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The majestic Bạch Mã, known as the Đà Lạt of the central region, is a favorite among many travelers. Situated approximately 40 km south of Huế city, Bạch Mã Mountain rests amidst the Trường Sơn range, resembling a white horse stretching its legs towards the vast sea. Not only boasting breathtaking landscapes and a cool climate reminiscent of Đà Lạt, but Bạch Mã is also a sanctuary for various rare flora and fauna in its lush forests, adorned with numerous streams and magnificent waterfalls.
Legend has it that in ancient times, celestial beings often rode white horses down to Bạch Mã Mountain to play chess. While the celestial beings were engrossed in their game, the horses wandered off in search of tender grass. Upon realizing their horses were missing, the celestial beings had to return to the sky. The bewildered horses roamed the mountains, transforming into clouds resembling white horses, waiting for their owners at Bạch Mã throughout the year.
Bạch Mã is enveloped in white clouds all year round - Photo: Laura Harvey
The best time for travelers to trek Bạch Mã National Park is during the summer and early autumn. The cool breeze will gently soothe our steps, allowing us to fully explore the enchanting beauty of Bạch Mã. You can reach Bạch Mã from two main directions: Huế and Đà Nẵng. There are various transportation options available to reach Bạch Mã National Park, including cars, motorbikes, buses, trains, airplanes, and bicycles.
From Huế city, take National Highway 1A towards Đà Nẵng for about 40 km, before reaching Hải Vân Pass. Then, turn right onto a small road leading to Bạch Mã National Park (BMNP) near Cầu Hai Market. Continue for about 3 km until you reach the main entrance of the park.
From Đà Nẵng city, follow National Highway 1A northward for approximately 60 km, crossing Hải Vân Pass, until you reach Cầu Hai Market area next to Cầu Hai lagoon. Turn left onto the road leading to Bạch Mã National Park.
Places to rent motorbikes and bicycles in Huế are concentrated on Hùng Vương Street, Lê Lợi Street, the Western Quarter opposite Hương Giang Hotel, and streets like Phạm Ngũ Lão and Chu Văn An. In Đà Nẵng, there are also many places to rent motorbikes for traveling to Bạch Mã, with reasonable prices. They can deliver the bike directly to customers. The usual price for this service is 20,000 VND per hour and around 100,000 – 150,000 VND per day.
The mesmerizing Hai Van Pass route to Bạch Mã - Photo: Thagnv
From Huế to Bạch Mã: Purchase tickets at Dong Ba Bus Station. Address: 6 Tran Hung Dao, Phone: 054 3523055
From Đà Nẵng to Bạch Mã: Purchase tickets at Đà Nẵng Central Bus Station: 201 Ton Duc Thang, Hoa Minh Ward, Lien Chieu District. Phone: 05113 786 786
From Hanoi to Bạch Mã: The railway line from Hanoi to Saigon has many trains stopping at Huế, with various seat types and ticket prices starting from 136,000 VND per person. It is recommended to choose trains departing in the late afternoon or evening to arrive in Huế the next morning.
From Saigon to Bạch Mã: The railway line from Saigon to Hanoi also has many trains stopping at Huế or Đà Nẵng stations. Ticket prices vary, starting from 388,000 VND per person. The travel time is 1 day and 1 night.
The entrance fee to Bạch Mã National Park is 40,000 VND per person. After purchasing tickets at the gate, you can visit the Exhibition House, learn about Bạch Mã National Park, and enjoy thrilling activities if desired.
Entrance gate to Bạch Mã National Park - Photo: Bachmapark
Before 1975, Bạch Mã was chosen by the Southern Scouts as a training point for scout leaders. With extremely favorable geographical conditions, Bạch Mã is located at an average altitude of 1,450 m, near the Trường Sơn range and only 10 km from the sea, making its climate the most pleasant compared to other areas at the same altitude throughout Indochina. With an area of 37,487 hectares, Bạch Mã still maintains a fairly well-preserved primeval forest with diverse vegetation (2,147 species) and a rich fauna system (over 1,500 species). 93 species are listed in the Red Book of Vietnam and the world.
The diverse wildlife species listed in the red book are being preserved at Bach Ma – Image: Enviphoto
If possible, seek out ranger Truong Cam, who has been closely connected to the Bach Ma mountains since childhood; he can mimic the calls of 52 bird species and dozens of mammals in this forest area.
Departing from the ranger station, continue the 16 km journey to the summit of Bach Ma – Hai Vong Dai. It would be ideal if you have your own means of transportation such as a bicycle or motorcycle. If not, you can take a motorbike taxi or join a group heading to the top of Bach Ma. Additionally, you can also trek up to the summit of Bach Ma, though this is not advisable as it takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the top, leaving insufficient time for exploration and being quite strenuous.
The Hai Vong Dai observatory at the peak of Bach Ma – Image: Khamphahue
The majestic mountain path adorned with lush greenery and blossoming flowers throughout the four seasons, with orchids and begonias blooming, making every step of the traveler's journey enchanting. You can take this opportunity to hone your photography skills and capture timeless moments during your conquest of Bach Ma peak.
The magnificent mountain landscape on the journey to conquer Bach Ma peak – Image: Tran Minh Tam
On the way up to the summit of Bach Ma, you will come across a marvelous resort with 139 ancient villas, luxurious and tranquil, featuring amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, helipads, restaurants, and Chaffanjon shops, along with the Morin and Bany hotels. The European-style villas in Bach Ma, each with two floors and unique architectural details, are named after the endemic flora and fauna of the forest.
Villa Do Quyen, Bach Ma – Image: Bachmapark
The Hai Vong Dai is the perfect vantage point to admire the panoramic view of Bach Ma. In the distance lies the dreamy blue Truoi Lake and the majestic Truc Lam Zen Monastery, quietly nestled. Cau Hai Lagoon reflects an endless azure expanse.
The serene Truc Lam Zen Monastery, quietly nestled – Image: Khanh Hmoong
The tranquil Truoi Lake amidst the verdant mountains – Image: Tran Minh Tam
Continue trekking through the pristine forest by traversing small trails to reach Ngũ Hồ. Here, a waterfall and five small lakes converge into one spot.
The enchanting beauty of Ngũ Hồ – Image: Namdao
The highlight of visiting Bach Ma is immersing in the ethereal waters of Ngũ Hồ, crystal clear and chilling, followed by setting up camp for lunch and rest on the large boulders.
Submerging into the emerald waters, refreshingly cool of Ngũ Hồ – Image: Ivica
After rejuvenating at Ngũ Hồ, Kinhnghiemditour continues the trekking journey to Đỗ Quyên waterfall, standing at 300 meters tall, hailed as the highest waterfall in ASEAN, seeming to reach down closer to the earth with majestic white dragons gracefully gliding amidst the lush forest.
Đỗ Quyên Waterfall in Bach Ma is the tallest waterfall in ASEAN – Image: Thagnv
Continue testing your endurance by climbing the 689 steps to the top of the waterfall, admiring the picturesque Yen River, gently flowing amidst vibrant azalea bushes showcasing a myriad of colors, and listening to the grand symphony of the giant water orchestra echoing magnificently at the foot of Bach Ma.
Sacred mountain, celestial view atop Đỗ Quyên waterfall – Image: Laura Harvey
The brilliant azaleas proudly displaying their colors at the foot of Bach Ma – Image: Thagnv
Leaving Đỗ Quyên waterfall behind, on the way back, you will have the opportunity to admire the statue of Buddha Avalokiteshvara carved from white marble, associated with many fairy tales.
The statue of Buddha Avalokiteshvara on Bach Ma mountain – Image: Thagnv
There's a saying, 'Visit the trees in Cuc Phuong, admire the wildlife in Cat Tien, bathe under the waterfalls of Bach Ma.' Bach Ma possesses a rich natural heritage with abundant biodiversity, once a renowned retreat in Vietnam in the 1940s. Despite being heavily affected by war, Bach Ma has been restored, fully equipped yet still retaining its ancient, charming, and enticing allure like youthful maidens in Hue. Take a break from all the worries and busy work in life to come to Bach Ma, and you'll surely discover many new and exciting things on this trekking journey!
Kinhnghiemditour.vn – Tiny Phoenix
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Posted by: Van Hoan
Keywords: A day trekking to explore Bach Ma National Park
