Reviewed · HIKING & TREKKING
Bach Ma National Park trekking daily tour from Da Nang, Hoi An
Water, forest, and big views fill this day. This Bach Ma National Park outing gives you two things I especially like: a small group capped at 10 people and a proper walk through forest, streams, rocks, and Five Lakes rather than a quick roadside stop. The climb to Hai Vong Dai also brings wide views toward Lang Co Beach, Hai Van Pass, Truoi Lake, Cau Hai Lagoon, and the sea.
I also like the mix of effort and rest. You can swim at Ngu Ho, eat a picnic lunch in a peaceful setting, then continue to Do Quyen Waterfall, a 300-meter cascade. Guides such as Linh, Thuy, Sang, and Shang have earned praise for their care, local knowledge, and safety help, which matters on rough ground.
The main caution is the wording of the outing. This is not a simple mountain stroll. The Five Lakes route can be wet, rocky, and physically demanding, with some elevation gain and stream crossings. The summit view may also disappear in rain or fog, though poor weather can give the forest a memorable, moody feel.
In This Review
- Key Points To Know Before You Go
- From Da Nang or Hoi An, Expect an Early Start
- The Exhibition House Gives You Your Bearings
- Hai Vong Dai at 1,450 Meters Brings the Big Views
- Five Lakes Is Where the Real Trek Begins
- A Picnic Lunch Beside the Water
- Do Quyen Waterfall Rewards the Extra Effort
- What the $69 Price Really Buys You
- Who Will Enjoy This Bach Ma Day Most
- Practical Packing Advice For Wet, Uneven Trails
- FAQ
- Where does the Bach Ma National Park tour start?
- How long does the tour last?
- What level of fitness do I need?
- Is swimming included?
- Is lunch included?
- What does the $69 price include?
- How many people can join the tour?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
- Should You Book This Bach Ma Trek?
Key Points To Know Before You Go

- The Five Lakes trail is the day’s toughest section: Expect uneven paths, rocks, wet feet, and some climbing.
- Hai Vong Dai reaches 1,450 meters: On a clear day, you can see beaches, lagoons, lakes, the pass, and the sea.
- Swimming is part of the appeal: Ngu Ho gives you a chance to cool off before the waterfall walk.
- The group stays small: A maximum of 10 people allows closer contact with the guide.
- Pickup begins early: Hoi An pickup is listed for 6:30 to 7:00 a.m., followed by Da Nang pickup around 7:30 to 8:00 a.m.
- The $69 price covers the essentials: Transport, guide, park entry, picnic lunch, water, activity fees, and domestic travel insurance are included.
From Da Nang or Hoi An, Expect an Early Start

The day begins with hotel pickup in Hoi An between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m. Da Nang pickup follows around 7:30 to 8:00 a.m., with the listed meeting time set at 7:30 a.m. Confirm your exact pickup time when booking, since the two departure areas naturally create different schedules.
The tour uses a new air-conditioned vehicle, a welcome feature after a wet or tiring walk. The road journey is part of the day, not just dead time. You pass the Hai Van Pass, and one account describes the route as a highlight, with a stop at a scenic lake along the way.
The full outing lasts about nine hours, although the detailed schedule describes roughly eight hours of activity. That difference is normal for a day involving hotel collection, road conditions, transfers, and a return journey. I would keep the evening free rather than plan a tight dinner reservation.
The small group limit is one of the strongest practical features. With no more than 10 people, you should have a better chance to ask about plants, wildlife, and trail conditions without shouting across a crowd. It also makes the pace easier to manage, especially if some people climb faster than others.
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The Exhibition House Gives You Your Bearings

The first stop inside Bach Ma National Park is the Bach Ma Exhibition House. It provides a short introduction before you head farther into the park, so you get some context instead of stepping straight from a van onto a trail.
After this stop, the vehicle continues to Km12. From there, you transfer by motorbike with forest rangers or continue with a professional guide to reach the trailhead. This change in transport is part of the park access plan and adds a more adventurous touch, though anyone who prefers a fully road-based outing should know that the day includes several types of movement.
The English-speaking guide is included. The strongest guide praise centers on warmth, careful supervision, and useful explanations about the park’s plants and wildlife. One guide even identified what was described as a new plant species, a reminder that the forest is not simply a backdrop for photographs.
You may hear the name Bach Ma explained in different ways during your visit, but the useful point is simple: this is a mountain forest park with cool, wet conditions that can change quickly. Pack for walking, not for a city excursion.
Hai Vong Dai at 1,450 Meters Brings the Big Views

The first major walk leads through lush forest toward Hai Vong Dai, the park’s highest viewpoint at 1,450 meters. Reaching the top gives the day a clear sense of purpose, even though the views depend heavily on weather.
On a clear day, you can look toward Lang Co Beach, Hai Van Pass, Truoi Lake, Cau Hai Lagoon, and the sea. That is a remarkable amount of scenery from one high point. You get mountains, water, coast, and road corridors all in one outlook.
Do not treat the summit as guaranteed photo weather. Rain and fog can block the long views. One account describes a wet day with no summit view, yet found that the mist gave the jungle its own appeal. That is a fair way to approach Bach Ma: clear conditions reward you with distance, while mist brings the forest close and changes the mood.
The climb is suitable for people with moderate physical fitness, as stated by the operator. That phrase deserves a practical reading. You do not need to be an elite hiker, but you should be comfortable walking for much of a day and managing uneven ground. If you dislike steep or slippery paths, this is not the right place to test your limits.
Five Lakes Is Where the Real Trek Begins

After the summit section, the route continues to Ngu Ho, also called Five Lakes. This is the part many people remember most, and it is also where the trail becomes more demanding.
The path is not described as paved. You may need to climb over rocks, cross streams, and accept wet shoes or feet. One account specifically advises bringing a towel, while another warns that your feet get wet during stream crossings. Wear footwear with a secure grip, and do not bring anything that cannot handle water.
The roughness is part of the reward. You are not simply walking to a viewpoint, posing for a photograph, and returning to the van. You work your way through forest toward a chain of natural pools, with vegetation and water shaping the route.
At Ngu Ho, you get time to rest and swim. This break matters because the trail asks for effort before and after it. Swimming is optional in practical terms, but it gives you a welcome reset before lunch and the waterfall walk. Bring a towel and a dry change of clothes, since those are not listed among the included items.
The trail’s challenge varies with conditions. Rain can make rocks slick and streams higher, while dry weather should make footing easier, although the route remains uneven. Follow the guide’s instructions, especially when moving over wet rock.
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A Picnic Lunch Beside the Water

The picnic lunch is included and is served during the Five Lakes portion of the day. The setting is one of the experience’s quiet strengths. Instead of eating in a busy restaurant, you pause beside forest and water, with time to settle after the harder walking.
Vegetarian food can be requested, and one account confirms that this request was handled. I would still state the preference when booking and again at pickup, because food arrangements are easier when the guide knows early.
The included meal adds real value to the $69 price. You are not paying only for a ride and a park ticket. The fee also covers the guide, lunch, bottled water, entrance fees, listed activities, and domestic travel insurance. Drinks and meals not named in the plan remain your responsibility, as do personal expenses and tips.
The lunch will not suit anyone expecting a full restaurant meal with a broad menu. It is practical picnic food that keeps the day moving. For a remote forest outing, that is the sensible tradeoff.
Do Quyen Waterfall Rewards the Extra Effort

From Five Lakes, you continue to Do Quyen Waterfall, listed at 300 meters. The path remains a proper forest walk, and the waterfall section can feel strenuous after the earlier climb and swim.
The reward is scale and setting. Water drops through the forest, and the surrounding vegetation gives the stop more character than a viewpoint beside a road. The experience is about reaching the waterfall under your own power, not merely stopping for a look.
Some people may find the walk challenging, especially after rain. One account calls the Five Lakes hike difficult because of the unpaved route and rock climbing, while another describes the day as real hiking with good elevation gain when continuing to the large waterfall. Those comments fit the stated moderate fitness requirement.
The guide’s role becomes important here. Linh was praised for making the walk safe and enjoyable, while Thuy was appreciated for explaining the park and wildlife. Sang was described as friendly and informative, and Shang received warm praise for helping make a demanding day enjoyable. Guide assignments can change, but careful supervision is clearly part of the experience’s appeal.
After the waterfall, you trek back to Km12 and transfer to the vehicle. The return is not a second attraction, but your legs may be glad when the road ride begins.
What the $69 Price Really Buys You

At $69 per person, this is a fair value if you want a full day outdoors without arranging transport, entry, lunch, and a guide separately. The price includes an air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking guide, Bach Ma entrance ticket, picnic meal, bottled water, activity fees, and domestic travel insurance.
The package is particularly useful from Da Nang or Hoi An. Bach Ma is not a casual walk from either city, and the early collection removes the need to organize a private car and park access on your own.
The value drops if you want a gentle sightseeing day. You are paying for access to a rough trail and a guided outdoor schedule, not for comfort at every stage. The van is comfortable, but the forest route is not.
Tips, personal spending, and unlisted food or drinks are excluded. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If bad weather forces cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund, which is useful for a park where rain can affect both safety and visibility.
Who Will Enjoy This Bach Ma Day Most

I would choose this outing if you want a physical day in nature and you are happy to get wet. It suits people who enjoy walking on rough trails, swimming in natural pools, and earning their views through effort.
It is also a good fit if you prefer a small guided group. The 10-person maximum should make the day more personal, and the guide can offer help on rocks, explain the forest, and adjust attention to the group.
You should think twice if your idea of a national park visit means a flat path, short walks, and guaranteed clear views. The wording about trekking is important. This involves stream crossings, rock sections, and a long day with more than one demanding walk.
The weather question is central. Fog can hide Hai Vong Dai, but it does not necessarily ruin the forest experience. Rain may make the Five Lakes route more difficult, so check conditions and bring suitable clothing rather than relying on the forecast to produce postcard views.
Practical Packing Advice For Wet, Uneven Trails
Bring a towel, as swimming is included and wet feet are possible. A dry shirt and spare socks are sensible additions, even though they are not formally listed among the inclusions.
Wear sturdy shoes with good grip. The Five Lakes route can involve rocks, streams, and unpaved sections, so sandals or smooth-soled trainers may leave you uncomfortable. Keep valuables protected from water.
Pack only what you need for the trail. Bottled water is supplied, and lunch is included, so you do not need to carry a full day’s food. You should still bring personal medication and any small item you rely on during a long walk.
A light rain layer is useful because weather changes can affect both the summit view and trail footing. If you hope to swim, wear something suitable beneath your walking clothes.
The tour requires moderate physical fitness. That is the key packing and preparation message: comfortable clothing, reliable shoes, and a willingness to slow down on rough ground will help more than extra camera gear.
FAQ
Where does the Bach Ma National Park tour start?
Pickup is offered from Hoi An between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m. and from Da Nang around 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. The listed start time is 7:30 a.m.
How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately nine hours. The detailed schedule describes about eight hours of touring activity, with total time depending on pickup and road conditions.
What level of fitness do I need?
A moderate level of physical fitness is required. The route includes forest trekking, stream crossings, rocks, Five Lakes, and a walk to Do Quyen Waterfall.
Is swimming included?
Yes. You have time to relax and swim at Ngu Ho, also called Five Lakes. Bring a towel and a change of clothes.
Is lunch included?
Yes. A picnic lunch is included as described in the day’s plan. Vegetarian food can be requested.
What does the $69 price include?
The price includes an air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking guide, Bach Ma National Park entrance ticket, picnic lunch, bottled water, entrance fees, listed activities, and domestic travel insurance.
How many people can join the tour?
The group has a maximum of 10 people.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.
Should You Book This Bach Ma Trek?
Book it if you want a serious nature day with a small group, a mountain viewpoint, natural swimming pools, and a waterfall reached on foot. The combination of Hai Vong Dai, Five Lakes, and Do Quyen Waterfall gives you more variety than a short park visit, and the included transport, guide, lunch, and fees make the $69 cost reasonable.
Skip it if you want an easy walk or guaranteed summit views. The honest choice is to bring good shoes, expect wet feet, accept changing weather, and treat the Five Lakes trail as the main event. If that sounds enjoyable rather than troublesome, Bach Ma offers a rewarding break from Da Nang or Hoi An, with enough effort to make the picnic and waterfall feel well earned.
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