Ba Vi National Park is one of the outstanding natural destinations near Hanoi, attracting tourists with its cool climate all year round, deep green mountains and forests, and a rare quiet space. Only about an hour away from the center of the capital, this place brings a feeling of relaxation and freshness that is hard to find anywhere near Hanoi.
Where is Ba Vi National Park
Ba Vi National Park stretches from Ba Vi district, Hanoi, to Hoa Binh city, Hoa Binh province. Being just 50 km west of the center of Hanoi capital, this National Park is located on the Ba Vi mountain range, famous for its three peaks (King Peak, 1,296m; Tan Vien peak, 1,227m, and Ngoc Hoa peak, 1,131m).
Nature, history, and culture all come together within the boundaries of this national park, where you will discover ancient forests alongside remnants of the French Colonial period and sacred shrines. This unique blend creates an environment rich in both natural beauty and cultural significance. Ba Vi National Park is becoming increasingly popular with local and foreign visitors looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life to enjoy fresh air, engage in outdoor activities, and explore.
9 Unmissable Attractions in Ba Vi National Park
For those who visit Ba Vi National Park for the first time, they will be surprised by the wild natural landscapes, ancient architectural vestiges, and sacred spiritual spaces, all in a large forest. Below are the most typical places you should not miss when exploring:
Bavi Church Ruins
The Fallen Church, hidden within the depths of the ancient forest, possesses an ethereal beauty that is distinct from other buildings. It is a blend of ruinous and flowing beauty mixed with sadness. The stone walls are cloaked in green moss, while many arches have collapsed, and through the numerous cracks comes a wash of light that creates a sense of color associated with antiquity. Visitors to the Fallen Church frequently experience an element of silence and an aura of mystery associated with the Ba Vi mountain forest. In addition to the structure itself, through the now-existing architecture and beautiful natural light, this site has become a popular location for photographers and film crews alike.
Ba Vi Cactus Garden
The large greenhouse of the cactus garden is one of the highlights of Ba Vi National Park. It displays hundreds of species of cacti and succulents from many different climates. The areas are arranged according to themes with diverse tree shapes, creating a space very different from the rest of the forest. Thanks to the light coming through the glass roof and the eye-catching layout, the cactus garden is always on the list of the most favorite check-in spots. The price for entering this garden is 10,000 VND/ ₹ 34.09 per person.
Ancient French Villas Relic Site
Ancient French mansions located high in the hills give you the sensation of exploring a long-lost village hidden within a lush forest. Although only the foundations, walls, and a few door frames remain, the ruins still retain the typical architectural features of the French colonial period. The presence of moss, vines, and sunlight coming through branches creates an enthralling view, filled with many references to the past and countless stories still to be told. It’s an excellent example of the historical mystery of the Ba Vi Mountain Area.
Thuong Temple: The Place to Worship Saint Tan Vien
The Thuong Temple is located at an altitude of over 1,200m, a sacred destination associated with the legend of Son Tinh, the god who governs the Tan Vien range. The path up to the temple is a series of gradually sloping stone steps, with both sides covered by old forests, creating a feeling of both quietness and solemnity. When reaching the top, visitors can clearly feel the characteristic cool air and look out to the distant mountains. This is where many people come to pray for peace and enjoy the rare tranquility.
Uncle Ho Temple (Ho Chi Minh President Temple)
Located near the Upper Temple area, Uncle Ho Temple is a stopover with many spiritual values. The building is built with simple materials, in harmony with the mountain and forest landscape, evoking solemnity but still rusticity. Visitors coming here often spend a few minutes offering incense, remembering the beloved leader, while enjoying the quiet atmosphere of the deep forest. This is one of the places that clearly shows the spirit of gratitude and the tradition of the Vietnamese people when visiting Ba Vi.
King Peak (Đỉnh Vua)
King Peak is one of the three highest peaks in Ba Vi and is an ideal sightseeing spot for nature lovers. The space on the top is often airy and windy, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Here, you can see a wide expanse of the Dan River as it meanders away from King Peak, and you can also view the distant mountains and rolling plains below. This viewpoint is an excellent location for an easy trek and for taking landscape pictures.
Tien Sa Lake Ecological Area
Tien Sa Lake is located at the foot of Ba Vi Mountain, with a large water surface, open space, and a very pleasant climate. This place is suitable for relaxing activities such as picnics, camping, boating, or simply walking around the lake. With flat terrain and many accompanying services, this ecological area is suitable for families, groups of friends, or team-building groups looking for a place to have fun on the weekend.
The ticket price for entering this Ecological Area is 30,000 VND (₹102) per adult and 20,000 VND (₹68) per child
Ao Vua
Ao Vua is a comprehensive tourist area with many recreational activities for all ages. Besides the beautiful mountain scenery, there is also a water park, a children’s play area, and outdoor activities. The road to Ao Vua is convenient and fully invested, so it is a popular choice for families with young children or groups of friends who want a quick, neat, and fun trip.
The ticket price for entering Ao Vua is 150,000 VND (₹511) per adult and 100,000 VND (₹340) per child.
Vietnam Ethnic Culture & Tourism Village
Located within the Dong Mo area and not far from Ba Vì, the Vietnam Ethnic Culture & Tourism Village offers visitors a chance to see a “miniature Vietnam,” where the traditions, architecture, and daily life of all 54 ethnic groups are recreated in one vast cultural complex.
Many travelers enjoy this destination because it provides rich cultural experiences without requiring long trips to remote regions. You can watch traditional performances, try on ethnic costumes, taste regional dishes, and walk through photogenic village settings that feel authentic and vibrant. For families with children and travelers interested in culture and history, this spot is an excellent addition to any Ba Vi itinerary.
The ticket price for entering the Vietnam Ethnic Culture & Tourism Village is 30,000 VND (₹102) per adult and 10,000 VND (₹34) per student.
Thien Son Suoi Nga
Thien Son Suoi Nga tourist area combines natural and artificial elements, with a total area of up to 450 hectares, and is located in the middle of the Ba Vi mountain valley. Surrounding the tourist area are natural forests, streams, waterfalls, and lakes, so the climate is always cool and pleasant, suitable for relaxation and entertainment activities in the summer. Famous entertainment venues in Thien Son Suoi Nga include: Cong Troi Waterfall, Ha Son Area, Ngoan Son Area, Trung Son Area, Vong Lau, and a swimming pool, etc.
The ticket price for entering Thien Son Suoi Nga is 150,000 VND (₹511) per person.
Best Time to Visit Ba Vi National Park
Tourists can visit Ba Vi all year round, but these are the ideal months to have the best experience.
Opening Hours and Ticket Price
Ba Vi National Park is open daily, making it convenient for visitors to visit at any time of the year. The price is also quite reasonable, suitable for students, families, and groups of friends.
- Opening Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Ticket Price: 60,000 VND (₹204) per adult and 20,000 VND(₹68) per child or student.
Best Time to Visit
In Ba Vi’s climate, April – September is typically cooler and more suitable than any other month for many outdoor activities such as trekking or sightseeing in the ancient rainforest or surfing the clouds in the morning. During this time of year, rain is the only thing that could decrease temperatures. The rest is pretty much perfect weather for all types of activities.
November – December is when the Mexican sunflowers bloom throughout Ba Vi, creating an almost golden hue across the entire mountain range while providing an excellent background for photographs. Additionally, Ba Vi has become a popular destination for people from Hanoi during the summertime due to its cooler ambient temperature compared to surrounding cities.
How to Get to Ba Vi National Park
Ba Vi is not too far from the center of Hanoi, so traveling is quite convenient with many different options. Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose one of the following forms:
Motorbike
If you want to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way, you can ride a motorbike along Thang Long Avenue or Highway 32. The travel time is about 1.5–2 hours, depending on the starting point in Hanoi. Remember to bring your motorcycle license to avoid monetary punishment if checked by the police on the way.
Taxi or private car
For those traveling with family or wanting comfort, taxi or private car rental is the most convenient option. You do not have to worry about finding the way or parking space, and of course, not bringing a driver’s license. The cost for the whole round trip is usually between 600,000 VND to 1,200,000 VND (₹2045 to ₹4091), depending on the starting point in Hanoi.
Bus
Another more economical option is to take the bus. From Hanoi, you can take bus 71 or 74 to Son Tay town, then take a taxi for about 15 km to enter the national park gate. Although it takes longer, this is a safe and suitable way for those who are not used to traveling long distances.
Useful Tips When Visiting Ba Vi National Park
When exploring Ba Vi, you should prepare a few things to make the trip more complete.
- The temperature on the mountain is usually lower than at the foot of the mountain, so bringing a thin jacket will help you feel more comfortable, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
- Moving in the forest will also be more convenient if you wear climbing shoes or sneakers with a good grip.
- If you plan to trek or climb to the tops, bring drinking water and some snacks to recharge your energy.
- During the journey, you should preserve the landscape, not litter, and limit noise to protect the peace of the forest.
- Those who want to hunt for clouds should go early and monitor the weather beforehand, because beautiful clouds often only appear on cold and humid days.
- In addition, you should also avoid going on days of heavy rain because the forest roads are slippery, which can be dangerous when climbing mountains or traveling by motorbike.
Conclusion
Ba Vi National Park is truly a destination worth spending time on, especially when you want to leave Hanoi for a while to find a cooler and quieter place. The mountain and forest scenery, the light mist in the early morning, and the old relics interspersed with green trees, all create a relaxing feeling that not every place near Hanoi can bring.
And if you want a trip that is neatly prepared, to your liking, and without having to worry about arranging too much, Vietnamtour.in can help you design a schedule most gently and conveniently.