Ba Vi National Park

From Hanoi Old Quarter to Ba Vi National Park (approx. 55 km):

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🚗 Taxi: 70 - 90 mins | 700,000 - 900,000 VND ~ $28 - $36 USD. This is a costly option; arranging a private car for the day is often more economical.

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🚘 Ride-Hailing App (Grab/Gojek): 70 - 90 mins | 600,000 - 800,000 VND ~ $24 - $32 USD. Similar to taxis, a one-way trip is expensive. Finding a return driver from the park can be difficult.

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🚌 Public Bus: 1.5 - 2 hours | ~14,000 VND ~ $0.55 USD. Key routes: Bus 107 departs from Kim Ma station and terminates directly at the park's entrance gate. This is the most budget-friendly option.

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🛵 Motorbike: 90 - 120 mins. This is the most popular method for independent travelers, offering flexibility to explore the park's winding roads at your own pace.

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⚠️ The road inside the park is steep with many hairpin turns. Drive with extreme caution, especially on a motorbike and in wet or foggy conditions. Public buses only go to the entrance; you will need to walk or hire a motorbike taxi (xe ôm) to get around inside the park.

🕗 Opening hours:

• Monday - Sunday: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Note: It is recommended to exit the park before dusk as the mountain roads are not lit.

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🎫 Ticket prices:

• Adults: 60,000 VND ~ $2.40 USD
• Students (with ID): 20,000 VND ~ $0.80 USD
• Pupils: 10,000 VND ~ $0.40 USD
• Motorbike Parking: 5,000 VND ~ $0.20 USD
• Car Parking (under 9 seats): 25,000 VND ~ $1.00 USD
• Note: Tickets are purchased at the main entrance gate at the base of the mountain. Prices for services like photography or guides are separate.

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🚶 Best time to visit:

• The dry season from April to October offers clearer skies for views. For a unique sight, visit from late October to November when wild sunflowers (hoa dã quỳ) are in full bloom along the roadsides. To avoid large crowds, plan your visit on a weekday.

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⌚ Recommended duration:

• Plan for at least half a day (4-6 hours) to drive up the mountain, explore one or two key highlights, and account for the climbing time to the temples.

Local tips

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👟 Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. The trails can be slippery, and reaching the temples requires climbing hundreds of uneven stone steps. Good footwear is essential for both comfort and safety.

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🧥 The temperature at the summit can be significantly cooler than at the base of the mountain. Weather conditions like fog and wind can change rapidly, so having a light jacket is advisable even on a warm day.

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👥 The park is a very popular weekend destination for Hanoians, leading to traffic congestion on the narrow mountain road and crowded main attractions. For a more peaceful experience, visit on a weekday.

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💡 Bring your own snacks and water. While there are some small food stalls inside the park, the options are limited and often priced higher than outside. Packing your own provisions is a more convenient and cost-effective choice.

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Be aware

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🛵 The internal park road is steep and challenging. It features numerous sharp bends and can be slippery after rain. If you are not an experienced motorbike driver, consider hiring a car or a local motorbike taxi (xe ôm) to navigate the ascent and descent safely.

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🌫️ Views are not guaranteed. Due to its altitude, the mountain is often shrouded in thick fog, especially during the winter months or on humid days. This can completely obscure the panoramic views from the peaks, which is a common point of disappointment for some visitors.

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👥 During peak season (wild sunflower season, weekends), the narrow road can become heavily congested with cars and motorbikes, leading to traffic jams. Be prepared for delays and difficulty finding parking at popular spots like the French church.

What is the entrance fee for Ba Vi National Park?

The standard adult ticket price is 60,000 VND. There are reduced prices for students and children.

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Can I drive a motorbike to the top of Ba Vi mountain?

Yes, you can drive a motorbike up to the designated parking areas, such as the one at cốt 1,100m. From there, you must walk and climb stairs to reach the highest peaks and temples.

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What is the best time of year to visit Ba Vi?

The best time for clear views is the dry season from April to October. However, late October to November is famous for the blooming wild sunflowers along the roads.

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How far is Ba Vi National Park from Hanoi?

The park is located about 50-60 kilometers west of central Hanoi, typically taking 1.5 to 2 hours to reach by car or motorbike.

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Are there places to eat inside the park?

Yes, there are a few simple restaurants and food stalls, primarily near the entrance and at the base of the main hiking trails. However, options are limited and it's recommended to bring your own snacks and water.

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What should I wear when visiting?

Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip. Bring layers of clothing, including a light jacket, as the temperature is much cooler at the higher elevations.

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How many steps are there to the Ho Chi Minh Temple?

There are approximately 1,320 steps to reach the Ho Chi Minh Temple on Vua Peak from the parking area at cốt 1,100m.

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Is Ba Vi National Park suitable for people with mobility issues?

The main attractions, such as the temples on the peaks, are not easily accessible as they require climbing hundreds of steep, uneven stairs. The lower areas and ruins can be explored by car.

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Can I stay overnight in the park?

Yes, there are several accommodation options inside the park, including guesthouses, villas, and resort-style hotels, which should be booked in advance.

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Besides the views, what is there to see?

Key attractions include the moss-covered ruins of a French church, Thuong Temple dedicated to the Mountain God, a large cactus conservatory, and the dense subtropical forest itself.