Bach Ma is a hike with lake rewards. This guided day trek from Da Nang or Hoi An packs Ngu Ho Five Lakes swimming breaks and big Bach Ma Peak panorama time into one long, well-paced outdoors day. I also like that you get real jungle walking instead of a quick photo stop, plus a guide who keeps the day moving safely on rough bits (names you might meet include Linh, Thuan, Thuy, Tram, and Thui).

My favorite part is how the route changes mood: calm forest and cool water at the lakes, then steep, slippery steps toward waterfalls, then a payoff view over the coast and lagoons. The one drawback to plan around is that it’s rain or shine and the terrain can get rocky and wet, so you need the right footwear and patience with a long day in transit.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel

• Five Lakes of Ngu Ho swimming breaks: Short walking segments lead to multiple lakes at different levels.
• Do Quyen Waterfall with a steep climb: Expect a rugged trail, brook crossings, and steep slopes.
• Bach Ma Peak panorama (Hai Vong Dai): High viewpoint time with a sweep toward Lang Co, Hai Van Pass, and nearby water.
• Support on tricky sections: Ropes for footing and walking sticks can be part of the experience on steeper stretches.
• Small group energy (max 10): Easier pacing and less crowding on narrow trails.
• Tea, coffee, and a picnic lunch: Fuel along the way so you can keep moving instead of power-hiking hungry.

Morning Pickup and the Drive Into Bach Ma National Park

The day starts early, because Bach Ma is a full-day operation from both bases. If you’re staying in Hoi An, plan on pickup around 6:30–7:00am. From Da Nang, pickup is typically 7:30–8:00am, and check-in at the park gate is around 9:30am.

Then it’s straight into the national park circuit on a guided route with entrance tickets, a tour guide in English, and bottle water included. One thing I like is the pace decision baked into the schedule: you’re not rushing to “win” the mountain. You’re walking, stopping, and building toward the views.

Do note the practical reality: this is a 10–12 hour day. You’ll spend a lot of time traveling and trekking, and that matters on days when the weather is foggy or rainy. If you’re someone who hates long car rides, you’ll want to emotionally prepare for a very full day—even with breaks.

Ngu Ho Five Lakes: Where the Trek Turns Refreshing

The heart of this tour’s downtime is the walk to Ngu Ho (Five Lakes). You’ll hike through forest paths for about 2 kilometers in the area leading to the five lakes, each sitting at different levels. The big reason this stop gets so much love is simple: it’s the one place where you can cool off on the same day you’re working up a sweat.

I’d treat this as a reset zone. If the day is hot, the water time feels like a cheat code. If the day is damp, you still get that “jungle breathing” feeling, just with wetter rocks and more cautious footing.

Swimming isn’t a guarantee, since conditions can change, but the route is designed with Ngu Ho as the main swimming spot. Bring the expectation that your feet may get wet anyway. On one day, guides may also provide small extras like waterproof bags and ponchos, which help you keep your essentials intact when weather flips.

Do Quyen Waterfall: The Rugged Trail Portion You’ll Remember

After your Ngu Ho time, the route pushes harder toward Do Quyen Waterfall. The waterfall drops from a steep cliff roughly 300 meters high, and the approach is the kind of trail that makes you pay attention. You’ll deal with steep slopes, rocky footing, and brook crossings.

This is where having a good guide matters. Many guides keep you safe through the trickier steps, including using ropes for support on steeper sections. You may also get walking sticks to help with balance. That’s a big value move because this isn’t a flat stroll—some parts feel like controlled scrambling.

Lunch timing can vary by pace and conditions, but you’ll have a picnic lunch stop with chances to enjoy mountain views while you eat. In wet weather, expect to feel the temperature shift near water and shaded areas. In one account, long pants were recommended for leeches in rainy seasons—so if you’re traveling during the wet months, don’t show up in shorts and hope for the best.

If you want the waterfall from the very bottom, it can depend on trail conditions. There have been days when parts near the waterfall were closed due to hazards, so build in flexibility. The day’s worth comes not just from one view, but from the whole climb-and-reward rhythm.

Hai Vong Dai (Bach Ma Peak): The Big Views Over Coast and Lagoons

The final climb payoff is Bach Ma Peak, also known as Hai Vong Dai, at 1,448 meters above sea level. This is the section that converts your sore legs into “worth it” photos—when visibility is good.

At the summit/viewpoint area, you’re looking out across mountains and coastal features. The described vista includes Lang Co beach, Hai Van Pass, Truoi lake, Cau Hai lagoon, and Chan May port. Even when the weather turns cloudy, you still get the sense of scale: Bach Ma is not a tiny hillside. It’s a real, high viewpoint.

A key thing to know: fog happens. On low-visibility days, you may get less distant detail and more “soft” views. Still, the effort feels meaningful because the trail itself is part of the experience.

After the peak time, you finish the loop and head back down toward the pickup/drop-off point. End time is typically late afternoon around 5:00–5:30pm, with your driver returning you to your hotel.

Guide Style, Lunch, and What to Pack for Rainy, Rocky Reality

This tour lives or dies on preparation. The park takes rain or shine, and the trail can turn slick fast. I like that the experience is built around breaks—tea, coffee, and snacks show up so you don’t hit a wall.

The lunch is a picnic lunch format, and in some versions it’s served as a packed meal so you can eat with the scenery rather than disappearing indoors. One nice benefit is that guides can accommodate common dietary needs like vegetarian or vegan options, often as a tailored lunch box. If you have specific requirements, it’s still smart to confirm ahead of time.

For gear, here’s what will keep the day comfortable:

• Hiking shoes or trail runners with grip (many people end up with soaked footwear at least some of the day)
• A dry change for the drive home, especially if you’re planning to meet someone for dinner afterward
• Long pants in wetter periods due to leeches risk
• Rain protection like a poncho (and water protection for phones), since conditions can flip quickly
• Optional but smart: insect spray using natural herbs if you prefer that style

If you get nervous around heights, consider your comfort carefully. The route includes steep, rugged sections, and people afraid of heights are listed as not suitable for this tour. The upside is that guides are active on the ground—ropes and sticks help you keep moving without white-knuckle panic.

Price, Difficulty, and Who Should Book This Tour

At about $71 per person, you’re paying for a lot more than a ticket. You’re getting hotel pickup and drop-off, a live English guide, entrance tickets, transportation, a picnic lunch, bottle water, and travel insurance. You’re also getting a small group capped at 10, which helps on narrow, busy trail segments.

Is it good value? Yes—if you want an active day and you’re comfortable with hiking that includes rocky footing, steep stretches, and wet surfaces. Several reviews highlight how doable the walk feels for average fitness, but also how certain parts can be challenging. In other words: it’s not a “walk in the park,” but it’s not a mountaineering course either.

This is a great fit if you:

• Want nature + water breaks (Ngu Ho lakes, waterfall time)
• Enjoy viewpoint payoffs and don’t mind a climb to earn them
• Like guided context about the park’s features and animal life (some guides point out wildlife such as red-shanked douc langurs)

It’s not a great fit if you:

• Fear heights or struggle with steep, rugged footing
• Have high blood pressure, are pregnant, are afraid of falling, or can’t handle long walking days
• Need wheelchair access or are traveling with children under 10

It’s also worth noting that park conditions can change after landslides or weather events, and some routes may be altered. If you care a lot about a specific trail segment, you might want to ask what’s open on your travel day.

Should You Book the Bach Ma National Park Trek?

I’d book this trek if you want a classic Central Vietnam nature day: cool lake time, a real waterfall approach, and a top-end panorama from Hai Vong Dai. It’s the kind of trip where you feel the outdoors in your legs and you get rewarded with views that stretch from the lagoon system to the coast.

If you dislike wet, slippery trails or you’re hoping for mostly easy walking, look for a gentler option instead. For the right fitness level and mindset, this one hits a rare combo of swim-friendly stops and proper viewpoint climbing—and it’s a lot more satisfying than a quick bus tour.

FAQ

What time is pickup if I stay in Hoi An?

Pickup is typically around 6:30–7:00am from your hotel in Hoi An.

What time is pickup if I stay in Da Nang?

Pickup is typically around 7:30–8:00am from your hotel in Da Nang.

How long is the Bach Ma National Park trek and lunch tour?

The tour runs about 10–12 hours, depending on starting time and conditions.

What are the main stops during the day?

You’ll go to Ngu Ho (Five Lakes), then Do Quyen Waterfall, and finish with viewpoints including Vong Hai Dai and Bach Ma Peak (Hai Vong Dai).

Is lunch included?

Yes. You get a picnic lunch during the day.

Do you get tea or coffee?

Yes. Tea and coffee are part of the experience.

Can I swim at Ngu Ho (Five Lakes)?

Yes, the Five Lakes area is described as the best place on this route to go swimming, when conditions allow.

Is the tour canceled for bad weather?

No. The tour takes place rain or shine.

What’s included in the price for about $71?

Included items are hotel pickup and drop-off, picnic lunch, tour guide, bottle of water, travel insurance, entrance tickets, and transportation.

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