A waterfall and mountain views in one day. This Hue-to-Da Nang/Hoi An plan pairs a transfer with a small group Bach Ma trek, including time at Ngu Ho (Five Lakes) where swimming is part of the fun.

I like that it feels curated but not stuffy, with an English guide focused on the park, plus a picnic lunch timed for the best mountain breaks.

One potential drawback: the trekking route can be steep and rugged, with brook crossings and cliffy terrain. That’s why it’s not a fit if you’re uneasy with heights or you want an easy walk.

Key highlights for Hue to Da Nang/Hoi An via Bach Ma Trekking

• Small group size (limited to 8) keeps the day from feeling rushed
• Ngu Ho (Five Lakes) is the park’s go-to spot for swimming, after a forest walk of about 2 km
• Do Quyen Waterfall drops from a roughly 300m cliff, reached via a challenging trail with brook crossings
• Vong Hai Dai viewpoint at 1,448m gives wide panoramas over Bach Ma National Park
• Lap An Lagoon is a brackish, wildlife-and-plant habitat in Hue province, about 800 hectares
• Hai Van Pass viewpoint includes going up the pass for scenery, not just tunnel travel

Getting from Hue to the Bach Ma Gate (by 9:30)

The day starts with a hotel pickup in Hue around 8:00am, then you’re on the move toward Bach Ma. The schedule is tight in a good way: you check in at the Bach Ma National Park Gate by 9:30am and then you’re already in the action.

What I like here is that this tour isn’t just a trekking day—it’s also your way to get to Da Nang or Hoi An afterward. You avoid the hassle of sorting separate transport and a separate day trip, and the timing keeps you from burning daylight. The tour also runs with a small group vibe (up to 8 participants), so you’ll usually feel like you’re walking with a real crew rather than being one face in a crowd.

One more practical note: the route includes multiple driving segments (Hue transfer, then later Lap An Lagoon and Hai Van Pass). If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s worth taking it seriously, especially on pass roads.

Ngu Ho (Five Lakes): forest trails and a real swim stop

The first trekking stage is Ngu Ho (Five Lakes). The description you’re given is specific for a reason: it’s about a 2 km walk through the forest, with the route taking you through areas that lead up to five lakes at different levels.

This is the stage where the tour turns from hike to play. Ngu Ho is described as the best place to go swimming, and that’s a key “why” for doing this specific itinerary. You’ll want to plan like it’s a warm-weather swim stop: quick in-and-out breaks, time for photos, and enough energy left for the next legs.

The other thing I like is how the lakes route is paced by walking through the trees. You get a slow-build rhythm—less “start fast, suffer” and more “keep moving, then enjoy the payoff.” Still, it’s not a flat stroll the entire time. Expect changing terrain as you move between the lake viewpoints.

Bring a simple swim setup if you plan to jump in: a towel and something dry for afterward can make the day feel smoother. And if you’d rather not swim, you can still enjoy the forest setting and the calm lake viewpoints.

Do Quyen Waterfall: 300m cliff drop with steep, rugged trail

After Ngu Ho, the trek pushes into Stage 2: Do Quyen Waterfall. The waterfall is described as dropping from a steep cliff about 300m high. That size matters because it signals the trail will work for the view.

The route is described as winding and rugged, with steep slopes and brook crossings. That combination is the difference between a scenic walk and a trek day. Even if you’re fit, you’ll likely slow down at the slick or narrow spots, and you’ll feel it in your legs by the time you reach the waterfall area.

What makes this stage worth it is what you’re given beyond numbers: on top of the effort, you’re rewarded with a secluded feel—cooler air, bird sounds, and scenery that doesn’t feel crowded. In other words, the waterfall isn’t just the destination. The hike-to-it is the point.

If you’re deciding whether you should do this, be honest about your comfort level with uneven footing and steep sections. This isn’t the kind of walking you bounce back from instantly.

Picnic lunch breaks the climb, then Vong Hai Dai opens the views

Right around this middle point, you get picnic lunch. Lunch timing is a big deal on a trek, and here it’s tied to the rhythm of the day: you’re on the move, you’re working for the scenery, and then you get a pause where you can actually take in the mountains.

After lunch, the route leads to Stage 3: Vong Hai Dai—the highest point in Bach Ma National Park at 1,448 meters. From there, you get a panorama view over Bach Ma.

I love this sequencing because it gives your body a chance to reset. First you’re dealing with the effort and the waterfall environment. Then lunch gives you energy back. Finally, the final viewpoint stage turns the day into “big picture.” From a practical standpoint, bring layers or something light for the higher elevation feel, because the top can feel cooler than the lower trails.

Also, there’s one detail to keep in mind: the park area includes reminders of the war around the sights. That doesn’t ruin the scenery, but it changes the emotional tone of the day. You’ll likely notice it if you’re paying attention, and it’s worth going with open eyes.

Lap An Lagoon: brackish water near Bach Ma and Lang Co

Once you leave Bach Ma around 4:00pm, the tour shifts from trekking to sightseeing. The next stop is Lap An Lagoon, described as a large brackish lagoon in Hue province with an area of about 800 hectares.

Two things make Lap An Lagoon interesting on this route. First, it’s positioned beside the Bach Ma forest and near Lang Co beach, so you get a strong sense of how varied the coastline-and-forest geography is. Second, this isn’t just scenery for the camera. It’s also described as a habitat for animals and aquatic plants—so the lagoon has a living, ecological side.

You won’t spend the whole day here, but you get the time to slow down. After hours of forest walking, it’s the kind of stop that lets your eyes recover. For photos, look for the contrast between water color and the surrounding greenery—brackish water can give different tones depending on the light.

Hai Van Pass: going up for views between Hue and Da Nang

The final major highlight is Hai Van Pass. You’re told something useful here: usually transportation crosses via tunnel, but this tour takes you up the pass so you can enjoy the stunning view.

The pass is described as bending around the Truong Son mountain range between Hue and Da Nang, with scenery that includes mountains, blue skies, and green forests. In plain terms, it’s the big “wow” road moment that turns a long day into a proper send-off.

This is also where your comfort level matters. The tour explicitly isn’t for people afraid of heights, and the pass setting makes that make sense. If you’re okay with mountain roads but nervous about exposure, it’s still wise to choose your seat carefully during the drive and keep your focus on the road ahead rather than trying to stare out constantly.

If you want one last reason to do this route, it’s this: you finish the day with a view that feels like Vietnam’s geography laid out in one sweep—mountains on one side, the idea of the coast nearby on the other.

Price and value: what $86 buys for a 9-hour day

At $86 per person for a roughly 9-hour experience, the value is strongest when you look at what’s bundled.

You’re getting:

• Hue hotel pickup and drop-off at Da Nang or Hoi An
• Small group trekking (limited to 8)
• An English-speaking guide at Bach Ma National Park
• Picnic lunch
• Bottle of water
• Entrance tickets
• Transportation
• Travel insurance

The biggest value play here is the combination. A guided trek with an English guide, plus admission, plus transport between cities, plus lunch, all in one package for a day is hard to replicate cheaply if you book pieces separately.

The one trade-off is you’re packing in a lot of different environments—forest trails, waterfall terrain, lagoon sightseeing, and pass road views—so it’s not an ultra-lazy day. If you want totally flexible pacing, this may feel scheduled. If you want a full day that actually moves you from Hue to the coast with memorable stops, it’s a strong deal.

Who should book this Bach Ma trek day (and who should skip)

This fits best if you want:

• A guided national-park trek with a small group
• The chance to swim at Ngu Ho (Five Lakes)
• Waterfall scenery from a 300m cliff drop
• A viewpoint payoff at 1,448m
• A transport day that ends in Da Nang or Hoi An, not back in Hue

Skip it if:

• You want an easy, flat walk. The trail is described as steep and rugged at points, with brook crossings
• You’re uncomfortable with heights or exposed terrain. The tour notes it’s not suitable for people afraid of heights, and Hai Van Pass is part of the day
• You have constraints listed as not suitable: children under 10, pregnant women, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, people over 70, and people over 309 lbs (140 kg)

If you’re somewhere in the middle—fit enough for uneven trails but not trying to race—this itinerary can feel like a satisfying challenge rather than a punishment.

Booking advice: make the day smoother

A few practical moves can make a big difference:

• Plan on being out most of the day, with pickup and check-in early, and leaving the park at 4:00pm
• If you plan to swim at Ngu Ho, bring gear you can handle quickly and dry out afterward
• Wear shoes you trust on rocky, damp, or muddy sections since brook crossings are part of the trek
• Mentally prepare for the day’s “emotion shift” when you notice war reminders in the park area—keep an open mind, and you’ll get more meaning out of the scenery

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Hue to Da Nang/Hoi An via Bach Ma tour?

It lasts about 9 hours.

What time does pickup happen in Hue?

Pickup is around 8:00am.

When do we check in at Bach Ma National Park?

You check in at the Bach Ma National Park Gate around 9:30am.

What are the main stops during the trekking portion?

You’ll trek at Ngu Ho (Five Lakes), visit Do Quyen Waterfall, and then reach Vong Hai Dai for panoramic views.

Can I swim during the tour?

Ngu Ho (Five Lakes) is described as the best place to go swimming.

Is lunch included?

Yes, picnic lunch is included.

Do we visit Lap An Lagoon and Hai Van Pass?

Yes. After leaving Bach Ma around 4:00pm, you sightseeing at Lap An Lagoon and continue to Hai Van Pass.

Is the tour a small group?

Yes. It’s limited to 8 participants.

Is the guide English-speaking?

Yes, the tour includes an English-speaking guide at Bach Ma National Park.

What is included in the price?

Included are hotel pickup and drop-off (Hue to Da Nang or Hoi An), picnic lunch, entrance tickets, an English-speaking guide, bottle of water, travel insurance, and transportation.

Final verdict: should you book this one?

If you want a day that does three things well—guided jungle trekking in Bach Ma, a memorable break at Ngu Ho (with swimming) and Do Quyen Waterfall, then a scenic finish through Lap An Lagoon and Hai Van Pass—this is a strong pick.

I’d skip it only if steep, rugged walking is a hard no for you, or if heights make you uneasy. Otherwise, the small-group size, lunch included, and the fact it doubles as your route from Hue to Da Nang or Hoi An make the value feel real.

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