Complete Travel Guide to Bach Ma National Park in Hue 2023
Bach Ma National Park in Hue is the ideal choice for a trekking adventure through the forest, exploring the vast wilderness, and immersing yourself in the stunning natural beauty, including Do Quyen Waterfall, Five Lakes, and countless unforgettable experiences.
If you have a passion for majestic and rugged landscapes, then a visit to Bach Ma Park is a must. It’s a place to witness “paradise on earth,” with its lush primeval forest and magnificent waterfalls. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your self-guided trip to Bach Ma Mountain in Hue.
1. Where Is Bach Ma National Park? Directions & Ticket Prices
- Address: Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province, approximately 40km from Hue City.
- Ticket Prices:
- Adults: 60,000 VND per ticket
- Children, students, and seniors: 20,000 VND per ticket
Bach Ma National Park is a rich primeval forest nestled along the Truong Son Range, stretching across the country from the Vietnam-Laos border to the East Sea. It’s one of the renowned tourist destinations in Phu Loc, Hue, often chosen for trekking and exploring the fascinating natural wonders.
To reach Bach Ma Park, you can choose to travel by motorbike or car along the following routes:
1.1. Traveling to Bach Ma National Park from Hue City
- Depart from Hue City and follow National Highway 1A towards Da Nang until you reach Phu Loc Township.
- Continue until you see a green signboard indicating Bach Ma National Park on the right. Follow Tran Dinh Tuc Street to reach the entrance.
>>> See more: Hue to Da Nang by private car with English speaking driver
Note: There’s a separate signboard leading to Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery, so make sure to follow the signs for Bach Ma National Park.
1.2. Traveling to Bach Ma National Park from Da Nang
- If you’re starting from Da Nang, drive approximately 60km north on National Highway 1A, crossing the Hai Van Pass.
- Arrive at Cau Hai Market, continue for about 1km, then turn left onto Tran Dinh Tuc Street, which will lead you to the entrance of Bach Ma National Park.
1.3. Going from the Entrance to the Peak of Bach Ma
Upon reaching the entrance of Bach Ma National Park, purchase your entrance ticket and embark on your journey. The road from the entrance to the peak of the mountain is approximately 16km. You can choose to hike this trail, which takes about 4-5 hours, or rent a car for about 900,000 VND (round trip).
Note:
- Consider joining a group or booking a tour to save on transportation costs.
- Motorbikes and cars with over 16 seats are not allowed on Bach Ma Mountain.
2. What Makes Bach Ma National Park So Attractive?
In addition to its rich primary forest and picturesque trekking trails, Bach Ma National Park boasts several famous spots, including:
2.1. Vong Hai Dai – The Ultimate Checkpoint
After navigating the winding mountain road, you’ll arrive at Vong Hai Dai, the tallest structure in Bach Ma National Park, constructed by the French during the colonial era. This is the perfect place to admire the majestic natural panorama, with mountains veiled in clouds and the breathtaking view of Lang Co Bay and Lake Truoi.
2.2. Five Lakes – Refreshing Swimming Opportunities
After enjoying Vong Hai Dai, drive about 5km to reach the Five Lakes area. Here, you’ll find five interconnected, crystal-clear lakes, a popular spot for resting and swimming.
2.3. Do Quyen Waterfall – A Majestic Beauty
The next destination on your journey is Do Quyen Waterfall, located about 2-3km from the Five Lakes area. Here, you can relax on rocky outcrops while gazing at the cascading waterfall, which drops from a height of approximately 300 meters. For the adventurous, you can trek down nearly 700 steps to the base of the falls.
2.4. French Colonial Villas
Bach Ma Park was once chosen as a resort area for French officials and the upper class in Hue. Today, you can still see several well-preserved colonial villas with beautiful European architecture that you can visit and admire.
2.5. Hobbit Village – A Unique Experience
Hobbit Village is a tourist attraction and outdoor activity area located at the foot of Bach Ma Mountain. It’s a famous spot in the national park that you can visit with an entrance fee: 100,000 VND for adults and 60,000 VND for children.
2.6. Lake Truoi & Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery
Two popular destinations after exploring Bach Ma Park are Lake Truoi and Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery. Lake Truoi, located at the base of the mountain, offers relaxing boat rides to enjoy the serene landscape. These boats also take you to Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery, where you can engage in religious activities, meditation, and experience a peaceful atmosphere.
2.7. Exciting Activities at Bach Ma National Park
Besides the mentioned attractions, Bach Ma Park offers various thrilling activities, including trekking, camping, mountain biking, and more.
2.7.1. Trekking in the Pristine Forest
Bach Ma National Park boasts several trekking trails such as the path to Hai Vong Dai, Ngoc Ho – Do Quyen Waterfall, the Stone Singing Brook Park route, the Chò Đen Forest – Trí Sao Waterfall trail, providing travelers with fascinating forest adventures.
2.7.2. Birdwatching and Wildlife Encounter
The park’s diverse flora and fauna make it a great place for birdwatching. You can listen to the melodious songs of various bird species like the crested argus pheasant, sao truc, long-tailed pheasant, and more. Lucky visitors might even spot rare birds like the crested argus, silver pheasant, long-tailed pheasant, and red-headed trogon.
2.7.3. Camping
Camping under the forest canopy and enjoying the pristine air while hearing the soothing sounds of the forest is a fantastic experience. Travelers can bring their camping gear or book camping services within Bach Ma National Park.
2.7.4. Challenging Mountain Biking
For sports enthusiasts, mountain biking up Bach Ma Mountain is an adventurous challenge that leaves unforgettable memories. The steep, winding roads are a test of endurance and provide stunning views along the way.
3. Dining Options at Bach Ma National Park
Bach Ma Park offers a variety of dining and refreshment options, including set meals, noodles, rice dishes, pho, bottled water, soft drinks, canned beer, as well as grilled dishes and seafood upon request. You can also choose to dine at local restaurants or order meals at homestays and hotels at the foot of the mountain.
Here are some essential travel tips to make your trip to Bach Ma National Park enjoyable and convenient:
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is from March to December when the weather is dry, with less rainfall, making it suitable for outdoor activities and exploration.
- Accommodation Options: Camping in the forest, staying in resorts like Do Quyen Villa, Kim Giao Villa, Phong Lan Villa, or guesthouses and homestays at the base of the mountain are available options for accommodation.
- Appropriate Attire: Wear lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, a thin jacket, and comfortable sports shoes for trekking.
- Necessities to Prepare: Basic medical supplies like cold and flu medicine, insect repellent, bandages, antiseptic, etc., are essential. Don’t forget to bring a camera and a fully charged phone to capture the stunning scenery.
- Other Considerations: Please be responsible and follow park regulations, such as not littering, breaking branches, or disturbing wildlife.
Bach Ma natural park is a natural gem in Hue, Vietnam, offering a wide range of experiences for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Plan your visit to explore this breathtaking destination, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of pristine nature and create unforgettable memories.