Trekking Bach Ma National Park offers an unforgettable journey to Five Lakes, Do Quyen Waterfall, Hai Vong Dai viewpoint, with jungle hiking and a picnic lunch.
Trekking in Bach Ma was an amazing experience, allowing me to immerse myself in pristine nature and admire the panoramic views from the Hai Vong Dai viewpoint. The challenging forest trails leading to Do Quyen Waterfall were truly an unforgettable highlight of my journey exploring Vietnam.
Why did I choose to trek in Bach Ma National Park?
Before coming to Vietnam, I had quite a bit of experience trekking through different terrains, but honestly, I was still a little hesitant when planning my travel Vietnam itinerary with so many options to choose from.
A local friend of mine confidently said, “If you want to see a truly different Vietnam—peaceful and pristine—come to Bach Ma.” Hearing that proud recommendation, I decided to leave behind the bustling destinations and seek out this central Vietnamese forest.
Bach Ma welcomed me with a pleasantly cool atmosphere, reminiscent of the highlands I had traveled through, but with its own unique characteristics: dense tropical forests.
What fascinated me most was the blend of history and nature, walking through the ruins of old French villas hidden in the mist gave me a feeling that was both mysterious and ancient.
This destination was truly a perfect change of pace, where I could enjoy absolute tranquility by the Five Lakes or stand at the viewpoint to take in the vast expanse of the bay.
Experiencing a one-day Bach Ma trekking tour firsthand
In my opinion, Trekking Bach Ma National Park on a one-day tour isn’t too strenuous but is still very appealing, priced at only 1,205,000 VND (approximately 72 AUD). This is an ideal option for exploring the Five Lakes and Do Quyen Waterfall comprehensively while saving time.
#1. What does my daily schedule look like?
The trip started early in the morning when a car picked me up from Hue. After about an hour’s drive, we stopped at the national park entrance to complete the procedures.
Morning: the journey began when the tour bus picked me up at my hotel in central Hue. After about 60 minutes of travel, we arrived at the entrance to the National Park. There, the whole group transferred to a specialized shuttle bus to traverse 15km of winding mountain roads in about 30 minutes to reach the summit.
Our first stop was Vong Hai Dai, the highest point of Bach Ma Mountain at an altitude of 1,450m. From here, I was truly overwhelmed by the panoramic view of Lang Co Bay and the emerald green Cau Hai Lagoon emerging from the clouds.
After taking a deep breath of the fresh air, we began our actual trekking journey through forest trails to reach the magical Five Lakes system.
Noon: after leaving Vong Hai Dai, we trekked along forest trails for about 30-45 minutes to reach the Five Lakes system. Here, we stopped to rest and had a picnic lunch right by the lake with light but energizing dishes such as sticky rice with chicken, sandwiches, and fruit for dessert.
The feeling of eating while listening to the sound of the stream flowing through the primeval forest was very relaxing. I also took the opportunity to jump into the cool water of Lake No. 3, an extremely refreshing experience that helped dispel all fatigue.
Afternoon: from Ngu Ho, we continued trekking for another 45-60 minutes through dense forest paths to reach the biggest challenge: Do Quyen Waterfall. To see the entire majestic waterfall, over 300 meters high, I had to conquer nearly 700 steep stone steps.
Although my legs were a little tired, the sight of the water cascading down from the sheer cliff was truly worth it, definitely one of the best what to do experiences in the area. Afterwards, a car picked us up at the meeting point, and we returned to the city as the afternoon was coming to an end.
What impressed me most was the sudden change in temperature, at this altitude, the climate consistently remains between 18–25°C, which is extremely pleasant compared to the stifling heat of the city. Bach Ma possesses a very special beauty, where moss-covered old French villas are hidden in the mist, evoking a sense of mystery and nostalgia.
The tropical forests here are very dense and lush, and occasionally I could hear the calls of strange birds, giving me a feeling of absolute peace, as if I were being embraced by nature.
#2. Who is this tour suitable for?
In my opinion, this one-day trekking tour is the perfect choice for nature lovers who want to find a quiet space to refresh themselves.
It’s also ideal for travelers with limited time who still want to fully experience the unique characteristics of Vietnam’s tropical rainforest.
However, because there is a rather steep section of stone steps at Do Quyen Waterfall, this tour is more suitable for those with good health who enjoy a bit of physical activity.
#3. Strengths and weaknesses of the tour
Besides the stunning natural scenery, the Bach Ma trekking tour also has its own unique terrain and weather characteristics that you need to be aware of. Below is my objective view of its advantages as well as a few minor limitations.
Strengths: the biggest advantage is the diversity of scenery, in just one day, you can see mountains, the sea, lakes, and waterfalls. The mild climate allows you to stay active all day without getting too tired. Furthermore, it’s very convenient to travel from Hue or Da Nang.
Limitations: due to the rainforest environment, the humidity is very high, so rocks around streams are often slippery and require good-grip shoes. You may also encounter leeches on humid days, so long socks and insect repellent are essential, especially if combining the trip with zipline Hue Vietnam for extra adventure.
What’s in the 2-day, 1-night Bach Ma trekking tour?
If you’re a fan of long hikes and want to truly “live” with nature instead of just making a fleeting visit, then choosing the 2-day, 1-night Bach Ma trekking tour will definitely offer you a completely different perspective. Specifically:
- Experience camping in the heart of the wilderness: instead of having to leave the forest before dark, you get to sleep in a tent right in the middle of the National Park. The feeling of lighting a campfire and waking up to the sound of forest birds is something a day tour will never offer.
- Dinner party in a heritage setting: you will have dinner in a building constructed during the French colonial era (1930s), offering a nostalgic and mysterious atmosphere deep in the forest.
- An opportunity to observe rare animals: the best times to spot the “queen of primates,” the brown-footed langur or the large black squirrel, foraging for food are early morning at 6 am or late afternoon at 4 pm.
- Enjoy the sunset and sunrise: you’ll have plenty of time to witness the sunset from the 1,450m high mountain peak and watch the clouds drift with the wind the next morning in the purest air.
- Speed of experience: this tour has a difficulty level of 5/10, with a more relaxed schedule that allows you to “chill,” take photos, and swim in the stream instead of constantly moving to make it on time for the pickup.
Additionally, the price for this tour is around 3,030,000 VND (about 180 AUD). This includes transportation, camping equipment, meals, and a professional guide.
05 things to note when trekking Bach Ma National Park
To make your first Trekking Bach Ma National Park trip to the “paradise on earth” Bach Ma Mountain as safe and enjoyable as possible, you need thorough preparation in both equipment and mindset. Below are 5 important tips I’ve learned from my own experience:
- Choose shoes with good grip: the terrain around the waterfall and lake is very slippery, so a pair of specialized trekking shoes will help you avoid injury and move more confidently.
- Warm and waterproof clothing: the weather on the mountaintop changes quickly and is quite cold, so you should bring a windbreaker or a light sweater to keep warm.
- Leech prevention: a common sight in tropical forests is leeches, so wear long pants, high socks, and bring insect repellent.
- Physical preparation: to conquer the nearly 700 steep steps at Do Quyen Waterfall, you should practice climbing stairs or jogging lightly a week before your trip.
- The zero-waste principle: always carry your own water bottle and absolutely do not leave any trash in the forest in order to protect the pristine ecosystem of the national park.
Conclusion
Whether you choose a day trip or an overnight stay in the heart of the jungle, Trekking Bach Ma National Park will certainly not disappoint you with its pristine beauty and rare fresh air. This is the ideal journey to “disconnect” and recharge amidst nature. Pack your bags and discover this “paradise on earth” for yourself!
