Ba Be itself is actually three smaller lakes joined together – Pe Lam, Pe Lu and Pe Leng. The climate is cool with an average temperature of 22°C. The best time to visit the area is during the dry season, which is during winter and spring. Ba Be Lakes lie in the middle of a vast limestone mountain range of Ba Be District, in Bac Kan Province, 200km north-west of Ha Noi – dubbed a "precious jade of Viet Nam" and one of 500 lakes recognised as worthy of attention. Ba Be Lakes area has a lot to offer, including waterfalls, rivers, valleys, lakes, and caves all set amidst picturesque landscapes. Ba Be Lakes, located 145 meters above sea level, are among the largest natural lakes in Vietnam with a total surface area of 500 hectares. The area was established as a national preserved forest and tourist center in 1978.