If you're looking for an adventure in central Vietnam, this Bach Ma National Park ultimate travel guide has everything you need to know. Located between Da Nang and Hue, Bach Ma is a paradise for nature lovers. The park is home to lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. You can trek to breathtaking viewpoints, camp under the stars, and explore hidden trails. Whether you're into hiking, cycling, or just soaking in nature, Bach Ma has something for you. This guide will help you plan your trip with useful tips, must-visit spots, and practical advice.
 

Overview of Bach Ma National Park

Bach Ma National Park is one of the best places in Vietnam for nature lovers. It is located in central Vietnam, about 40 kilometers from Hue and 65 kilometers from Da Nang. The park covers 37,000 hectares (370 km²) and has mountains, forests, rivers, and waterfalls. It is home to hundreds of animal species and thousands of plant species, making it one of the most biodiverse places in the country.

The highest peak in the park is Bach Ma Mountain, which stands at 1,450 meters. The French discovered this area in the 1930s and turned it into a hill station. They built more than 100 villas for the wealthy to escape the summer heat. Many of these buildings are now abandoned, but you can still see their ruins.

A fun fact about Bach Ma is that it is one of the wettest places in Vietnam. It gets heavy rainfall, especially during the rainy season from September to December. This is one reason why the park has so many waterfalls and streams.

Bach Ma National Park entrance fee: The fee is 60,000 VND per adult and 30,000 VND for children, students, and people aged 60 and over.
 

Is Bach Ma National Park worth visiting?

Bach Ma National Park is definitely worth it if you enjoy nature and don’t mind a bit of hiking. The park has some of the best trekking trails in Vietnam. You can explore deep forests, climb mountains, and see stunning waterfalls. One of the best hikes is the Five Lakes Trail, where you walk through the jungle and find five beautiful lakes connected by waterfalls. Another great spot is Do Quyen Waterfall, a massive 300-meter waterfall with breathtaking views.

Bach Ma National Park is also a great place for wildlife lovers. The park has rare animals like the red-shanked douc langur and the Annamite striped rabbit. However, spotting them is not easy because they usually stay deep in the forest, and some of them are nocturnal.

One downside of Bach Ma National Park is that there are not many restaurants or places to stay within the park. Bring lots of water if you plan to spend the day hiking. Also, the weather can change quickly. It can be hot and humid one moment and rainy the next, so bringing a raincoat is a good idea.
 

How to visit Bach Ma National Park?

Bach Ma National Park is located between Da Nang and Hue, making it easy to visit from either city. However, since public transportation is limited, planning ahead is important. Here’s how to get to Bach Ma National Park:
 

From Da Nang

The distance from this city to the park Park is about 65 kilometers. Here are a few ways to reach Bach Ma National Park from Da Nang:

• By Motorbike: Renting a motorbike is a good option if you like flexibility. The drive takes around 2 hours, and the route follows the scenic Hai Van Pass before turning onto Highway 1A. From there, you take a smaller road to the park entrance. Be prepared for winding roads and steep climbs.

• By Private Car or Taxi: If you prefer comfort, hiring a private car or taxi is the best choice.

• By Bus + Taxi: You can take a bus from Da Nang to Phu Loc town (about 50 kilometers), then hire a taxi to the park entrance.

From Hue

The distance from Hue to Bach Ma National Park is about 40 kilometers, making it a quicker trip compared to Da Nang. Here are your options:

• By Motorbike: The ride from Hue takes about 1.5 hours. The road is in good condition, but the final stretch to the park entrance is a bit challenging due to steep slopes. If you’re comfortable riding, this is an adventurous and budget-friendly choice.

• By Private Car or Taxi: A private car from Hue to Bach Ma National Park costs around 900,000 VND for a round trip. It’s a comfortable and hassle-free option.

• By Bus + Taxi: Like the route from Da Nang, you can take a bus from Hue to Phu Loc and then a taxi to the park entrance. This option is budget-friendly but takes more effort.

• By Tour: Many travel agencies in Hue offer day tours to Bach Ma National Park. These usually include transport, a guide, and entrance fees. Prices start from around 750,000 VND per person.
   

Getting around in Bach Ma National Park

Once you reach the entrance, the main attractions are still quite far. Here’s how to get around inside the park:

• Hiking: Most of the best spots, like the Five Lakes Trail and Do Quyen Waterfall, require trekking. Make sure to wear good shoes and bring enough water.

• Shuttle Car: If you don’t want to hike up the mountain, you can take a park shuttle car. The round-trip cost is about 900,000 VND per vehicle, so it’s best to share with other visitors to save money.

• Motorbikes are not allowed inside the park, so you need to leave them at the parking spot before going in.
   

Bach Ma National Park things to do

Trekking & Camping

Bach Ma National Park has some of the best trekking trails in Vietnam. The hikes take you through thick forests, waterfalls, and mountain viewpoints.

Five Lakes (Ngu Ho) – Do Quyen Waterfall

This is the most popular trek in the park. It takes about 4–5 hours and is best for those who love nature and don’t mind a bit of climbing.

• Five Lakes (Ngu Ho): This trail leads you to five beautiful lakes, each with crystal-clear water. You can swim in some of them, but be careful of slippery rocks.
   
• Do Quyen Waterfall: This is the highlight of the trail. The waterfall drops 300 meters down a steep cliff, creating a stunning view. You can take the 689 steps to the bottom for a close-up look, but the climb back up is tiring. If you visit around March, you’ll see beautiful Rhododendron flowers (Do Quyen) blooming around the waterfall.
   

Dipterocarp Forest (Rừng Chò Đen) – Tri Sao Waterfall

This is a longer and more challenging trek. It takes you deep into the forest, where you can see clusters of ancient White Seraya trees, some 30 meters tall and 1 meter wide. Tri Sao Waterfall is hidden in the jungle, and fewer people visit this spot. Since it’s a long trek, you need to stay overnight in the forest. If lucky, you might also be able to see the Argus pheasant, the bird that the waterfall is named after.
 

Hai Vong Dai (Sea Observatory Tower)

This is an easy 30-minute hike from the main road. The tower stands at 1,450 meters and offers a panoramic view of the park, the coastline, and even Da Nang on a clear day. If you want a short hike with great views, this is the best option.

Exploring Wildlife & Nature

Animals in the park

The park has over 1,400 species of animals, including monkeys, deer, and rare creatures like the white-cheeked gibbon, red-shanked douc langur and the Annamite striped rabbit. These animals are shy, so you need to be quiet and patient if you want to see them.
 

Bird watching

Bach Ma is one of the best places for birdwatching in Vietnam. There are over 350 species of birds, including pheasants, hornbills, and eagles. The best time for birdwatching is early morning or late afternoon. Bring binoculars for a better view.

Cycling to Bach Ma peak

If you love cycling, you can join a guided bike tour to Bach Ma Peak. The ride goes uphill, and it is quite challenging, so a team of guides and medical staff will accompany you. Support cars follow the group to assist in case you need help or can’t continue.

This is a one-way tour—cycling downhill is strictly prohibited for safety reasons. After reaching the peak, cars will transport you and your bike back down. You must book the tour at least 5–7 days in advance, as you need permission from the Park Management Board.

Visit Truc Lam Zen Monastery

This peaceful monastery is located within the national park, accessible via a boat ride on Truoi Lake, a serene mountainside lake covering 400 hectares. It is a great place to relax after a long trek. The monastery has a beautiful pagoda, a meditation hall, and views of the surrounding mountains.

Nearby attractions

If you have extra time, you can visit other places near Bach Ma National Park:

• Lang Co Beach: A beautiful beach with clear water, just 30 minutes from the park. It’s a great place to relax after a day of hiking.
• Elephant Springs (Suoi Voi): A natural swimming spot with big rocks and waterfalls, about 15 kilometers from the park.
• Tam Giang Lagoon: One of the largest lagoons in Southeast Asia, known for its floating fishing villages and stunning sunsets.
   

Can you stay in Bach Ma National Park?

Yes, you can stay overnight in Bach Ma National Park. There are three options: camping, homestays, and villas.

Camping

Bach Ma has several open, flat spaces for camping. The designated camping area is at Km17 near the mountain peak. The camping fee is 60,000 VND per adult and 30,000 VND per child.

Homestays and motels

If you prefer basic accommodation, there are homestays and motels at the foot of the mountain. These are run by local families and cost around 300,000 VND per night. Most offer food and drinks.

Villas

For more comfort, you can stay at one of the villas near the top of Bach Ma:

• Do Quyen Villa
• Kim Giao Villa
• Phong Lan Villa

These provide a peaceful stay surrounded by nature.

Useful information before you visit Bach Ma National Park

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Bach Ma is from March to September when the weather is dry and ideal for trekking. The rainy season (October–February) makes trails slippery and harder to navigate.

Food & Drinks in the park

Bach Ma has a few restaurants operated under the Park Management Board. Their menus are limited, so it’s best to book meals in advance.

• Breakfast: Pho, vermicelli, beef noodles
• Lunch/Dinner: Rice dishes and set meals (80,000–220,000 VND per portion)
• Group meals: BBQ or seafood menus available upon request
• Snacks & Drinks: Available at the restaurants
   

Things to prepare

• Clothing: Wear light clothes and bring a thin jacket, as the weather changes throughout the day.
• Shoes: Wear comfortable sneakers for trekking.
• Medical Kit: Bring essentials like cold medicine, insect repellent, antiseptic, and bandages.
• Camera/Phone: Capture the park’s stunning views.
• Camping Gear: If you plan to camp, bring a tent, tarp, and food. You can also contact Bach Ma Environmental Education Center (Tel: 0234 3871330) for more support.
   

Notes

• Motorbikes and cars with more than 16 seats are not allowed to drive up to Bach Ma Peak.
• Littering, cutting trees, and damaging nature are strictly prohibited—violators may be fined.
   

Conclusion

A Bach Ma National Park Tour is a must for those who love nature and adventure. With its scenic trails, refreshing waterfalls, and rich wildlife, it offers an unforgettable experience. Whether you want to hike to Do Quyen Waterfall, camp at the top, or explore the park’s diverse ecosystem, this Bach Ma National Park ultimate travel guide gives you all the details to make the most of your trip. Plan ahead, respect the environment, and enjoy the beauty of one of Vietnam’s best national parks!

>>> A destination worth exploring nearby: Tam Giang Lagoon Hue: A Hidden Gem In Central Vietnam