Bach Ma National Park hike from Hoi An: summit and waterfalls

Climb Bach Ma Mountain and walk to waterfalls in one day

A full-day guided nature hike in Bach Ma National Park departing from Hoi An includes a professional English-speaking guide, national park fees, lunch, and air-conditioned transport. You hike to the summit of Bach Ma Mountain for panoramic coastal views, explore waterfalls including Do Quyen Falls, spot native wildlife, and visit remnants of French colonial buildings. The park holds over 1,400 plant species and rare animals including red-shanked douc langurs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Bach Ma National Park

• Pick up from hotel in Hoi An or Da Nang
• Drive to Bach Ma National Park
• Check in and safety briefing
• Guided nature walk on trails
• Hike to Bach Ma Mountain summit
• Enjoy picnic lunch or local restaurant
• Visit Ngu Ho or Do Quyen Falls
• Wildlife spotting and relaxation
• Explore French colonial historical sites

The Experience

The drive from Hoi An takes 1 to 1.5 hours, passing either Hai Van Pass — the famous scenic mountain route that separates the tropical south from the subtropical north — or the Hai Van tunnel, depending on weather. Your guide meets you at your hotel and the minivan is air-conditioned. Once you arrive at the park entrance around 9:30 AM, you get a safety briefing and an overview of the day before the hiking begins.

The guided walk starts on designated trails where your guide points out the park's biodiversity and ecosystems. By late morning you're climbing Bach Ma Mountain itself. The summit delivers panoramic views of the coastline and the lush landscape spreading below. You break for lunch around 12:30 PM — either a picnic or a meal at a local restaurant featuring traditional Vietnamese cuisine — and then move into the afternoon exploration. You visit waterfalls like Do Quyen Falls (Rhododendron Falls), where you can swim or photograph the water and the forest. The park is home to rare wildlife including various bird species and red-shanked douc langurs, and the afternoon gives you time to watch for them. Before heading back, you walk through the remnants of French colonial buildings — an old hotel and an observatory — that sit within the park and mark its history.

The full day runs 10 to 11 hours from pickup to return. Your guide speaks English throughout. Bottled water is provided, and if you need a vegetarian meal, let the operator know when you book. The hike demands a high level of physical fitness; the terrain and elevation gain are not light. Children from age 1 are welcome, though the long day and steep sections make it more suitable for older kids who can manage the pace.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guide.
• national park entry fees.
• lunch with traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• air-conditioned minivan transport from your Hoi An or Da Nang hotel.

Good to know

Demanding physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Dragon Travel Viet

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're comfortable with a full day of hiking and want to reach the summit for coastal views — the steep terrain and 10-hour commitment suit travelers with solid fitness who can handle elevation gain. If a shorter walk or easier pace matters more, look for a half-day or less strenuous park visit instead.

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Top questions

What is the hike to Bach Ma summit actually like?

The hike climbs Bach Ma Mountain on designated trails, gaining elevation steadily. You reach the summit in late morning and stand at a viewpoint overlooking the coastline and surrounding landscape. The operator rates it as requiring a high level of physical fitness, and the full day of hiking and walking covers 10 to 11 hours total.

Can I swim at Do Quyen Falls?

Yes. Do Quyen Falls (also called Rhododendron Falls) is one of the afternoon stops, and you have time to swim, relax, or take photos in the natural pool and surrounding forest.

What wildlife might I see in Bach Ma National Park?

The park is home to over 1,400 plant species and numerous animals. Rare species include red-shanked douc langurs. You'll also have opportunities to spot native birds and other wildlife during the afternoon exploration, though sightings are never guaranteed.

Is lunch included, and can I request vegetarian food?

Lunch is included and features traditional Vietnamese cuisine, served either as a picnic or at a local restaurant around 12:30 PM. Vegetarian options are available if you request one when you book.

How long is the drive from Hoi An to Bach Ma National Park?

The drive takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Depending on weather, your route will either follow Hai Van Pass — the scenic mountain road famous for its coastal views — or go through the Hai Van tunnel, the longest mountain tunnel in Southeast Asia.

What do the French colonial ruins in the park look like?

The park contains remnants of French colonial buildings, including an old hotel and an observatory. You visit these sites in the late afternoon and learn about their history and significance to the park.