Excursions to Bach Ma National Park: Colonial Ruins, Cloud Forests & Rare Wildlife

Excursions to Bach Ma National Park

Nestled between the East Sea and the Annamite Mountains, Bach Ma National Park is a haven for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a deeper connection with Vietnam’s natural heritage. Though lesser known than other parks, Bach Ma offers a rare blend of cool cloud forests, misty peaks, and rich biodiversity – all wrapped in a landscape that feels both hidden and sacred.

Located between Hue and Da Nang, the coastal town of Lang Co is a peaceful and convenient starting point for day trips to Bach Ma National Park, just a 35-minute drive inland. With its proximity to both the sea and the mountains, Lang Co makes an ideal base for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Vietnam Private Tours can arrange a fully customized excursion to the park, including private transport, expert guides, and flexible itineraries – so you can explore the unspoiled wilderness by day and relax by the beach in comfort each evening.

A Legacy of History and Conservation

Bach Ma’s temperate mountain climate first captured the imagination of French colonialists in the 1930s, who established a hill station here to escape the summer heat of Hue. At its peak, more than 100 French-style villas lined the slopes, complete with walking trails, gardens, and even a post office. Today, the ruins of these villas remain scattered across the summit, draped in moss and vines – a haunting reminder of the mountain’s colonial past.

Beyond its historical charm, Bach Ma holds ecological and spiritual significance. It lies within one of Vietnam’s most important conservation corridors, linking the Phong Dien Nature Reserve to the north with the Annamite Range in the south. This unique position supports a rich variety of flora and fauna, including species found nowhere else on Earth. Locals have long regarded Bach Ma as sacred, a mountain watched over by forest spirits and remembered in regional folklore.

After suffering environmental damage during past conflicts, Bach Ma was officially designated a national park in 1991. Since then, intensive conservation efforts have helped restore native ecosystems and protect endangered species, reaffirming the park’s place as a key sanctuary for Vietnam’s natural heritage.

Biodiversity in Bach Ma National Park

Bach Ma’s terrain spans from coastal lagoons and lowland tropical forests to mist-covered peaks and cloud forests, creating a rare ecological transition zone between northern Vietnam and southern Vietnam. This convergence of climates supports one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country.

The park is home to:

2,089 plant species
363 bird species
133 mammal species
134 reptiles and amphibians
58 freshwater fish species
332 fungi species
65 bat species

The forests are dense with towering hardwoods like Parashorea stellata and Hopea siamensis, species increasingly threatened by deforestation elsewhere. In the higher elevations, cloud forests provide habitat for the red-shanked douc langur, Truong Son muntjac, and Vietnamese crested argus – a large bird known for its dramatic courtship displays.

Wildlife sightings vary by season. Spring and summer offer colorful blooms and abundant birdlife, while autumn attracts migratory species to the park’s lagoons and streams. Every visit offers a new cast of characters and a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of life here.

Whether you’re hiking to panoramic viewpoints, uncovering old colonial paths, or listening to the calls of rare birds echoing through the trees, a day trip to Bach Ma National Park is an unforgettable journey into Vietnam’s wild and wonderful heart.

Top Attractions in Bach Ma National Park

From mist-covered mountain peaks to hidden forest pools and colonial-era ruins, Bach Ma National Park offers some of the most spectacular natural and historical sights in Central Vietnam. Below are some of the top highlights to include in your excursion, organized by Vietnam Private Tours.

Trúc Lâm Bạch Mã Zen Monastery

Nestled on Truoi Lake at the base of Bach Ma, this tranquil monastery is accessible only by boat, surrounded by forested hills and peaceful water. Visitors come to admire its quiet beauty, traditional Buddhist architecture, and a striking 24-meter-high meditating Buddha gazing over the lake.

Hải Vọng Đài Summit Viewpoint

Located at 1,450 meters, this is the highest point in the park. On a clear day, the summit provides sweeping views of the East Sea, Tam Giang Lagoon, and the lush Annamite Mountains. A short trek from the road brings you to the viewpoint, where early mornings often reveal magical cloud inversions.

Đỗ Quyên Waterfall

Named after the rhododendrons that bloom in brilliant colors along its cliffs in spring, this powerful waterfall plunges more than 300 meters into a forested ravine. Adventurous visitors can descend a 600-step stone staircase to reach the base for a dramatic photo opportunity. The round-trip hike takes about 30-45 minutes.

Five Lakes Trail

This scenic two-hour trek links a chain of five clear natural pools, perfect for a mid-hike dip. The trail passes through shaded forest with rocky, occasionally slippery sections, making it suitable for those with moderate fitness. It’s a refreshing and peaceful way to explore Bach Ma’s quiet corners.

French Villas and Summit Station

Scattered along the mountain ridges are the ruins of French colonial villas, once part of a luxurious hill station in the 1930s. Though now in decay, these moss-covered structures offer a haunting reminder of the area’s history. Many are reachable via short trails near the summit.

Dynamic Experiences with Vietnam Private Tours

Whether you’re hiking through dense cloud forest, chasing waterfalls, or simply soaking in the stillness of nature, Vietnam Private Tours curates unforgettable experiences in Bach Ma National Park.

Trekking Routes – Choose from leisurely half-day hikes to challenging full-day expeditions through forested ridges and mountain trails.
Coastal Views – Lower-elevation trails offer occasional glimpses of the sea through the trees – ideal for casual nature walks and photography.
Mountain Expeditions – For the active and adventurous, full treks to Bach Ma’s highest ridges reward with panoramic views and wildlife encounters.
Waterfall Discoveries – Beyond Đỗ Quyên Falls, lesser-known cascades lie hidden within the park’s interior, perfect for off-the-beaten-path explorers.
Guided Tours – Explore with expert local guides who share knowledge on the park’s biodiversity, conservation efforts, and cultural legends.

All trips are customizable, and Vietnam Private Tours provides private transportation, permits, experienced guides, and flexible itineraries based on your preferences.

Best Time to Visit Bach Ma National Park

Bach Ma offers something different each season, but the ideal time to visit is from December to April, when the weather is cooler and drier – perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Spring (March-April): See rhododendrons and azaleas blooming along the trails.
Summer (May-August): Enjoy cooler temperatures at elevation, ideal for escaping coastal heat.
Autumn (September-November): Clear skies and colorful foliage make this a favorite for photographers.
Winter (December-February): Misty, mystical landscapes with fewer visitors and calm trekking conditions.

Getting to Bach Ma National Park