Ba Vi National Park Place guide

Previously a French Hill station, the Ba Vi Mountain has been attracting travelers and tourists alike for decades, and is a popular escape for Hanoians. The limestone mountain is is one of Vietnam’s famous areas of natural beauty. With cool, fresh mountain air and a spa resort at its base, Ba Vi National Park is a Hanoi must see if you’re partial to gorgeous views, like rare ‘flying’ squirrels, and of course, the triple peaks of this natural landmark.

What to see

Ba Vi Mountain rises to more than 1,200m above sea level, and houses several rare and endangered animals in its forest. You can find animals such as birds and two rare species of flying squirrels, as well as plenty of medicinal plants in the area. The Dao ethnic group, who live among bird and orchid gardens, calls this region home. 

Most visitors visit for the temple at the top. It takes about half an hour to hike to the temple, but the views are well worth the effort; this lookout is best seen from April to December. About 4km from the base along the summit road, there are half a dozen restaurants to choose from, tennis courts, and a large swimming pool. 

Within the park’s boundaries are several springs, a few waterfalls, and even a large lake, all within a few kilometers apart and well-marked. The flora and fauna is beautiful, and the atmosphere is desirably tranquil—perfect for contemplation and reflection.

Best time to go

If you want to avoid crowds, off season is from October to March. Do check the weather before you go—it is not recommended to visit during the rainy season, as the trails can get slippery. But during a sunny, warm day the views and the hiking trails are excellent.

How to get there

By bus, you can get to Ba Vi from My Dinh station or Kim Ma (bus number 201) or you can take local bus 214 from My Dinh, which turns down the Khoang Xanh road.