Ba Vi eco-tours offer authentic escapes close to Hanoi

THE HANOI TIMES — Ba Vi has emerged as a favourite weekend retreat, where eco-tours go beyond sightseeing to connect visitors with ethnic traditions, nature, and daily life.

Ba Vi is now synonymous with community-based tourism that accentuates the lives of ethnic minority groups. Among them, the Muong people, one of Vietnam's ethnic minorities, play a central role in shaping the area’s identity.

At local workshops, painting on ostrich eggs has become a signature activity. Culinary experiences also enrich the journey, with traditional Muong cakes passed down through generations.

Pham Hoai Nam, 29, a software engineer from Hanoi, grinned as he held up his painted egg. “I thought I was hopeless at art,” he admitted, “but the Muong aunties laughed, guided my brush, and made me feel like family. This egg looks funny, but it’s the best gift I’ve ever made.”

In Ban Mien village, the Red Dao people welcome guests with their herbal leaf baths. For centuries, these remedies have been prepared from forest plants, offering both relaxation and healing. Immersing in a steaming tub infused with aromatic herbs helps relieve fatigue and restore balance. More than a wellness treatment, it is a tradition that reflects harmony between people and the natural world.

Steve Rob, 41, from the UK, recalled his first soak with a smile. “It smelled like the forest itself,” he said. “The women explained how their mothers and grandmothers passed down these recipes. It felt like stepping into their family history.”

For those with a spirit of adventure, Ba Vi’s forests are an invitation to explore. Trekking routes lead through bamboo groves, hidden waterfalls, and viewpoints over the Red River Delta.

Nguyen Van Thanh, 55, a retired teacher from Hanoi, laughed as he caught his breath on a steep climb. “I told my grandchildren this would be an easy walk,” he joked, “but the mountain had other plans. Still, when we reached the altar, even the kids went quiet; the view said it all.”

Staying overnight in Ba Vi deepens the experience. At AMI Villa, nestled among green hillsides, travelers find a perfect balance of comfort and rustic charm. The villas offer cozy rooms, hearty meals, and mornings filled with the sounds of birdsong and the scent of mountain air. Evenings often bring people together around a fire, sharing local wine and stories.

Sarah Johnson, 33, from Australia, remembered her stay fondly: “I came alone, but by midnight I was sitting with a Hanoian family, drinking sweet rice wine, and singing along to a Muong song I couldn’t understand. Somehow it felt like home.”

Beyond scenery and activities, Ba Vi also holds a spiritual dimension. Many tours include small rituals of gratitude to ancestors and national heroes, echoing traditions deeply rooted in Vietnamese life. These moments encourage visitors to reflect on history and the values that continue to shape the community today.

Visitors are encouraged to seek out reputable operators, such as Ecohost, which has worked with the Hanoi Department of Tourism to design quality eco-tours. These partnerships help ensure that culture and environment are respected while offering travelers authentic experiences.

Seasonal changes add another layer to the journey. Spring brings blossoms and clear air, ideal for trekking. Summer offers lush greenery, river swims, and evenings that stay cool in the mountains. Autumn, with its soft golden light, is often described by travelers as the most beautiful time to explore.

Winter carries its own charm, with mist curling through the forest and herbal baths providing perfect warmth. Each season offers reasons to return, with activities that shift naturally with the rhythm of the year.

Ba Vi today is a weekend escape that goes deeper. It is where visitors connect with people, landscapes, and traditions in ways that feel genuine. Whether painting eggs, hiking forest trails, sharing a meal, or joining a Dao herbal bath, each encounter creates a lasting memory.