good, but have to be careful of not going too fast, it's a mountain road.
On top, you can choose between 2 summits or even both, we visited just one summit, since it's a hard climb. Don't remember the the name of it though, but the smaller one. The climb is hard, but doable even for old people. Nice views from the top, although should go before noon, because we were surrounded by cliuds and didn't see that much
The road was cery good, but have to be careful of not going too fast, it's a mountain road.
On top, you can choose between 2 summits or even both, we visited just one summit, since it's a hard climb. Don't remember the the name of it though, but the smaller one. The climb is hard, but doable even for old people. Nice views from the top, although should go before noon, because we were surrounded by cliuds and didn't see that much
Written February 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
greg dennis
Ballarat, Australia167 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
On my single unplanned day in Hanoi a friend I met there, invited me to Ba Vi national park. It's 50km from Hanoi and not widely publicized. We went by public transport and taxi - total of about $15. Amazing spiritual place. Clean, fresh air and mystical atmosphere. Picnickers, campers, weddings, fountains. Only way to top by motorbike. I was swamped by friendly smiling people as not many tourists go. Steep steps to last bit of top but worth the effort. A full day required but unforgettable. My reward - my friend Khang had never been there before either and I was rapt to do it with him.
Written November 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can I travel to the mountain from Hanoi by Honda Vision motorcycle? Someone said it is impossible because it has auto transmission.
Written February 24, 2023
Anyone know the entrance fee please? Both adult and children if possible.
Written April 17, 2019
There are fees for each person I believe, including children. However, we were hosted, so I have no idea of what they are. Nice place to visit, including for children.
Written April 17, 2019
Is there public transportation to this park from Hanoi? Or would I have to hire a car?
Written April 8, 2019
There are 2 public buses from Hanoi to Bavi park. Bus no.74 from My Dinh bus station or no. 214 from Yen Nghia station. It takes about 2hrs to reach Xuan Khanh stop (the final stop nearest to Ba Vi park). From here either u take a taxi or walk 5km to reach the welcome gate of Ba Vi park.
Hope this information help you intime.
Written April 14, 2019
Hi, could somebody help us to organize a tour to Bavi National Park?
Written November 14, 2018
We are a group of people who want to go there walking for the day. Do you have any recommendation for travel agency and guide?
Written October 25, 2018
I think you could take a look at Active Travel Asia - They did have the program to Bavi ^^ Thanks
Written October 25, 2018
Is it recommended to visit here with a guide? Should we just book a taxi driver through our hotel? Are there clearly signposted walking tracks etc? Fit family of four will be visiting in December 2016 and are curious about the best way to go about our visit.
Written October 18, 2016
They have sign posted walking tracks too, you can actually drive a car up to almost the top of the mountain cos the road is almost city-like except for the many small-angle turns. From where all transportations must stop, there are about 1000 steps of stairs for you to climb to the top where you can visit a pagoda and have a breath-taking view of the scenery around.
Written October 18, 2016
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