Review · VIETNAM
Bach Ma National Park trekking daily tour from Da Nang, Hoi An
Bach Ma National Park gives you a full day of forest, rock, water, and wide mountain views rather than a quick roadside nature stop. The route takes you from Hai Vong Dai at 1,450 meters to Ngu Ho’s Five Lakes and then on to 300-meter Do Quyen Waterfall.
I like the small maximum group of 10, which makes a real difference on rough sections where you may need help. I also like the mix of scenery: panoramic views from the summit, swimming at the lakes, and a picnic in the forest. The main caution is that this is a moderate and sometimes demanding hike, not a gentle walk on paved paths. Wet feet, slippery rocks, and a long day are part of the deal.
Key points at a glance
- Three very different settings: Reach a high viewpoint, relax beside five natural lakes, then finish at Do Quyen Waterfall.
- A proper forest route: The Five Lakes trail includes uneven ground, rocks, stream crossings, and some climbing.
- Small-group format: The tour accepts no more than 10 people, allowing the guide to give closer help.
- Useful local guides: Linh, Sang, Thuy, and Shang have been singled out for safety, warmth, and clear explanations.
- Swimming is part of the day: Ngu Ho offers time to cool off, so pack a towel and spare clothes.
- Good value at $69: Transport, park entry, guide, picnic lunch, bottled water, and travel insurance are included.
A mountain day that earns its early start

This tour begins early, with pickup in Hoi An around 6:30 to 7:00 a.m. and in Da Nang around 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. The schedule is demanding, but the early departure gives you time for the park’s main sights without turning the day into a rushed photo stop.
You ride in an air-conditioned vehicle toward Bach Ma National Park. The route passes through the Hue area, and the journey can include views along Hai Van Pass. One account of the day also noted a stop at a picturesque lake, though the exact timing can vary.
The advertised duration is about nine hours, while the detailed schedule describes roughly eight hours of activity. Either way, plan on most of your day being occupied. This is not a short side trip you can squeeze between other plans.
At $69 per person, the price is reasonable for what is included. You are paying for round-trip transport, an English-speaking guide, park admission, bottled water, a picnic lunch, listed activities, and domestic travel insurance. You will still need to cover personal spending, extra drinks, and tips.
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Starting at the Bach Ma Exhibition House

The first stop is the Bach Ma Exhibition House, where you receive a short introduction to the park. This is a useful beginning because the day is not just a march through trees. You get some context before heading higher into the forest.
From there, the vehicle continues to Km12. The final approach to the trailhead includes a transfer by motorbike with forest rangers or a professional guide. That detail matters: you are not simply stepping out of a tourist van beside a paved trail. The route becomes more remote and forest-focused as you approach the walking sections.
The motorbike transfer may appeal to anyone who enjoys a little extra adventure. If you prefer smooth, predictable transport from start to finish, it is worth knowing about before booking. The tour is designed around the park’s terrain, not around luxury road access.
Hai Vong Dai and the views from 1,450 meters

The first major walk leads to Hai Vong Dai, the highest viewpoint in Bach Ma National Park at 1,450 meters. From here, the view can reach Lang Co Beach, Hai Van Pass, Truoi Lake, Cau Hai Lagoon, and the sea.
This is the most open part of the day. Much of the route is through forest, so the summit gives you a welcome change of scale. Instead of looking at the next tree or rock, you can take in coast, water, and mountain country all at once.
The view is weather dependent. On a clear day, this should be one of the tour’s strongest moments. In rain or fog, you may see far less from the summit. One useful point from the experience is that poor visibility does not necessarily ruin the forest walk. Fog can give the jungle a striking, quiet feel, but you should not book this day solely for a guaranteed panorama.
The summit section also helps you judge the physical level of the tour. You are heading to a high point before continuing to the lakes, so the day has real elevation gain. The tour asks for moderate fitness, and that description should be taken seriously.
The Five Lakes trail is the heart of the outing
After Hai Vong Dai, the route continues toward Ngu Ho, known as the Five Lakes. This is where the tour becomes more hands-on. The path is not described as paved, and accounts of the walk point to rocks, uneven ground, stream crossings, and sections that require climbing.
You may get your feet wet crossing the stream. Wear shoes that can cope with water and mud, and do not bring footwear you want to keep spotless. A towel is one of the most useful items to pack, especially if you plan to swim.
The rough trail is also the reason this outing feels more like a genuine trek than a standard park stroll. You have to pay attention to your footing. On slick sections, your guide can help you choose a safer route and keep the group together.
The lakes provide the day’s best chance to slow down. You can rest beside the water, swim, and enjoy the forest setting before lunch. The swimming stop is a strong reason to choose this tour over a viewpoint-only excursion.
Still, the Five Lakes trail will not suit everyone. If you need a smooth path, dislike scrambling over rocks, or find wet conditions difficult, this section may feel tiring. The route’s roughness is part of its appeal, but the tour description should not be read as a promise of an easy nature walk.
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A picnic lunch in the forest

Lunch is a picnic at a quiet scenic area in the park. The meal is included, and vegetarian food can be arranged. You should mention dietary needs when booking or as soon as possible, rather than waiting until the lunch stop.
A picnic works well here because it gives you time to recover between the lake trail and the waterfall hike. It also keeps the day connected to the park. You are not leaving the forest for a restaurant and losing another chunk of time to transport.
Do not expect a long restaurant-style meal with a wide menu. This is a practical picnic designed to keep the trek moving. Meals and drinks not listed in the itinerary are extra, so bring any additional snacks or beverages you may want.
Do Quyen Waterfall adds the final challenge

The last major walking section leads to Do Quyen Waterfall, listed at 300 meters. Reaching the waterfall involves another hike, and the route can feel demanding after the Five Lakes section.
The reward is a large natural feature in a forest setting, with the sense of having worked your way there rather than simply parking nearby. The waterfall is the right finale for this route because it gives you a clear destination after the more open-ended lake trail.
Your energy level may determine how much you enjoy this part. Some people will see the waterfall hike as the day’s best challenge, while others may already feel ready for the return journey. The tour is not built around a simple choice between easy and hard options, so you should be comfortable with a full day on uneven ground.
The combination of Five Lakes and Do Quyen Waterfall is also why the tour takes longer than a basic summit visit. You are covering several distinct areas of the park, not repeating one short path.
Guides make a practical difference

The guide is important here, not just for translation. You need someone who can explain the park, watch the group on rough terrain, and help you judge stream crossings and slippery rocks.
Linh has been praised for making the hike safe and enjoyable. Sang is noted for being friendly and informative, while Thuy is associated with clear facts about the park and wildlife. Shang has also been singled out for a warm, capable approach. Guide assignments can change, so these names are examples rather than a promise of who will lead your group.
The strongest praise for this experience centers on guide care, local information, and support during the hike. That matters more here than it would on a simple city walking tour. A guide who knows the route can help turn a difficult section into a manageable one.
The group limit of 10 is another advantage. A smaller party means less waiting and gives you a better chance to ask questions. It also makes it easier for the guide to notice if someone is struggling.
Transport, timing, and what to pack

Pickup is offered from Hoi An and Da Nang. The Hoi An pickup window is earlier, around 6:30 to 7:00 a.m., while Da Nang pickup is around 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. The stated meeting start time is 7:30 a.m., so confirm your exact pickup point and time when you book.
The new air-conditioned vehicles are helpful because the day includes a long road journey before and after the walk. Bottled water is included, as are park entry fees and the listed travel insurance.
Pack for a wet and active day:
- Comfortable footwear with a firm grip
- A towel for swimming
- Spare clothes and socks
- Sun protection
- Personal snacks or extra drinks
- A small bag that is easy to carry on rough paths
The vehicle may be comfortable, but the trail is not designed for formal shoes or heavy luggage. Keep your belongings light and protect anything that should not get wet.
The tour requires moderate physical fitness. That means you should be able to walk for much of the day, handle uneven surfaces, and manage some climbing. It is not described as suitable for every fitness level, and the rough Five Lakes section is the clearest reason.
Rain can change the character of the day

Bach Ma can be wet, and the tour requires good weather. If conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.
Rain also affects what you see. A stormy or misty day may reduce the view from Hai Vong Dai, but it can make the forest feel more atmospheric. The practical issue is footing: wet rocks and streams require more care, and your clothes and shoes may get soaked.
You should book this with a flexible attitude toward the summit view. If clear coastal scenery is your main goal, check the forecast and keep expectations realistic. If you mainly want forest, water, and a physical challenge, the day can still work in unsettled weather.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and the local cutoff time applies.
Who should book this Bach Ma tour
I would choose this trip if you want a full outdoor day from Da Nang or Hoi An and enjoy having several types of scenery in one route. It suits people who like a proper walk, a swim, and a guide who can add local detail along the way.
It is also a good choice if you are traveling without your own transport. The early pickup, air-conditioned vehicle, park entry, lunch, and guide keep the planning simple.
I would think twice if you want a relaxed sightseeing day, guaranteed clear views, or a fully paved trail. The tour title may suggest a straightforward mountain trek, but the actual appeal is a mix of forest walking, rock scrambling, stream crossings, and water stops.
Is the $69 price worth it?
For a small-group day with transport from Da Nang or Hoi An, park admission, a guide, picnic lunch, water, activities, and insurance, $69 is fair value. The price is strongest if you would otherwise need to arrange a vehicle and park access yourself.
The value also depends on your use of the itinerary. If you only want the summit viewpoint and skip the rougher sections, you may not get the full benefit. The tour makes more sense when you are ready for Ngu Ho, the swim, and Do Quyen Waterfall.
The experience has a 4.8 rating from 33 ratings, with 97 percent recommending it. Those numbers fit the tour’s strengths: beautiful scenery, caring guides, small groups, and a satisfying physical challenge. The main limitation is equally clear: this is not an easy walk.
Should you book it?
Book this Bach Ma day trip if you want to trade a lazy day for mountain air, forest trails, natural pools, and a waterfall. Bring a towel, wear shoes that can get wet, and expect rocks rather than smooth paths.
Skip it if you need an effortless outing or if the summit view is the only reason you are going. For fit visitors who want a more active day from Da Nang or Hoi An, the mix of Hai Vong Dai, Five Lakes, and Do Quyen Waterfall makes the $69 cost a sensible choice.
FAQ
How long does the Bach Ma National Park tour take?
The experience is advertised as approximately nine hours. The detailed daily schedule describes about eight hours of activity, including transport, hiking, lunch, and the return to your hotel.
Where can I join the tour?
Pickup is offered from Hoi An and Da Nang. Hoi An pickup is scheduled around 6:30 to 7:00 a.m., and Da Nang pickup around 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. The listed start time is 7:30 a.m.
What is included in the $69 price?
The price includes an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, Bach Ma National Park admission, entrance fees, picnic meals listed in the itinerary, bottled water, the planned activities, and domestic travel insurance.
Do I need to be physically fit?
You should have a moderate level of physical fitness. The route includes hiking to Hai Vong Dai, uneven and sometimes rocky sections around the Five Lakes, possible stream crossings, swimming, and the walk to Do Quyen Waterfall.
Can I swim during the tour?
Yes. The itinerary includes time to relax and swim at Ngu Ho, also called the Five Lakes. Bring a towel and spare clothing, since the trail can also leave your feet wet.
What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?
If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.
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