Where is Ba Ham Lake?
Ba Ham Lake is a renowned destination in Ha Long Bay, located within Quang Ninh Province. This unique masterpiece comprises three expansive, circular saltwater lagoons interconnected by narrow, meandering tunnel-like caves. Situated on Dau Be Island, Ba Ham Lake marks the southernmost boundary of the Ha Long Bay heritage area. Enclosed by towering, vertical limestone cliffs linked in pairs by three winding water tunnels, the geological formation earns its poetic name: Ba Ham (Three Tunnels) Lake.
Location of Ba Ham Lake
- Ba Ham Lake 1: The second-largest saltwater lagoon among the three, spanning 4.2 hectares with a depth ranging from 2 to 5 meters. Framed by majestic limestone mountains dense with lush vegetation, its crystal-clear, vibrant waters serve as a thriving sanctuary for diverse marine flora and fauna.
- Ba Ham Lake 2: The largest saltwater lagoon of the trio, covering an impressive 23.2 hectares with depths reaching 10 – 15 meters. Surrounded by soaring limestone peaks, it exudes a majestic, untouched wilderness. Its deep, pristine waters harbor a rich ecosystem of fish, coral reefs, jellyfish, and other marine life.
- Ba Ham Lake 3: The most intimate of the three, spanning 1.05 hectares with depths between 2 and 4 meters. Nestled gently among more modest limestone formations, its cool, immaculate waters offer an idyllic setting for leisurely swimming and panoramic sightseeing.
The water tunnels are subterranean channels linking the saltwater lagoons to one another and to the open sea. Their length, width, and depth vary depending on their specific location.
To reach the next lake, visitors must navigate through the tunnel connecting the two bodies of water
- First Tunnel: Serving as the gateway from the open sea into the Hon Ba area and leading into Ba Ham Lake 1, this tunnel spans approximately 120 meters in length and 27 meters in width. During high tide, it becomes completely submerged, requiring travelers to time their entrance with the receding tide.
- Second Tunnel: The aquatic passage connecting Ba Ham Lake 1 and Ba Ham Lake 2, measuring roughly 40 meters long and 15 meters wide. Highly influenced by tidal movements, it demands careful timing for a safe passage.
- Third Tunnel: The channel linking Ba Ham Lake 1 and Ba Ham Lake 3, extending about 50 meters with a 5-meter width. While it remains unflooded during high tide, it maintains a considerable depth, making swimming or diving proficiency essential for navigation.
How to Get to Ba Ham Lake
Ba Ham Lake is situated along Route No. 4 of the Ha Long Bay sightseeing tours. Because it is a secluded attraction designed exclusively for overnight cruise itineraries on the Bay, it remains relatively undiscovered by mass tourists and many locals alike. Consequently, travelers have two primary ways to reach Ba Ham Lake:
- Charter a Private Boat: For day-trip visitors, hiring a private vessel following Route 4 is an available option (view details)
- Book an Overnight Ha Long Bay Cruise: Only select luxury overnight vessels can navigate guests to this secluded area, offering an exceptional discovery experience aboard esteemed ships such as Era Cruise, Orchid Cruises, The Au Co, Bhaya Cruise, Flamingo Cruise, and Heritage Cruise… This is typically featured as a tranquil stop on the second day of a three-day, two-night journey. (view details)
Due to its unique topography, Ba Ham Lake is accessible exclusively by kayak or bamboo sampan during low tide. As you glide into the water tunnels, all worldly distractions seem to melt away. Stalactites descending from ceilings four meters high create a glittering spectacle, a testament to Ha Long Bay’s magnificent geological and geomorphological heritage. The lake water is so limpid that schools of fish and vibrant marine life can be effortlessly observed swimming below.
The Aesthetic Splendor of Ba Ham Lake
Entrance to Ba Ham Lake
Entering the first lagoon (Ba Ham Lake 1), one is instantly embraced by a profound sense of coolness and serenity. Before your eyes lies a turquoise expanse spanning approximately one hectare, shimmering like a precious gemstone. Beneath the surface, delicate emerald seaweed drifts alongside darting fingerlings. Enclosing the basin are towering cliffs that curve gracefully with the contours of the grotto, blanketed in lush, untouched greenery that evokes a pristine, paradisiacal natural landscape.
The water tunnel connecting the first and middle lakes
Transitioning from the first lagoon to the middle lake (Ba Ham Lake 3) requires navigating a winding water tunnel. Its numerous bends demand attentive maneuvering of your kayak or canoe. Inside, you will marvel at glistening stalactites while water droplets descending from the ceiling produce a soothing, musical melody, accompanied by the gentle calls of resident bats and cave-dwelling birds.
Breathtaking scenery at Ba Ham Lake
Arriving at the middle lake (Ba Ham Lake 3), visitors are greeted by a strikingly distinct landscape. This lagoon is broader, punctuated by charming little islets adorned with delightful flora such as wild orchids, banyan trees, and cycads. Playful golden monkeys leap between branches, while flying squirrels glide gracefully from islet to islet.
To continue the exploration, another tunnel leads onward to the rear lake (Ba Ham Lake 2). This passage is shorter and broader than the preceding one; however, it features deeper and more challenging sections, calling for heightened caution. Within this tunnel, guests can continue to admire exquisite stalactites and the symphony of pristine nature.
The rear lake forms the ultimate sanctuary of Ba Ham Lake (Ba Ham Lake 2). This largest of the basins boasts the most abundant vegetation. Here, a diverse array of wildflowers blooms vibrantly along the cliff faces and islets, while various species of birds soar across the open sky, allowing travelers to fully savor the purest, most invigorating atmosphere.
