Bach Ma National Park – The Green Roof between Da Nang and Hue

If you're looking for a getaway to escape the heat up to an elevation of 1,450m, walk among ancient forests, and bathe in crystal-clear lake water, then Bach Ma National Park should definitely be at the top of your list. Located in Phu Loc (Hue), just about 1.5 hours' drive from Da Nang, Bach Ma used to be a French mountain resort back in the 1930s. Today, this place is one of the most biodiverse national parks in Vietnam, with trekking trails winding through primeval forest, majestic waterfalls, and cool air all year round — sometimes a dozen degrees lower than down in the lowlands. ✨ Reasons you should visit: 🏞️ Conquer the Five Lakes trail and swim in lakes as crystal clear as glass, deep within the forest. 💧 Watch the Do Quyen Waterfall cascade down in a brilliant white sheet from over 300m high — the iconic symbol of Bach Ma. ☁️ Head up to Hai Vong Dai to take in the panoramic view of Lang Co Bay, Cau Hai Lagoon, and the drifting sea of clouds. 🦜 A paradise for bird and wildlife lovers — red-shanked douc langurs, red-faced monkeys, and hundreds of species of forest birds. 🌸 March – April is the season when azaleas bloom across the mountainsides. 📍 Phu Loc, Hue 📞 0836 356 669 🕢 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily ⭐ 4.5/5 (317 reviews) 💡 Little tip: Personal vehicles aren't allowed to drive up to the summit on their own — you'll need to rent a vehicle from the garden at the gate (fixed route), so it's best to go in a large group to split the cost. Remember to wear shoes with good grip since the trail is quite slippery, and check the weather forecast beforehand — thick fog will block the entire view from the summit.