Bạch Mã National Park

An incredible park with an interesting history. Bach Ma was one of the highlights of Vietnam for me; an adventure immersed in nature. On a tour I was able to hike into the park, seeing picturesque monuments and waterfalls, I was even able to swim in a natural pool at the base of a waterfall. In 1932, the summit of Bach Ma was selected by French engineer Girard to become a hill station for the colonial administration of Hue. In the following years a village boasting 139 villas and hotels were created. In the 1950's this area saw heavy fighting with the Viet Minh soldiers. After independence from the French Bach Ma was soon forgotten and the villas abandoned. At 1250m elevation this national park is a popular summer retreat for Vietnamese looking to feel the relief of the cooler temps of the park.

We had a great day as we went by motorbike from Hoi an to Bach Ma National Park. The way itself was spectacular. We only give four points because the entrance is expensive 65k per person + 900k for a car that drives you to the peak from where you can walk two trails (peak trail and 5 lakes trail). It is mandatory to take the car if you want to enter the park after 8.30am. We were wondering which Vietnamese person would ever be able to afford or willing to pay such a high price. The lakes trail has a voluntary "adventurous" part where we had to somewhat climb or jump over water. We loved it but it might not be for everybody. Overall we had a fantastic day but the concept of the park could be improved (more trails could be introduced; it should not be mandatory to take the car but have trails directly from the entrance etc.; perhaps the price to take the car could be reduced at least for Vietnamese people)

This is an amazing experience definitely recommend, you need to like adventure for this hike but it is totally worth it

I had a trekking tour here last week, it was wonderful experience, both for the nature and the history about the area, all thanks to the local guide. If you come in the next months (march and april) the rhododendron plants wich the park is full should be blooming.

It’s great to be here. We spent a night at the old French Villa with no ones else, it was lucky that electricity was cut off that night . We had a so romantic day and night there with candles and no phone or internet. We very much appreciate Bach Ma National Park. We want to come back.

Must see Mr Cam who can help call the wild birds for you. If possible, bring high quality camera with long lenses for taking photos pf wildlife. Sunset and sunrise are fabulous. Basic accommodations but the food is great.

Don’t use this as your destination but rather use the “Bach Ma visitor center” as your waypoint. The five lake trail is nice, but please be aware that you can’t enter the park with your motorbike. You either have to walk 16km with a 10% incline or take their extremely overpriced rental car with driver for 900.000 VND (about 35 USD / EUR). This price is absolutely ridiculous for Vietnam. Our driver fell asleep as he was waiting for us to finish the trail. Other drivers were very unfriendly. One asked 5 USD to bring us 1km uphill. We already paid 900k VND, so we didn’t agree and walked 1km uphill only to find out our driver was sleeping. Next to that, the security guy at the visitor center asked us some money for the parking, but this is a scam. Just tell him you already paid in the information center building or pretend you don’t speak any English and he will go away.

You need to enter quite early (before 9:30am) to walk on your own since the road is 16km long. If you arrive later, you'll need to be driven by a car from the national park (900.000VND) since they do not let vehicles enter the park on their own.