Bach Ma National Park Guided Hiking Day Trip, Hue
- DurationFull day
- Daily
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Overview
This guided hiking day trip takes you from Hue into Bach Ma National Park, a cool, forested mountain reserve above the coast of central Vietnam. With a guide and forest rangers, you ride by motorbike up to the trailhead, then hike to Hai Vong Dai viewpoint, the Five Lakes and Do Quyen Waterfall. Picnic lunch, entrance tickets, water and hotel transfers are included. It suits active travellers who want fresh mountain air, jungle scenery and a break from the heat of the lowlands.
Highlights
- Hike through cloud forest to the Five Lakes, a chain of clear pools
- See Do Quyen Waterfall tumbling down a steep green cliff
- Enjoy panoramic views from Hai Vong Dai at about 1,450 metres
- Ride with forest rangers by motorbike to the trailhead
- Picnic lunch, entrance tickets and bottled water included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hue, with options from Hoi An and Da Nang
- Guided by an English-speaking guide who explains the park's plants and wildlife
Full Description
Bach Ma National Park and the old hill station
Bach Ma National Park lies on a mountain ridge between Hue and Da Nang, where the climate is noticeably cooler and wetter than on the coast. The name means White Horse, after the mist that often drapes the summit. In the 1930s the French built a hill station here, and the ruins of villas along the road still hint at its past as a mountain retreat for officials.
Your day begins at the visitor centre, where a short introduction covers the park's forest types, birds, butterflies and mammals. Many travellers search for a Bach Ma day trip from Hue as a nature escape, and the park delivers a rare mix of rainforest, cloud and coastline views. Rangers and guides keep the group on the marked trail for safety and to protect the forest.
Hai Vong Dai viewpoint
Hai Vong Dai, meaning the Platform to See the Sea, sits at about 1,450 metres and is one of the most rewarding stops on the Bach Ma hike. On a clear day you see across the coast, Lang Co Bay, Truoi Lake, the lagoon and the sweep of Hai Van Pass, with mountains rolling inland behind you.
The climb is reached after a ride with forest rangers to the trailhead and a steady hike up stone steps and forest path. Mornings give the best chance of clear views, while cloud can roll in by midday, which is part of the atmosphere. Allow time for photos and a rest, and bring a light jacket, as it is cooler at the top than in Hue.
Ngu Ho, the Five Lakes
Ngu Ho, or the Five Lakes, is a group of clear pools linked by a small stream and a series of rocky steps in the middle of the forest. Each lake sits at a different level, and the trail passes between them with views back through the trees and a peaceful, almost silent feel.
This is the place for a quiet break, with the sound of water and birds, and in warm weather some guests take a short dip in the pools when conditions allow. Picnic lunch is served around here, so you can rest before the afternoon. Searching for a Bach Ma Five Lakes trek brings up this stretch of the hike, which is gentler than the summit climb.
Do Quyen Waterfall
Do Quyen Waterfall, named after the azalea flowers that grow nearby, is among the longest falls in central Vietnam and drops down a high cliff in a series of white cascades. After lunch the trail leads to a viewing point where you can feel the spray and hear the roar of the water, especially in the rainy season.
The path to the falls includes stone steps that can be slippery after rain, so good shoes matter. The route in total is about ten kilometres, and the walk back to the trailhead follows the same forest path. Plan for a full day of moderate effort rather than a gentle stroll, and ask our guide about the best photo spots.
Itinerary
- Hotel pickupWe collect you at your hotel in Hue at about 08:00, or at the time shown for the Hoi An and Da Nang options.
- Bach Ma visitor centreA short introduction to the park, its wildlife and its history as a hill station.
- Ride to the trailheadForest rangers take you by motorbike from the road to the start of the trail.
- Hai Vong Dai viewpointHike up to the lookout and enjoy views of the coast, lagoon and mountains.
- Five LakesContinue to the quiet pools and have a picnic lunch.
- Do Quyen WaterfallWalk on to the falls for a rest and photos.
- Return to the trailheadHike back along the trail and travel by road to your hotel.
- Arrival at the hotelWe drop you at your hotel around 17:00 to 17:30 for the Hue option.
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport
- English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance tickets
- Picnic lunch
- Motorbike ride accompanied by forest rangers
- Bottle of water
- Travel insurance
Not included
- Tips for guide and driver
- Other expenses
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 6–10
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- Nature and wildlife lovers
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- Walking is difficult for you — expect active parts
Not suitable for
- Children under 5 years
- Pregnant women
- Wheelchair users
- People over 150 kg
- People with high blood pressure
- People over 70 years
- Travellers with knee problems or low fitness
Meeting point
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. For the Hue option we collect you from your hotel at around 08:00. For the Hoi An and Da Nang options the pickup is earlier, around 06:30 and 07:30, because the drive to the park is longer. Confirm your hotel name when you book.
Important information
- Wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip; the trail has stone steps and can be slippery
- Bring a rain jacket, a hat, insect repellent, sun cream and a change of socks
- Bring a swimsuit if you wish to swim, plus a small towel
- The route is about ten kilometres, so a basic level of fitness is needed
- The tour runs rain or shine, though the route may be adjusted for safety
- Tips for the guide and driver and personal expenses are not included
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Bach Ma hiking day trip cost?
The price depends on the option you choose and the pickup city. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, for adults and children.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in every option, from Hue, Hoi An or Da Nang. Choose your starting city in the booking panel.
How long is the Bach Ma tour?
The Hue option takes about eight hours, the Da Nang option about ten and the Hoi An option about eleven, including transfers.
What is the difference between the options?
The hike is the same. The options differ in where you are collected and returned, and therefore in pickup time and total length of the day.
Is lunch included?
Yes. A picnic lunch is included in every option, together with bottled water, entrance tickets and travel insurance.
Is Bach Ma worth visiting?
Yes, for nature lovers. The cool climate, the forest and the viewpoints make a strong contrast to the beaches and the old city.
Is the hike difficult?
It is a moderate hike of about ten kilometres with steps and some uneven sections. Reasonable fitness and good shoes are enough.
What is the best time to visit Bach Ma?
The drier months from spring to early autumn usually offer clearer views, while the rainy season brings stronger waterfalls and more cloud.
Is the tour suitable for children?
It is not suitable for children under 5 years. Older children who like walking can join.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Yes, if places are available. Pick your date in the booking panel to see availability.
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