1 Day in Bach Ma National Park | Complete Guide
For Trekking and Nature Lovers
If you want to experience the fresh atmosphere and escape the hustle and bustle of Hue for a truly wild nature adventure, a day trip to Bach Ma National Park will not disappoint you.
Nicknamed “paradise on earth” for nature lovers, Bach Ma National Park has gained its reputation not only as a conservation area for rare ecosystems but also for its captivating and tranquil natural beauty.
At an average altitude of 1,450 meters and just 10 kilometers from the sea, Bach Ma enjoys a very pleasant climate. Covering an area of 37,487 hectares, the park consists of three zones:
- A strictly protected central zone,
- An administrative zone,
- A buffer zone.
It still preserves a vast area of pristine forest, with a diverse flora of 2,147 species and a fauna of over 1,500 species, including 93 species listed in both the Vietnamese and global Red Lists.
Additionally, Bach Ma National Park is located in a mountainous area, exactly on the border between former North and South Vietnam. Here, you can witness a unique blend of both landscapes, making Bach Ma much more diverse than other national parks in Vietnam. With waterfalls, lush forests, and blooming rhododendrons, this region is absolutely breathtaking.
History of Bach Ma
In 1932, the summit of Bach Ma was chosen by French engineer Girard to become a mountain retreat for the colonial administration of Hue.
To accommodate vacationers and avoid traveling 19 kilometers to the next major city, a post office, a market, and a hospital were built. By 1937, the number of holiday homes had reached 139, and the area became known as “The Dalat of Central Vietnam.”
This region witnessed intense fighting in the early 1950s during the Vietnam War. After the French left, Bach Ma was soon forgotten, and its villas were abandoned. There has been little development in the park since the early 20th century, and the area still houses a small collection of French colonial villas, which have now been transformed into charming guesthouses nestled within the dense forests.
The Legend of Bach Ma
The name Bach Ma means “White Horse”, named after the white cloud that surrounds the mountain peak. According to legend, the gods once rode their horses on this mountain to play chess.
While they were playing, the horses wandered off in search of grass. The horses became so engrossed in grazing that the gods waited for them for a long time. Eventually, the gods had to fly back to heaven without them.
The abandoned horses roamed the mountains, transforming into clouds resembling white horses, waiting all year for their masters to return. This is how Bach Ma got its name.
How to Reach the Summit of Bach Ma?
Road to the Summit
Bach Ma National Park is located 40 km from Hue, 60 km from Da Nang, and 90 km from Hoi An.
Minibus from the Park Entrance
A 16-seater minibus is available at the entrance of Bach Ma National Park, operating from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
- One-way ticket: 600,000 VND
- Round trip: 1,000,000 VND
The minibus takes you 15 kilometers uphill, reaching the summit at kilometer 18.
Private Car from Hoi An or Hue (Recommended Option)
This is the option I personally chose—a private car from Hoi An or Hue, as these vehicles are allowed to take visitors directly to the summit. I preferred this option for greater freedom while exploring the park.
• From Hoi An to Bach Ma: 1,450,000 VND (4-seater car)
• Additional cost to reach the summit: 800,000 VND
If you’re looking for an affordable service, Hoi An Transport Service offers some of the best prices for private cars in Hoi An.
Hiking to the Summit
For those who love trekking, you can reach the summit on foot, but be prepared for a 6-hour hike.
Note: Bicycles, motorbikes, and scooters are not allowed inside the park.
Entry Fees & Additional Information
The entrance fee for Bach Ma National Park is 65,000 VND per adult and 25,000 VND per child. Upon entry, you will receive a detailed park map, which includes the various hiking trails, as well as the locations of restaurants and guesthouses.
English-Speaking Guides
English-speaking guides are available at the entrance of the park. The price varies depending on the day:
- Monday to Friday: 700,000 VND per day
- Saturday and Sunday: 900,000 VND per day
Best Time to Visit Bach Ma
The climate in Bach Ma is pleasant from March to September. At the mountain summit, you can enjoy cool temperatures, even when the cities below are scorching hot. However, if you visit between October and January, you will experience a peaceful and less crowded atmosphere.
What to See in Bach Ma National Park?
Throughout the park, you will find several hiking trails ranging from 1 to 2 km, all marked with wooden signs. Among them, I highly recommend four must-visit spots in Bach Ma National Park:
Vong Hai Dai
The highest point of Bach Ma National Park, standing at 1,450 meters above sea level, offers a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes. There is also an interesting exhibition on the history of the area.
At this spot, you will also find two former French villas, now converted into guesthouses, located just across from the parking area.
You may come across underground tunnels, but I strongly advise against exploring them without a guide. This is to avoid any unpleasant encounters, especially with snakes.
Five Lakes (Ngũ Hồ – Five Lakes)
A 30-minute walk along the trail leads to a stunning series of poetic waterfalls and dreamy blue lakes. The Five Lakes are a group of interconnected lakes at different altitudes, with the third lake being considered the most beautiful, according to many visitors.
This particular lake has a perfectly round shape, resembling a full moon. Water cascades from a height of six meters, forming a magnificent silver-white curtain that glistens under the sunlight, creating a truly enchanting landscape.
Do Quyen Waterfall
One of the must-see attractions in Bach Ma National Park, Do Quyen Waterfall is at its most spectacular in spring. Located at an altitude of about 300 meters, the waterfall is stunning year-round, with lively white foamy streams.
The waterfall is named Do Quyen because of the rhododendron flowers that grow abundantly around it, usually blooming in March. Words cannot fully capture the beauty of these flowers—visitors must see them for themselves to truly appreciate their charm.
Truot Waterfall
Truot Waterfall is located in the buffer zone of Bach Ma National Park, at the foot of a 1,500-meter-high mountain range, surrounded by lush, untouched jungle.
Also known as the “Slide Waterfall,” it features a large rock at its center, naturally shaped by the flowing water into a natural water slide. The thin layer of moss covering the rocks acts like a natural lubricant, making it a fun and refreshing experience for adventurous visitors.
Truc Lam Zen Monastery
At the foot of Bach Ma Mountain, you will find Truc Lam Zen Monastery, peacefully situated beside a lake. The complex consists of several buildings and Buddha statues, offering a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
Visitors can reach the monastery by taking a 15-minute boat ride across the lake, followed by a staircase ascent leading to the monastery.
Discover the Wildlife & Flora
Bach Ma National Park is home to over 1,400 plant species and a diverse range of rare animals, including millions of bird species and hundreds of monkeys.
A visit to Bach Ma National Park offers an invaluable opportunity to witness these precious ecosystems up close, making it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.