Discover Bach Ma National Park: Location, Directions, and Travel Tips

Bach Ma National Park is located in Phu Loc and Nam Dong districts, Thua Thien Hue province, about 40 km south of Hue city center and about 60 km north of Da Nang city. Situated on the North Truong Son range, this national park covers an area of 37,487 hectares, with Bach Ma Peak reaching 1,450 m above sea level. Its special location near the East Sea (about 10 km away) brings a cool climate year-round, averaging 15-23°C, ideal for outdoor activities.

Bach Ma is not only an important nature reserve but is also famous for its romantic scenery, from vast primeval forests to majestic waterfalls such as Do Quyen Waterfall and Ngu Ho. The name “Bach Ma” (White Horse) originates from the legend of white clouds covering the mountain top, creating a shape resembling a white horse.

To make your journey to explore Bach Ma National Park complete, choosing the right transport and route is extremely important.

From Hue

• Motorbike or self-drive car: From Hue city center, take Highway 1A south towards Da Nang. Upon reaching Phu Loc town, look for the signpost turning left into Bach Ma Road. The distance is about 40 km, taking about 50 minutes to 1 hour. Note: do not turn onto the road leading to Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery, as this is not the entry to the national park.
• Bus: Some passenger buses from Hue to Da Nang can stop near the national park area. From the drop-off point, you can take a motorbike taxi or taxi to the park gate. However, this option is less flexible.

From Da Nang

• Motorbike or self-drive car: From Da Nang, follow Highway 1A north, through the Hai Van Tunnel or over Hai Van Pass (if you want to enjoy the scenery). Reaching Lang Co town, turn right following the signs to Bach Ma National Park. The total distance is about 60 km, taking about 1.5 hours.

Getting around in the national park

From the park gate to Bach Ma Peak is about 16-19 km long, with a winding road around the mountain. You can choose:

• Walking/trekking: Suitable for people in good physical condition who love exploring. The walk takes about 4-5 hours, but you will get to admire the diverse ecosystem along the way.
• Renting a shuttle vehicle: 12-16 seater shuttle services are available at the park gate, priced at around 900,000 VND/round trip. This is a convenient option for families or large groups.
• Jeep: Some tours offer jeeps to explore the main attractions, priced from 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND/day, depending on the group size.

Note: Motorbikes and vehicles over 16 seats are not allowed to go up to Bach Ma Peak to ensure safety and protect the environment.

Bach Ma National Park can be visited year-round, but the ideal time is the dry season (March to September). At this time, the weather is dry and cool, suitable for trekking, sightseeing, and stream bathing. Especially in March-April, rhododendrons bloom vibrantly around Do Quyen Waterfall, creating a gorgeous scene. From October to December, the area often experiences heavy rain and slippery roads, making it unsuitable for outdoor activities.

Not only impressing visitors with its fresh climate, Bach Ma also conquers travelers with a series of unique attractions filled with the characteristics of Central Vietnam's nature.

Vong Hai Dai (Sea Watch Tower)

Located at an altitude of 1,430 m, Vong Hai Dai is the highest point of the national park, where you can admire a panoramic view of Bach Ma mountains and forests, Lang Co Bay, Canh Duong Beach, and Hai Van Pass. From the park gate, cars will take you near the summit, followed by an 800-meter walk on a paved trail to reach Vong Hai Dai. Standing on the observation deck, you will feel the cool fresh air blending mountain and sea breezes.

Do Quyen Waterfall (Rhododendron Waterfall)

Do Quyen Waterfall, over 300 m high, is one of the highlights of Bach Ma. To reach the foot of the waterfall, you need to conquer 689 stone steps, but the majestic landscape with blooming rhododendrons in spring will make every effort worthwhile. The waterfall is the source of a branch of the Perfume River, boasting a poetic and impressive beauty.

Ngu Ho (Five Lakes)

Ngu Ho is a system of 5 crystal-clear lakes connected to each other, located about 2 km from Vong Hai Dai. This is an ideal place to rest, have lunch, or swim in the streams after your trekking journey. The lake water is cool and clear, but children and people in weak physical condition should be cautious when swimming to avoid catching a cold.

Cho Den Forest (Black Shorea Forest)

Cho Den Forest, about 3 km from the guesthouse area, is where you can discover giant ancient trees with diameters over 1 m and heights exceeding 30 m. Some exciting activities here include ziplining or net climbing high up, offering a unique experience amidst the tropical forest canopy.

Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery

Located next to Truoi Lake, Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery is a spiritual destination with charming scenery. From here, you can overlook the 400-hectare Truoi Lake and explore architectural structures such as the main hall and ancestor hall. Note that the Monastery is not located inside the national park area, so you need to follow a separate route.

Bach Ma Village and the "Hobbit Village"

At the foot of the mountain, Bach Ma Village is an ecotourism area with a peaceful space, inspired by the Hobbit village in "The Lord of the Rings". This is an ideal spot for check-in photos, camping, or stream bathing. Ticket prices to Bach Ma Village are around 150,000 VND/person.

To ensure a safe and fulfilling trip, travelers should keep in mind some useful tips before exploring Bach Ma National Park.

Preparation before the trip

• Clothing: Wear comfortable clothes, sports shoes, or trekking shoes with good grip. Bring a light jacket because Bach Ma's weather can change during the day (cold in the early morning and evening).
• Necessary items: Insect repellent spray (to avoid leeches), sunscreen, raincoat, map or navigation app. Bring light snacks and drinking water to recharge your energy.
• Health: Trekking activities require good physical health. If traveling with children or the elderly, you should choose shuttle vehicles instead of walking.

Notes during the visit

• Environmental protection: Do not litter, pick flowers, break branches, or hunt animals. Violations may be subject to fines.
• Safety: Travel in groups or with a guide to avoid getting lost. Comply with signposts and park rules.
• Accommodation: If staying overnight, you can camp at Thong Nang campsite (Km17) or stay at villas such as Do Quyen Villa, Kim Giao Villa (prices from 750,000 to 1,000,000 VND/room). Homestays at the foot of the mountain are also budget-friendly options, costing around 300,000 VND/night.

Suggested 1-day itinerary

• Morning: Depart from Hue/Da Nang, arrive at the park gate, purchase tickets, and rent a vehicle to the summit. Visit Vong Hai Dai, take photos, and enjoy the scenery.
• Noon: Trek to Ngu Ho, rest, have lunch, and bathe in the streams.
• Afternoon: Explore Do Quyen Waterfall or Cho Den Forest. Return to the mountain foot, visit Bach Ma Village or Truoi Lake to relax.
• Evening: End the journey, return to Hue/Da Nang or camp overnight if planned.

Bach Ma National Park is not only a destination to admire majestic nature but also serves as a “spiritual medicine” helping you temporarily step away from the hectic pace of daily life. From the majestic Vong Hai Dai, the silk-ribbon-like white Do Quyen Waterfall, to the crystal-blue Ngu Ho in the middle of the forest, every stop offers an unforgettable experience. To make your exploration journey even more complete and convenient, you can choose a Bach Ma National Park tour with Sovaba Travel – offering professional service, reasonable itineraries, and authentic nature experiences.