A mountain trek between two coasts. This full-day ride connects Hai Van Pass views and Lap An Lagoon with a guided hike inside Bach Ma National Park, so you move from Da Nang or Hoi An to Hue without wasting the day.

I especially like how the day is built around big scenery breaks, not just walking. You get clear photo moments at Lap An Lagoon and the Hai Van Pass viewpoint before you switch into nature mode with a small-group English-speaking guide.

One thing to think about first: this includes trekking with steep sections and walking trails, and it is not suitable if you have mobility limits or certain health conditions. If you’re sensitive to long, early mornings, the 6:30–7:00am pickup and 10–11 hour total time can feel like a lot.

Key moments you’ll actually care about

• Hai Van Pass with real viewpoints: the route can go up the pass for mountain-and-sky views instead of only using the tunnel.
• Lap An Lagoon stop: a brackish lagoon around 800 hectares near Bach Ma forest and Lang Co beach, famous for its quiet beauty.
• Ngu Ho (Five Lakes) trek length: a 2 km walk through forest to reach five lakes at different levels, with Ngu Ho as the best spot to swim.
• Do Quyen Waterfall intensity: a steep, rugged trail to a waterfall dropping about 300m from a cliff.
• Vong Hai Dai panoramic payoff: the highest point in Bach Ma National Park at 1,448m for wide views from above the trees.
• Door-to-door value: transfers from Da Nang or Hoi An to your Hue hotel, plus entrance tickets, guide, picnic lunch, and water.

Turning the Da Nang/Hoi An to Hue transfer into a trek

Most trips between Da Nang and Hue are basically a bus ride with a few stops. This one is different because it trades straight transit time for a guided nature day inside Bach Ma National Park.

You start early, but you’re not just waiting around. By the time you reach the park, the schedule has already delivered two standout coastal-mountain moments: the Hai Van Pass outlook and the Lap An Lagoon pause. That means you’re not wondering if the hike will be worth it. It already is, even before your boots hit the trail.

The other big plus is the structure. The hike is broken into stages—lakes, waterfall, then the highest viewpoint—so you always know what you’re moving toward next.

Hai Van Pass and Lap An Lagoon: the morning picture show

You’re picked up either in Hoi An at 06.30am or Da Nang at 07.00am, then you head toward the Hai Van Pass area. The pass is part of the Truong Son mountain range stretching between Hue and Da Nang, and the driving route matters here.

This tour can take you up the pass for views. That’s a small detail, but it changes the experience. Instead of only passing through a tunnel and reading the scenery later in your imagination, you get the chance to look out at mountains under blue skies and green forest.

After that, you stop at Lap An Lagoon. This is not a quick “sign photo and move on” stop. It’s a brackish lagoon of about 800 hectares, right near Bach Ma forest and Lang Co beach. You’ll learn it’s also a habitat for aquatic plants and animals, which is why the area feels calmer than typical beach viewpoints.

Practical tip: if you care about photos, the morning light can be your friend here. Bring your phone or camera setup ready before you get back on the road.

Bach Ma National Park trek in three stages: what the day looks like

Around 09.30am you check in at the Bach Ma National Park Gate and join a small-group trekking tour with an English-speaking guide. The day then moves through three distinct sections:

1) Ngu Ho (Five Lakes)

2) Do Quyen Waterfall

3) Vong Hai Dai viewpoint

That staging is what makes this plan work. It’s not random hiking; it’s a route with goals. You get water features, then a waterfall, then height and panorama at the end.

Also, the group size is limited to 12 participants. In a place where paths can get narrow and the pace can vary, smaller groups tend to feel more manageable and less chaotic—especially on steeper trail parts.

Ngu Ho (Five Lakes): forest walking, swim time, and calm

The first trekking stage focuses on Ngu Ho (Five Lakes). The route includes about 2 kilometers of trekking and walking through the forest to reach five lakes at different levels. Even if you’re not chasing a speed record, that length feels realistic for a one-day adventure in a national park.

Ngu Ho Lake is called out as the best place to go swimming. If you want to swim, don’t wait until you see the water to decide. Put on swim-ready clothes if that’s part of your plan, and make sure you can handle getting back into hiking mode after.

What I like about starting with lakes is the pacing. Water and forest tend to reset your energy. You move from big travel views (Hai Van Pass) into a quieter world where birds and stillness become part of the soundtrack.

Possible consideration: forest trails can be uneven, and you’re still working before lunch. Wear shoes with grip and plan for a slower, careful pace rather than a fast march.

Do Quyen Waterfall and picnic lunch: bring your stamina

After the lakes, you continue trekking to Do Quyen Waterfall. The waterfall flows down a steep cliff about 300m high, and the trail is described as winding, rugged, with steep slopes plus brook crossings.

This is the stage where your comfort matters most. If you’re the type who worries about slipping on uneven ground, take your time. Let the guide set the pace, because in a place like this the safe route is rarely the fastest route.

You also get the payoff after the hard climb: cooler air, bird songs, and a more secluded feel once you reach the waterfall area. That mix is exactly why this park trek is worth doing instead of skipping straight to the next city stop.

Lunch lands here too. You’ll have picnic lunch, and the best part is the setting. You’re not eating in a parking lot or a bland café. The plan is built so you can enjoy a view of the mountains while you rest.

Practical tip: picnic lunch means you’ll want basic comfort for a break—something to sit on if you have it, and patience if the group is settling in at the same time.

Vong Hai Dai panoramic payoff and the ride back to Hue

The final stage heads to Vong Hai Dai, which sits at 1,448 meters and is described as the highest point in Bach Ma National Park. From there, you get an ideal spot for a panoramic view over the park.

This is the “why the climb” moment. By the time you reach the highest point, you’ve already done the forest walking and the waterfall trail. That makes the viewpoint feel earned instead of optional.

Once you finish, you leave Bach Ma around 4.00pm and get dropped at your Hue hotel. That timing is convenient for people who are trying to keep their itinerary tight: you arrive in Hue with daylight still on the clock.

One more practical note: because the trek is part of a transfer day, you don’t have the freedom to wander slowly for hours. The schedule is paced, and it’s best to treat it like a guided day hike rather than a self-guided nature walk.

Price and what you’re really paying for

At $86 per person, this is priced like a full-service day, not a budget transfer. And you do get a lot for your money:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Da Nang or Hoi An to Hue
• Transportation for the whole route
• Entrance tickets
• English-speaking guide at Bach Ma
• Picnic lunch
• Bottle of water
• Travel insurance

So the value isn’t just the hiking. It’s the convenience of replacing multiple separate bookings: you don’t have to arrange park entry, a guide, lunch, and transport between cities on your own.

You’re paying for one ticket that handles the moving parts. That matters if you’re on a tight travel window or you’d rather spend your mental energy planning what to do in Hue rather than figuring out bus schedules.

Not included is simple: other expenses. So bring a bit of cash or a card for any personal snacks, souvenirs, or extra water you may want.

Who should book, and who should skip it

This tour is a good fit if you want active scenery and you prefer a plan with clear goals. It’s especially ideal for people who:

• are moving from Da Nang or Hoi An to Hue and want a nature break
• like guided walking and small groups (max 12)
• enjoy water scenery: lakes and a major waterfall
• can handle an early start and a 10–11 hour day

It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, or anyone over 70 years or over 331 lbs (150 kg).

If you’re on the fence because of fitness, think in practical terms: you’re going to a waterfall trail with steep slopes and brook crossings, then reaching a high viewpoint.

Booking verdict: should you do the Bach Ma trek to Hue?

If you want a straightforward way to connect Da Nang or Hoi An with Hue while still getting real nature time, I’d book this. The strongest reason is the combination: Hai Van Pass and Lap An Lagoon in the morning, then a three-stage park trek with a final panoramic climb.

Skip it if you don’t like steep walking, early mornings, or you’re concerned about health-related strain. And if you’re looking for a fully relaxed day with minimal physical effort, this isn’t that.

For the right traveler, this feels like getting two trips for the price of one: a transfer that actually includes a memorable day hike.

FAQ

What time is pickup from Hoi An?

Pickup from Hoi An is at 06.30am.

What time is pickup from Da Nang?

Pickup from Da Nang is at 07.00am.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is 10–11 hours.

Is the tour only in Bach Ma, or are there other stops?

There are sightseeing stops at Hai Van Pass and Lap An Lagoon, and then you trek in Bach Ma National Park.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You get a picnic lunch during the tour.

Does the tour include an English-speaking guide?

Yes. The guide in Bach Ma National Park is English speaking.

What are the main trekking stages?

The hike includes Ngu Ho (Five Lakes), Do Quyen Waterfall, and Vong Hai Dai.

Is the group large?

No. The tour is a small group with a maximum of 12 participants.

What is included in the price?

Included items are hotel pickup from Da Nang or Hoi An and drop-off at Hue, picnic lunch, English guide at Bach Ma, bottle of water, travel insurance, entrance tickets, and transportation.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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