Bach Ma National Park: Guided Trek, Lakes & Waterfall Lunch

Summary

Guided trek in Bach Ma with lakeside lunch & waterfall views

You’ll hike through Bach Ma National Park with a local guide from Hue, ring a bell above cloud-wrapped valleys, swim or relax by one of five forest lakes after a picnic lunch, and stand at the edge of Do Quyen waterfall’s roar. Expect muddy shoes and moments of quiet awe you’ll remember long after you leave Vietnam.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding up the mountain road out of Hue before I’d even finished my first coffee — mist curling around the van windows, our guide Hien humming along to some old Vietnamese pop song on the radio. It’s about an hour’s drive to Bach Ma National Park, but it felt shorter with Hien pointing out little things: a farmer in a conical hat waving from his scooter, the way the air started smelling like wet leaves as we climbed higher. I didn’t expect it to feel so different from the city so quickly.

At the top, Hai Vong Dai sits at 1,450 meters — you can see rivers looping through green valleys and clouds drifting right past your face. Hien poured us hot tea (he called it “mountain fuel,” which made me laugh), and we tried ringing this big peace bell together. The sound just hung there in the fog for a second; I still think about that echo. Then we set off into the forest trails — damp earth underfoot, birds somewhere overhead, and those weirdly bright red rhododendrons popping up along the path.

The trek isn’t too tough if you’re used to walking, but there are some steep bits and slippery rocks near the Five Lakes. We stopped at lake number three for lunch — rice, stewed pork, tofu, broccoli — all packed up in little boxes. Some of us swam (the water was freezing but worth it), while others just lay on warm rocks listening to nothing but cicadas. There was this moment where nobody talked for a while; just sun on our faces and cold water drying on our skin.

After lunch we headed down toward Do Quyen waterfall — 300 meters high and loud enough that you have to shout over it if you want anyone to hear you. My legs were jelly by then but somehow that made it funnier when Hien joked about “Vietnamese stairmaster training.” On the way back I noticed my shoes were caked in mud and honestly didn’t care; everyone looked happy-tired. The drive back into Hue felt quieter — maybe because we’d all left something up there in those clouds.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bach Ma National Park Trek

• Travel from Hue city to mountain foot
• Hike to Bach Ma peak (1450m)
• Ring peace bell at summit
• Enjoy panoramic mountain views
• Trek through jungle and streams
• Visit Five Lakes, picnic at Lake 3
• Swim and relax at lake
• Continue to Rhododendron Waterfall
• View mountains from waterfall
• See big Buddha statue on return
• Return to Hue city center

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Hue to Bach Ma National Park?

It takes about one hour by car from Hue city center to the foot of Bach Ma Mountain.

Is lunch included on the Bach Ma trekking tour?

Yes, a picnic lunch is included with rice, stewed meat soup, stir-fried vegetables, tofu, and broccoli.

Can I swim during the day trip to Bach Ma National Park?

You can swim at one of the Five Lakes during the tour stop at lake number three.

What is the highest point visited on this tour?

The highest point is Hai Vong Dai at 1,450 meters above sea level.

Are hotel pickups included for this trekking tour?

Yes, hotel pickup from Hue is included in your day trip booking.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No, it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to trekking sections.

What should I bring for trekking in Bach Ma National Park?

You should wear comfortable walking shoes; raincoats and helmets are provided if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Hue city center, entry fees for Bach Ma National Park, coffee or tea at Hai Vong Dai summit, a picnic lunch by one of the Five Lakes (with rice dishes and vegetables), bottled water for each person, plus guidance throughout from a knowledgeable local guide before returning in the afternoon.