Bach Ma National Park

Bach Ma rises steeply from the coastal plain south of Hue and catches so much rain that the forest on its upper slopes stays wet for most of the year. A narrow road climbs about sixteen kilometres from the gate to near the summit, where a short trail leads to the Hai Vong Dai lookout over the lagoon system and the sea. Below it, the Five Lakes trail links a chain of pools and small waterfalls that people swim in, and the Do Quyen trail ends at a tall fall down a long stairway. Scattered along the ridge are the shells of villas from the old hill station, now mostly taken back by vegetation.

What you actually see

• Hai Vong Dai lookout - the summit platform over the lagoons and the coast when it is clear.
• Five Lakes trail - the chain of pools and small falls, with places to swim.
• Do Quyen waterfall - the tall fall reached by a long and very steep stairway.
• Old hill station ruins - overgrown villa shells scattered along the summit road.

When to go

February to September is the drier half of the year; autumn brings extreme rainfall and the park often closes sections. Mornings are clearest, with cloud usually covering the summit by early afternoon. Park vehicles run up the summit road at set times and walking it is a long slog, so check transport arrangements before arriving at the gate.

Honest expectations

This is one of the wettest places in Vietnam and views are frequently lost in cloud, so a clear day is luck rather than planning. Trails are slippery, and the stairs down to Do Quyen are punishing on the way back up. Leeches are common after rain. Accommodation on the summit is limited and often booked, and there is very little food available inside the park.

Nearby

Hue is an hour north, and Lang Co lagoon and the Hai Van pass lie just to the south.