Bach Ma National Park, Hue

National Park near Hue

CC BY-SA 2.0 / tpp1001

Bach Ma National Park is one of Vietnam's most breathtaking natural reserves, spanning 220 square kilometres between Hue and Da Nang. Celebrated for its semi-tropical rainforest, cool highland climate, and thriving biodiversity, the park offers an ideal escape for travellers who enjoy hiking, waterfalls, and pristine nature. With scenic viewpoints, rare wildlife, and peaceful lakeside monasteries, it is one of the best places to visit in Hue and often visited on walking tours of Hue that explore the region's surrounding landscapes.

Located on the biogeographical boundary between northern and southern Vietnam, Bach Ma hosts an extraordinary range of habitats-from lowland waterways to high mountain peaks. Whether you come for adventure, birdwatching, photography, or simply to breathe in the crisp mountain air, the park offers an unforgettable experience.

History and Significance of Bach Ma National Park
Things to See and Do in Bach Ma National Park
How to Get to Bach Ma National Park
Practical Tips on Visiting Bach Ma National Park
Where to Stay close to Bach Ma National Park
Is Bach Ma National Park Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Bach Ma National Park
Nearby Attractions to Bach Ma National Park

History and Significance of Bach Ma National Park

Established in 1991, Bach Ma National Park was created to protect one of Vietnam's most biodiverse regions. However, its history stretches back to the French colonial era, when the French discovered the area's cool climate and transformed Bach Ma's summit into a hill station. Villas, gardens, and leisure promenades once dotted the mountain slopes, earning it comparisons to the hill resorts of Dalat.

Today, most colonial buildings lie in ruins, reclaimed by dense rainforest. Yet the park continues to preserve thousands of plant and animal species, some found nowhere else in Vietnam. Its location at the ecological crossroads of North and South Vietnam creates a unique mix of species, making Bach Ma a scientific treasure as well as a scenic one.

The park forms a vital conservation zone, protecting watersheds, preserving rare flora like rhododendrons, and offering sanctuary to animals including langurs, civets, pheasants, and countless bird species. Its natural beauty and ecological importance make it a symbol of central Vietnam’s wild heritage.

Things to See and Do in Bach Ma National Park

The park’s highlights span waterfalls, lakes, mountain peaks, and cultural sites, providing diverse experiences for visitors.

Vong Hai Dai (Sea Observation Deck) sits at 1,430 metres above sea level and is one of the easiest and most rewarding trails in the park. From the summit, panoramic views stretch across coastlines, bays, lagoons, and forested mountains. On clear days, you can see Canh Duong Beach in Hue and Lang Co Bay in Da Nang.

Ngu Ho (Five Lakes) is a 30-minute walk along a shaded forest trail leading to five crystal-clear lakes at different elevations. Each is fed by cascading waterfalls, with Lake No. 3 often considered the most enchanting thanks to its round, moon-like shape and shimmering six-metre waterfall.

Do Quyen Waterfall (Rhododendron Waterfall) is a spectacular cascade best seen in spring when the surrounding rhododendrons bloom. At 300 metres tall, its foamy white flow plunges through dense forest, creating breath-taking viewpoints from both above and below.

Truot Waterfall, located in the park’s buffer zone, is known as Slide Waterfall thanks to its smooth rock face coated in moss, forming a natural slide perfect for an adventurous splash in the jungle.

Truc Lam Zen Monastery sits peacefully beside a quiet lake at the foot of Bach Ma Mountain. Visitors reach it via a short boat ride followed by a small climb to explore the serene temple grounds and enjoy moments of calm reflection.

How to Get to Bach Ma National Park

Phu Bai International Airport is the closest airport to the park, located south of Hue with frequent domestic flights offering easy access for travellers. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Hue on Booking.com.

Hue Railway Station provides convenient rail connections from Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, making it a great base for exploring the park. From the station, travellers can reach Bach Ma by car or organised tour. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Travelling by car is the easiest way to reach Bach Ma National Park, located roughly 40 kilometres from Hue and around 60 kilometres from Da Nang. Roads lead through rural areas before climbing the mountain, and private drivers or tours are commonly used.

Practical Tips on Visiting Bach Ma National Park

Suggested tips: Bring good hiking shoes, as many trails involve uneven surfaces, steps, and rocky paths.
Best time to visit: March to September for drier weather and blooming flowers; mornings offer the clearest summit views.
Entrance fee: Approx. 60,000-70,000 VND per person.
Opening hours: Typically 7:00-17:00.
How long to spend: A full day is recommended; overnight stays possible in park guesthouses.
Accessibility: Trails vary from easy to challenging; not all areas are suitable for visitors with mobility limitations.
Facilities: Visitor centre, basic accommodation, restrooms, and cafés available near key areas.
Photography tip: Capture Do Quyen Waterfall from the high viewpoint for sweeping forest panoramas.
Guided tours: Local guides can help navigate trails and share insight into the park’s flora, fauna, and history.
Nearby food options: Simple eateries are available near the park entrance; bring snacks for long hikes.

Where to Stay close to Bach Ma National Park

Visitors can stay near the park entrance or in Hue for more facilities. For a comfortable stay in the city, Azerai La Residence offers elegant riverside rooms. Nature lovers may prefer Bach Ma Village, a rustic retreat near the park. Another convenient Hue base is Indochine Palace, offering modern comfort and great transport links.

Is Bach Ma National Park Worth Visiting?

Without question-Bach Ma National Park is one of the top sights in Hue and a paradise for hikers, photographers, and nature admirers. Its waterfalls, misty mountaintops, wildlife, and refreshing climate make it a rewarding escape into Vietnam's natural beauty. Whether you crave adventure or quiet reflection, Bach Ma offers an unforgettable outdoor experience.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (248)

Bạch Mã National Park in Phú Lộc, near Hue, is a lush nature area centered on the remains of a colonial hill station and noted for rare birds including Edwards's pheasant; visitors praise its waterfalls, forests, mountain views and cool, fresh air, and many recommend hiking the five-lakes trail (stones and river crossings can be slippery, wear good-grip shoes and insect repellent), with opportunities to swim in one of the lakes, spot diverse birdlife and primates, and enjoy guided trekking or organized tours that handle transport and local logistics.

so e 131

8 months ago

"Bach Ma Nationalpark is known as a paradise for bird lovers. As I wanted to see as many bird species as possible in one day, I booked a tour with LucNguyen, one of the best professional bird guides in Vietnam. It was an incredible birding tour with Vietnam Eco Tours. We spotted a lot of birds f.e. orange bellied leafbird, golden throated barbet, blue whistling thrush etc. Luckily we also saw a family of stumped-tailed macaque and we were even able to catch a brief glimpse of the Red Shanked Douc Langur. At the ending of the day, we took the adventure trail to visit the five lakes. The trail itself was not challenging. Mind your steps cause the stones might be slippery while crossing the river. It is advisable to wear shoes with good grip. Luc himself wore plastic slippers ;) You can be sure that your feet will get wet after the trek. If the weather and time permit, you can also swim in the lakes. The weather conditions vary constantly during the day (foggy, su y, rainy and humid etc), so don't forget to bring a poncho, sun glass, insect repellent, change of clothes etc. The driver was really excellent. We felt very well looked after during the trip. Thanks for the unforgettable day in Bach Ma Nationalpark ❤️ July 2024, weekday, (unfortunately only) day trip..."

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Linh Lili

5 months ago

"It was an amazibg experience. Prepare good shoes and repellent :) cause u will have to walk through the forest a lot (if you will do hiking)"

Lorenzo Fabbiano

9 months ago

"Came here by scooter as a (half) day trip from Hue. Arrived at national park gate by 11am, took a private car according to their route (you ca otchoose) and I was back at the gate by 3pm, without stopping for lunch, as I had a banh mi with me and ate it while waiting for the car. It was a good experience, scenery is beautiful and air is fresh. The highlight was the 5 lakes trail and the swim in lake #3 which felt like paradise!..."

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FAQs for Visiting Bach Ma National Park

Trails range from easy walks to challenging climbs; Ngu Ho is moderate, while Do Quyen’s stairs are strenuous.

Swimming is possible in certain areas like Five Lakes, but caution is advised.

Not required for basic trails, but helpful for longer or more remote routes.

You can drive partway up and then walk the short trail to Vong Hai Dai.

Wild animals are shy, but birdlife is abundant.

Nearby Attractions to Bach Ma National Park

Lang Co Bay: A stunning turquoise beach backed by mountains.
Elephant Springs: A natural swimming area between Hue and Da Nang.
Hai Van Pass: A beautiful coastal mountain road.
Truc Lam Zen Monastery: A peaceful lakeside temple at Bach Ma’s base.
An Bang Village: A traditional rural community near the park.

The Bach Ma National Park appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hue!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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