Bach Ma National Park is hailed as a terrestrial paradise for nature enthusiasts. Renowned for its rare ecosystems and captivating natural beauty, this destination offers a mesmerizing experience. Encompassing a vast area of 22,030 hectares and conveniently located just 40 kilometers from Hue City and 65 kilometers from Da Nang, Bach Ma National Park is an ideal stop for travelers.
Overview of Bach Ma National Park, Hue
Situated at an elevation of 1450 meters above sea level near the Truong Son Range and approximately 10 kilometers from the coast, Bach Ma Hue boasts an expansive area of 22,030 hectares. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, with 2147 plant species and over 1500 animal species, including 93 listed in Vietnam and global Red Lists.
Understanding Bach Ma Hue tourism starts with grasping basic knowledge about this place, especially its legends. According to legend, in ancient times, celestial beings rode white horses down Bach Ma mountains to play chess. While they were engrossed in the game, their horses wandered off to graze. Unable to find them afterward, the celestial beings flew back to the sky.
The horses, not finding their masters, roamed the mountains and merged into clouds resembling white horses, waiting year-round for their owners at Bach Ma mountains.
Additionally, according to local residents, Bach Ma National Park was developed by a French engineer named M. Girard in 1932. By 1945, it had become a renowned resort destination.
How to get to Bach Ma National Park
If you're still unsure about the location of Bach Ma National Park, it's situated in Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam. Conveniently located just 40km from Hue City and 65km from Da Nang, you can easily access it via various means of transportation.
To get there, head along National Highway 1A towards Da Nang until you reach Phu Loc District. Just before Hai Van Pass, take a right onto a small road. Bach Ma National Park is adjacent to Cau Hai Market. Continue for about 3 km until you reach the main entrance of the national park.
Heading north on National Highway 1A for approximately 60km, pass through Hai Van Pass and continue until you reach Cau Hai Market. Then, make a left turn and you'll find the road leading to Bach Ma National Park.
If you're traveling by car or motorcycle from Hue to Bach Ma National Park, it'll only take about 50 minutes by car or 90 minutes by motorcycle. The road to Bach Ma is currently quite convenient and safe, so you can rest assured during your journey.
From either Hue City or Da Nang, you can opt for taxi services from reputable companies like Thanh Cong, Dong Ba, Mai Linh, or Hoang Sa, with prices typically around 25,000 VND per kilometer.
Ideal Time to Visit Bach Ma Forest, Hue
According to the travel experiences of many, the ideal time to visit Bach Ma Forest is from December to April each year. This period coincides with the dry season, offering cool and comfortable weather, perfect for outdoor activities such as trekking and swimming.
Conversely, from August to December is the rainy season. Although the weather is pleasantly cool, prolonged showers throughout the day may affect your travel plans. However, if you plan to visit during this time, keep an eye on the weather and take advantage of dry days!
Bach Ma National Park Ticket Prices 2020
Adults: 60,000 VND per person
Children, students: 20,000 VND per person
From the entrance of Bach Ma tourist area to the summit, you'll need to cover a distance of approximately 19km. Besides trekking, you can also opt for transportation services by vehicle. Here are the ticket prices for transportation to the summit of Bach Ma:
No.
Transport Route
Number of Passengers
Price/VND
Note
I
For Vietnamese Guests
1
For 7-12 guests
850,000
The above price does not include VAT tax. If you require a VAT invoice, additional VAT charges apply as per regulations.
2
For 1-6 guests
750,000
3
For 7-12 guests
600,000
4
For 1-6 guests
500,000
II
For international visitors
1
From Barrier Station to Bach Ma Peak and back (round trip)
For 5-8 guests
850,000
2
For 1-4 guests
750,000
3
For 5-8 guests
600,000
4
For 1-4 guests
500,000
From Barrier Station to Bach Ma Peak (Round trip) | |
From Barrier Station to Bach Ma Peak or from Bach Ma Peak to Barrier Station (One way) | |
From Barrier Station to Bach Ma Peak or from Bach Ma Peak to Barrier Station (One way) | |
Vietnamese-speaking guide: 500,000 VND/day
English-speaking guide: 500,000 VND/day
Porter (guide, carrying): 300,000 VND/day
The above prices are updated at the time of writing. Ticket prices are subject to change at different times
What does Bach Ma National Park offer?
Vong Hai Tower (sea observation tower)
Vong Hai Tower is situated right on the peak of Bach Ma Mountain, at an altitude of approximately 1430m above sea level. To reach Vong Hai Tower, you can choose to trek along the trail or opt for transportation by vehicle to conserve energy.
Standing on the top of Vong Hai Tower, you can admire the panoramic view of Bach Ma National Park with its majestic mountains and lush forests. In the distance, you can see the vast expanse of Lang Co Bay or the endless stretch of Cang Duong Beach. Indeed, as soon as you set foot on the peak of Bach Ma, you'll surely feel delighted.
Exploring Ngũ Hồ Bach Ma
From Vong Hai Tower, walk approximately 2km downhill to reach Do Quyen Villa, then follow the signs to Ngũ Hồ. Here, there are up to 5 lakes close to each other, each with different elevations and beauty.
The first lake is formed by a winding stream with a length of tens of meters. Above, there are rock slabs to make it easier for you to move around. As the water flows down from the source, it is extremely clear, you can even see the bottom!
Along the stream, continue along the long steps about 12m down to the second lake. Although smaller than the first lake, this one has a uniquely terrain. From a distance, it looks like a watercolor painting!
Perhaps the most beautiful is the third lake, shaped like a crescent moon. Water from the lake is poured from a height of 6m, so from a distance it looks like a shimmering silver-white curtain. Continue to the fourth lake from here. Although the path is not too dangerous, make sure to hold onto the rock steps along the stream to avoid slipping!
From the third lake, continue approximately 20m to reach the fourth lake. At the fourth lake, you'll see 2 waterfalls creating a stunning scene. After admiring the beauty of the fourth lake, walk a few dozen meters further to reach the last lake. This is truly a masterpiece of nature with a combination of rocks, waterfalls, and clear lakes.
Admire Do Quyen Waterfall in Bach Ma
A must-visit destination when visiting Bach Ma Hue is the Do Quyen waterfall. From Ngũ Hồ, follow the signs and continue the journey to climb Bach Ma Hue mountain for about 40-50 minutes to reach the top of Do Quyen waterfall.
This is a waterfall with a height of 300m and is likened to a natural masterpiece in Bach Ma National Park. Especially, if you come here in March or April, you can also admire the vibrant red rhododendron flowers amidst the majestic Bach Ma mountains.
Truc Lam Bach Ma Hue Monastery
The next destination in the journey to Bach Ma Thua Thien Hue is Truc Lam Monastery. This place is surrounded by Truoi Lake located on Linh Son Mountain. To reach Truc Lam Bach Ma Hue Monastery, you will have to travel by boat to cross Truoi Lake. The boat price for crossing the lake is about 20,000 VND for one way.
Sitting on the boat, you can admire the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni meditating on a 24-meter-high hill, weighing 1,500 tons, made of stone. On the other side of the lake is Truc Lam Bach Ma hidden in the smoky green of Linh Son mountain peaks.
Upon entering Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery in Hue, you will have to pass through 172 stone steps. The architecture of the monastery is sure to astonish you with many different areas for you to explore.
What to prepare for a trip to Bach Ma Hue National Park?
Below are the items you need to bring when visiting Bach Ma tourist area:
Itinerary for visiting Bach Ma National Park
06:30 Start departure to Bach Ma tourist area from Hue city
07:30 Arrive at Bach Ma National Park: purchase tickets and join other groups to rent a car to the top of Bach Ma.
08:15 Begin moving to the top of Bach Ma
09:00 Arrive at Hai Vong Tower. Stop for a rest and enjoy the scenery.
09:30 Move down to Ngũ Hồ for sightseeing.
10:45 From Ngũ Hồ, move to Do Quyen Waterfall.
11:15 Leave Do Quyen Waterfall for trekking in Bach Ma forest.
12:30 Move to Truot Bach Ma Waterfall for dining and resting.
15:30 Move to visit Truoi Lake and take a boat to Truc Lam Monastery.
17:30 Return to Hue city. End of the journey.
Notes when visiting Bach Ma National Park
+ To reach the summit of Bach Ma Vietnam, you can choose from 3 transportation options below:
+ Before heading to Bach Ma, it's advisable to bring trekking clothes and sports shoes. Along the way, you may encounter leeches, so based on the forest trekking experience of many people, it's recommended to use insect repellent spray and wear long socks.
+ Absolutely do not litter when visiting Bach Ma.
+ After exploring Bach Ma tourist area, you can also visit Bach Ma Village - a popular spot for virtual living among young people.
Here is a summary of the travel experiences at Bach Ma National Park, Hue. Hopefully, with the information provided, you will have a complete and perfect trip! If you're still unsure about where to go for a trip to Hue, consider visiting Bach Ma National Park!
Essential mountain climbing gear to bring along
Posted by: Liêm Nguyễn
Keywords: What's in Bach Ma National Park? Tips and itinerary for exploring Bach Ma National Park