REVIEW · HOI AN
Full day: Hoi An – Bach Ma National Park
Book on Viator →Operated by Dragon Travel Viet · Bookable on Viator
Bach Ma is what you picture Vietnam should be. You get mountain jungle, a high summit view, and a cool-down later by the park’s lakes and waterfalls. This is also one of the better-paced day trips out of Hoi An because you’re not just driving through views—you hike, wait in the right spots for photos, then eat in the park.
Two things I like: the ride includes a stop at Hai Van Pass (or Hai Van Tunnel), so the day starts with drama, not just transit. And the park time focuses on practical highlights: hiking up toward the top, then relaxing around Do Quyen Waterfall or the Five Lakes area.
One thing to consider: this is not a stroll. You’ll be doing a long hike on varied terrain (the experience can feel like about a 10 km walk), so bring solid shoes and be honest about your stamina.
In This Review
- Key things you’ll notice on this Bach Ma day trip
- From Hoi An Toward the Cloudy-Coast Boundary: The Hai Van Start
- Price and Logistics: What You’re Paying For (and Why It Makes Sense)
- The Morning Hike: Guided Nature Walk, Then the Summit Push
- Lunch Inside the Park: Fuel That Keeps You Moving
- Do Quyen Waterfall and the Ngu Ho (Five Lakes) Option
- Wildlife Moments and French Colonial Remnants
- Fitness, Weather, and What to Pack for a Day That Can Feel Long
- Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)
- Should You Book Dragon Travel Viet’s Bach Ma National Park Day Trip?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- What’s the duration of the Hoi An to Bach Ma National Park day tour?
- Where do you get picked up?
- Does the tour include transport?
- Is lunch included?
- What parts of the day are guided?
- Which waterfalls might we visit?
- Is the tour entrance fee included?
- Are park tickets mobile?
- What’s the start time?
- What happens if weather isn’t good?
- Who is this tour best suited for physically?
Key things you’ll notice on this Bach Ma day trip
- Hai Van scenery first: you either get the famous Hai Van Pass road or the Hai Van Tunnel ride when conditions change
- A real summit payoff: reach Bach Ma Mountain’s top around 1,450 meters / 4,757 feet for wide coastal views
- Waterfall time with breathing room: plan on Do Quyen or the Ngu Ho Five Lakes area plus time to linger
- Small group scale: limited to up to 13 travelers, with a guide and included park fees
- Park history stops: French colonial-era remnants like an old hotel and observatory show up on the route
From Hoi An Toward the Cloudy-Coast Boundary: The Hai Van Start

The day begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Hoi An or Da Nang. Once you’re on the road, the emphasis shifts from city streets to coastline drama. That matters, because it sets the mood: this tour isn’t just “getting to a park.” It’s building a route that explains why this part of central Vietnam is famous.
You’ll stop at Hai Van Pass if the weather allows, or you’ll go through Hai Van Tunnel when conditions make the pass a better idea to skip. Hai Van Pass is known as a classic Vietnamese road trip route winding above the East Sea. It’s also been a geographic and political boundary for centuries, and a climatic divider between the tropical south and the subtropical north. In plain terms: you’re seeing a natural edge, not a random mountain bend.
Even if you only catch a slice of the views, the stop is worth it because it gives you a reference point. Later, when you’re high in the park, you’ll understand what that coastline looks like from above—and why people keep coming back to this region.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hoi An
Price and Logistics: What You’re Paying For (and Why It Makes Sense)

At $149 per person for a full day, you’re paying for more than a guide. You’re covering park fees, transportation by air-conditioned minivan, bottled water, and lunch. You also get admission tickets included for the time you’re in the park.
This is where the value shows: Bach Ma isn’t a quick hop by tram or a short taxi ride. The included transport and the “organized day” factor matter, especially if you don’t want to manage two things at once—getting to the park plus handling the hikes and stops once you’re there.
What’s not included is also straightforward: drinks with your meal and personal spending. I like that the list is clean. You can budget without surprises—just remember to bring some extra cash or a card for snacky needs if you end up wanting more than lunch provides.
One logistics note to keep in mind: because the day depends on weather, stops can shift (for the Hai Van pass/tunnel and also for waterfall options like Do Quyen vs Ngu Ho/Five Lakes). That’s normal here. The best strategy is to treat the plan as flexible, not broken.
The Morning Hike: Guided Nature Walk, Then the Summit Push
Once you arrive at the park, you’ll check in and get a quick run-through of the day and safety basics. Then the tour moves into a guided hike along designated trails. This part is important because Bach Ma isn’t just about scenery. Your guide’s job is to point out the ecosystem and what to look for, including wildlife patterns and habitat details you’d miss wandering alone.
The hike progression is key: a morning nature walk, then later a push toward Bach Ma Mountain’s summit. The summit is listed around 4,757 feet (1,450 meters), and the reward is the panoramic view over the coastline and surrounding green terrain. You don’t need to be a mountaineer to enjoy it, but you do need to be ready for steady walking and changing footing.
Bring the mindset that this is effort with a payoff. If you pace yourself, you’ll get the views without arriving too winded for photos. And if your energy runs low, the earlier guidance and trail structure helps you stay on track rather than feeling lost or rushed.
Lunch Inside the Park: Fuel That Keeps You Moving

At 12:30 PM, lunch is served in or near the park area. You’ll either get a picnic-style setup or dine at a park restaurant, featuring traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Either way, the goal is the same: fuel up before the second half of the day.
This is also the “strategic pause” in the schedule. You’ll have hiked in the morning; then you’ll head into waterfalls, lakes, and more walking. I’d treat lunch as a recharge, not a hurried meal. If you can, take a moment to hydrate even before you feel thirsty.
Also, since bottled water is included, use it. Staying ahead of dehydration helps your legs later more than you think—especially on a day that can feel like a long trek over mixed terrain.
Vegetarian options are available if you advise when booking, so don’t wait until the day of. A small planning detail like that makes lunch smooth.
Do Quyen Waterfall and the Ngu Ho (Five Lakes) Option

After lunch, the tour heads to waterfalls, with options including Ngu Ho (Five Lakes) or Do Quyen (Rhododendron) Falls. Which one you get can depend on day conditions, but either stop follows the same idea: give you time to slow down and enjoy the park’s water features rather than just pass by.
This is also your chance to reset visually. Morning is steeper, more focused on movement. In the afternoon, you can spend time hanging around viewpoints, taking photos, and—when conditions allow—enjoying the area around the falls. The tour description even allows for relaxing and possibly swimming, so it’s a good moment to have the right gear.
Practical tip: plan your clothing like you’re doing both hiking and hanging out. Quick-dry layers help. If you want to swim, a small towel and water-friendly footwear can save you from awkward sock-and-sandals decisions.
If you’re the type who loves a “scene change,” this part delivers. You go from summit air and forest trails to sound-of-water surroundings.
Wildlife Moments and French Colonial Remnants
Next comes wildlife spotting around 2:30 PM, including opportunities to see native birds and other wildlife. You’ll be in a quieter, slower pace then, which is a nice contrast to the earlier climb. Don’t expect guaranteed sightings, but the guide’s presence increases your odds of noticing movement and calls you’d otherwise miss.
Then the schedule shifts to park sites with historical leftovers. Around 3:30 PM, you’ll visit French colonial-era remnants such as an old hotel and observatory. This stops the day from being purely nature. Even if you’re not a history buff, it adds context for how the park area has been used and explored over time.
It also gives you a different kind of photo opportunity. Trails and viewpoints are great, but these structures add scale and human history to the story of Bach Ma.
As the afternoon winds down, that combination of nature + history is one reason this trip tends to land well for people who want more than a single highlight.
Fitness, Weather, and What to Pack for a Day That Can Feel Long

The big reality check: this tour is best for people with strong physical fitness. Even if you’re not a serious hiker, the day can involve roughly a 10 km-feel trek over varied terrain. That means your feet, knees, and balance matter more than your ambition level.
Here’s how I’d prepare if you want to enjoy it instead of just survive it:
- Wear proper hiking shoes with grip. Roads and smooth paths are not the main theme.
- Bring light rain protection. The tour requires good weather, and conditions can change the itinerary.
- Pack breathable layers. Higher up can feel cooler than you expect, especially after the climb.
- If you’re planning to splash at the falls, bring a dry bag or at least a place to keep your phone safe.
Weather also controls route choices. If the day isn’t ideal, the Hai Van Pass portion may swap out for the tunnel. And if Bach Ma has to be adjusted or canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Finally, keep expectations realistic about group flow. With a small group, you still need to stay aware—this isn’t the kind of tour where you wander off to explore your own side road. The rhythm depends on staying with the group and listening when the guide calls out the next point.
Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This day trip is a strong match if you want a compact “big day” with hiking, viewpoints, and waterfall time—without having to plan logistics yourself.
You’ll likely enjoy it most if you:
- Like guided hiking and want someone to point out what you might miss
- Enjoy scenery with a mix: coastline-edge road trip + jungle summit + water features
- Prefer a small group size rather than a bus-load experience
You might want a different option if you:
- Don’t feel comfortable with long walking or uneven trails
- Want a fully relaxed day with minimal physical effort
- Have low flexibility with timing, because the route can shift with conditions and the day moves in a set progression
Should You Book Dragon Travel Viet’s Bach Ma National Park Day Trip?
I’d book this if you’re aiming for a true full-day nature highlight from Hoi An and you’re willing to work for it. The included transport, guide, park fees, bottled water, and lunch make the day feel “handled,” and the mix of summit views + waterfall time gives you more variety than a simple sightseeing loop.
Before you commit, do one quick check: be honest about your fitness level. If you’re ready for a long trek over varied ground, the rewards are exactly the kind of moments you’ll remember—especially the summit viewpoint and the waterfall/lake atmosphere later.
FAQ
FAQ
What’s the duration of the Hoi An to Bach Ma National Park day tour?
It runs about 10 to 11 hours.
Where do you get picked up?
Pickup is offered from hotels in Hoi An or Da Nang.
Does the tour include transport?
Yes. You travel by air-conditioned minivan, with door-to-door round-trip transport included.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is included, with traditional Vietnamese food. A vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking.
What parts of the day are guided?
You get a guided nature walk in the morning, and the tour also includes guided hiking up toward the summit.
Which waterfalls might we visit?
You’ll visit either Ngu Ho (Five Lakes) or Do Quyen (Rhododendron) Waterfall, depending on conditions.
Is the tour entrance fee included?
Yes. The tour includes national park fees and admission tickets for the park portions.
Are park tickets mobile?
Yes. The tour includes a mobile ticket.
What’s the start time?
The tour start time is listed as 7:00 am.
What happens if weather isn’t good?
If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Who is this tour best suited for physically?
It’s best for travelers with strong physical fitness, since the day includes hiking on varied terrain.





























