1. Introduction to Bach Ma National Park
Bach Ma National Park finds its home nestled within the Annamite Mountains. The park’s rugged terrain, predominantly crafted from granite, boasts steep slopes throughout. Established in 1991, Bach Ma National Park lies 1,200 meters above sea level, covers an area of 22,000 hectares, and reaches Bach Ma Mount’s peak at 1,450 meters.
2. How to get to Bach Ma National Park
Bach Ma National Park is 40 km from Hue City, 50km from Danang, and 80km from Hoi An so it takes less than two hours to drive from those cities. You can either rent a motorbike, or a private car or join a tour to get there. The entrance to the park is at the foot of the mountain, where you need to buy a ticket and register your information. From there, you can either drive or take a shuttle bus to the summit.
3. What to discover at Bach Ma National Park?
3.1. Explore Bach Ma Peak
Bach Ma Peak is the highest point of the park, at 1,450 meters above sea level. It is also the origin of the name Bach Ma, which means “White Horse”, named after the white cloud around the mountain top. To reach the peak, you need to hike about 1.5 km from the summit station. The trail is easy and well-marked, and you can enjoy the fresh air and the green forest along the way. On a clear day, you can see the panoramic view of the park, the coast, and the nearby islands from the peak.
3.2. Ring the “Peace Bell”
Near the peak, there is a large bell called the “Peace Bell”, which is made of bronze and weighs about 2 tons. It is engraved with the words “Pray for peace in the world”. You can ring the bell and make a wish. The sound of the bell is loud and clear and can be heard from far away.
3.3. Hai Vong Dai
Hai Vong Dai is another viewpoint that is located about 3 km from the summit station. It is accessible by a paved road or a dirt trail. Hai Vong Dai means “Sea Observation Post” and it offers a stunning view of the sea, the lagoon, the river, and the countryside. You can see the curve of the coast, the fishing boats, the rice fields, and the villages from here. It is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset when the sky and the water are painted with different colors.
3.4. Explore the Five Lake
The Five Lakes are a series of natural pools that are connected by small waterfalls. They are located about 5 km from the summit station, and you need to hike about 2 km from the road to reach them. The Five Lakes are surrounded by lush vegetation and offer a refreshing swim in the clear and cool water. You can also relax on the rocks, and listen to the sound of the water.
3.5. Trekking to Do Quyen Waterfall
Do Quyen Waterfall is one of the most impressive sights in the park. It is also known as Rhododendron waterfall, because of the many rhododendron flowers that bloom around it in spring. The waterfall is about 300 meters high and 20 meters wide, and it plunges from a cliff into a deep pool. You can see the waterfall from a distance, or you can hike down to the bottom to get a closer look.
4. Tips for going to Bach Ma National Park
4.1. When should you go to Bach Ma National Park
The best time to visit Bach Ma National Park is from February to September when the weather is dry and sunny. The temperature is cooler than the lowlands, ranging from 18 to 23 degrees Celsius. This is also the time when the flowers are in bloom, especially the rhododendrons and orchids.
4.2. Entrance ticket price
The entrance ticket to Bach Ma National Park is 60,000 VND per person.
4.3. How should you dress when going to Bach Ma National Park?
You should dress comfortably and appropriately when going to Bach Ma National Park. You should wear light and breathable clothes, and a jacket or a sweater for the cooler temperature. You should also wear sturdy and waterproof shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. You should bring a raincoat or an umbrella in case of rain, and insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites. You should also bring enough water and snacks for the hike, and a swimsuit and a towel if you plan to swim in the lakes or the waterfall.
