Brian Jeffrey
Over the past weekend, a multitude of tourists made their way to Ba Vi National Park, known as the “green lung” of the west of Hanoi, to behold the mesmerizing sea of clouds that appears at dawn. Unlike the bustling city centre, the park offers a refreshing coolness from the previous evening until around 9 am the next day, with fresh air often compared to Ta Xua (Son La) or Da Lat (Lam Dong).
From April to October, Ba Vi transforms into a perfect destination for escaping the summer heat. Lately, a white sea of clouds has been a constant sight, crafting a poetic and romantic atmosphere.
Exploring Ba Vi National Park
On the morning of July 14, Vuong Loc, a passionate photographer from Thanh Xuan district, Hanoi, set off at 3 am to reach Ba Vi National Park in time for the sunrise.
“I departed at 3 am and arrived at the park entrance by 5 am. Many early risers were already there, queuing for tickets. By 5:30 am, the sea of clouds started to roll in near the 1,100-meter elevation,” Loc recounted.
“While the clouds in Ta Xua are thicker and more ethereal, Ba Vi offers the advantage of easy and convenient access. Mornings in Ba Vi are pleasantly cool, a stark contrast to the stifling heat in the city. Being here feels like stepping into Da Lat,” Loc expressed.
Approximately 60 kilometres away from downtown Hanoi, Ba Vi National Park is accessible by driving along Thang Long Avenue or National Highway 32. For those using public transport, routes like 74 My Dinh – Xuan Khanh and 71 My Dinh – Son Tay Bus Station lead to a transfer to bus 110 for Ba Vi National Park.
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Hai Duong from Ung Hoa district, Hanoi, had visited Ba Vi National Park four times before, but July 14 marked his first encounter with the captivating sea of clouds. Duong, too, embarked on his journey at 3 am to catch the sunrise.
“The morning weather was splendid, cool with a white sea of clouds, setting a perfect scene for sightseeing and photography. Unfortunately, a light rain near noon cut short our stay,” Duong shared.
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As per seasoned “cloud hunters” in Ba Vi, the sea of clouds tends to appear after rainfall the previous day, coupled with a sunny weather forecast for the day. Indeed, luck also plays a crucial role.
The park boasts attractions like an abandoned, moss-covered ancient church exuding a mysterious allure and the cactus glasshouse. Visitors can explore Khoang Xanh – Suoi Tien, Ao Vua, and Thien Son – Suoi Nga, where Khoang Xanh showcases patches of old-growth forest and over 2 kilometres of natural streams featuring waterfalls like Mo, Hoa, Tran, and Mam Xoi.
Accommodation options in Ba Vi range from budget to luxury, with opportunities for camping amidst the pine forests or stays at resorts like Melia Bavi Mountain Retreat, Tan Da Spa Resort, Bavi Annam Garden, and Madela Ba Vi – Nha ben suoi.
See more cool spots in Vietnam here.
