#Da Nang Tourist Information, Hoi An Tourist Information

Bach Ma National Park Guide – How to Visit Bach Ma National Park

For those who love nature, Bach Ma National Park is a must see attraction in Da Nang, Hue and Hoi An area. It’s famous for a richness of wild animals and plants, tall waterfalls hidden away in dense and untouched forests as well as peaceful trekking trails. The highest point here is 1,444 meters above sea level. Now, let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company provide all information about Bach Ma National Park.

You may also like: Son Tra Nature Reserve, Ba Na Nui Chua Nature Reserve, Cham Islands

• Content by Tam Le, founder of HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD

• Designed by Giang Cong Minh, co-founder of LS E&C LTD and his team

• Photo by Dang Cong Loi, Dao Xuan Son, Tam Le & others

Must Knows about Bach Ma National Park

– Location/address: Loc Tri commune, Phu Loc district, Hue city, Vietnam

– Other name(s): Hue National Park

– Elevation/altitude:

– Opening hour(s): 7:30 AM to 5 PM daily

– Ticket price: 65,000 VND/adult

– Getting there: car/van/bus

– Reason(s) to visit: one of the richest national parks in Vietnam, trekking trails with beautiful waterfalls, opportunities to watch animals

– Best time to visit: dry season (February to September), sunny days

– Time to spend: at least 1/2 day

– Emblem: Vietnam crested argus

– Recognition(s): national park, ASEAN heritage park

– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/bach-ma-national-park

– Official website: www.bachmapark.com.vn

– Food & drink: yes available

– Shopping: not available

– Tour guide: contact +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com

– Fact: Bach Ma National Park is the wettest place in Vietnam because the rainfall here is highest in the country (7,000-8,000mm per year);

Bach Ma National Park on Map

History of Bach Ma National Park

In 1925, French scientists suggested establishing a conservation area in Bach Ma Mountain to protect the Edwards’s pheasant (Lophura edwardsi), an endemic bird to the seasonal tropical forests in central Vietnam. It is named after the French ornithologist Alphonse Milne-Edwards and first described to science in 1896. The total area for this park may be up to 50,000 hectares.

In 1932, Bach Ma summit was discovered by French people as an ideal location to build one hill station. Ten years later, there are about 140 buildings constructed in this place (including villas, Morin and Bany hotels, post office, market, shops,…), stretching from 1,200 to 1,444 meters above sea level. A 19-kilometers-long road was built to go up to this place from the trans-Vietnam highway (present-day Highway 1A). Currently, it’s still in use but wider than in the past.

Before World war II, Bach Ma hill station was a must stop destination in the tour itinerary across Vietnam, as famous as Ba Na hill station (present-day Ba Na Hills).

In 1945, French people withdrew from Vietnam and by that, abandoned Bach Ma hill station.

During the Vietnam War (1955 to 1975), Bach Ma summit became an important military point thanks to its height. In August 1973, an airfield was constructed here by the US army. On 5th September 1973, Vietnamese people attacked this place and then captured 38 American soldier, killed 25 American soldiers and took all of their weapons. After that, some tunnels were dug to provide hiding places for soldiers while they protected the point and Highway 1 in the below area.

On 9th August 1986, a strictly-protected forest area was established in Bach Ma mountain. On 15th July 1991, Bach Ma National Park was officially established with a total area of around 22,000 hectares. In 2008, it’s extended to nearly 37,500 hectares.

In 2018, the cable car to Bach Ma summit was planned, but then cancelled because of ecological and environmental issues. This cable car would be 4 kilometers long if constructed.

Bach Ma National Park Entrance Fee & Ticket

Bach Ma National Park entrance fee is 65,000 VND for adults and 25,000 VND for children. Currently, these fees include the entry to the park, trekking trails, waterfall,… and exclude transport from park entrance to the summit, tour guide, food, beverage.

Visitors will buy entrance tickets at the visitor center of Bach Ma National Park near its entrance. It’s needed to pay by cash (Vietnamese dong).

Trekking Trails in Bach Ma National Park

Do Quyen (Rhododendron) Waterfall Trail

After 16 kilometers going up from the entrance of Bach Ma National Park by car, visitors will see the starting point of Do Quyen Waterfall trail. It’s named after Do Quyen Waterfall or Rhododendron Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in the park and central Vietnam. It drops from the top of a 300-meters-tall rocky cliff. In March and April every year, in its surrounding forests, visitors will see colorful rhododendron flowers.

Generally, the Rhododendron Waterfall trail is too challenging and sometimes, visitors need to walk across the springs. The end of this trail is the top of the waterfall where the view to lower mountains, forests and clouds is incredibly beautiful. Plus the cool breeze, most visitors want to have a break here.

From the top of the Rhododendron Waterfall, visitors can go down 700 stairs to see its bottom, one of the best spots to view it. During the rainy season (October to January), due to heavy rains, this waterfall becomes spectacular. However, it’s quite dangerous to visit (the staircase is also closed to keep safe for trekkers).

To continue exploring Bach Ma National Park, climb 700 stairs again to return to the top of the Rhododendron Waterfall. From here, trek on the same trail for a while and on the right hand side, it’s possible to see the Five Lakes trail.

Five Lakes Trail (Ngu Ho Trail)

The Five Lakes trail (Ngu Ho trail) is 1,5 kilometers long, started at Nha Hang Bach Ma (Bach Ma Restaurant) by the main road of the park (Google maps location: 16°11’39.1″N 107°51’11.0″E) and ended at Do Quyen Waterfall (Rhododendron Waterfall) trail. For that reason, visitors can do these trails.

This trail mainly goes along a small river running down from Bach Ma Summit to the Rhododendron Waterfall, and through dense, untouched forests. From beginning to the end, visitors will see plenty of pools, lakes and whispering waterfalls which have extremely cool and clear water. In pools (or lakes) at the foot of waterfalls, it’s safe to go swimming during the dry season (February to September). If bringing food on your own, a natural pool is a good place to have lunch and take a rest.

To complete the trail, it’s needed to walk through forests, across streams and hanging bridges or monkey bridges (bridges made by one or a few trees), climb over cliffs by ladder or rope, or climb stairs in lush bamboo forests. Plus pretty waterfalls, there is no doubt that the Five Lakes trail is the most awesome trekking trail in Bach Ma National Park.

Vong Hai Dai Trail (Bach Ma Summit Trail)

The Vong Hai Dai trail (or Bach Ma Summit trail) is started at the end of the road through Bach Ma National Park (a parking lot) and ended at Vong Hai Dai (the Sea Watching Pavilion), an observation deck sitting on the peak of the park, at elevation of 1,444 meters.

Firstly, visitors will climb stairs to the top of the hill where an airfield was constructed by the USA in the Vietnam war. Today, this place is overgrown by grasses and trees.

On the second hill, there is a stone turtle carrying a stele (with 4 Vietnamese words which mean ‘holy mountain Bach Ma’) and then a big bronze bell, marking the place where heaven and the earth meet. At the end of the walk, that’s the observation deck (called Vong Hai Dai or the Sea Watching Pavilion). By its entrance, two white horses remind visitors about the name meaning of Bach Ma summit. Inside this building, old pictures and information about the history of the area as a French hill station are shown.

From the observation deck/summit, the view is sweepy and breath-taking. It’s possible to see rugged mountains covered by forests in lower altitudes, narrow flatlands and rice fields near the coast, Cau Hai Lagoon (part of the largest lagoon system in Southeast Asia), and Truoi Lake, a freshwater reservoir famous for Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery. It’s great to see and take photos right here.

To go back to the parking lot, visitors can trek by the same trail or walk downhill by the cement road.

Tri Sao Trail (Crested Argus Trail)

After going up from Bach Ma National Park entrance for 5 kilometers, visitors will see the starting point of Tri Sao trail. It’s 2,5 kilometers long, and named after tri sao or crested argus (bird), the symbol of the whole park.

At the end of this trail, visitors will see a stream with whispering waterfalls and peaceful, crystal-clear lakes, in the middle of primary forests.

Cho Den Trail (White Seraya Trail)

This trail leads to a forest of old and big white seraya trees (known as cho den in Vietnamese).

Other Things to Do in Bach Ma Summit

Bird Watching in Bach Ma National Park

Bach Ma National Park is home to 363 bird species, including 13 endemic species to Vietnam, 16 species in Vietnam’s Red list and 13 species in global Red list. This is one of the hot spots for bird conservation in the country and Southeast Asia.

For the best experience of bird watching in Bach Ma National Park, visitors should go with a local guide. Contact us by Whatsapp number +84968009827 or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com to make a reservation. The best time of the year is the dry season (from March to September).

Watching birds in Bach Ma National Park is better than Son Tra Nature Reserve (Son Tra Mountain, Monkey Mountain) and Ba Na Nui Chua Nature Reserve (Ba Na Hills).

Hiking to Bach Ma Summit

Many visitors choose to take a transfer to Bach Ma Summit area and then explore the park by trekking trails. However, if have a good fitness level or being a professional hiker, skipping this transfer and hiking from the park entrance to the peak, is .

After completing 12 kilometers, visitors will see the first trail – Do Quyen Waterfall Trail (the Rhododendron Waterfall trail) that leads to the tallest waterfall. This trail connects with the Five Lakes trail. From the end of the Five Lakes trail, going up to the summit by the car road for about 2 kilometers. At the end of the road, visitors start hiking up to the highest point in the mountain, at an elevation of 1,444 meters to see the view.

To go back to the park entrance from the peak, visitors can take a private transfer by car/bus. The prices are 600,000 VND for groups of 1 to 5 people and 900,000 VND for groups of 4 to 6 to 12 people. Please book it in advance at the visitor center of Bach Ma National Park near its entrance. Service times are from 7:30 AM to 4 PM. Leave your Vietnam phone number here to contact when needed!

The other way is asking the drivers in the summit area directly. The prices will be similar to booking from the park, but it’s quicker.

Bach Ma Tunnels

After controlling Bach Ma Summit, Vietnamese people constructed two tunnels here, from October 1973 to January 1974. One tunnel was dug into the hill which has an airfield, for about 214 meters and one tunnel was in the hill which has the observation deck, for about 50 meters. Along these tunnels, hiding caves and rooms were also added. Nowadays, all remains.

On 22nd December 2009, Bach Ma Tunnels were recognized by the Vietnamese government as a national historical site.

Visitors just visit Bach Ma Tunnels when going with a local guide.

Visiting Old French Villas

Along trekking trails or the main road around Bach Ma Summit, there are many old French villas that still survive. These houses are mainly built of stone and cement. In recent decades, people restored some of the largest ones to open hotels and restaurants.

How to Get to Bach Ma National Park

Location of Bach Ma National Park

Bach Ma National Park is located in Loc Tri commune, Phu Loc district, Hue city, Vietnam. Its entrance (visitor center) is about 3,5 kilometers away from the center of Phu Loc town, between Hue city center and Hai Van Pass.

Da Nang/Hoi An to Bach Ma National Park

The distance from Da Nang city center to the entrance of Bach Ma National Park is about 60 kilometers. Visitors can take a taxi or private car/bus or ride the motorbike to get there. If going by car/bus, it takes around 1,5 hours. Contact us by WhatsApp number +84968009827 or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com to have the best price for a roundtrip transfer to Bach Ma National Park from Hue.

From Hoi An, the distance to the entrance of Bach Ma National Park is about 90 kilometers. Visitors can take a taxi or private car/bus or ride the motorbike to get there. If going by car/bus, it takes around 2 hours.

If want to ride the motorbike to Bach Ma National Park from Da Nang or Hoi An, visitors should go along Highway 1A. There are two options to choose from: (1) with Hai Van Pass, and (2) without Hai Van Pass. The drive will be longer and more challenging if Hai Van Pass is added in the itinerary.

In case of not confident in riding on Hai Van Pass, visitors can use a transfer service at Hai Van Tunnels. From anywhere in Da Nang/Hoi An, please go to this station on Google maps (16°07’57.5″N 108°06’26.7″E). The fees are 30,000 VND for each person and 10,000 VND for each bike. It’s needed to remember the plate number of the bike to tell the cashier! One truck will be arranged to carry the motorbikes themselves and one bus will take passengers through the tunnels. Lastly, the arrival station is on Nguyen Van Road in Lang Co town. From here, just go along that road to see/photograph Lap An Lagoon, the prettiest lagoon in Vietnam. In the north end of Nguyen Van Road, that’s Highway 1A. Turn left, go straight, ride through Phu Gia Tunnel (or Phu Gia Pass if you want more adventures) and then keep going straight until seeing Phuoc Tuong Tunnel (or Phuoc Tuong Pass). In Phu Loc town, it’s easy to find the road leading to the park entrance.

There is no public transport from Da Nang or Hoi An to Bach Ma National Park currently.

Hue to Bach Ma National Park

The distance from Hue city center to the entrance of Bach Ma National Park is about 40 kilometers. Visitors can take a taxi or private car/bus or ride the motorbike to get there. If going by car/bus, it takes around 1 hour. Contact us by WhatsApp number +84968009827 or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com to have the best price for a roundtrip transfer to Bach Ma National Park from Hue.

If want to ride the motorbike to Bach Ma National Park from Hue city, visitors should go along Highway 1A. At the crossroad of this highway and Tran Dinh Tuc Street in Phu Loc town (Google maps location: 16°16’30.0″N 107°51’53.5″E), turn right and keep going on Tran Dinh Tuc Street until seeing the park entrance.

There is no public transport from Hue to Bach Ma National Park currently.

How to Reach Bach Ma Summit from Bach Ma National Park Entrance?

If have a private car/van/bus, local drivers can take visitors to the summit of Bach Ma National Park from its entrance/visitor center. The price for a package of roundtrip transport from Da Nang/Hoi An/Hue cities to the park and transfer to Bach Ma summit, will be cheaper than booking them separately. Contact us by WhatsApp number +84968009827 or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com for the best rate.

If going to Bach Ma National Park by a personal vehicle (not a car), visitors can use transfer services from the park. Just book at the visitor center in the park’s entrance (same place where you buy entry tickets). The price is 1,000,000 VND for a group of 1 to 3 people, and 1,200,000 VND for a group of 4 to 8 people. These rates are for a roundtrip. Small group will have a car, and the bigger group will have a minivan. There are no buses allowed to go up to the summit area because of safety reasons. Therefore, if the group has more than 8 people, it’s needed to book two vehicles or more. Service times are from 7:30 AM to 4 PM.

If just need 1 way (the park entrance up to the summit, or the summit down to the park entrance), the prices will be 600,000 VND for groups of 1 to 3 people and 900,000 VND for groups of 4 to 8 people. If need a transfer from the summit area down to the park’s entrance, please book it in advance, and leave the phone number (Vietnam number) to contact when needed. The park will be closed at 5:00 PM, so it’s needed to see the driver for this transfer down before 5 PM.

Motorbikes are not allowed to access Bach Ma National Park due to safety reasons.

Bikes (mountain bike,…) are allowed to access Bach Ma National Park, so visitors can ride their own bike to discover this park.

Bach Ma National Park Without Guide

Visitors can visit Bach Ma National Park without a tour guide. From the city, should book a package of roundtrip transfer to the park and transfer to its peak area. It will be cheaper than booking these transfers separately. The other way is riding the motorbike to the park and then booking a roundtrip transfer by car/van to reach the mountaintop.

Entrance tickets are sold at the visitor center, and can not be reserved online in advance. The opening hours are 7:30 AM to 5 PM daily, however, should go to the park in the morning. Because of no restaurants or limited choices, bring your own foods and beverages.

This is our recommended itineraries in Bach Ma National Park:

Itinerary 1: Visitor center – (going by car) – Rhododendron Waterfall trail – Five Lakes trail (have lunch by a swimmable lake) – Bach Ma Summit trail – (going by car) – Visitor center

Itinerary 2: Visitor center – (going by car) – Bach Ma Summit trail – Five Lakes trail (have lunch by a swimmable lake) – Rhododendron Waterfall trail – (going by car) – Visitor center

Bach Ma National Park with Kids

Bach Ma National Park is a good place to visit for families with kids. Here, kids will see an untouched nature with diverse wildlife as well as a beautiful landscape. Along trekking trails, they can see different plants, animals, insects, waterfalls, clear water lakes,…

Families with kids should have a roundtrip transfer from the city to Bach Ma National Park and then transfer to the summit area. Hiking from the park entrance to the peak is impossible for kids.

In general, the trail to Bach Ma Summit and the trail to the Rhododendron Waterfall will be okay for kids. The Five Lakes trail is harder because visitors need to climb stairs, ladder or walk across rivers. Based on the fitness level of their children, parents should consider going this trail or skip it.

Parents should prepare favorite foods and beverages for their children before visiting Bach Ma National Park because of no restaurants or limited choices there.

Is Bach Ma National Park Worth Visiting?

It’s absolutely worth it to visit Bach Ma National Park in central Vietnam. This park is a hidden gem in the Annamite Range and should be known better by travellers across the world.

Here are top reasons why Bach Ma National Park is worth visiting:

– Bach Ma National Park is the largest and the most biodiverse protection area near Da Nang/Hoi An and Hue. So, it will be the best option for nature lovers if want to see primary forests, rich wildlife, and untouched sceneries.

– Bach Ma National Park has one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Vietnam (the Rhododendron Waterfall). This waterfall drops from a 300-meters-tall cliff.

– At the highest point of Bach Ma National Park, Bach Ma Summit, visitors can see a breath-taking view to below areas. It will be incredible in the sunrise or sunset.

– Bach Ma National Park has green trekking trails through dense jungle that are packed with clear water streams and lakes, whispering waterfalls and hanging bridges. In the pools at the foot of waterfalls, visitors can go swimming safely. Therefore, in the summer, this park is perfect for outdoor adventures.

– Bach Ma National Park has the richest collection of wild birds in the area. Therefore, it’s definitely worth it to visit this park and watch birds during the sunny months.

– Bach Ma National Park is home to saola, one of the rarest large mammals in the world. It’s just discovered in 1992, and is a red shanked douc langur, one of the most endangered primates on our planet.

Tips to Visit Bach Ma National Park

– The best time to visit Bach Ma National Park is the dry season, from February to end of August.

– Visitors must wear hiking/trekking shoes and comfortable clothes to explore Bach Ma National Park. In addition, remember to bring hat/cap, insect repellent, suncream, first-aid kit or even medicine.

– Bring your own foods and beverages to Bach Ma National Park because of no restaurants/shops here.

– Bring cash (Vietnamese dong) to pay for ticket and services in Bach Ma National Park;

– It’s better to visit Bach Ma National Park with a local guide. Contact us by WhatsApp number +84968009827 or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com to book.

Bach Ma National Park Tours

Here are the best guided tours to Bach Ma National Park:

– Bach Ma National Park Tour from Da Nang or Hoi An

– Bach Ma National Park Tour from Hue