The Nature Reserve of Kim Hy, the call of the Wild

Imagine imposing limestone mountains, sculpted by time and carpeted with incredibly rich primary forests…
Got the picture? Welcome to Kim Hy, a nature reserve of over 15,715 hectares, established in 2003 and readjusted in 2014 to preserve an ecosystem of inestimable value! Here, the karst landscape is the beating heart of biodiversity, a true hotspot harboring endemic flora and fauna found nowhere else in Southeast Asia. The Ngan Son River and its tributaries wind through the reserve, guarding endangered species. It's an open-air laboratory for botanists, with over 1,072 species of vascular plants, including the precious Nghien (ironwood family), which the Tay and Nung people use to build their stilt houses. A true open-air laboratory for botanists and a constant spectacle for nature lovers, Kim Hy also shelters a tree species called tiết sanh gia in Vietnamese (Chinese cassia or Cinnamomum cassia), which is only found in four mountainous northern provinces of Vietnam and two provinces in Guangdong and Guangxi, China.

And the fauna? It's just as spectacular, with 99 animal species, 256 bird species, and emblematic residents like the White-cheeked Langur and the Lesser Mousedeer. The ubiquitous limestone caves are permanent refuges for 36 species of bats. And don't be surprised to see squirrels flitting above you, playing an essential role in forest regeneration by dispersing seeds.

Kim Hy is not an isolated island: it is associated with Ba Be National Park, an essential link in a vast regional ecosystem. Your visit is part of a broader conservation narrative, emphasizing the importance of responsible tourism.

► Don't miss out our Ba Be National Park-Ba Be lake Travel Guide
 

Kim Hy is nestled in the verdant mountains of Na Ri district, Bac Kan province

Kim Hy is an invitation to action, a blank canvas for adventurers. Here, immersion is complete, the environment preserved.

Lace up your hiking boots and prepare to explore marked trails that wind through dense primary forest! Walking routes are currently being developed to facilitate access and offer you an even deeper immersion. Enjoy a refreshing break at the foot of the sublime (and completely unknown) Thac Tat Chat waterfall, nestled in this enchanting setting.

► Hiking in and around the Ba Be National Park

Kim Hy's limestone geology has shaped an exceptional network of caves, offering unforgettable caving expeditions. It's an adventure that connects you directly to millennia-old geological processes.
Minh Tinh cave: Located in the communes of Thuong Luong and Kim Hy, this three-level cave is a marvel. 20 to 40 meters wide and as tall, it extends for 400 meters in length. Access is by an approximately 1-hour (3 km) walk from Ke village, to the summit of the mountain which culminates at 723 meters.
Bat cave (Hang Doi): For the more audacious, this cave in Cao Son commune, Bach Thong district, is a reward after a demanding 9 km (3-hour) trek from Lung Chap village, on steep slopes. Another longer route (10.5 km, 5 hours) is possible from Tham Mu.
Fairies cave (Dong Nang Tien): Nestled on Phja Trang mountain (Elephant Mountain), 5 km from Yen Lac, this cave, 50 to 60 meters high, penetrates 60 meters into the mountain, revealing magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.  It owes its name to an ancient legend that tells of seven fairies descending from heaven in ancient times to play and bathe. Lost in the beauty of the earthly realm, they could not return to the heavens before nightfall. Noticing the girls' absence, the Jade Emperor, in his compassion, created a cave for the fairies to shelter in during the night.
Mr Linh's Adventures' expertise, honed through underground expeditions, ensures a safe exploration.

► Trek Tham Phay: Discovering the Lost Cave
 

Hang Doi - The limestone karst landscape, where caves are prominent, provides permanent roosting sites for bats

Get ready to experience the thrill of kayak exploration. Kim Hy's rivers and streams, including underground rivers and streams like the one that flows through Hang Doi cave, offer unique opportunities for aquatic exploration.  I won't say more, but imagine paddling through hidden passages, discovering the reserve from a totally new angle. Mr Linh's Adventures, with its expertise in kayaking on Ba Be Lake and the Nang River, is the ideal partner to organize these aquatic adventures in Kim Hy.

With 256 recorded bird species, Kim Hy is a paradise for ornithologists and photographers. The diversity of habitats, from dense undergrowth to majestic canopies, offers optimal conditions for capturing wildlife in its natural environment.

The adventure in Kim Hy is not limited to nature; it is intimately linked to the ethnic communities who live there, notably the Tay, Nung, and Dao.
Northern Vietnam is renowned for its mosaic of minority groups, and the Tay, the country's second-largest ethnic group, have a millennial history in the region. The villages of Lung Sien and Lung Chap are at the heart of an ambitious tourism development project, aiming to offer total immersion in nature and local culture. This approach is not just a tourist offering; it is above all a deliberate strategy to involve local communities in conservation, allowing them to benefit economically from sustainable tourism.

This is the successful model of Ba Be National Park, where the involvement of inhabitants helps preserve their traditions while creating economic opportunities. For you, the traveler, this means that your visit directly supports local livelihoods and cultural preservation, aligning with the principles of responsible tourism. Homestays, though rustic, guarantee a truly immersive experience, far from mass tourism. It's a unique opportunity to discover Kim Hy in its tourism infancy.

► Bac Kan Province : Vietnam's little-known gem
 

Kim Hy Nature Reserve, a true off-the-beaten-path destination in Bac Kan province

When to go? The summer period (May to July) can be favorable, but the rainy season extends from May to October. Autumn (August-October) is ideal for trekking, cool and clear, while spring (February-April) offers nature in bloom.
How to get there? Kim Hy is located 70 km northeast of Bac Kan City. Access is via picturesque roads that cross the Vietnamese countryside, specifically via Route 279.
Where to stay? Currently, there are no formal hotels directly in the reserve. The option is homestays with simple facilities. For more comfort, Bac Kan City or Ba Be National Park offer better options.

For a safe and authentic experience in these remote areas, the engagement of experienced local guides and reputable tour operators is essential.
This is where Mr Linh's Adventures comes in. Based in Ba Be National Park, our agency actively promotes Kim Hy as an ecological jewel and offers a range of adventure excursions in the region, including trekking and caving. Our in-depth knowledge of the region and our commitment to responsible tourism guarantee an unforgettable adventure.
 

Dong Nang Tien... Will you meet the fairies ? Photo : Ngan-Nui

Kim Hy is a living testament to Vietnam's ecological richness and a symbol of hope for biodiversity conservation in Southeast Asia.

The ongoing tourism development project, with the creation of hiking trails and the enhancement of its caves and primary forests, demonstrates a commitment to sustainable growth. Its current status, still untouched and offering rustic accommodation options, positions it as an emerging ecotourism model. Visiting Kim Hy today means having the unique opportunity to discover a destination in its early stages, to become an actor in its sustainable development by choosing responsible practices and supporting local initiatives.
So, ready to answer the call of the wild in Kim Hy?
Contact Mr Linh's Adventures to organize your unforgettable expedition to this still little-known corner of Northern Vietnam. Adventure awaits, far from the beaten path, in the heart of an ecological treasure just waiting to be discovered, with respect and wonder.