A day-trip-to-a-transfer kind of tour is always useful. This one strings together Bach Ma National Park trekking plus two of the area’s big-name scenic stops—Lap An Lagoon and Hai Van Pass—while moving you from Hue to Da Nang or Hoi An. It’s a smart way to see more than just the highway view.

I like the format: a small group capped at 8 people, with an English-speaking guide, so you’re not stuck watching other people’s backs. I also love the trekking payoff, especially the swimming option at Ngu Ho (Five Lakes) and the high panorama at Vong Hai Dai. One thing to keep in mind: the trails include steep sections and brook crossings, and the tour isn’t for people afraid of heights or with certain health limits.

Key points at a glance

• Small group size (8 max) makes the pace feel human and the guide easier to hear.
• Ngu Ho (Five Lakes) is a real trekking-and-swimming setup, including a 2km forest route.
• Do Quyen Waterfall brings a big height drop (about 300m) plus more rugged trail work.
• Vong Hai Dai viewpoint gives a wide summit view from 1,448m.
• Hai Van Pass views come from actually going up the pass, not just passing through a tunnel.
• Lunch with mountain scenery keeps the day from feeling like nonstop walking.

From Hue pickup to Bach Ma gates: the smooth start

The day starts early, with pickup from your Hue hotel around 8:00am. The goal is to get you to Bach Ma in time for the best part of the trekking window, then keep the rest of the day scenic as you transfer onward.

Around 9:30am, you check in at the Bach Ma National Park gate and join the small guided trek. This matters because Bach Ma is a big area, and having a guide helps you spend your time on the route and viewpoints rather than wandering.

Also, this tour isn’t just nature. You’ll likely notice war-era reminders in and around the park area, which adds a sobering layer to what would otherwise be a postcard day. It doesn’t ruin the experience. It just means you’ll be walking through Vietnam’s history, not only its greenery.

Bach Ma trekking stage 1: Ngu Ho (Five Lakes) and the swimming moment

The first trekking stretch targets Ngu Ho (Five Lakes). Expect about 2km of walking through the forest toward five lakes at different levels, which is a nice way to break up the route into multiple “arrivals,” not just one lake at the end.

What I like here is the payoff rhythm. You trek through shaded forest, then each lake feels like a small reward. It’s also the only part that’s specifically called out as the best place to go swimming, so it’s the section where you’re most likely to get a real “okay, this is why I came” moment.

Practical note: even if you don’t swim, plan for the kind of ground where good shoes matter. The tour focuses on walking routes rather than flat boardwalks, and forest trails can be slippery depending on conditions.

Stage 2 trek to Do Quyen Waterfall: steep trail, 300m drop, and a chilled reward

After Ngu Ho, the route continues to Do Quyen Waterfall. The waterfall flows down a steep cliff of about 300m, and the trail gets tougher for a reason: the path includes steep slopes and brook crossings.

This is where the tour’s physical reality shows up. You’re not doing a casual walk here. You’ll need to keep a steady pace, watch your footing, and accept that the trail has uneven moments. If you’re carrying a relaxed attitude—rather than trying to “power hike”—you’ll enjoy it more.

Then comes the payoff: once you’re at the waterfall area, you’re met with cooler air, bird songs, and a more secluded feel. It’s the kind of spot where you naturally slow down, even if you’re the person who usually keeps moving.

Picnic lunch with mountain views: how the break is actually useful

Lunch is a picnic lunch after this stage, and the setup is part of what makes the day work. Instead of a rushed meal somewhere bland, you get a view of the mountains while you eat.

That matters if you’re doing a full-day trekking plan plus scenic driving. A real lunch break helps you reset before the final climb to the best viewpoint. It also keeps energy up for the walking that comes next, especially if you’ve been on your feet for hours.

My tip: treat lunch as your “gear check.” Confirm you have what you need for the next viewpoint—water, sun protection, and anything you might want if you decide to swim earlier or later.

Stage 3 at Vong Hai Dai: a high viewpoint from 1,448m

The final trekking stage targets Vong Hai Dai, described as an ideal panoramic viewpoint at 1,448 meters above sea level. This is the highest point in Bach Ma National Park for this route, so you’re walking toward the emotional high of the day.

Here’s why it’s worth it: the higher vantage changes how the whole park feels. Instead of forest scale, you get a broader sense of the area—what’s close, what’s far, and how the ridges connect. This viewpoint is the “collect the day’s memories” stop.

One consideration: since the tour calls out not being suitable for people afraid of heights, it’s fair to expect that the viewpoint area isn’t totally “flat and safe-feeling.” Keep that in mind if you know you get nervous around exposed edges, even with good weather.

Lap An Lagoon after trekking: brackish water and big quiet

Once you leave Bach Ma around 4:00pm, the itinerary pivots to sightseeing by road. First up: Lap An Lagoon, located near Bach Ma forest and Lang Co beach.

Lap An Lagoon is a large brackish lagoon (about 800 hectares). That word—brackish—matters because it tells you the habitat mix is unique: saltwater and freshwater systems blend here. The tour also points out that the lagoon is home to aquatic plants and wildlife, so it’s not just a pretty body of water; it’s an ecosystem.

I like this stop because it cools your senses after trekking. You’ve been exerting yourself in the park. Then you shift to something slower—views you can take in without climbing another ridge.

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

Next comes Hai Van Pass, a mountain pass between Hue and Da Nang along the Truong Son mountain range. The itinerary calls out a key difference: usually transportation crosses the pass via tunnel, but here you have the option to go up the pass and enjoy the views.

That choice is where the tour earns its keep. Tunnel travel is fast, but it’s also forgettable. Going up the pass gives you the visible stuff—mountains, blue skies, and green forests—plus the satisfaction of feeling the geography instead of only passing it.

If you get carsick on curvy roads, plan for it. The route is scenic by design, and scenic usually means twisty.

Hotel drop-off: a transfer that doesn’t feel wasted

The whole point is moving you from Hue to Da Nang or Hoi An hotels. You get pickup in Hue, spend the morning and afternoon on the trek and scenic stops, and then finish with the transfer.

I like this format because it turns a relocation day into an actual day of experiences. If you’re trying to avoid “wasting” a day on pure transit, this is one of the better ways to do it.

Just be aware that it’s still a 9-hour tour. That’s a full day. You’ll want to go in with a “do it, then recover” mindset, especially after waterfall trekking.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At $86 per person, the headline price is easy to compare—but the better question is what’s included. This tour bundles together: hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, entrance tickets, an English-speaking guide, a picnic lunch, bottled water, and travel insurance.

That’s the real value. A guided trek like this isn’t just “walking with someone.” You’re paying for the route access, the guide’s time, and the logistics that connect Bach Ma with two scenic stops. If you tried to piece this together yourself, you’d likely end up spending time coordinating transport and buying tickets separately.

If you’re on a budget, this price is reasonable for a day that includes a guide, lunch, tickets, and sightseeing transfer. You’ll just want to budget for any extra personal expenses, since other spending isn’t included.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This is built for adults who want an active nature day with scenery at the end. The trek includes steep slopes and uneven trail elements, plus brook crossings. It’s also specifically listed as not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, people afraid of heights, people over 309 lbs (140 kg), and people over 70.

If you’re in a good walking range and you’re comfortable with some elevation and uneven ground, you’ll probably love it. The small group size also makes it easier for most people to keep up without feeling like they’re dragging the whole line.

If you’re nervous about heights or your legs aren’t comfortable with steep sections, you may have a better time with a more gentle Bach Ma option (or a purely sightseeing route).

What to bring so you don’t regret it

The tour includes water, tickets, guide, and lunch—but you still need your own comfort items. Since there’s a swimming option at Ngu Ho, consider bringing swimwear if you think you’ll use it.

Beyond that, pack with the terrain in mind:

• Sturdy shoes with grip for forest and potentially wet spots
• Sunscreen and a hat (you’ll be outdoors for hours)
• A light layer or towel if you expect to cool off after swimming
• Basic rain protection if the weather looks questionable

Also, keep your day smooth by traveling light. The whole plan runs from an early pickup through a late afternoon sightseeing finish.

The bottom line: should you book this Hue to Da Nang/Hoi An Bach Ma day?

Yes—if you want a day that blends real trekking with postcard-worthy stops, and you like the idea of moving between cities without losing the day to transport.

Book this when you:

• Want a small group experience (8 participants max)
• Like guided nature walks with specific highlights like Ngu Ho, Do Quyen, and Vong Hai Dai
• Appreciate scenic continuity from Bach Ma to Lap An Lagoon and Hai Van Pass

Skip it when:

• Heights make you uneasy
• You’re not comfortable with steep trails and brook crossings
• You fall into any of the listed non-suitable categories (age limits, health concerns, or mobility needs)

If you’re ready for an active, well-paced day and you’d rather earn your views than just drive past them, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the Hue to Da Nang/Hoi An trip with Bach Ma trekking?

The total duration is 9 hours.

What time does the tour pick up you in Hue?

Pickup from Hue is at 8:00am.

Where do you start the trekking?

You check in at the Bach Ma National Park gate around 9:30am, then join the small group guided trek.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You get a picnic lunch during the trek.

Is there an English-speaking guide and small group size?

Yes. The tour includes an English-speaking guide, and the group is limited to 8 participants.

Do you go up Hai Van Pass or only pass through a tunnel?

The usual way is via tunnel, but this tour offers the option to go up the pass and enjoy the views.

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