ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN BA BE NATIONAL PARK.

BA BE (THREE LAKES) NATIONAL PARK Ba Be National Park is located in the district of the same name, in the northwest of Bac Kan Province (latitude 20o30’ N and longitude 105o3’E), about 240 km northwest of Hanoi. The park covers a total area of 23,000 hectares and consists of limestone mountains with unique flora and fauna. Historical sources indicate that the park was completely covered by thick forests until late in the 19 th century. Botanical studies have established the presence of more than 660 botanical species, 526 faunal species, 17 species of fish, as well as many species of reptiles and birds, many of which are endemic. The climate is tropical monsoon with pronounced wet and dry periods. The high rainfall has left dramatic cuts in the kaarst and soil erosion. The region is also distinguished by a series of grandiose caves (Puong, Tien, Na Puong and Ba Cua) with subterranean streams flowing through them. A series of waterfalls also flow from the lake. Because of its unique biodiversity, Ba Be was established as a National Park in 1992. The park’s main feature is its three linked tectonic lakes (Pe Lam, Pe Lu and Pe Leng), surrounded by limestone and schist mountains. The lakes lie about 178 m above sea level, cover a total area of 500 ha, and extend over 8 km at an average depth of 20 m (35 m in the deepest parts). Formed on a limestone block, the lake never lacks water and is recognized internationally as one of the 20 natural freshwater lakes in world that warrant protection. Because of its strategic location and unique environment, Ba Be is important to the cultural history of Vietnam.