Motorbike tours to Ba Be Lake take you on a journey to explore Northern Vietnam’s emerald-colored beauty. Winding roads through mountains and rivers offer a true taste of untouched nature and unique local culture. Every turn and village tells its own story, inviting adventurous travelers. Hop on your bike and discover Ba Be Lake, creating unforgettable memories along the way.
1. Ba Be Lake – The emerald jewel of Northern Vietnam
Location: Former Bac Kan (now Thai Nguyen)
Ba Be Lake is located in Ba Be District, Bac Kan Province, in the Northeast mountainous region of Vietnam, surrounded by limestone ranges and pristine forests. It is an ideal destination for those who love nature and wish to explore the culture of the highland ethnic communities.
The lake is approximately 8 km long and 800 m to 1 km wide, with a water surface area of about 500 hectares, creating a vast and peaceful space suitable for eco-tourism activities, boat tours, and nature exploration.
Ba Be Lake resting peacefully amid the Northeastern mountains.
Formed by major geological changes, Ba Be Lake is surrounded by limestone and ancient sandstone mountains, along with rich primary forests, contributing to its high biodiversity. It is one of the 20 freshwater lakes in the world that require protection and belongs to Ba Be National Park – an ASEAN Heritage Park and a designated RAMSAR site.
2. Northern Vietnam motorbike routes passing through Ba Be Lake
Route: Hanoi – Bac Kan – Ba Be Lake – Cao Bang – Moc 108 – Ha Giang
- Distance: about 600 km (3-4 days)
- Highlights:
Start from Hanoi, pass through Bac Kan and explore Ba Be Lake with its limestone mountains and pristine forests.
Continue to Cao Bang, visit Ban Gioc Waterfall and Moc 108 at the Vietnam - China border.
- Head to Ha Giang to experience the karst plateau, Ma Pi Leng Pass and local ethnic villages.
Route: Hanoi – Ba Be Lake – Bac Kan – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Cao Bang
- Distance: about 550 km (3 days)
- Highlights:
Explore Ba Be Lake with boat tours and visit Tay and Nung ethnic villages.
Continue to Bac Kan and Cao Bang, visit Ban Gioc Waterfall and Pac Bo Cave.
- Experience mountain roads around Thang Hen Lake.
Route: Hanoi – Ba Be Lake – Bac Kan – Pac Ngoi – Cho Moi – Bac Kan
- Distance: about 300 km (2 days)
- Highlights:
Circle around Ba Be Lake, visit waterfalls and caves.
Go to Pac Ngoi, explore ethnic villages and local culture.
- Return to Bac Kan via Cho Moi, enjoying rivers, streams and terraced fields.
Route: Hanoi – Ba Be Lake – Mai Chau – Moc Chau
- Distance: about 500 km (3 days)
- Highlights:
Start from Hanoi, explore Ba Be Lake.
Continue to Mai Chau (Hoa Binh) to visit Ban Lac and Ban Poom Coong.
- Head to Moc Chau, enjoy the highland scenery, tea hills and Dai Yem Waterfall.
Route: Hanoi – Ba Be Lake – Yen Bai – Mu Cang Chai – Sa Pa
- Distance: about 650 km (4-5 days)
- Highlights:
Visit Ba Be Lake with boat tours and experience local ethnic culture.
Continue through Yen Bai – Mu Cang Chai, marvel at terraced rice fields.
- End in Sapa, explore Cat Cat Village, Fansipan and the O Quy Ho Pass.
3. Explore Ba Be Lake on Vietnam motorbike tours with Frontier Travel Vietnam
Frontier Travel Vietnam offers a selection of unique tours that allow you to explore Ba Be Lake and the northern regions of Vietnam. These journeys are designed to combine natural experiences, motorbike adventures and cultural exploration.
Some recommended tours by Frontier Travel Vietnam to discover Ba Be Lake include:
Date | Tour Name | Duration | Departure Point | Starting Price (USD) |
Unforgettable 11-Day Motorbike Tour: Explore The Highlights Of Northwest And Central Vietnam | 11 days | Hanoi | From $1.980 (for 5+ riders) | |
12 days | Hanoi | From $2.160 (for 5+ riders) | ||
23Rd Jan – 2Nd Feb, 2026 | 11 days | Hanoi | From $2.365 | |
10Th - 23Rd March, 2026 | A 14-Day Motorcycle Expedition Culminating In The Bliss Of Halong Bay Cruise | 14 days | Hanoi | From $3.010 |
13Rd - 31St Mar 2026 | 11 days | Hanoi | From $2.365 | |
2Nd - 12Th April, 2026 | 11 days | Hanoi | From $2.365 |
Set off on motorbike tours to Ba Be Lake and immerse yourself in Northern Vietnam’s natural beauty and rich culture. Ride along serene waters, limestone mountains, and charming ethnic villages, creating moments of adventure at every turn. Whether it’s a short excursion or an extended journey through Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Sapa, these tours promise breathtaking scenery and authentic experiences. Discover Ba Be Lake on two wheels and make memories that will stay with you forever.
A moment captured by the riders at Ba Be Lake during their trip.
FAQs
1. When is the best time to visit Ba Be Lake?From October to April, when the weather is cool and dry.
2. Can beginners join motorbike tours to Ba Be Lake?Yes, as long as they have basic riding skills and follow the guide’s instructions.
3. What can I do at Ba Be Lake?Boat trips, swimming, cave visits, and exploring Tay ethnic villages.
