Hidden in the mountains of Northwest Vietnam, Ba Khan Lake in Hoa Binh is a “green gem” of the highlands – where mist, water, and mountains blend to create a peaceful and poetic landscape. A journey here is not only for sightseeing but also for finding inner peace. To make your trip to Ba Khan Lake complete, read the guide below for detailed travel tips, how to get there, and essential things to know when exploring this area.
A brief introduction to Ba Khan Lake – Mai Chau
Ba Khan Lake in Mai Chau, Hoa Binh is a small valley located at the end of Hoa Binh Lake. It still retains its pristine and rustic charm, earning the title of the “hidden gem” of Northwest Vietnam. Situated right at the foot of Thung Khe Pass, Ba Khan Lake boasts a poetic scenery with emerald waters, surrounded by rolling mountains and small islands scattered across the lake.
Visitors to Ba Khan can admire the majestic layers of limestone mountains, the untouched wild forests, the romantic flow of the Da River, and the misty atmosphere that lingers year-round. This scenery makes Ba Khan Lake in Mai Chau exceptionally tranquil and peaceful, ideal for those wanting to escape the noisy urban life and immerse themselves in nature.
With its pristine natural beauty, fresh air, and characteristic misty landscape, Ba Khan Lake is gradually becoming an ideal retreat for travelers visiting Mai Chau, Hoa Binh.
Ba Khan Lake in a misty landscape
Where is Ba Khan Lake and how to get there
Ba Khan Lake is located in Son Thuy commune, Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh province (formerly, now Phu Tho province), about 60 km from Hoa Binh city center and 130 km northwest of Hanoi. Positioned right at Thung Khe Pass, the route to Ba Khan Lake is not only convenient but also promises spectacular sightseeing experiences along the way.
From Hanoi, you can reach Ba Khan Lake in around 3 hours using the following options:
- By motorbike or private car: From central Hanoi, take Thang Long Boulevard and National Highway 21 to Xuan Mai, then turn onto National Highway 6 toward Hoa Binh – Mai Chau. After traveling 50 km, you will reach Thung Khe Pass in Phu Cuong commune. Crossing Thung Khe Pass brings you to the Tong Dau junction. Turn left toward Moc Chau and continue 7 km to find the road leading to Bai Sang. Another 8 km will take you directly to Ba Khan Lake.
- By bus: You can catch a bus from Yen Nghia or My Dinh bus station to Son La. Request to get off at Thung Khe Pass, then take a local taxi or rent a vehicle for the remaining 17 km to Ba Khan Lake.
- By limousine via Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort: The resort offers three fixed pickup points in Hanoi: 7:00 AM at Hilton Fountain, 7:15 AM at Hang Da Market gate, and 8:00 AM at the National Convention Center on Thang Long Boulevard. The route includes a 15–20 minute stop at Thung Khe Pass summit. The journey ends at Mai Chau Hideaway Suoi Lon around 12:00 PM. From the resort, Ba Khan Lake is just about 10 km away, making it easily accessible.
Read more: Top excursion Mai Chau itineraries for every traveler
When is the best time to visit Ba Khan Lake – Mai Chau
Ba Khan Lake offers a unique charm in every season, making it possible to visit at any time of the year. However, to enjoy the most memorable and suitable experiences, consider the following suggested timeframes:
Ba Khan Lake offers unforgettable beauty throughout all four seasons (Source: Luxury Travel)
Spring (February – April) – Forest flowers in bloom
Spring at Ba Khan Lake is warm, fresh, and full of vibrant greenery as new leaves sprout and forest flowers bloom along the lake. Visiting Ba Khan in spring allows travelers to admire a colorful natural panorama and immerse themselves in the freshness of life’s renewal. Alongside the stunning scenery, visitors can also join local traditional festivals and enjoy Mai Châu’s specialty dishes.
Summer (May – August) – Season of ripe forest fruits
During summer, peach and plum trees in Mai Châu bear fruit. Visitors can explore these forests to taste sweet, fresh forest fruits. Summer is also ideal for escaping the hot urban heat, offering a refreshing and cool experience amid nature.
Autumn (September – October) – Rice harvest season
Autumn is considered the best time to visit Ba Khan Lake. The weather is clear, with gentle golden sunlight creating a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere. The lake’s surface is calm and picturesque, perfect for relaxation or photography. This is also the rice harvest season in Mai Châu, making the scenery around Ba Khan even more magnificent and vibrant.
Winter (November – January) – Cloud hunting season
Winter brings chilly weather and thick mist enveloping the lake, creating a serene and mystical landscape. Travelers can witness floating clouds covering the mountains and lake, providing unforgettable experiences and breathtaking views.
Unforgettable experiences at Ba Khan Lake
Ba Khan Lake is not only famous for its picturesque natural scenery but also for a variety of relaxing and exploratory activities suitable for both nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the Northwest mountains.
Exploring the lake
One of the most popular experiences at Ba Khan is kayaking. Visitors can glide across the emerald water, weave through small islands, and admire the serene, majestic landscapes. Alternatively, you can take boat tours to fully explore the lake’s beauty, with many services available, including those offered by Mai Chau Hideaway, a favorite among domestic and international travelers.
The beauty of Ba Khan Lake, Hoa Binh (Source: mia.vn)
Watching sunrise and sunset over the lake
The moments when the sun rises or sets over Ba Khan Lake in Mai Châu are truly magical. The thin morning mist, golden sunlight, and the sound of forest birds create a romantic atmosphere, perfect for photography enthusiasts or anyone seeking a peaceful moment immersed in nature.
Camping and picnicking by the lake
With its open space, calm waters, and gentle breezes year-round, Ba Khan Lake is ideal for setting up tents, hosting BBQs, or enjoying a picnic with friends. When night falls, lighting a campfire and stargazing becomes an unforgettable experience. Camping here also allows you to witness the lake’s serene beauty in the early morning light.
Camping, picnicking, and checking in at Ba Khan Lake (Source: Ho Dong Do Soc Son)
Check-in at famous spots
To visit Ba Khan Lake, travelers must navigate winding mountain passes, the most remarkable being Thung Khe Pass (White Stone Pass). This scenic route showcases the majestic layers of mountains and striking white rock formations, creating breathtaking landscapes that are perfect for photos and memorable “check-in” moments.
.jpg "Vẻ đẹp hùng vĩ của đèo Đá Trắng (Thung Khe)")
The majestic beauty of White Stone Pass (Thung Khe)
You can also check in at the magnificent Gò Lào Waterfall, located near Ba Khan Lake. Here, you’ll be captivated by the pristine beauty of torrents cascading down, creating foamy white splashes. Gò Lào Waterfall is undoubtedly a must-visit spot for anyone who loves the raw, untouched charm of nature.
The pristine beauty of Gò Lào Waterfall
Read more: Exploring Pom Coong Village Mai Chau: Traditional Thai Village and unique experiences
Things to keep in mind when traveling to Ba Khan lake
For a complete and safe experience while visiting Ba Khan Lake, it’s important to prepare thoroughly. Here are some key tips to make your trip more comfortable while exploring this picturesque area:
- Wear appropriate clothing: The climate around Ba Khan Lake in Mai Châu is cool year-round, with misty mornings and evenings, especially in winter. Bring a jacket, comfortable shoes, and a hat for easy movement and outdoor sightseeing.
- Prioritize safety when traveling: The roads to the lake include many sharp curves and slopes, particularly along Thung Khe Pass. If traveling by personal vehicle, drive slowly, check brakes, and avoid traveling at night or in heavy fog.
- Bring essential personal items: Shops near the lake are limited, so prepare snacks, water, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and portable chargers. If camping by the lake, bring a flashlight, sleeping bag, and raincoat in case of sudden weather changes.
- Research and choose accommodations carefully: Ba Khan Lake is a newly popular destination, especially during peak season. Depending on your needs and preferences, research in advance to select the most suitable place to stay.
Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort – Accommodation near Ba Khan Lake
After exploring the poetic scenery of Ba Khan Lake, stopping at a peaceful resort nestled in nature is the perfect way to fully enjoy your journey. Among the accommodations around the lake, Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort is a favorite for many travelers due to its prime location, thoughtful services, and immersive natural surroundings.
The breathtaking mountain-and-lake scenery at Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort
Located just a short distance from Ba Khan Lake, right beside the Da River, Mai Chau Hideaway is one of the premier resorts in Northwest Vietnam. The resort combines a rustic, natural style with subtle elegance and luxury, creating a peaceful retreat immersed in nature.
Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort offers a variety of room types to suit different travelers’ needs. From every balcony, guests can take in sweeping views of Ba Khan Lake from the mid-mountain perspective and breathe in the fresh, crisp air characteristic of Northwest Vietnam. In the evening, as the sun sets, the infinity pool overlooking Ba Khan Lake becomes a favorite photo spot – where sky, water, and people seem to merge into one.
Guests at the resort can enjoy numerous amenities, including a restaurant, infinity pool, and a children’s play area. Moreover, staying here allows access to exciting tours and activities around Mai Chau:
- Kayaking or bamboo rafting to explore the tranquil waters of Ba Khan Lake and Hoa Binh Lake.
- Cycling through Mai Chau valley, visiting Thai ethnic villages on a half-day cycling tour.
- Exploring the local Pà Cò market for a half-day cultural experience among the H’mong community.
- Participating in ethnic cultural activities, such as traditional dances (Xoe Hoa, bamboo dance), tasting communal wine, and enjoying campfire gatherings.
- Tasting local specialties like grilled stream fish, Northwest papaya salad, smoked buffalo meat, and sticky rice (com lam) at the resort’s restaurant.
Whether you’re seeking a weekend getaway with family or friends, or a venue for team-building, small conferences, or outdoor events, Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort caters to all – from private villas to meeting rooms, BBQ areas, and open-air event spaces.
At Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort, guests not only enjoy a stay amidst poetic nature of lakes, forests, and mountains but also rediscover balance and tranquility in their hearts.
Book your stay today via hotline 0963 406 366 or 0987 536 787 to experience an unforgettable retreat at Ba Khan – Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort, where peace touches every moment.