Bach Ma National Park is a beautiful nature area located between Hue and Da Nang. It is known for cool weather, green forests, and wide mountain views, making it a great escape from the busy city.
The park covers nearly 37,500 hectares and features waterfalls, walking and trekking trails, high viewpoints, and old French ruins. Visitors can enjoy hiking, taking photos, or simply relaxing in a peaceful natural setting.
Thanks to its convenient location, Bach Ma is a good choice for a day trip or a short getaway when traveling through Central Vietnam.
What You Can Experience at Bach Ma National Park
Bach Ma Park is not just a forest. It’s a full nature experience.
When I go there, I usually feel three things right away: cooler air, quiet sounds, and space to breathe. You can hike through dense forest, chase waterfalls, stand on high viewpoints, or just sit and listen to birds.
Here’s what you can do:
- Walk or hike on mountain trails
- Visit famous waterfalls like Do Quyen Waterfall
- Swim in cold, clear lakes at Five Lakes
- Enjoy panoramic views at the Sea Observatory
- Explore old French villa ruins
- See wildlife like macaques or, if lucky, the red-shanked douc langur
It’s a place I like for both active trips and slow days. Some people come for adventure. Others come just to relax. Both work well here.
Where Bach Ma National Park Is Located and Why It Matters
Bach Ma National Park is located in Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province, right between Hue City and Da Nang City.
- Distance from Hue: about 45–55 km
- Distance from Da Nang: about 60–70 km
The park is part of the Truong Son Mountain Range, and this location is very special. From the summit, you can see Cau Hai Lagoon, Lang Co Bay, Truoi Lake, and layers of mountains stretching far away.
For Central Vietnam, Bach Ma is like a green lung. It protects:
- Tropical forest below 900 meters
- Sub-tropical forest at higher elevations
- Over 2,400 plant species
- More than 1,700 animal species
- Bach Ma covers 37,500 hectares and was officially established in 1991.
How to Get to Bach Ma from Hue and Da Nang
From Hue
From Hue, I usually take National Highway 1A heading south. After reaching Phu Loc, there’s a clear sign pointing toward Bach Ma. From there, a paved road leads straight to the park gate.
Options I recommend:
- Private car or taxi: easy and comfortable, especially for groups
- Motorbike: flexible, but only if you’re confident on mountain roads
For first-time visitors, I suggest booking a private transfer. It saves time and energy. If you’re also exploring Hue, this in-depth Hue history and attractions guide can help you plan better.
From Da Nang
From Da Nang, you can:
- Go through Hai Van Tunnel for speed
- Or take Hai Van Pass for views
I personally like Hai Van Pass when the weather is clear. The coastal scenery is beautiful, and the drive already feels like part of the adventure.
Entrance Fees, Opening Hours, and On-Site Services
Opening hours:
- Daily from 07:30 AM to 05:00 PM
Entrance fees:
- Adults: 65,000 VND
- Children, students, elderly: 25,000 VND
Services inside the park:
- Shuttle car to the summit: 900,000–1,200,000 VND per round trip
- English-speaking guide: 700,000–900,000 VND/day
- Porter services for long hikes
- Prices increase by 30% on holidays and Tet.
From my experience, the shuttle car is worth it if you only have one day. Hiking the full 16 km uphill is tough unless you really love trekking.
Best Time to Visit Bach Ma National Park
The best time to visit this National Park is from December to April, or in June or July.
Why I like this season:
- Dry weather
- Safer trails
- Clear views from the Sea Observatory
- Waterfalls still have enough water
From May to November, rain is common. Trails become slippery, and visibility drops. I’ve gone during rainy months before, and honestly, I didn’t enjoy it as much.
If you want hiking, photos, and easy movement, stick to the dry season.
Must-See Attractions Inside Bach Ma National Park
Do Quyen Waterfall
Do Quyen Waterfall is almost 300 meters high and one of the most impressive waterfalls in Vietnam.
In March and April, rhododendron trees bloom around it. That’s actually how the waterfall got its name.
There’s also a zipline experience here:
- Length: 85 meters
- Price: 120,000 VND per slide
I like standing at the top, looking over the forest. Going down the 900 steps to the foot is tiring, but worth it as a sample of real adventure.
Five Lakes Trail
The Five Lakes area includes five natural lakes connected by streams.
- Trail length: about 1.5 km
- Walking time: around 1 hour
You can swim here, but the water is cold all year. I usually dip my feet first before deciding. Some people love it. Some don’t.
Sea Observatory (Hai Vong Dai)
The Sea Observatory, also called Vong Hai Dai, sits at 1,450 meters above sea level.
From here, you can see:
- Cau Hai Lagoon
- Lang Co Bay
- Truoi Lake
- Truong Son Mountains
Early morning, between 6:00 and 7:00 AM, is best. I’ve seen sunrise here twice, and both times felt unreal.
Old French Villas
Scattered along the road are ruins of old French villas.
These date back to the 1930s when Bach Ma was called the “Dalat of Central Vietnam.” Most are broken now, but walking among them gives a quiet, slightly mysterious feeling.
I like stopping here for photos and short breaks.
Truoi Lake and Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery
Truoi Lake covers about 400 hectares and feels very calm. You can take a boat across the lake to reach Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery.
The monastery sits on a slope above the lake. The atmosphere is peaceful, with pine trees, bells, and simple paths. Even if you’re not religious, it’s a nice place to slow down.
Hobbit Village
At the foot of Bach Ma Mountain, Hobbit Village offers eco-style stays inspired by fantasy design.
Entrance fees:
- Adults: 100,000 VND
- Children (0.9–1.3m): 60,000 VND
I’d call this a fun example of creative eco-tourism rather than a must-see. Neutral for me, but kids love it.
Trekking Trails and Nature Walks
Bach Ma has several trekking trails:
- Summit Trail – a challenging hike leading to the highest viewpoints
- Five Lakes Trail – scenic and refreshing, with natural pools along the way
- Rhododendron Trail – especially beautiful during blooming season
- Pheasant Trail – rich in biodiversity and quieter than other routes
You can hike on your own if you’re confident with mountain terrain. However, from my experience, having a local guide makes a big difference on your first visit. Guides help you understand the plants, wildlife, and history behind the forest, not just the walk itself.
If you prefer a guided experience, you can also check out this guided trekking tour in Bach Ma National Park, which is designed for travelers who want a deeper and safer nature adventure.
Wildlife and Forest Ecosystems
Bach Ma protects both tropical evergreen forest and sub-tropical forest.
Animals here include:
- Red-shanked douc langur
- Macaques
- Deer
- Wild pigs
The park plays a key role in conservation. That’s why rules are strict, and visitors should respect nature.
Practical Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Visit
From my own trips, here are simple tips:
- Wear good shoes with grip. Trails can be steep, wet, and slippery, especially after rain. I’ve seen people struggle in sandals, so proper hiking or sports shoes really help.
- Bring enough water and light snacks. Once you’re deep inside the park, there are no shops. A bottle of water, some fruit, or energy snacks can make your hike much more comfortable.
- Carry basic medicine and insect repellent. I always bring pain relief, bandages, and mosquito spray. It’s better to be ready for small issues than to cut the trip short.
- Travel in groups if possible. Going with friends not only saves transport costs but also feels safer on long trails. Plus, it’s more fun to share the experience.
- Never litter or leave marked trails. Bach Ma is a protected area. Please don’t pick plants, leave trash, or walk off the trail. Respecting nature helps keep the park beautiful for future visitors.
Explore Bach Ma 1 Day with Hura Cars (Private Car)
If you want to explore Bach Ma National Park in one day without rushing, this private car trip with Hura Cars is a comfortable and flexible option. As a Hue local, I’ve found this route perfect for seeing the park’s best spots while still having time to enjoy nature.
Tour highlights:
- Private car transfer from Hue
- Stop at Cau Hai Lagoon fishing village
- Visit Sea Observatory (Hai Vong Dai) with panoramic views
- Short trek to Hai Vong Dai
- Walk the Five Lakes Trail and swim in cold natural pools
- Explore the dramatic Do Quyen Waterfall (nearly 300m high)
- Chance to spot wildlife like red-shanked douc langurs, macaques, and deer
Suggested schedule:
- 08:00 AM: Hotel pickup in Hue
- Morning: Cau Hai Lagoon, Bach Ma Museum, Sea Observatory
- Afternoon: Five Lakes → Do Quyen Waterfall
- 03:00 PM: Return to Hue
Private car prices (per car, not per person):
- Sedan (max 3 pax): 75 USD / 1,690,000 VND
- SUV / MPV (max 5 pax): 85 USD / 1,900,000 VND
- Van (max 10 pax): 105 USD / 2,350,000 VND
Included: clean private car, basic English driver, bottled water, free Wi-Fi
Excluded: entrance fees, guide gratuity
This one-day trip is ideal if you want a real nature escape from Hue while staying comfortable and on schedule. If it’s your first time, one day is enough. If you like nature, two days feel better.
Why Bach Ma National Park Is Worth Visiting
For me, this National Park is special because it combines forest, history, water, and views in one place. It’s close to Hue, easy to reach, and still feels untouched.
I like it because it’s not crowded like some other spots. It’s real, calm, and refreshing. If you’re traveling through Central Vietnam, Bach Ma is not just an option. It’s a place you’ll remember.
If you want more local travel stories, food spots, and real experiences from Hue and Central Vietnam, you can always explore more on huracars.com.vn.