Bach Ma National Park: Hiking, Trekking in Da Nang and Hoi An

An Overview of Bach Ma National Park

Bach Ma national park (Vuon quoc gia Bach Ma in Vietnamese) is a national-level protection area in Thua Thien-Hue province, central Vietnam. It spans 220 km2, covering rich forests of Bach Ma ridge which is a part of the Annamite mountain range (Truong Son range). The highest point, Bach Ma peak, is 1,450 meters above sea level, and in colonial time, the French established a hill station here.

Thanks to a wealthy biodiversity, there are many opportunities to see animals in Bach Ma national park, especially birds. Furthermore, this unspoiled wilderness also has many waterfalls, crystal-clear pools and creeks hidden in jungles, connected with trekking trails. In the summer, it’s busy when locals come to beat the heat and enjoy fresh nature. From its top, the view is just mind blowing.

– Bach Ma national park opening hours: 7 am to 5 pm daily

– Bach Ma national park entrance fee: 60,000 VND for adults, 20,000 VND for children

Fun fact: Bach Ma mountains are usually cloudy, so people name it ‘the White horse mountains’, and then, it’s used for the national park.

Read also: My Son Sanctuary Travel Guide

Weather and Climate in Bach Ma National Park

There are 2 distinct seasons in the year: the rainy season, from September to December, and the drier season, from January to the end of August. Average temperature yearly at Bach Ma national park is 18 to 20^oC, but it will be lower in places of elevation more than 1,200 meters. Of course, when it rains a lot or in the evening, these degrees also decrease. On the coldest day, the temperature drops to 10^oC. Thanks to this pleasant weather, French people established a hill station for relaxation and recreation in the park.

Bach Ma national park is known as one of the wettest spots in Vietnam. The average rainfall yearly here is up to 8,000 mm (highest nationwide). It’s cloudy and rainy here nearly everyday, especially in the afternoon and evening. This feature supports lush forests and a high rate of biodiversity. Also, there is no surprise that the park is the source of many rivers, including the Perfume river and it is home to many waterfalls.

On the way to get from Da Nang or Hoi An to Hue, visitors always see cloudy peaks and untouched forests of Bach Ma national park.

The Best Times to Visit in Bach Ma National Park

The best time to visit Bach Ma national park is from January to September. During this period, it’s drier than the rest of the year so it will be nicer to go sightseeing, hiking and trekking. From April to August, the rainfall is minimum, the sky is always clear and it’s always sunny. That’s perfect for walking, seeing animals and taking photos. Falls and lakes have calm, clear and clean water to jump into and swim around. The disappearance of mosquitos and other scary insects is another advantage of this season.

On the other hand, it rains heavily in the wet season and more than that in Bach Ma national park. Probably, visitors can’t enjoy seeing around. The main road going to the peak faces landslides and flash floods. The accessibility to the park is blocked (of course, it’s closed). Trails inside the forests are slippery and dirty, and pools and streams are dangerous to go swimming in.

Day trippers have to be in Bach Ma national park in the morning, to ensure that time is enough. The park opens until 5 pm only.

How to Get to Bach Ma National Park

Where is Bach Ma National Park?

The ticket office (or visitor center) of Bach Ma national park is in Loc Tri commune, Phu Loc district, Thua Thien-Hue province. Its entrance is 3 km away from the main road – QL1A highway.

Da Nang to Bach Ma National Park

Bach Ma national park is 60 km northwest of Da Nang city centre (via the tunnel). It takes travelers 1 hour and 20 minutes if travel by private car and bus. The price is from 1,200,000 VND for a roundtrip, and the driver will pick up at the hotel (except Son Tra peninsula). Text/call us in whatsapp number +84968009827 to ask for more details and book.

If like riding a motorcycle to get from Da Nang to Bach Ma national park, please find the shortest way to the crossroad Nguyen Tat Thanh St – Nguyen Luong Bang St (on Google maps: 16°06’33.2″N 108°07’49.3″E). A traffic light here. After that, follow Nguyen Luong Bang St, across Nam O bridge and then come to the transfer service center to go through Hai Van tunnel (Google maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/eMmmEarTt1QKGy6r6). The price is around 50,000 VND for one bike and one person. Following the transfer ride, follow Nguyen Van St (along the lagoon shore) and then QL1A highway (30 kilometers left). Before arriving at Phu Loc town, travelers will ride through 2 more tunnels (don’t forget turning on the light, no transfer service needed).

Skip the tunnel? Travelers have to ride up the Hai Van pass, and it’s the only way for motorbikes. The pass ride is 20 kilometers long, and packed with spectacular views.

Note: Although having more experiences if ride to the top of Hai Van pass, we recommend going to Bach Ma national park via the tunnel. Travelers can have more time in the park, with exciting trekking and hiking as a focus.

Hue to Bach Ma National Park

Hue is the nearest city to Bach Ma national park. The distance is only 45 kilometers, so the drive by car will be around 1 hour. The price is from 900,000 VND for two ways, including all fees and taxes. Text/call us in whatsapp number +84968009827 to book a good car and friendly English-speaking driver.

From Hue city center, travelers who ride the motorbike just need to find the quickest (shortest) way to come to QL1A highway. Then, follow it until Phu Loc town (only going straight!). From the crossroad with Tran Dinh Tuc St, turn right and Bach Ma national park entrance is after 4 km. Our advice is to pay attention and be careful while riding because the highway is busy and busiest in the country.

Hoi An to Bach Ma National Park

To get to Bach Ma national park, travelers need to go through Da Nang city. The distance is around 90 km, and the average travel time by car is 2 hours. You can consider using our Hoi An private car and driver.

Bach Ma National Park Trekking Trails (Must Read)

Tri Sao Waterfall Trail

From the park’s entrance, this is the first trekking trail. It starts from km 5, and stretches 2,5 kilometers, with small waterfalls and clear lakes. It’s named after the crested argus – one of the featured animals in Bach Ma national park. 

Do Quyen Waterfall Trail

Starting from km16 (on Google maps: 16°11’45.3″N 107°50’51.2″E), this 1,5-kilometers-long trekking trail ends at Do Quyen waterfall which means ‘the Rhododendron fall’. It falls from the top of a rocky cliff that is 300 meters high, making it the tallest in central Vietnam. Interestingly, here is the source of the Perfume river running through Hue city.

The trail to Do Quyen waterfall is easy to walk, and trekkers will pass by primitive forests, clear streams and pools, and a Lady Buddha statue. On the top of the waterfall, an excellent view and extremely cool breezes are provided. Sure, this is a good place to have a break and immerse yourself into nature. If going with children, keep in mind to guarantee their safety.

To see the entire Do Quyen waterfall, from its foot, it’s needed to walk down nearly 700 stairs. If it’s rainy or wet, quite dangerous to go this way. Additionally, the rails which visitors can use to climb are no longer functional due to lack of maintenance. Please consider your fitness (and health) once you made a decision to walk down and climb up later. The fall itself seen from below is totally worth the effort, and sure, stunning photos can be caught here. In the rainy season, it’s best.  

The Five-Lakes Trail

Ngu Ho trail (or the Five-lakes trail) is 1,5 kilometers long, starting from Do Quyen villa on the main road. It ends at the trail going to Do Quyen waterfall. Like its name, trekkers will see five pools at the foot of small waterfalls with extremely clear, cool water. This series is along a gentle stream running through dense jungles. It’s so wonderful to go swimming in the pools, especially during hot months. Personal swimsuit is what visitors have to bring to Bach Ma national park. Lake 4 and Lake 5 are best for local experts.

Note: The Five-likes trail is most challenging and it connects with Do Quyen waterfall. After seeing the fall, trekkers just need to follow the ‘Do Quyen waterfall trail’ to see the Main road again (many cars park there).

The Bach Ma Summit Trail

This trail starts from the Morin villa (the point when the car road ends), and stretches 800 meters until the Bach Ma summit at an elevation of 1,450 meters. It’s easier than other trails. The bird-eye view from Vong Hai Dai (‘the Pavillion to see the ocean’) is absolutely fascinating, and great for pictures. When the sky is clear, usually in the morning and midday, it’s possible to recognize Truoi lake and Truc Lam Bach Ma zen monastery, Cau Hai lagoon – a part of Southeast Asian largest coastal lagoon network, Lang Co lagoon, the sea, rice fields, villages and hills around them.

Halfway to the peak, the Bach Ma tunnel is a must see. It’s built from October 1973 to January 1974 by local soldiers and communists, and has a length of 214 meters. This tunnel was here because Bach Ma peak is very important, strategic for military tactics. Before the area was controlled by Vietnamese people (and it’s built), the American army constructed a field airbase. Inside the tunnel, there are shelters, rest rooms, and a meeting room for 15 to 20 persons. In 2009, it became a national historical monument.  

Cho Den Forest Trail

This is the 2^nd trail from Bach Ma visitor center, after Tri Sao waterfall trail. Its name means “white seraya forest trail” so trekkers will see many big-size trees.

Bach Ma National Park Hiking

To reach Bach Ma summit at an elevation of 1,450 meters from Bach Ma national park’s entrance, visitors will have a 16-kilometers-long hike. It includes the Bach Ma summit trail from Morin’s villa. In fact, the trail is the Main car road so unfortunately, it doesn’t go through forests and opportunities to watch animals are minimal. However, generally the views are beautiful and it’s safe. There are many cars and motorbikes driving up in the morning. People are willing to help if they can.

Note: After 8:30 am, visitors are allowed to hike up the mountain (from the visitor center/ticket office). The latter have to use the transfer service.

After 13 km hiking, the Do Quyen waterfall trail is to the right hand side. Hikers can go this way for 1,5 kilometers to see and photograph the tallest waterfall of the region (300 m). The rocks around its top is a good spot to have a break and view nature. After that, experience the Five-lakes trail (don’t have to be back to the Main road) with beautiful clear pools to swim. The end of this trail is the Main road (Do Quyen villa). To reach the summit, follow the Main road again and the length is 3 km. Amazing panoramic views from Bach Ma peak is worth the effort.

Note: Save phone number of persons in the ticket office (to use in emergency situations) and leave personal information there (full name, phone number, email).

Transfer Service in Bach Ma National Park

The Prices

If don’t hike to the top of Bach Ma national park, visitors can book a private transfer at the ticket office. The price is the same between Vietnamese and non-Vietnamese people, but it depends on the size of the group. For locals, it’s 1,000,000 VND (from 1 to 6 passengers) and 1,200,000 VND (7 to 12 passengers) for a round trip. About one way only, from the ticket office up to the peak or the peak down the ticket office, it’s 900,000 VND.

Foreign visitors will pay 1,000,000 VND if book for 1 to 4 people, and 1,200,000 VND for 5 to 8 people for one roundtrip. It’s 900,000 VND for one way.

If just want to book the way down from Bach Ma peak only, please save the number of the ticket office or any drivers you see en route. It’s extremely important. Inside the park, sometimes people can’t use phone due to no or weak electromagnetic waves.

*All prices are updated in 2023

Pros and Cons

Day trippers may not have time enough to hike to Bach Ma summit (we mean 16 km-long hike!) and complete three major trekking trails. Besides that, in one day, it’s needed to drive to the park, have breakfast, take proper breaks, take pictures, go swimming in pools, and grab something for lunch. For that reason, to cover everything, day trippers should use the transfer service. For a group, it’s inexpensive. Adrenaline seekers can get it one way (up or down depending on personal thinking).

For those who stay overnight in Bach Ma national park (and have good physical health), why not hike to the top through? It’s a kool expedition outside of Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue cities. Please check the prices of different accommodation options below. For professionals, Bach Ma hike is the most interesting in the region.

Wildlife in Bach Ma National Park

Bach Ma national park boasts one of the richest natural ecosystems in Vietnam. It’s home to 2,420 floral species (17% nationally), including 204 endemic species that are only found in the park and the country. This park also has a wealth of fauna species. Here, scientists recorded 1,720 species of animal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, and invertebrates. 15 of which are endemic, including 13 birds. That’s why Bach Ma national park is among the most important bird areas in Vietnam. Watching birds (and photography) here is definitely not to miss for wildlife lovers. The dry season is the best time to see birds in Bach Ma’s forests. Many bees, spiders and butterflies are named after the park because they’re seen firstly in it.

Fact: Saola or ‘Asian unicorn’ lives in Bach Ma national park. It’s known by us late, discovered in 1993 and is one of the rarest large mammals in the world.

History of Bach Ma National Park

Bach Ma Hill Station

Like Ba Na hills, Bach Ma mountain was a hill station of French people while they colonized Vietnam in the 1930s and 1940s. It served French people, upper classes (like kings, queens) and tourists, especially those who stayed in Hue capital city. Over time, 139 private villas were built by these jet-setters, around Bach Ma summit, together with other constructions (post office, restaurants, tennis course, military post, etc). To get there, a car road connecting the north-south highway and railway was designed and built by around 500 local workers. Today, French houses still remain. Several of the villas are preserved and used for tourists.

In the second world war – around 1945, the Japanese army occupied the hill station. After that, American and South Vietnam armies continued controlling it, and a field air base was added. The reason is that from Bach Ma peak, soldiers can see everything below, lands and sea (so very important in wars). In 1973, local communists took over this area until the Vietnam war ended.

Since then, there have been many projects to invest into Bach Ma national park and make it become an internationally famous tourist attraction. However, due to different reasons, none of them come true. The reasons may be serious impacts on the environment or competition coming from Ba Na hills which is not far away.

Bach Ma National Park History

In 1925, French planned to protect forests of Bach Ma range where rare crested argus live. In 1986, the Vietnam’s president of the Councils of ministers designated a network of impenetrable forests around the country. Bach Ma was one of them. In 1991, Bach Ma national park was established, within Thua Thien-Hue province and in 2008, it’s extended to Quang Nam province.

Bach Ma National Park Tours and Day Trips

See details in Bach Ma National Park Day Trip

From Da Nang

Like any day trips from Da Nang, Bach Ma national park tour departs in the morning (or at request). The car/bus will pick up at the hotel in Da Nang’s city centre, and after an hour drive, arrives at the park’s entrance. Hai Van pass isn’t in the itinerary.

The tour includes 2-ways transfer to Bach Ma summit by car or minivan, depending on size of the group. Local organizers recommend experiencing the Peak trail first, to go to Bach Ma tunnels, Vong Hai Dai and see the panoramic view from there. The Five-lakes trail and Do Quyen waterfall trail are within afternoon reschedule, after the lunch in an old French villa.

Text/call us in whatsapp number +84968009827 to make a reservation for your own private tour from Da Nang to Bach Ma national park.

From Hue

Hue city is nearer than Da Nang and Hoi An cities. Meaning that if going from Hue, travelers have more time in Bach Ma national park. About the price, it may be cheaper too. Please see the tour’s reschedule above.

From Hoi An

To go to Bach Ma national park from Hoi An, travelers need to go early in the morning because of the long distance. The itinerary is the same as Da Nang and one thing different is the longer drive (see details above). You can see other day tours from Hoi An in https://centralvietnamguide.com/hoi-an-day-tours/.

Bach Ma National Park Accommodation

To stay overnight in Bach Ma national park, visitors can hire a tent or book a hotel room. The only place legally allowed is Thong Nang camping site at km 17. The rental price is 250,000 VND for a tent housing 3 to 4 people and for one night. Must-pay fees are 60,000 VND/adult or 30,000 VND/children, for cleaning and electricity and 300,000 VND per group for security/monitoring. If like to make a barbecue party or bonfire night, visitors can pay for grills, coals, drinks, meats and veggies for the park. It’s possible to bring your own tent, water, lamp, and foods but not for cooking.

There are 4 hotel options to choose from: Bao An villa, Do Quyen villa, Kim Giao villa and Phong Lan villa. Bao An villa has 3 single rooms, and each costs 750,000 VND for one night, excluding breakfast. Kim Giao villa has 6 single rooms and 1 double room, charging from 650,000 to 850,000 VND each night. There are 6 double rooms in Phong Lan villa, and the price is 950,000 VND, without breakfast. Lastly, Do Quyen villa has 4 single rooms and 4 double rooms, and their price ranges from 650,000 to 1,250,000 VND. Additional fee or service charge is 150,000 VND. To make a reservation, please contact directly or through online sites.

*Prices are updated in 2023

Fact: Bach Ma is less touristy, more isolated and peaceful than Ba Na hills. Guests will enjoy pleasant weather, pristine nature, hiking and trekking activities, and rich wildlife.

Other Sights in Bach Ma National Park

In the boundaries of Bach Ma national park, there are many other stunning points to visit, not just the peak area. Here is the list:

– Truoi lake and Truc Lam Bach Ma zen monastery: please see details in https://centralvietnamguide.com/truc-lam-bach-ma-zen-monastery

– Thac Truot – Bach Ma village: a complex of pools and accommodations along a river running down from Bach Ma peak, 2 km away from the national park’s entrance. Standard entry ticket is 100,000 VND. 

– Nhi Ho stream: a series of rock pools along a river from the national park, with huts where visitors can relax and eat. It’s crowded during the weekend and Vietnam’s national holidays.

– Thac Mo (‘the Dream waterfall’): a pretty waterfall in Huong Phu commune, Nam Dong district