Bach Ma National Park

Bach Ma National Park: A French Legacy in Vietnam’s Central Highlands

Located between the imperial city of Hue and the charming old town of Hoi An, Bach Ma National Park is a lush and biodiverse haven that offers a refreshing contrast to Vietnam’s tropical coastline. Established by the French in 1932 as a hill resort, Bach Ma was chosen for its cooler climate and sweeping views – a perfect escape from the intense heat and humidity of the lowlands. During its heyday, the area featured dozens of elegant French villas perched along the hillsides. Though many were abandoned after the colonial era and Vietnam’s wars, some ruins have recently been rediscovered, adding a mysterious and nostalgic atmosphere to the forested slopes.

In 1991, the area was officially declared a national park in recognition of its ecological importance. Covering more than 37,000 hectares, Bach Ma spans coastal plains, tropical forests, and montane ecosystems. Its elevation changes dramatically – from sea level to nearly 1,450 meters at the summit of Mount Bach Ma – resulting in a wide variety of flora and fauna. Botanists and biologists regard the park as one of the most biologically rich regions in Indochina.

The park is especially stunning in March and April, when the forest is blanketed with blooming rhododendrons, painting the landscape in vibrant shades of pink and red. Hikers can follow a series of trails that wind through dense forest, past moss-covered ruins, and alongside tumbling waterfalls such as the iconic Rhododendron Falls and Do Quyen Waterfall, one of the tallest in Vietnam.

Bach Ma is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to more than 350 species including the crested argus, bar-backed partridge, and the elusive silver pheasant. Butterflies abound, and lucky visitors may even spot langurs or muntjac deer hiding in the underbrush.

A trek to the summit is highly recommended for fit travelers. On a clear day, the view stretches across the South China Sea, Tam Giang Lagoon, and the undulating Annamite Mountains. The summit also features a small pagoda and an abandoned French-era watchtower, adding to the historical charm of the journey.

Whether you come for the history, the biodiversity, or the breathtaking landscapes, Bach Ma National Park promises a peaceful, enriching experience far from the crowds – a true hidden gem in central Vietnam.