Bach Ma Mountain in Hue is a famous retreat destination in Vietnam, known for its crystal-clear streams and breathtaking waterfalls that leave many visitors in awe. People come here longing to witness the dazzling beauty of Hue city, the Hai Van Pass, and the surrounding landscapes from above.
1. Where is Bach Ma Mountain?
Bach Ma Mountain is a majestic natural landmark located about 60 kilometers from Hue city. With its lush natural scenery and cool climate throughout all four seasons, it is an ideal spot for sightseeing and relaxation, especially for nature and travel lovers.
Visitors to Bach Ma can immerse themselves in the green beauty of the mountains and forests, listen to the gentle sound of flowing streams, and admire the magnificent yet poetic waterfalls.
Bach Ma Mountain lies within the Bach Ma National Park, in Phu Loc District, at the border between Hue and Da Nang. This area is home to a diverse ecosystem, with hundreds of rare plant and animal species—some of which are critically endangered. Thanks to its cool climate and stunning natural landscapes, Bach Ma National Park, or Bach Ma Mountain, has become a top destination for tourists seeking nature, tranquility, and adventure.
2. Best Time to Visit Bach Ma Mountain
Based on personal travel experience, the best time to explore Bach Ma Mountain is from December to April or June to July. During these months, the weather in Bach Ma is dry, the climate is mild and cool, and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful—making it an ideal time for sightseeing and adventure.
However, many visitors also choose to travel to Bach Ma Mountain between August and December, which is Hue’s rainy season. During this time, the air becomes crisp and cool, and the mountain scenery appears mystical as it fades in and out of the mist—creating a very romantic and poetic atmosphere. If you plan to go during this season, try to choose clear days for a more complete and enjoyable experience.
3. How to get to Bach Ma National Park?
Bach Ma National Park is halfway between Da Nang and Hue, therefore it is easily accessible from both cities. Most popular is taking a tour to Bach Ma National Park, because there is no hassle of getting there and it include a guide that can you you the best trails. If you like riding motorbike, you can rent one, which is a good way to explore the area. If you are staying in Hue, you may consider finding those rental shops along Hung Vuong Street. Another option is going by tour.
Tours to Bach Ma National Park
The easiest way to get there is by tour. Most tours depart from Hue and include transfer directly from you hotel to the national park, lunch and a guide.
Get to Bach Ma National Park from Hue
Heading to Da Nang over National Highway 1A, heading to Phu Loc. Continuing the ride and pay attention to your right, you will find a blue sign showing the way to Bach Ma National Park. Follow the sign and go straight until you reach Bach Ma national park.
How to get to Bach Ma National Park from Da Nang
Crossing Hai van pass, you will be heading to National Highway 1A. Then, you will need to ask the local people to know more detail or using Google map to reach the destination.
4. Best things to do and see in Bach Ma National Park
Always bear in mind that Bach Ma National Park is not like going to any other tourist attractions. If you travel alone, you’d better bring along a map to locate the main path as well as the best significant spots.
Animals in Bach Ma
Tigers and bears use to live in the jungles of the national park, but unfortunately they are not here any more. You can still find deer, and ninety other mammal species in these forests. They are accompanied by thirty species of reptiles. In addition, around twenty different frogs jumping around. But the amount of birds is absolutely overwhelming. You don’t always see them as well because of the dens vegetation, but you hear them all the better. As many as 358 bird species flit through the forest here. That is more than a third of the total Vietnamese bird species.
Trekking trails
Summit hike: There is a short and a long hike to the summit, depending on where you start. On the way you see some French villas an on the top of the summit you have stunning views of the complete national park.
Five Lakes Trail: This trail brings you to all the 5 lakes of Ngu Ho Lake, by following the stream. There are some beautiful waterfalls and if you want you can go swimming.
Rhododendron trail: This trekking trail brings you through the jungle from the 10 km mark and goes to the beautiful Do Quyen Waterfall. It is possible to go all the way down to the base of the waterfall.
Pheasant Trail: If you are a big bird lover then the Pheasant Trail is an absolute must. This pleasant 2.5-kilometer route runs along a number of rivers and lakes where, with a little luck, you will come across the extremely rare Crested Argus Pheasant and Edward’s Pheasant.
Bach Ma peak: Hai Vong Dai
The highest point of Bach Ma National Park, Bach Ma peak or officially called Hai Vong Dai, is 1,448 meters high. There is an observation point here with a great view of the valley and mountains of the national park, Hue city and Lang Co beach.
There are only 2 ways to get to the peak of Bach Ma:
- Option 1: It offers a hiking trail to reach the peak, however, it is quite challenging.
- Option 2: There is a road (summit road) going almost all the way up to the peak.
Ngu Ho Lake
Ngu Ho Lake consists of 5 different lakes at different levels. All the lakes are very nice, but specially the third one is known as the most beautiful lake. In addition, there are also waterfall around the lake, creating a stunning scenery. It it possible to have a swim in the lake to cool of during your trekking.
Do Quyen Waterfall
The most impressive waterfall of Bach Ma National Park is Do Quyen waterfall. “Do Quyen” is the name of the beautiful flower blooming in March. If you are visiting the national park during this period, don’t forget to explore this waterfall. Although this hikes takes roughly 1 hour, it’s total worth it. This trip requires not only physical strength but also some preparation. You can go to the base of the waterfall by climbing down the more than 600 steps
Truc Lam Zen Monastery
At the foot of Bach Ha mountain you find Truc Lam Monastery, situated next to a lake. The structure exist out of several buildings and Buddha statues. You can reach it by 15 minute boat tide across the lake and walking the stairs up to the monastery.
5. Where to stay at Bach Ma national Park
Camping
Don’t hesitate to take a trip into the wild with your tent and supplies here if you are a fan of the wilderness. Choose the flat ground where you can fully embrace yourself with nature and easily pitch a tent.
Homestay
To save energy and your expenses, you can get back to the foothill of Bach Ma mountain and find a reasonable accommodation to spend your night .
Guesthouse or hotel
Depending on your budget, you can choose either luxury hotel or budget guesthouse in the surrounding area.
Tips
- It is wise to wear clothes with long sleeves and long pants to protect you against leaches and insects
- If you plan to do trekking in the national park, wear good and comfortable hiking shoes. Paths can sometimes be slippery.
- Bring anti insect spray.
- Bring some water and snacks for longer hikes.
- It is possible to go swimming at the lakes, so take swimming clothes with you.
- Protect you against the weather. Sun cream for the sun and rain jacket against the rain.
- Before you go trekking, inform yourself well about the trails and how long they take. There are maps available.
