Discover Ba Vi National Park’s wild sunflower season with our guide! Explore eco-friendly tours, photography, hiking, and updated costs from Hanoi with Legend Travel Group. Book your adventure now!
Located 60 km west of Hanoi in Ba Vi Ward, Ba Vi National Park transforms into a dazzling sea of wild sunflowers (hoa dã quỳ) from mid-November to early December, attracting photographers, nature lovers, and adventurers. Spanning 10,845 hectares, the park’s hills, particularly at 700 meters, bloom with vibrant yellow flowers, larger and darker than those in Ha Giang or Da Lat. With 2,181 plant species, 193 bird species, and cultural landmarks like the Thuong Temple, Ba Vi offers a unique blend of biodiversity and heritage. Aligned with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative, the park promotes sustainable tourism, enhanced by Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards or communes, with Ba Vi District now Ba Vi Ward under Hanoi City’s administration. This improves access through sustainable infrastructure, including cycling paths, electric shuttles, and a VND500 billion eco-road project, ensuring seamless travel to Ba Vi National Park.
Legend Travel Group leads in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering authentic wild sunflower season tours in Ba Vi with a focus on environmental care and cultural preservation. Our eco-tours use bicycles, electric shuttles, and private cars, guided by local experts who share the park’s ecological and historical significance. Supporting Ba Vi Ward’s communities, we align with Hanoi’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless experience. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and explore Ba Vi responsibly! TripAdvisor Reviews
Ba Vi National Park, 60 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, features a tropical monsoon climate with mild temperatures (15–28°C or 59–82.4°F) during the sunflower season (mid-November to early December). Covering 108.2 km² across Hanoi and Hoa Binh provinces, the park is renowned for its three peaks—King Peak (1,296 m), Tan Vien Hoang (1,226 m), and Ngoc Son (1,120 m)—and biodiversity, including 54 mammals like the Delacour’s langur. The wild sunflowers, introduced by the French in the 1920s, bloom most vividly at the 700-meter hill, 3–4 km from the entrance, creating a photographer’s paradise. Cultural sites like the Uncle Ho Temple and French ruins, combined with activities like hiking and hot air balloon rides, make this season a highlight.
Ba Vi National Park is accessible via eco-friendly transport options from Hanoi:
By Air: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), 80 km from Ba Vi, serves domestic and international flights. Round-trip costs:
Ho Chi Minh City: $80–$150 (2,000,000–3,750,000 VND).
Da Nang: $60–$120 (1,500,000–3,000,000 VND).
International (e.g., Bangkok): $200–$600.
Taxis or Grab to Ba Vi: $25–$35 (625,000–875,000 VND).
By Bus: From Hanoi’s My Dinh Bus Station, take Route 214 or 74 to Xuan Khanh (1.5–2 hours, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). From Xuan Khanh, take a taxi or Grab ($5–$8 or 125,000–200,000 VND) or walk 5 km to the park entrance. Buses run every 20–30 minutes from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
By Motorbike: Rent a motorbike in Hanoi ($5–$10/day or 125,000–250,000 VND) for a 1.5-hour ride. Two routes:
Thang Long Avenue: From Tran Duy Hung (near Big C Thang Long), travel 30 km to Hoa Lac Overpass, follow signs to Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, then to Ba Vi (recommended for smooth roads).
Route 32: From Cau Giay, go 37 km to Son Tay intersection, turn left for 13 km to Tan Linh fork, then left to Route 5. Confirm directions with locals.
By Taxi or Grab: From Hoan Kiem Ward to Ba Vi, costs $25–$35 (625,000–875,000 VND) one-way; round-trip $50–$70 (1,250,000–1,750,000 VND). Operators: Taxi Group, Viet Thanh Taxi.
By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): Book a private car ($80–$120 or 2,000,000–3,000,000 VND round-trip for up to 4 people) for flexible, eco-friendly travel.
Navigating to the Sunflower Hills:
From the park entrance (entry: $1 or 20,000 VND), drive or trek 3–4 km to the 700-meter hill, where wild sunflowers bloom most vividly. Electric shuttles ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) or bicycle rentals ($1–$3/day or 25,000–75,000 VND) offer eco-friendly access.
Tip: Book Legend Travel Group’s Ba Vi Eco-Tour ($60–$80) for guided transport and sunflower hill visits. Avoid motorbike rides during early morning fog. Download offline maps (Maps.me) and mark the 700-meter hill as a landmark.
The wild sunflower season, mid-November to early December, is the prime time to visit, with vibrant yellow blooms carpeting the hills under mild weather (15–22°C or 59–71.6°F). Morning visits (8:00–10:00 AM) capture dew-kissed flowers in soft light, while 5:00–6:00 PM offers sunset hues. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, which can feel festival-like. The dry season (November–April) ensures clear skies and safe trails, while the rainy season (May–October) may cause slippery paths, though 15–25% tour discounts apply. Check AccuWeather for updates before planning.
Tip: Visit weekdays for quieter trails; book tours 3–5 weeks in advance for sunflower season or Tet (January–February) for added cultural events.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:
Clothing: Lightweight, breathable outfits; waterproof jackets for occasional showers. Long sleeves/pants for trail protection.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat for sunny hills.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes for trails; waterproof boots for damp paths.
Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella.
Tech Gear: Smartphone/camera for photos; binoculars for wildlife; portable charger.
Documents: Passport, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (50,000–200,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag, straw to support sustainability.
Tip: Bring a waterproof bag for camera gear; carry small VND notes for vendors and entry fees.
Ba Vi’s wild sunflower season, from mid-November to early December, turns the park into a photographer’s dream, with vivid yellow blooms blanketing hills at 700 meters. Introduced by the French in the 1920s, these flowers are larger and darker than those in other regions, creating a unique spectacle. The park’s biodiversity—2,181 plant species, 193 bird species, and 54 mammals—complements the floral display, while cultural sites like the Thuong Temple, dedicated to the Mountain God Tan Vien, add historical depth. Sustainable practices, including electric shuttles and local vendor support, make this season a highlight for eco-conscious travelers. Recent initiatives, like the 2024 recognition of heritage cypress trees at Tieu Dong Peak, underscore Ba Vi’s commitment to preservation.
Capture the vibrant wild sunflowers at the 700-meter hill, 3–4 km from the entrance, ideal from 8:00–10:00 AM or 5:00–6:00 PM for optimal lighting.
Cost: Park entry $1 (20,000 VND); photography permit $30/day (750,000 VND, groups <10).
Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Tip: Use a wide-angle lens; included in our Ba Vi Eco-Tour ($60–$80).
Soar above the sunflower hills for aerial views, a unique experience since 2020.
Cost: $50–$100 (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND) per person.
Hours: 6:00–8:00 AM, weather permitting.
Tip: Book in advance; included in our Ba Vi Nature Tour ($60–$80).
Trek 500 steps to Tan Vien Hoang Peak (1,226 m) to visit the Thuong Temple, surrounded by sunflower trails.
Cost: Park entry $1 (20,000 VND); guided trek $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).
Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Tip: Start early for serene views; included in our Ba Vi Eco-Tour ($60–$80).
Visit the cactus garden, 1 km from the entrance, with 1,200 species, perfect for photos near sunflower hills.
Cost: Park entry $1 (20,000 VND); garden entry $0.50 (12,500 VND).
Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Tip: Combine with sunflower photography; included in our Ba Vi Nature Tour ($60–$80).
Savor com lam (bamboo-tube rice) or Ba Vi milk products at park restaurants or Ao Vua Tourist Area, festive during sunflower season.
Cost: $2–$8 (50,000–200,000 VND) per dish.
Hours: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM daily.
Tip: Try hill chicken; included in our Hanoi Foodie Tour ($45–$65).
Entrance Fees
Ba Vi National Park: $1 (20,000 VND); elderly/disabled $0.50 (12,500 VND).
Cactus Garden: $0.50 (12,500 VND).
Photography permit: $30/day (750,000 VND, groups <10); $2/person/day (50,000 VND, groups 10–50).
Parking: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) for scooters/cars.
Transportation
Bus (Hanoi to Xuan Khanh): $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Taxi/Grab (Hanoi to Ba Vi): $25–$35 (625,000–875,000 VND) one-way.
Motorbike rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND).
Private car (Legend Travel Group): $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND) round-trip.
Electric shuttle (park): $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Bicycle rental: $1–$3/day (25,000–75,000 VND).
Activities
Guided tours/treks: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).
Hot air balloon ride: $50–$100 (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND).
Food: $2–$8 (50,000–200,000 VND).
Accommodation (Ba Vi Ward)
Homestays: $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).
Resorts (e.g., Melia Ba Vi): $50–$100/night (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost
Budget: $15–$40 (entry, bus, food).
Mid-range: $40–$80 (tours, motorbike, homestay).
Luxury: $100–$200 (private car, balloon ride, resort).
Tip: Carry VND for small purchases; use ATMs in Hanoi before heading to Ba Vi. Book tours early for sunflower season savings.
Book Early: Reserve tours via Legend Travel Group (WhatsApp: +84825862222, email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com) 3–5 weeks in advance, especially for mid-November to early December or Tet.
Seasonal Tips:
Sunflower Season: Pack sunscreen and sunglasses; ideal for photography and hiking.
Rainy Season: Avoid due to slippery trails; bring waterproof gear ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) if necessary.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or electric shuttles; support local vendors to align with Hanoi’s green initiatives.
Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me); mark the 700-meter hill or park entrance as landmarks.
Safety: Stick to marked trails; avoid motorbike rides in fog; check weather for trail conditions.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at temples; say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip guides $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); apply mosquito repellent for trails.
Our sustainable tours showcase Ba Vi’s wild sunflower season and natural wonders:
Ba Vi Eco-Tour ($60–$80/person): Sunflower hill photography, Tan Vien Hoang Peak hike, cactus garden, French ruins. Includes bike rentals, lunch, guide.
Ba Vi Nature Tour ($60–$80/person): Hot air balloon ride, sunflower hills, Thuong Temple, camping. Includes eco-transfers, snacks, guide.
Hanoi & Ba Vi Immersion ($200–$350/person, 2–3 days): Sunflower season, Hoan Kiem Lake, homestays ($10–$25/night). Includes meals, activities, eco-transfers.
Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and fees. Enjoy 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book now via links around this page! TripAdvisor Reviews
Ba Vi National Park, just 60 km from Hanoi, transforms into a breathtaking floral escape during its wild sunflower season from mid-November to early December, with vibrant yellow blooms carpeting hills at the 700m level, drawing thousands yearly. Explore hiking trails through pine forests ($2–$3 entry, 50,000–75,000 VND), visit cultural landmarks like Thuong Temple and Bao Thien Tower, or savor local cuisine such as thịt dê ($3–$5, 75,000–125,000 VND). Supported by sustainable practices like eco-friendly trails and community-led conservation, Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours ensure a responsible, immersive Hanoi Travel experience, blending the sunflower spectacle with visits to Cactus Greenhouse and Ao Vua Tourist Area. Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, info@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to chase Ba Vi’s sunflower splendor? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse yourself in Vietnam’s eco-paradise!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Ba Vi National Park Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vinpearl.com, originvietnam.com, izitour.com, sodulich.hanoi.gov.vn, 63stravel.com, vietnamdiscovery.com, tourinhanoi.com, hanoijourney.com, localvietnam.com, en.wikipedia.org
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