Welcome to Ba Vi Travel Guide! Ba Vi is a charming district located in the northwest of Hanoi, nestled in the foothills region. With Son Tay town to the east, Hoa Binh province to the south, Phu Tho province to the west, and Vinh Phuc province to the north, Ba Vi is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including picturesque mountains, lush forests, enchanting waterfalls, tranquil rivers, serene lakes, and iconic landmarks. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a culture enthusiast, Ba Vi has something special to offer. Join us on this exciting journey to explore Ba Vi and discover its hidden gems!
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When to go?
If you’re planning a trip to Ba Vi, knowing the best time to visit is essential. Ba Vi has a cool climate throughout the year, providing a perfect setting for sightseeing and exploration. The district boasts stunning natural scenery, including mountains, forests, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes, and is home to unique flowers found only in Ba Vi.
The best time to visit Ba Vi is during the summer months, when visitors can enjoy the entire landscape. The cool and refreshing weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as sightseeing and camping. Tản Đà Resort is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient option. During the summer, the flowers in Ba Vi are in full bloom, and renting a motorbike to explore the district is highly recommended.
Camping and bonfires at Ban Xoi Valley at night are a must-try activity during your summer visit. Gather with friends, enjoy the cool summer breeze, and create unforgettable experiences.
If you’re looking to see the wild sunflowers in Ba Vi, the best time to visit is during November and December. The entire district is covered with bright yellow flowers, creating breathtaking scenery. Walking and admiring the flowers here is a unique and wonderful experience. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature in Ba Vi.
Getting to Ba Vi
Ba Vi is conveniently located within an hour’s drive from Hanoi, making it a great destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. Travelers can easily reach Ba Vi by private car via Thang Long Avenue, Lang – Hoa Lac, Yen Bai route, which leads all the way to Thien Son Suoi Nga. Another popular route is via National Highway 32, which offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
If you prefer to take public transportation, buses 74 My Dinh – Xuan Khanh and route 71 My Dinh – Son Tay Bus Station are available options. From there, you can switch to bus 110 to Ba Vi National Park. Although public transportation may take longer than driving, it is a cost-effective way to travel and allows you to experience local life and culture.

Ba Vi Travel Guide: Where to Go
Ba Vi mountain, located in Ba Vi district, Hanoi, is a popular tourist destination for nature lovers. The mountain is a famous historical and cultural site and home to many beautiful natural landscapes. Here are some of the most remarkable tourist attractions in Ba Vi that you shouldn’t miss when visiting.
Ba Vi National Park – The green lung of Ha Noi
Ba Vi National Park covers an area of nearly 11,000 hectares and has many tourist attractions, such as abandoned ancient churches, walls covered with moss, and dragon bone greenhouses. The French built many villas for vacationing in Ba Vi, at elevations of 400, 600, and 1,000 meters, which are now ruins. Visitors will be amazed by the architectural foundations that date back hundreds of years before delving into the forest. The Major General’s mansion is a typical French architectural work in Ba Vi, which is still quite intact. Going up a bit further is a summer camp for the children of French and colonial officials, consisting of four solidly built stone houses.
At an altitude of 800 meters lies the abandoned church, in the middle of the old forest canopy. It has been abandoned for many years, with the roof no longer in place, leaving an eerie and gloomy cathedral amidst the dense foliage. The green of moss, the gray of mold, and the silver of fog create a mystical space.

At Checkpoint 800, the French built an orphanage with distinctive doors and vaulted roofs. Especially at an altitude of 1,000-1,100 m on the western slope of Tan Vien peak, there is a system of secret political prisons built firmly to detain revolutionary soldiers. The prison is divided into three areas: Area 1 is for wardens, and Areas 2 and 3 are for prisoners. The Ba Vi prison system can hold 100-200 inmates.

Travelers can also challenge themselves by climbing 500 stairs to visit the Thượng Temple, where the Holy Mountain of Tan Vien Son Tinh is worshipped. In addition, Ba Vi also has tourist destinations such as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Ngoc Hoa Cave, and the French military zone.

If you don’t take a car up to the mountain top, a 2-4 hour trek through Ba Vi forest is suitable for those who enjoy light trekking. The path leads through trails crossing dense primary forests or towering bamboo forests. The most accessible trail starts at an altitude of 600 and goes down to 300, taking more than 2 hours. Travelers can also cycle to explore the forest area on some concrete roads.

Khoang Xanh – Suoi Tien: Explore the Beauty of the Waterfalls and Forests
Khoang Xanh – Suoi Tien is a tourist area on the eastern slope of Ba Vi mountain, surrounded by primary forests and part of Ba Vi National Park. The area boasts numerous areas of primary forest and over 2 km of natural streams. Waterfalls like Mo, Hoa, Tran, and Mam Xoi cascade from the mountain during summer, creating a breathtaking scene. Besides, Khoang Xanh has artificial attractions such as water parks, mineral baths, play areas, and hot mineral mud. Soaking in the mineral bath and playing in the water park are the best ways to relax after a long day of trekking.



Ao Vua: Discover the Mythical Legend and Have Fun
Ao Vua, located at the foot of Tan Vien mountain, is a small pond that never runs out of water, even during the dry season. According to legend, the water in Ao Vua was given by the Water Fairy to fight against Son Tinh. Visitors can also visit the nearby Mui Guom well, which is linked to the legend of Son Tinh. Nowadays, Ao Vua has become a popular tourist area, with resorts, entertainment spaces, and a water park. Tourists can enjoy activities like mountain climbing, stream bathing, and boat swimming.


Thien Son – Suoi Nga: Immerse Yourself in the Tranquility of Nature
Thien Son – Suoi Nga is another popular tourist destination located at the foot of Tan Linh Mountain, featuring picturesque scenery of forests, lakes, waterfalls, and various entertainment and accommodation services. The tourist area is divided into three regions: Ha Son, Trung Son, and Ngoan Son. At Ha Son, visitors can camp and take a relaxing walk in the green forest. Trung Son is perfect for resting and savoring delicious specialties like roasted chicken, stream fish, and grilled meat. And at Ngoan Son, tourists can witness the beauty of the Sky Gate Waterfall, where water falls over 60 meters, forming a natural swimming pool. If you plan on swimming, make sure to take safety precautions, wear a life jacket, and apply insect repellent.



When traveling to Ba Vi Mountain, don’t forget to visit these breathtaking tourist attractions, which will leave you with unforgettable memories of the natural beauty of Vietnam. Admission to Thien Son – Suoi Nga is 150,000 Vietnamese dong per visit, and it is located in Van Hoa, Ba Vi, Hanoi.
See more: Five fantastic places to stay in Cat Ba
Bang Ta Forest
Bang Ta Forest, situated in Cam Linh commune, is a natural conservation area spanning almost 27 hectares. The forest is home to various habitats such as forests, lakes, and grasslands, and numerous wild animal species such as monkeys, deer, and wild pigs.
The Dam Long – Bang Ta tourist area provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the surrounding pristine forest, known as Bang Ta Forest, through activities such as trekking, camping, fishing, and kayaking, allowing them to fully experience the natural beauty of the area during their Ba Vi Travel Guide adventure.
Dong Mo
Dong Mo is another famous destination in Ba Vi district, featuring a 200-hectare lake located at the foot of Ba Vi Mountain. The area has scattered resorts on islands, golf courses, and other recreational facilities, making it a perfect spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
According to legend and our Ba Vi Travel Guide, Dong Mo Lake was the site of a battle for Princess Mi Nuong between Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh. In the epic battle, Son Tinh raised the mountain wherever Thuy Tinh flooded, and Thuy Tinh ultimately admitted defeat. The lake, which remains as a result of that ancient battle, is now a popular tourist destination.

To reach Dong Mo, travelers can rent a car or drive themselves to the destination. If traveling along Thang Long Boulevard, turn right onto National Highway 21 and continue straight until reaching a sign indicating a left turn to the Dong Mo tourist area.
Alternatively, if traveling along National Highway 32, turn left at the intersection with Chua Thong Street in Son Tay town. Continue to Military Hospital 105 and turn onto National Highway 21, then drive straight until reaching a sign introducing Dong Mo tourist area.
The entrance fee for a one-day visit to Dong Mo is 80,000 VND, and the cost of renting a camping tent overnight is about 250,000 VND, depending on the number of people.
Whether you are a nature lover or a history buff, Ba Vi Travel Guide offers something for everyone. Plan your visit to Bang Ta Forest and Dong Mo for a unique and unforgettable experience in Ba Vi district.
Village of Culture – Tourism of Vietnamese Ethnic Groups
The Village of Culture – Tourism of Vietnamese Ethnic Groups is a must-visit attraction in Ba Vi district. Located in Dong Mo Tourism Area, the village covers 1544 hectares and consists of seven zones. Here, visitors can learn about the cultural space with traditional stilt houses, enjoy the cuisine of ethnic groups, and experience practical activities with the communities of ethnic groups, such as cooking, folk games, and cultural exchange.


Son Tinh Camp
Son Tinh Camp is a camping area located in Dong Mo Tourism Area. With diverse terrain, hills, valleys, and wide grass fields, it’s perfect for outdoor activities such as team building and family games. Here, visitors can go camping, have a BBQ party, go cycling, mountain climbing, and swimming.

The entrance fee for the day is 60,000 VND for adults and 30,000 VND for children aged 3-10. For overnight stays, ticket prices are 110,000 VND for adults and 60,000 VND for children. There are various campsites for rent ranging from 200,000 to 800,000 VND for 2 to 10 people, and suitable houses for families with prices starting from 800,000 VND per night. Visitors can bring their food and rent a BBQ stove or order a camping package with a price of 150,000 VND per person.

To get to Son Tinh Camp from the center of Hanoi, visitors can go by personal means of transport on Thang Long Boulevard until they see a sign to turn left onto Van Hoa street. Go straight for about 500 meters to get to the camping area.

Ban Xoi Valley
Just near Dong Mo, Ban Xoi Valley is a must-visit destination surrounded by green hills and a refreshing artificial lake. The climate here is cool all year round, offering a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Ban Xoi Lake was formed from water sources from Ba Vi mountain range, covering over 11 hectares.

As a traveler, you can enjoy the fresh and healthy living environment of nature and taste many local dishes such as earth-baked chicken, braised snakehead fish with banana and bean, sesame salted bamboo tube rice. You can also experience high-end accommodation services, camping areas, children’s playgrounds, and exciting experiences like zipline and kayaking. The address is Chong Village, Yen Bai Commune, Ba Vi District. Admission fee is 80,000 VND for adults and 50,000 VND for children.
Farm Stay
To experience the rural life, visit farms such as Dong Que Ba Vi Farm and Detrang Farm. Detrang Farm covers about 12 hectares, breeding areas for goats, horses, camels, and ostriches. Here, you can immerse yourself in nature under the shade of many green trees, experience feeding animals, milking goats, or participating in folk activities such as jumping on a bamboo pole, making glutinous rice cakes, or pottery.

The glamping campsite in the middle of the grass field serves lunch breaks or overnight stays. The campsite rents out barbecue grills, prepares food for outdoor parties and campfires. There will be live music performances on weekends. The pre-built Mongolian-style tents have air mattresses and pillows suitable for 2-4 people. The address is Ke Moi Hamlet, Ba Vi, Hanoi. The entrance fee is 120,000 VND per person, free for children under 90 cm.
Tien Sa Lake
Tien Sa Lake tourist area is located at the foot of Tan Vien Mountain, offering a charming scenery. You can sit and fish, relax on the floating houses on the lake, or rent a floating raft to admire the scenery. There’s also a water park, a high-speed boat service for tourists to go wakeboarding and visit around the lake.
In addition, Ba Vi also has many eco-tourism areas like Da Waterfall, Tan Da tourist area, Hai Stream Lake, and more, all suitable for weekend getaways.
Ba Vi Travel Guide: What to Eat
Ba Vi mountain goat meat is a delicious specialty that visitors should not miss. This lean, firm, and sweet meat can be prepared in various ways, such as grilled, stir-fried, or steamed with lemongrass and herbs. One can enjoy the meat with Ba Vi’s sticky rice and stir-fried vegetables for an even more enhanced taste. To try this delicacy, head to Ba Vi culinary garden restaurant on Yen Bai-Ba Vi-Hanoi highway or La Co restaurant in Tan Linh commune.
Another local favorite is ostrich meat, which is sweeter, leaner, and softer than beef and packed with high nutritional value. You can try ostrich hotpot, stir-fried ostrich meat, or ostrich ham. For the best ostrich dishes, visit Oanh Tham restaurant in the Tản Lĩnh market or Liễu Quân fresh food store in Van Hoa commune to avoid buying fake meat. Fresh ostrich meat costs around 270,000 VND per kilogram and makes a great gift.
Ba Vi hill chicken, mostly crossbred with sugar cane, is another dish worth trying. Weighing around 2 kg, they are fed with soybean, corn, and fish oil, which gives the meat a chewy texture and tough skin. You can savor the chicken grilled, roasted, boiled, or spicy stir-fried with onion salad. Recommended places to try this dish are Huong Viet countryside restaurant and Yen Bai village culinary garden restaurant.
Phu Nhi village rice cake is a must-try specialty in Ba Vi. It features a soft, fragrant, and flavorful cake layer filled with meat and mushrooms. Dip it in a mixture of fish sauce, lime, and chili to savor its delicious taste fully. The rice cake is a popular gift to bring back home and can be found in most restaurants and tourist areas in Ba Vi for about 8,000 VND per cake.
Lastly, Ba Vi is known for its dairy products made from cows and goats. Fresh milk, milk cake, yogurt, and caramel are some of the popular dairy dishes among both locals and tourists. Dairy products can be found in many shops along the tourist route. However, fresh milk can only be kept for about three days, so be sure to enjoy it before it expires.
Ba Vi Travel Guide: Accommodation Options for Every Budget
Ba Vi offers tourists various options for accommodation, from budget-friendly to high-end. Eco-tourism and farmstay areas are popular choices, with prices ranging from around 400,000 VND.
For those who prefer to stay in the national park, Melia Bavi Mountain Retreat is an excellent option. It was built on the remains of a French colonial structure from the 1600s, and offers rooms with prices around 4,000,000 VND per night. Another option is Ba Vi Resort, located on a hill from the 400s, which also offers camping spaces in the midst of the pine forest.
Additionally, Tản Đà Spa Resort, Family Resort, Paragon Resort, Bavi Annam Garden, and Madela Ba Vi – House by the stream are other resorts worth considering, with prices around 1,000,000 VND per night. With these options, tourists can choose accommodations that fit their preferences and budgets while enjoying the natural beauty of Ba Vi.
Final Notes
In conclusion, Ba Vi offers a unique and beautiful destination for travelers who are looking for a break from the bustling city life. From the stunning landscapes and natural wonders to the rich culture and delicious cuisine, Ba Vi has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in hiking, exploring the national park, or simply relaxing in a luxurious resort, this guide has covered it all.

We hope this Ba Vi Travel Guide has been informative and helpful in planning your trip. Say Hello Vietnam has many more travel guides to offer for other exciting destinations in Vietnam. So, make sure to check out our website for more information and inspiration for your next adventure. We wish you a wonderful journey to Ba Vi!