What Secrets Does Vietnam's Largest Freshwater Lake Hold That Astonishes the World and Earns It Special Protection Status?
Which freshwater lake is it?
Vietnam's Largest Natural Freshwater Lake
Ba Be Lake is situated in Nam Mau commune, Ba Be district, Bac Kan province, approximately 70 km northwest of Bac Kan city. The lake lies within the arc of the Gam River, in a complex terrain of high mountains ranging from 1,400 to 1,600 meters and interspersed valleys.
Located 145 meters above sea level, Ba Be Lake boasts a surface area exceeding 650 hectares. It is surrounded by limestone mountain ranges abundant with caves and underground streams. The average depth of the lake ranges from 20 to 25 meters during the rainy season and can decrease to about 10 meters in the dry season.
Ba Be Lake located in Nam Mau commune, Ba Be district, Bac Kan province. (Photo: Bac Giang Newspaper)
Ba Be Lake receives water from two small rivers, the Cho Leng River and the Nam Cuong River, before flowing into the Nang River. The current within the lake has a velocity of about 0.5 meters per second, which can increase to 2.5 to 3 meters per second during the flood season. Two small islands, An Ma Island and Ba Goa Island, dot the lake's surface.
Ba Be Lake is also known by its Tay ethnic name, "Slam Pé," meaning three lakes, a name derived from the area's topography. Limestone mountain ranges have divided the lakebed into three interconnected parts through narrow straits. These three sections are sequentially named Pé Lầm, Pé Lù, and Pé Lèng.
Ba Be Lake is not only one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in Vietnam but also one of the 20 special freshwater lakes worldwide requiring protection. The lake is nestled within the Ba Be National Park, a region recognized as a national tourist area that attracts numerous visitors annually.
Ba Be Lake is not only one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in Vietnam but also one of the 20 special freshwater lakes worldwide. (Photo: VietSense)
4 Mysteries of Ba Be Lake
However, it's not just the beauty of Ba Be Lake that captures the attention of scientists, but also the mysteries surrounding its origin and formation.
The Origin of Ba Be Lake's Formation
According to the Government Electronic Information Portal and geologists, Ba Be Lake was formed approximately 200 million years ago due to a significant geological upheaval. This process caused the collapse and submersion of limestone mountain ranges, thus creating the lake we see today. The area is also surrounded by ancient limestone and sandstone mountains ranging from 1,400 to 1,600 meters in height, along with primeval forests. The geology and geomorphology of Ba Be Lake are truly complex, reflecting a unique combination of Karst, non-Karst, and river-lake ecosystems, creating a diverse and rich biodiversity.
Archaeological Discoveries
According to Nhan Dan Newspaper, surveys of Tham Khit Cave, located in the core zone of Ba Be National Park (Bac Kan), by the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and the Bac Kan Provincial Museum have unearthed numerous valuable artifacts indicating traces of prehistoric human activity. Archaeologists have discovered 54 valuable artifacts suitable for display, notably including a set of chipped pebble tools, a set of rough axes, and stone flakes.
Based on the manufacturing techniques, tool types, and discovery strata, archaeologists have tentatively determined that Tham Khit Cave was a prehistoric residential site dating back to the late Paleolithic period, nearly 20,000 years ago.
The cave system of Ba Be National Park. (Photo: Ba Be Lake Tourism)
In addition to Tham Khit Cave, archaeologists have also conducted surveys at several other sites such as Na Phong Cave, Tham Mia Cave, and Ba Cua Cave, discovering nearly 100 valuable artifacts dating from 2,000 to 20,000 years ago.
These artifacts not only shed light on the developmental history of humans in the Northeast region but also help scientists better understand the ancient cultures of the area.
A Unique Ecosystem
According to the Bac Kan Electronic Information Portal, Ba Be Lake is truly a magnificent natural wonder, over 8 km long, up to 2 km wide at its widest point, and with a water surface area of approximately 500 hectares. The average depth of the lake is about 20 m, with the deepest point reaching 35 m. This lake is home to many aquatic and freshwater fish species, including rare species listed in the Vietnam Red Book such as the Kinh Carp, the Green Catfish, and the Hemibagrus Fish.
This makes Ba Be Lake a valuable biological treasure trove, attracting research and conservation efforts from both domestic and international scientific organizations. Protecting Ba Be Lake not only helps preserve this unique ecosystem but also contributes to maintaining the biodiversity of the entire region.
Image 4: Ba Be Lake is home to many aquatic and freshwater fish species, including rare species listed in the Vietnam Red Book. (Photo: Youtube)
In 1995, Ba Be Lake was recognized as one of the special freshwater lakes in the world requiring protection at the World Freshwater Lake Conference held in the United States, confirming its importance for biodiversity and natural value.
The beauty of Ba Be Lake is often likened to a picturesque watercolor painting, with its clear, cool water year-round and the charming natural scenery reflected like a mirror by the surrounding majestic mountains. It also features poetic small islands such as Ba Goa Island and An Ma Island, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the lake.
Connection to Local Culture
Beyond its scientific value, Ba Be Lake is also associated with mysterious stories and legends of the ethnic groups living around the lake. Tales of Ao Tien (Fairy Pond), supernatural creatures, and mysterious phenomena occurring here add to the allure of Ba Be Lake for researchers and tourists alike. These legends also reflect the deep connection between humans and nature in the culture of the Tay, H'mong, and Dao ethnic groups in this land.
Annually, from the 9th to the 11th day of the first lunar month, the local people organize the Long Tong festival, praying for favorable weather and a bountiful harvest.
Journey to Ba Be Lake
According to the Ba Be Lake Tourism website, traveling to the lake from Hanoi is not too difficult, despite the somewhat challenging terrain. Tourists can choose to travel by bus, private car, or motorbike, each offering a different experience.
Tourists can choose to travel by bus, private car, or motorbike to reach Ba Be Lake. (Photo: Ba Be Lake Tourism)
Traveling by Bus
Buses from Hanoi to Ba Be Lake are the most popular choice for tourists. You can depart from My Dinh or Giap Bat bus stations. Buses to Bac Kan usually depart in the morning, and the journey takes about 3-4 hours. Reputable bus operators such as Thuong Nga and An Binh provide services to Bac Kan, from where you will need to take a smaller bus or taxi to the Ba Be Lake area, about 16 km from Bang Lung town.
Traveling by Private Car
If you travel by private car or motorbike, you can take National Highway 3 or 279, then continue on smaller roads to reach Ba Be Lake. This is an option for those who prefer flexibility and want to enjoy the scenery along the way. However, the roads to Ba Be Lake are quite steep and winding, requiring drivers with experience driving on mountain roads.
Traveling by Motorbike
Traveling to Ba Be Lake by motorbike is an exciting experience for those who love adventure and exploration. However, the roads are quite challenging, with slopes, passes, and occasional fog, so you need to prepare your vehicle and health carefully.
Tourist Activities at Ba Be Lake
Ba Be Lake is not only famous for its natural beauty but also attracts tourists with its diverse range of tourist activities. Here are some must-do activities when visiting Ba Be Lake.
When traveling on the surface of Ba Be Lake, you will admire the beautiful surrounding scenery. (Photo: VOV)
Boat Trip to Explore the Lake
One of the best ways to explore Ba Be Lake is by boat. You can rent a motorboat or a dugout canoe to cruise around the lake. While traveling on the lake's surface, you will admire the stunning scenery of the surrounding limestone mountains, small fishing villages, and primeval forests. In particular, you will have the opportunity to visit famous tourist spots such as Puong Cave, Ao Tien (Fairy Pond), and the small islands on the lake.
Exploring Puong Cave
Puong Cave is located on the west side of Ba Be Lake and is a must-visit destination. This cave stands out with its magnificent stalactites and mysterious atmosphere, creating a feeling of stepping into another world. Visitors can take a boat inside the cave to witness firsthand the beauty of natural rock formations formed over millions of years.
Trekking and Nature Exploration
In addition to boating, visitors can also participate in trekking activities to explore the pristine beauty of the area surrounding the lake. The limestone mountain ranges, primeval forests, and cool streams create an ideal space for those who love hiking and nature exploration.
Visiting Cultural Villages
Around Ba Be Lake are the villages of the Tay, Dao, and H'mong people. Visitors can participate in cultural activities, learn about the life, customs, and traditional crafts of the local ethnic groups. You can also participate in the Long Tong festival, a unique festival of the Tay people held at the beginning of the new year, with colorful games and rituals.
Around Ba Be Lake are the villages of the Tay, Dao, and H'mong people. (Photo: PYS)
Enjoying Local Cuisine
When you come to Ba Be Lake, you cannot miss the local specialties of this land. Notable dishes include grilled Ba Be Lake fish, "Cap Nach" pork, upland sticky rice, and bamboo-tube rice. These dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients, imbued with the flavors of the mountains and forests, and are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Notes for Traveling to Ba Be Lake
- Weather: Ba Be Lake has a cool climate year-round, but in winter, temperatures can drop quite low, so visitors should prepare warm clothing if visiting during this season.
- Transportation: The roads to Ba Be Lake are sometimes quite deserted and difficult to navigate, so you need to prepare your vehicle and itinerary carefully.
- Nature Conservation: Ba Be Lake is a precious natural heritage, so when traveling here, visitors need to comply with environmental protection regulations, not litter, and not affect the natural ecosystem.
Ba Be Lake is not only an ideal destination for those who love nature and cultural exploration but also a place that preserves many valuable historical and scientific values. Come and experience the wonders that Ba Be Lake has to offer.
Nguyệt Phạm (nguoiduatin.vn)
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