Nha Trang: Ba Ho Waterfall Hike, Cliff Jumps & Local Lunch

Summary

Swim hike & jump at Ba Ho Waterfall with local food after

You’ll hike through lush forest near Nha Trang to reach Ba Ho Waterfall—swimming in clear pools and maybe daring a cliff jump if you feel brave. With a local guide leading the way (and sharing stories), you’ll discover hidden spots like a cave behind the falls and end your adventure with a simple Vietnamese lunch before heading back.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a bright orange life vest before I’ve even had time to second-guess myself—our guide, Minh, grins and says, “For swimming or just for style?” I laugh but honestly, my heart’s already thumping. The drive out from Nha Trang is quick, maybe half an hour north, but it feels like we’re slipping into another world. The air thickens with green as we leave the city behind. When we finally reach the trailhead for Ba Ho Waterfall, there’s this low hum of cicadas and the kind of sticky heat that makes you grateful for any shade you can find.

The hike up isn’t easy—roots everywhere, some rocks slick from last night’s rain. Minh points out wild ginger growing along the path (I crush a leaf between my fingers and it really does smell spicy). We pause at the first pool; water so clear you can see every pebble on the bottom. A couple of locals are already in, shouting to each other in Vietnamese and egging their friends on to jump from the rocks. I hesitate but Minh just says, “You’ll regret not trying.” So yeah—I jump. It’s cold enough to shock a yelp out of me but also kind of perfect. I didn’t expect to feel that light.

We scramble higher—three pools in all (Ba Ho means ‘three lakes’), each one quieter than the last. At one point Minh shows us this little cave tucked behind a curtain of water; he says he found it himself years ago. My legs are wobbly by then but I still duck inside—it smells earthy and cool, nothing like outside. After all that climbing and swimming, we dry off in patches of sun before heading back down for lunch at a roadside spot where someone’s grilling fish over coals. I try to say thank you in Vietnamese; everyone laughs at my accent but they seem pleased anyway.

I still think about that first leap into the water sometimes—how nervous I was right before and how everything felt quieter after. If you’re thinking about a day trip to Ba Ho Waterfall from Nha Trang, just know it’s not polished or fancy but there’s something honest about it all—the sweat, the laughter, even the muddy shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ba Ho Waterfalls and local lunch

• Meet at 8AM meeting point
• Depart to Ba Ho Waterfalls
• Hike 30-45 minutes to waterfall top
• Swim and jump off cliffs
• Explore hidden cave inside waterfall
• Have local lunch on return
• Return to meeting point by 1PM

Top questions

How far is Ba Ho Waterfall from Nha Trang?

It’s about 25 kilometers north of Nha Trang—roughly a 30–45 minute drive.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at a set meeting point in Nha Trang.

How long does the Ba Ho Waterfall tour last?

The tour starts at 8AM and ends around 1PM—about five hours total.

Do I need to be fit for this waterfall hike?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness due to hiking and climbing involved.

Can I swim or cliff jump at Ba Ho Waterfall?

Yes—you can swim in the pools and jump from rocks if you want (life vests available).

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes—a local Vietnamese lunch is included on your way back to town.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

What should I bring for Ba Ho Waterfall?

Wear sturdy shoes for hiking and bring swimwear if you plan to swim or jump in.

What’s included

Your day includes all entry fees, an air-conditioned ride from Nha Trang to Ba Ho Waterfall and back, use of a life vest if needed while swimming or jumping, plus a local Vietnamese lunch before returning early afternoon.