Before becoming a national park, Bach Ma drew attention for its renowned biodiversity, featuring rare flora and fauna. For nature enthusiasts seeking simplicity and tranquility, Bach Ma National Park is truly a hidden gem.
Discover the allure of Bach Ma National Park while touring Hue.
1. Vong Hai Dai
Vong Hai Dai sits at an elevation of 1,430m, at the majestic peak of Bach Ma. To reach this summit, you'll conquer the Vong Hai Dai trail—one of the easiest and most gentle ascents in Bach Ma National Park.
At Vong Hai Dai, marvel at the panoramic views of Bach Ma from all four sides. Rolling mountains, the hidden city of Hue beneath the clouds, Cau Hai Lagoon, the East Sea, Lang Co Bay, and Truoi Lake—the forest, the sea, the lagoons, and the winding paths like delicate ribbons floating in the breeze, along with tiny houses resembling small brown dots amidst the lush greenery—everything forms a perfect painting that you can fully appreciate from Vong Hai Dai.
2. Orchid Falls
The best time to admire Orchid Falls is during spring. With a height of approximately 300m, the falls splash white water throughout the year, creating a stunning view of the rolling hills when observed from above. Named after the abundant orchids that bloom on both sides of the falls, especially in March.
Honestly, these photos can hardly capture the beauty of orchids as when seeing the flowers atop Bach Ma. Especially when admiring them with a sincere heart.
3. Five Lakes
A 30-minute walk on this trail will lead you to a series of beautiful waterfalls, serene lakes, surrounded by lush greenery. The Five Lakes comprise five bodies of water at different elevations, and according to many, the third lake is the most beautiful. The water is clear and cold, with a cascading waterfall enhancing the mesmerizing scenery.
Don't forget to bring your camera or camcorder because the photos you capture at these lakes will undoubtedly be incredibly beautiful. You can also enjoy swimming in the cool waters here if you're fit and can withstand the chilly water.
4. Three-Star Falls
Compared to the Five Lakes trail, Vong Hai Dai trail, and Orchid Falls trail, the Three-Star Falls trail seems to be mentioned less frequently. A fact that proves the allure of the Three-Star Falls trail is no less than other trails. It's not just a path with a smooth walkway and trees on both sides; occasionally, travelers will have to climb mountains and traverse sparse forests.
The endpoint of this journey is Three-Star Falls, where the sound of water gracefully cascades over each rock level. The temporary pause of this flowing stream forms a misty and serene water reservoir, revealing even the moss-covered grayish-green slabs. Who knows, in your conquering visit, you might encounter some rare Three-Star pheasants.
5. Black Jungle
In this forest area, you will encounter numerous majestic ancient trees clustered closely together, with some trees having a diameter of over 1m and a height exceeding 30m. The Black Jungle is a large forest tree, with a straight trunk and a tower-shaped canopy. The wood is of good quality, with a pinkish-yellow or brown-gray color, depending on the local conditions, and is resistant to water, including saltwater. The wood is used for construction and boat building.
On the Black Jungle trail, you can hire guides to experience entertainment services in the air, such as zip-lining or climbing on high nets tens of meters above the ground. This is an ideal opportunity for you to explore the tropical rainforest at a lofty canopy level and capture unique photos during your mountainous forest explorations.
6. Slide Waterfall
The Slide Waterfall is situated within the buffer zone of Bach Ma National Park, beneath a range of mountains nearly 1,500m high, amidst lush and vibrant dense forests. Named the Slide Waterfall due to a large rock within the falls where water erosion has created a natural sliding channel. A thin layer of moss clinging to the rock not only provides a smooth surface for sliding but also serves as a massaging function for those daring enough to slide down bareback.
From above, groups of guests, young and old, eagerly await their turn to glide down the winding stream and plunge with a resounding 'splash' into the water below, accompanied by the echoing cheers of everyone. The sensation is indescribably thrilling, exhilarating, and blissful.
7. Truc Lam Zen Monastery
Truc Lam Zen Monastery in Bach Ma is enveloped by Truoi Lake, perched on the Linh Son Mountain. To reach the monastery, it takes about 15 minutes by boat across Truoi Lake. Gazing around, you'll see white fluffy clouds drifting beneath the crystal-clear water surface; admire the statue of Thich Ca Buddha in meditation on a hill in front of the temple, amidst a 24-meter-high, 1,500-ton stone lake. Across the lake are the constructions of Truc Lam Zen Monastery, hidden in the misty blue haze of Linh Son Mountain, with clouds wandering throughout the year.
Ascending the 172 three-tiered steps, the triple gates of the monastery reveal themselves towering high, majestic against the backdrop of the blue sky and white clouds. At this moment, you can marvel at the architectural structures of the monastery harmoniously built within a community with main halls, pagodas, monk houses, meditation halls, bell towers, and tower of the Dharma... all nestled in the pristine and vibrant jungle. Interspersed within the gardens and forests are precious trees and exquisite flowers, collected and cared for by the monks, nuns, and devotees here.
Guidelines for Visiting Bach Ma National Park:
– Before heading to Bach Ma, it's advisable to pre-book services and bring warm clothing and low-sole shoes.
– Motorbikes or cars with more than 30 seats are not allowed to reach the summit of Bach Ma.
– Don't expect luxurious hotels, dance floors, karaoke bars, or souvenirs originating from wildlife at Bach Ma.
– You may be fined for littering, damaging plants, breaking branches, or violating other prohibitions at Bach Ma.
– Read and follow the signs and regulations for your visit carefully.
As Per Desire (compiled)
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Reference: Travel Guide Mytour
MytourSeptember 22, 2016