Ba Vi National Park
Forested mountains an hour or two west of Hanoi, with a temple to Ho Chi Minh on the summit and a moss-covered French church in the woods.
- Hanoi
- Included in 1 tour
- Tours from $102
- Updated October 2026
About Ba Vi National Park
Ba Vi National Park protects the forested Ba Vi mountain range on the western edge of Hanoi, about 50–60 km from the city centre. Established in 1991 and covering around 10,800 hectares, it is the closest real mountain escape for people in Hanoi: cooler air, pine and broadleaf forest, hairpin roads and views over the Red River plain on clear days.
The range has three main peaks. The highest, Vua (King) Peak, reaches 1,296 m; Tan Vien Peak, home of the mountain spirit Son Tinh in Vietnamese legend, stands at about 1,226 m; and Ngoc Hoa is about 1,120–1,130 m. Mist often wraps the summits, which gives the park its moody, green atmosphere.
Uncle Ho Temple and the French ruins
On the top of Vua Peak stands a small temple dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh, completed in 1999. The road climbs to a high car park, and from there it is a steep walk up stone steps through the forest — often above the clouds. Lower down, at about 800 m, are the ruins of a French church, part of a hill station built by the French in the first half of the 20th century. Its roofless walls are now wrapped in moss and tree roots and have become one of the most photographed spots near Hanoi.
Ba Vi National Park through the seasons
Ba Vi changes with the seasons. From around October to November, wild sunflowers (da quy) line the roads in yellow. The park also has a cactus garden in a greenhouse and areas of pine forest. Summer brings green forest and cool relief from Hanoi’s heat, but also afternoon storms.
Our full-day jeep tour drives through the countryside to Ba Vi, visits the French church and the Uncle Ho Temple, stops for a lunch of local specialities and then continues to Duong Lam Ancient Village.
Is Ba Vi National Park worth visiting?
Yes, as the closest real mountain escape from Hanoi – cooler air, pine and broadleaf forest and views over the Red River plain, 50 to 60 km from the city. The highlights are the moss-wrapped ruins of a French hill-station church at about 800 m and the small temple to Ho Chi Minh on Vua Peak (1,296 m), reached by a steep climb up stone steps, often above the clouds. October to April gives the clearest days; allow half a day, or a full day combined with Duong Lam.
Worth it?
Why visit Ba Vi National Park?
- Uncle Ho Temple on the summitA temple to President Ho Chi Minh at 1,296 m, often above the clouds.
- Ruined French churchA roofless, moss-covered church in the forest at about 800 m.
- Three mountain peaksVua, Tan Vien and Ngoc Hoa, rising over the Red River plain.
- Wild sunflower seasonYellow da quy flowers line the park roads in late autumn.
- Cooler mountain airNoticeably cooler than Hanoi all year — welcome in summer.
- Farm country around the parkDairy farms, fresh milk and ostrich farms on the lower slopes.
Make the most of it
7 best things to do in Ba Vi National Park
Climb to the Uncle Ho Temple
From the upper car park, follow the stone steps to the summit of Vua Peak. Allow about an hour return with photo stops. Dress respectfully and keep quiet inside the temple.
Explore the ruined French church
A short walk from the park road, the church walls stand open to the sky, covered in moss and ferns. The path can be slippery after rain.
See the wild sunflowers
Usually from late October to November, yellow da quy flowers bloom along the roads and slopes. Weekends in peak season are busy with photographers.
Visit the cactus garden
A greenhouse garden with many cactus and succulent species, a fun stop on the way up.
Visit Den Thuong
The Upper Temple on Tan Vien Peak is dedicated to the mountain spirit Tan Vien Son Thanh. It is reached by a separate road and steps.
Try Ba Vi fresh milk and yoghurt
The farms below the park are famous for dairy. Roadside stalls sell fresh milk, yoghurt and milk sweets.
Combine with Duong Lam Ancient Village
On our full-day jeep tour you visit Ba Vi in the morning, have lunch and then explore Duong Lam’s laterite lanes in the afternoon.
Good to know
Ba Vi facts: peaks, heights and key sights
| Vua (King) Peak | 1,296 m — Uncle Ho Temple |
|---|---|
| Tan Vien Peak | About 1,226 m — Den Thuong temple |
| Ngoc Hoa Peak | About 1,120–1,130 m |
| Ruined French church | About 800 m altitude, in the forest |
| Park area | About 10,800 hectares |
| Established | 1991 |
| Distance from Hanoi | About 50–60 km, 1.5–2 hours by road |
Heights are commonly published figures; summits are often in cloud, so views are never guaranteed.
Timing
Best time to visit Ba Vi National Park
Clear skies, cool air and wild sunflowers — the best season.
Cold and often misty or drizzly at the top; atmospheric but views can be hidden.
Warm and green, with fewer crowds.
Hot in Hanoi but cooler here; afternoon storms are common, and roads can close after heavy rain.
Arrive in the morning, before clouds build up over the peaks.
Map & directions
How to get to Ba Vi National Park
- By carAbout 1.5–2 hours from the Old Quarter via Thang Long Boulevard and Son Tay. A private car day trip usually costs about 1,200,000–2,000,000 VND.
- By motorbikePossible for experienced riders; the park road is steep with hairpin bends.
- By busCity buses towards Son Tay and Ba Vi exist, but you still need a taxi or motorbike up into the park.
- With usOur full-day jeep tour includes Old Quarter pickup, entrance fees, lunch and Duong Lam village.
Eat like a local
Where to eat near Ba Vi National Park
- Ga doi (hill chicken)Free-range chicken, grilled or steamed — a Ba Vi favourite.
- Grilled stream fishSmall fish from mountain streams, grilled over charcoal.
- Ostrich and vealLocal farms raise ostriches; steamed veal is another speciality.
- Fresh milk and yoghurtBa Vi dairy products sold along the roads below the park.
- Com lamSticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes.
For your camera
Best photo spots at Ba Vi National Park
- Inside the French churchGreen moss, roots and sky through the open roof.
- Summit stepsStone stairs disappearing into mist on the way to the temple.
- Wild sunflower roadsYellow flowers along hairpin bends in late autumn.
- Viewpoints on the park roadOn clear days, views over the plain and the Red River.
Local advice
Tips for visiting Ba Vi National Park
Do
- Bring a light jacket — it is much cooler than Hanoi
- Wear shoes with grip for steps and forest paths
- Dress respectfully for the Uncle Ho Temple
- Carry water and some cash for snacks and milk
- Start early to beat the clouds
Don’t
- Climb on the walls of the French church
- Drive the mountain road at night or in heavy rain
- Leave the marked paths in the forest
- Pick flowers or plants in the park
- Expect clear views every day
Visit with a local
Tours that visit Ba Vi National Park
Hanoi · Jeep
Ba Vi National Park & Duong Lam Village Jeep Tour (Full Day)
132+ booked
From $120
$102
per adult
Good to know
Ba Vi National Park: questions & answers
How far is Ba Vi National Park from Hanoi?
About 50–60 km west of central Hanoi, roughly 1.5–2 hours by road.
How much is the Ba Vi National Park entrance fee?
About 60,000 VND for adults, with lower prices for children and students. Parking is extra. Our jeep tour includes entrance fees.
What are Ba Vi National Park’s opening hours?
The gate is usually open from about 5:00 to 19:00. Plan to be off the mountain road before dark.
How do I get to the Uncle Ho Temple in Ba Vi?
Drive up the park road to the upper car park, then climb the stone steps to Vua Peak. Allow about an hour return.
Where is the French church in Ba Vi?
In the forest at about 800 m altitude, a short walk from the park road. It is a roofless ruin of a French hill station church.
When is the best time to visit Ba Vi National Park?
October to December for clear skies and wild sunflowers; spring is misty and summer is green but stormy.
Can I visit Ba Vi and Duong Lam in one day?
Yes. They are close together, and our full-day jeep tour combines both.
What is there to do in Ba Vi National Park?
Climb the stone steps to the Uncle Ho Temple on Vua Peak (1,296 m), photograph the mossy ruins of the French church at about 800 m, visit the greenhouse cactus garden, and walk the pine forest. On clear days there are sweeping views over the Red River plain.
When do the wild sunflowers bloom in Ba Vi?
The wild sunflowers (da quy) usually line the park roads in bright yellow from around October to November. That is also part of the best season to visit, October to April, when the days are clear and cool rather than hot and stormy.
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