In short
- Travel 45km from Hue or 65km from Da Nang to the park base.
- Pay the roughly 60,000–65,000 VND entry fee and check in before 9:00 AM.
- Split the roughly 900,000 VND shuttle fee with other visitors at the base.
In this article
Organizing a self-guided trip to Bach Ma gives you flexibility on the trails. The main challenge is coordinating transport to the park gates. You must also navigate the mandatory shuttle system up the steep 19km access road.
How do I get to the park base independently?
You can hire a private car or taxi from Hue or Da Nang.
The drive takes 1 to 1.5 hours. A round-trip private car costs between 1,000,000 and 1,500,000 VND. You can also ride a personal motorbike to the base, but you must park it at the Visitor Center.
What are the entry requirements at the base?
You must buy an entry ticket and check in at the Visitor Center before 9:00 AM.
The adult entrance fee is about 60,000–65,000 VND. Children, students, and seniors pay 25,000 VND. The Visitor Center features a small exhibition on park biodiversity. You can view this while waiting for your shuttle.
Can I drive myself up the mountain?
No, personal motorbikes and unauthorized vehicles are strictly prohibited on the summit road.
The access road to the summit is 19km long with steep gradients. You must use the official park shuttle. The shuttle costs around 900,000 VND round trip per vehicle. You organize this transport at the Visitor Center.
How can I share the shuttle cost with others?
You can wait at the Visitor Center and pool the roughly 900,000 VND vehicle fee with other independent travelers.
Since all visitors must check in before 9:00 AM, the morning is the best time to find a group. Splitting the cost significantly reduces individual expenses. If no other travelers arrive, you must pay the full around 900,000 VND yourself.
How long does it take to hike without a guide?
Trekking the internal park trails typically takes 4 to 6 hours depending on your route.
The main trails connect the 1,450-meter Hai Vong Dai summit, the Five Lakes, and Do Quyen Waterfall. You must stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost or encountering unexploded ordnance.
What time do I need to leave?
Day visitors must exit the park completely by 5:00 PM.
Ensure you start your descent to the shuttle pick-up point early. Visitor hours are strictly from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Factor in the time it takes to hike back from distant spots like Do Quyen Waterfall.
Questions travellers ask
Can I walk up the 19km mountain road?
Walking the 19km road is not practical for a day trip. It consumes most of the strict 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM visiting window. Visitors rely on the shuttle to reach the summit.
Are there places to eat if I visit independently?
You should bring plenty of drinking water (at least 2 liters) and high-energy snacks or a packed lunch. There are no food services available along the internal park trails.
Can I swim in the lakes without a guide?
Yes, swimming at the Five Lakes is allowed. Lake No. 3 is the best spot. However, do not swim during or immediately after heavy rain due to flash flood risks.
