Bach Ma rewards your legs and your swimsuit. This guided trek from Hoi An or Da Nang takes you through Five Lakes of Ngu Ho (yes, swimming time) and up to the cliffs above Do Quyen Waterfall. It’s steep, rocky, and wet-prone, so expect slippery footing and soaked shoes.

I like that the pace stays manageable with a live English guide in a small group (max 10), plus tea and coffee around your picnic lunch. You may also hear war-era jungle stories and spot animals like the red-shanked douc, which makes the park feel alive instead of just scenic.

Key things to know before you go

• Ngu Ho Five Lakes = the swimming payoff: a forest walk that leads to multiple lake stops at different levels
• Do Quyen Waterfall is the challenge zone: steep sections, brook crossings, and a 300m drop worth planning for
• Hai Vong Dai (1,448m) is the big view finish: mountains, lagoons, and coastal landmarks on clear days
• Small group trekking helps on tricky parts: ropes and walking-stick support show up when footing gets rough
• Lunch is practical, not an afterthought: you get picnic lunch plus tea and coffee to keep energy up

Getting to Bach Ma from Hoi An or Da Nang (and why your day starts early)

Most of your time on this tour is spent on the road first, then hiking. Pickup runs either from Hoi An around 06:30–07:00 or from Da Nang around 07:30–08:00, and you’ll return to your pickup area late afternoon, around 05:00–05:30.

That early start is not just for show. Bach Ma is far enough from the coast that you want daylight for the steeper stretches, and you’ll be thankful for the time buffer if rain or fog slows the trail down. One note: some people feel the transfer time can feel long, so if you hate sitting in a van, bring something to pass the time.

Ngu Ho Gate and the Five Lakes swim walk (where the forest becomes your workout)

You usually check in at the Bach Ma National Park gate around 9:30am, then head toward Ngu Ho (Five Lakes). The walking portion is about 2 kilometers through the forest, moving along a route that connects five lakes at different levels—so the scenery changes as you climb and descend.

This is the part that turns a hike into an experience. The park is known for the cool water here, and Ngu Ho is described as the best place on the route to go swimming. If you plan to swim, you’ll want footwear you can get wet, because you won’t be staying dry for long.

What makes the Five Lakes route special

The “five lakes” setup matters because you’re not just walking to one pretty spot. You’re gradually working through different viewpoints and pockets of the jungle, which keeps the energy up during the hike.

And the trail style is very Bach Ma: uneven ground, roots, and damp patches. It’s doable if you have an average fitness level, but you’ll move slower than on a flat city walking loop.

Picnic lunch in the park (fuel that keeps you from running on empty)

After the lakes, you’ll have picnic lunch inside the park area. This is timed so you can refuel before the waterfall and the longer uphill effort toward the summit view point.

What I like about this setup is how it matches the hiking rhythm. You’re not eating right after a brutal climb, and you’re not delaying food until you’re too tired to enjoy it. In addition to lunch, tea and coffee are part of the day, which helps you cool down after sweaty stretches.

A small practical tip: plan your day around limited bathroom options. There’s typically a toilet stop during the day, but it’s often the main one for much of the hike, so don’t assume you’ll have frequent chances.

Do Quyen Waterfall: 300 meters of reason to grin through the tough parts

Then comes Do Quyen Waterfall, where you head into the heart of the rugged trail. The waterfall is described as dropping about 300 meters down a steep cliff, and the hike to reach it involves steep slopes plus brook crossings.

This section is where your legs feel it. There are also steep, slippery bits that can make you second-guess your shoe choice—especially after rain. The good news: ropes for support and extra help show up on the trickier stretches, and guides may supply walking sticks.

If you get the “bottom of the waterfall” route, take it

On some days, there’s an option to go down toward the bottom of the waterfall for a closer look. One person said it was an unforgettable add-on, but another reported the bottom trail can close when conditions are hazardous (like trees making the route unsafe). So treat it as a bonus, not a guarantee.

Hai Vong Dai (Bach Ma Peak) at 1,448m: panoramic payoff with a weather caveat

The final big act is Hai Vong Dai, also called Bach Ma Peak, at 1,448 meters. This is the highest point in the national park, and it’s where the views can feel like a reward you earned the hard way.

From here, you get a panorama that can include Lang Co Beach, Hai Van Pass, Truoi Lake, Cau Hai Lagoon, and Chan May Port. On clear days, you can see a wide sweep of Vietnam’s coast and mountains. On foggy or rainy days, that view can turn into cloud soup, so your photos might be more dramatic than accurate.

Also, note that the route back doesn’t mean you’re done with walking. You’ll still hike to get positioned for the best viewpoints, then later your driver will transfer you back to the start point and on to your hotel.

Guides in the jungle: why small-group leadership matters here

Because the trail has steep, slippery sections, the guide quality really affects your day. In the field, you might meet guides like Linh, Thuan, Thui, Tram, Lanh, Thuy, or Nguyen—and the consistent theme is confident, hands-on help when footing gets tricky.

These guides also seem to bring the story side, not just the walking directions. You might hear about war-era features and jungle-side remnants—things like underground tunnels, camouflaged storage sites, and stories connected to Agent Orange—plus mentions of older villas from earlier periods when parts of the area were used as retreats.

Wildlife is part of the fun too. One standout moment from a group day was seeing a close-up group of red-shanked douc monkeys. It’s not something you can schedule, but having a guide who knows where to look makes wildlife moments more likely.

What the trek feels like on your body (and how to prepare)

Even though this is a “one-day” hike, it feels like a full day of active travel. People described it as adventurous and more challenging than expected, especially in the first half, with rocky sections, steep slopes, and lots of traction-testing.

Rain changes everything. The tour runs rain or shine, so assume the ground can get slick. You should also expect your shoes to get wet—multiple people said their footwear and socks ended up completely soaked—so plan for that.

My practical checklist for comfort

• Hiking shoes or grippy trainers: slip-resistant is the priority
• A dry shoe option or spare socks: not glamorous, but it helps a lot later
• Long pants for wet season: leeches can be a factor on muddy paths
• Insect spray (and consider natural options): one person recommended natural herb spray
• A light rain layer: ponchos may be available through the guide on rainy days, but you’ll be happier if you bring your own backup

Rain, route changes, and the “park work” reality

Bach Ma is a living forest, not a manicured theme park. One person ran into a day with renovation work due to landslides, and they found parts of the route felt scary. The driver and guide were still described as skilled, which is a good sign—but it’s a reminder that conditions can vary.

Fog also happens. If clouds roll in, you might get limited visibility from the peak. That’s not a tour failure; it’s just weather. If you’re coming for photos of the coastline landmarks, pick a day when you can hope for clearer skies.

Price and value: is $71 worth it?

At $71 per person, this trek is priced like a full guided day, not like a casual walk. You’re getting hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance tickets, travel insurance, a bottle of water, and picnic lunch (plus tea and coffee).

Doing this solo would likely cost you more once you add up entrance fees, a private vehicle or multiple rides, and a guide’s local knowledge for the rough trail segments. The small group size (limited to 10 participants) also matters for comfort on a route where you don’t want to be stuck behind slow walkers when the trail narrows.

If you’re comfortable with outdoor hiking and you want a guided route through swimming spots and viewpoints in one day, this price looks fair.

Who should book this and who should skip it

This tour is best for people who can handle uneven ground and steep sections without panic. It’s not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, wheelchair users, and anyone who’s afraid of heights. It’s also marked as not for people with high blood pressure, people over 70 years, or those over 150 kg.

If you know you get nervous on narrow or slippery trails, this one might stress you out more than it delights you. On the other hand, if you’re an active walker and you have grippy shoes, this can be a very satisfying day: lakes, waterfall, then a summit view high above the coast.

Should you book Bach Ma National Park Trek & Lunch?

Book it if you want one of the more active, nature-focused day trips from Da Nang or Hoi An that includes real breaks: a swimming stop at Ngu Ho, a proper picnic lunch, and a final panorama from Hai Vong Dai. The small group and the hands-on guidance on rough sections are exactly what you want when conditions turn slippery.

Consider skipping or adjusting your expectations if you strongly hate wet hikes, you’re uncomfortable with steep trails, or you’re coming only for guaranteed coastline views—fog and rain can soften the peak payoff. If you’re okay with a rugged jungle day and you pack for getting wet, this is a strong match.

FAQ

What time does pickup happen from Hoi An?

Pickup from Hoi An is around 06:30 to 07:00am.

What time does pickup happen from Da Nang?

Pickup from Da Nang is around 07:30 to 08:00am.

How long is the trek and tour?

The full experience runs about 10 to 12 hours (starting times vary by availability).

What is the main swimming stop on the route?

Ngu Ho Lake in the Five Lakes area is described as the best place to go swimming.

Is there lunch included?

Yes. You’ll get a picnic lunch during the tour.

Does the tour include entrance tickets and a guide?

Yes. Entrance tickets and a live English tour guide are included.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes, it runs rain or shine.

What is the group size?

It’s a small group limited to 10 participants.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?

No. It is not suitable for children under 10, wheelchair users, or pregnant women. It’s also not suitable for people afraid of heights or with high blood pressure.

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