Bach Ma National Park: A Complete Travel Guide

Bach Ma National Park is one of Vietnam's most beautiful and diverse natural areas. Located in central Vietnam, the park is known for its lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and rich biodiversity. Whether you're a nature lover, a bird watcher, or someone looking for a peaceful escape, Bach Ma National Park has something to offer. In this guide, we'll explore the history, features, location, things to see, and how to get to Bach Ma National Park from Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An.

Bach Ma National Park was established in 1991 to protect the unique ecosystems of the Annamite Mountains. The park covers an area of over 37,000 hectares and is home to many rare and endangered species. During the French colonial period, Bach Ma was a popular hill station, where French officials would retreat to escape the heat of the lowlands. The cool climate, beautiful scenery, and peaceful atmosphere made it a favorite destination. Remnants of French villas can still be found in the park, adding to its historical charm.

Bach Ma National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty and biodiversity. The park is home to over 1,400 species of plants and nearly 500 species of animals, including many rare and endangered species. The park's elevation ranges from sea level to 1,450 meters at the summit of Bach Ma Mountain, which creates a variety of habitats, from tropical lowland forests to cool montane forests.

• Flora and Fauna: The park's diverse habitats support a wide range of plant and animal life. You'll find everything from giant trees and rare orchids to exotic birds and mammals. The park is particularly famous for its birdlife, with over 300 species recorded, making it a paradise for bird watchers.

• Waterfalls and Streams: Bach Ma is known for its stunning waterfalls and clear streams. The Five Lakes (Ngu Ho) are a series of beautiful pools connected by waterfalls, perfect for a refreshing swim. The Do Quyen Waterfall is another highlight, with a drop of over 300 meters, surrounded by blooming rhododendrons in the spring.

• Trails and Trekking: The park offers several hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. The Pheasant Trail (Hai Vong Dai) leads to the summit of Bach Ma Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The Rhododendron Trail takes you through dense forests to the base of the Do Quyen Waterfall.

Bach Ma National Park is located in central Vietnam, about halfway between the cities of Hue and Da Nang. The park's entrance is about 40 kilometers from Hue and 65 kilometers from Da Nang. Its central location makes it easily accessible from several popular tourist destinations in Vietnam.

Bach Ma National Park offers a wide range of activities for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Here are some of the top things to see and do:

One of the main attractions in the park is the summit of Bach Ma Mountain. At 1,450 meters above sea level, the summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, rivers, and coastline. On a clear day, you can see as far as the East Sea and even the Hai Van Pass. The summit is also home to an old French mansion, now a ranger station, where you can rest and enjoy the views.

The Five Lakes are a series of natural pools connected by waterfalls, located along one of the park's most popular trails. The hike to the lakes takes you through lush forests, and the crystal-clear water is perfect for a refreshing swim. Each lake has its own unique charm, with the third lake being the most beautiful and serene.

Do Quyen Waterfall is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the park, with a vertical drop of over 300 meters. The waterfall is named after the rhododendron flowers (Do Quyen) that bloom around it in the spring, adding vibrant colors to the landscape. You can hike to the top of the waterfall for a stunning view or descend the 689 steps to the base to feel the mist and hear the roar of the water.

Bach Ma National Park is a paradise for bird watchers, with over 300 species of birds recorded. Some of the park's rare and endemic species include the crested argus, Edwards's pheasant, and the Annam partridge. The park's diverse habitats, from lowland forests to montane areas, provide excellent opportunities for bird watching.

The park offers several hiking trails, catering to different levels of fitness and experience. The Pheasant Trail is a challenging hike to the summit of Bach Ma Mountain, offering panoramic views and a chance to explore the park's montane forests. The Rhododendron Trail is an easier hike, taking you to the base of the Do Quyen Waterfall through dense forests and blooming rhododendrons.

Bach Ma National Park is easily accessible from Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An. Here’s how you can get there from each location:

Hue is the closest city to Bach Ma National Park, located about 40 kilometers away.

• By Car or Motorbike: The most convenient way to get to Bach Ma National Park from Hue is by car or motorbike. The drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours along National Highway 1A. You can rent a car or motorbike in Hue or hire a taxi or private driver for the trip. Among them, Hue to Bach Ma National Park by car is the best travel option because of its flexibility and comfort.

• By Bus: There are also local buses that run between Hue and Da Nang, which pass by the entrance to Bach Ma National Park. You can ask the driver to drop you off at the park entrance and then take a taxi or motorbike taxi to the park's visitor center.

Da Nang is about 65 kilometers from Bach Ma National Park, making it another convenient starting point.

• Motorbike: The drive from Da Nang to Bach Ma National Park takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. You can rent a motorbike in Da Nang. The route takes you along National Highway 1A, with scenic views of the coastline and mountains.

• By private car: Traveling from Da Nang to Bach Ma National Park private car is a convenient and comfortable option. The distance between Da Nang and Bach Ma National Park is about 60 kilometers, and the journey takes approximately 2 hours.

• By Bus: Similar to the Hue route, you can take a local bus from Da Nang to Hue and ask the driver to drop you off at the park entrance. From there, you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi to the visitor center.

Hoi An is slightly farther from Bach Ma National Park, about 90 kilometers away.

• By Car or Motorbike: The drive from Hoi An to Bach Ma National Park takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. You can rent a car or motorbike in Hoi An or hire a taxi or private driver. The route takes you through Da Nang, so you can combine the trip with a visit to the Marble Mountains or the Hai Van Pass.

• By Bus: You can take a local bus from Hoi An to Da Nang and then transfer to a bus heading to Hue. Ask the driver to drop you off at the park entrance, and then take a taxi or motorbike taxi to the visitor center.

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Bach Ma National Park is from April to August when the weather is cool and dry. The park can be visited year-round, but the rainy season (May to November) can make the trails slippery and the streams swollen.

• What to Bring: Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a raincoat, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains. Don't forget your camera, binoculars for bird watching, and a swimsuit if you plan to swim in the lakes.

• Guided Tours: If you're not familiar with the area, consider joining a guided tour. Many tour operators in Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An offer day trips to Bach Ma National Park, which include transportation, a guide, and lunch.

Bach Ma National Park is a hidden gem in central Vietnam, offering stunning natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the cities. Whether you're hiking to the summit of Bach Ma Mountain, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Five Lakes, or simply enjoying the cool mountain air, a visit to Bach Ma National Park is an unforgettable experience. With its convenient location and easy access from Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An, it's a must-visit destination for anyone traveling through central Vietnam.