Introduction

Tucked away in the northern highlands of Vietnam, Kim Hy Nature Reserve remains one of the country’s best off-the-beaten-path destinations for a Northern Vietnam itinerary. Being 170 km away from Ha Giang, the reserve is also home to an incredibly rich and diverse ecosystem. Join Asia King Travel as we journey deep into the heart of Bac Kan to explore one of the best North Vietnam places to visit in 2025!

How To Get There - Northern Vietnam Travel Guide

Since Bac Kan is roughly 150km away from Hanoi, it is easily accessible by motorbike, private car, or intercity bus. If you travel with a private driver from Noi Bai Airport, you can start by taking Route 131, then merging onto the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen Expressway. Finally, you can continue along the Thai Nguyen - Cho Moi Expressway to reach Bac Kan City.

kim hy nature reserve

Kim Hy Nature Reserve is one of northern Vietnam’s best off-the-beaten-path destinations

If you want to travel via an intercity bus, go to My Dinh Bus Station in Hanoi and book a trip to Bac Kan City. The ticket prices might range from 100,000 to 200,000 VND per person per trip. Once you arrive in Bac Kan, you can rent a motorbike or take a taxi to continue your journey to Kim Hy Nature Reserve.

Best Time To Visit

If you want to visit this North Vietnam destination, the best time to go is in May or September. While northern Vietnam can be quite hot during these months, the weather in Kim Hy remains cool and pleasant thanks to its surrounding mountains and climate-balancing lakes. The fresh air and lush greenery of the reserve make it an ideal spot for a peaceful and refreshing getaway.

Suggested for you: Ba Be Lake Tour Full-day: Boat trip on Ba Be Lake

What To Do In This Kim Hy Nature Reserve

Trekking Through the Forest

Kim Hy Nature Reserve is a treasure trove of biodiversity, offering visitors a chance to experience a wide range of landscapes, from tropical evergreen rainforests to limestone forests with their own distinctive flora. The reserve also features a rich aquatic ecosystem, with rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams perfect for relaxing, exploring, and even cooling off on a hot day.

With over 1,000 species of vascular plants, many of which are listed in Vietnam’s Red Book, nature enthusiasts will be in awe. The fauna is equally impressive, with records of 99 mammal species, 256 bird species, and 64 reptiles. The ancient forests here also shelter hundreds-of-years-old precious hardwood trees.

kim hy nature reserve

Kim Hy Nature Reserve of the northern highlands

You can hike through the forest, marvel at the lush green vegetation, and breathe in the fresh, cool air. The trekking journey is especially rewarding, leading you to crystal-clear streams and stunning waterfalls hidden deep within the forest.

Overnight Camping

For a truly unforgettable experience in your northern Vietnam itinerary, consider spending a night in the reserve. Set up your tent, bring along some snacks, and gather around a campfire under the starry mountain sky. Camping will always offer you a rare opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature in its purest form. Just be sure to bring the right gear for a safe trip. and if you'd like some extra support, you can always hire a local guide to help you along the way.

Wildlife Watching

If you love animals, you’re in for a treat. Kim Hy’s incredible biodiversity makes it a dream North Vietnam destination for wildlife lovers. Keep your eyes (and ears) open, you might catch a glimpse of a white-cheeked gibbon swinging through the trees, a flying squirrel gliding overhead, or hear the call of a rare bird echoing through the forest.

kim hy nature reserve

The forest of Kim Hy is mostly left untouched

Exploring Caves

Kim Hy isn’t just about forests - it also hides some truly stunning limestone caves, like Minh Tinh Cave and Bat Cave. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by shimmering stalactites and stalagmites that feel straight out of a fantasy movie.

Things To Keep In Mind

When visiting Kim Hy Nature Reserve, it’s important to come well-prepared. Pack properly with trekking shoes, waterproof clothing, plenty of water, and some light snacks to keep your energy up throughout the journey. Since the terrain can be quite challenging, it’s strongly recommended to travel with a group rather than going alone. And most importantly, make sure to bring your own garbage bag!

kim hy nature reserve

The nature scenery of Bac Kan is truly stunning

Where To Stay And Eat

For those looking to stay overnight near Kim Hy Nature Reserve, there are several guesthouses and homestays available in Na Ri Town and Luong Thuong Commune. Prices usually range from 200,000 to 500,000 VND per night, depending on the room type and included amenities. Many homestays also provide home-cooked meals and local guide services at budget-friendly rates.

smoked pork northern highland vietnam

Homestays nowadays tend to have lots of dining options

Conclusion

Looking for a trekking adventure that’s off the typical tourist path? Kim Hy Nature Reserve is a fantastic choice for you. It’s still under the radar for most foreign travelers, which means you won’t find it featured in many standard tour packages, but that’s exactly what makes it so special.

With Asia King Travel’s custom tour services, it’s easy to design your own journey to this hidden corner of Bac Kan. Add Kim Hy to your Northern Vietnam travel plans and let us help you uncover one of Northern Vietnam’s most untouched and unforgettable destinations!

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