One day, big views, real hiking. This Da Nang/Hoi An to Hue trip pairs Hai Van Pass sightseeing with guided Ngu Ho (Five Lakes) walking in Bach Ma National Park. I love the chance to go up the Hai Van Pass for mountain-and-forest views instead of just passing through a tunnel. I also love how the hike builds toward water time, with Ngu Ho often the best place to cool off.

The main consideration is the schedule and terrain. You’re out for about 10–11 hours, and the Do Quyen Waterfall section involves steep slopes and brook crossings—so bring a calm mind and shoes with grip.

Key things to know before you go

• Hai Van Pass viewpoint time on the road above the pass, not only the tunnel route
• Lap An Lagoon break near the Bach Ma forest and Lang Co coast, a brackish lagoon of about 800 hectares
• Ngu Ho (Five Lakes) trekking with about 2 km of forest walking and a swimming-friendly spot
• Do Quyen Waterfall (about 300 m high) via a winding, rugged trail with steep sections and crossings
• Vong Hai Dai at 1,448 m for a high-altitude panorama before you head back to Hue

Da Nang/Hoi An pickup and the Hai Van Pass viewpoint switchback

Your day starts early. If you’re staying in Hoi An, pickup is typically around 06:30. From Da Nang, it’s usually 07:00. From there, you’re transferring toward Hue, with sightseeing built in so it doesn’t feel like dead time on the road.

The first wow moment comes at Hai Van Pass. This is the mountain pass that bends around the Truong Son mountain range between Hue and Da Nang. Usually, cars cross by tunnel to save time, but here you have the option to go up the pass to take in the view—mountains, big blue sky, and green forest rolling out as far as your eyes can manage. For many people, this is the easiest “upgrade” of the whole day: you get scenery without hiking for it first.

I like that the trip doesn’t pretend you’re doing a casual stroll. It sets expectations early: you’re moving, you’re going up, and the views are the point. The road can involve switchbacks and time at stops, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, pack the usual fix.

Lap An Lagoon: a big brackish pause between sea and forest

After you crest Hai Van Pass, you head to Lap An Lagoon for sightseeing. This lagoon sits in Hue province, next to the Bach Ma forest and near Lang Co beach. Think of it as a large brackish lagoon—about 800 hectares—with a reputation for poetic scenery.

Here’s why I think this stop is more than a quick photo break: lagoons like this are often living habitats, not just scenery. Lap An Lagoon is known as a home for aquatic plants and many animals. So while you’re not doing wildlife tours or long boat rides on this itinerary, the setting gives you a different kind of nature appreciation than a mountain viewpoint alone.

For you, the practical value is timing. This is a natural reset before the trek begins at Bach Ma. You get fresh air, a chance to stretch your legs, and a calmer pace compared to the later climbing.

Tip: bring a light layer. Morning can be warm in the lowlands, but as you transition toward the park area, air can feel cooler, especially in shaded forest edges.

Entering Bach Ma National Park gate and starting the hike

By around 09:30, you’ll check in at the Bach Ma National Park gate and join the small group trekking route with an English-speaking guide. The group size is capped at 12 participants, which is big enough to feel social but small enough for the guide to keep an eye on pace and trail footing.

Once you start, you’re stepping into forest hiking, not just sightseeing. The route is organized into trekking stages with defined highlights: lakes first, waterfall next, then a high point before you return.

I like how the day is paced in layers. You start with something achievable and scenic (Ngu Ho), then you add a challenge (Do Quyen), then you finish with the payoff view (Vong Hai Dai). That structure makes the effort feel earned.

The only thing to watch for is your energy management. You’re doing a lot in one day: transfer, sightseeing, then multiple trekking stages. If you go out too fast early, the later steep sections can feel tougher than they need to.

Ngu Ho (Five Lakes) trekking: 2 km forest walking and a swim-friendly goal

The first trekking stage focuses on Ngu Ho (Five Lakes). It’s described as about 2 kilometers of trekking and walking through the forest, with the trail leading you to five different lakes at different levels. That’s a nice concept for your legs and your motivation: you’re not walking to one spot only—you’re moving through a series of sights.

The big reason people get excited about Ngu Ho is water time. This is highlighted as the best place to go swimming. Even if you don’t swim, the “lakes along the walk” idea means you’re repeatedly rewarded with cool scenery instead of one long stretch of trees.

What makes this stage feel good is the variety of levels. Water at different heights changes how light hits the edges and how the trail atmosphere feels as you climb slightly and descend slightly. It’s the kind of walking that stays interesting even when the trail is straightforward.

Practical tip: wear shoes you’re comfortable getting a bit damp. The itinerary doesn’t promise a full wet-and-dry cycle, but since swimming is part of the best-known experience here, you’ll be happier if your feet can handle it.

Do Quyen Waterfall: 300 m cliff views plus steep slopes and crossings

After Ngu Ho, the route continues to Do Quyen Waterfall. The waterfall flows down a steep cliff of about 300 meters high. That number matters because it shapes expectations: you’re not just seeing a small cascade. You’re walking a rugged trail where the main feature is vertical drama.

The trail is described as winding and rugged, with steep slopes and brook crossings. This is the stage where you’ll want to slow down and trust your footing more than your speed. In wet mossy areas, slipping is the real risk—not the “climb is too hard” fantasy.

At the top, the reward is the contrast. You’re in cooler air, you get bird sounds, and you’re surrounded by secluded scenery. That shift—from steep effort to quieter atmosphere—is exactly what I look for in a nature day.

What I’d advise for comfort: long pants are a safer choice for branches and brush, even if it’s hot. And keep a small gap between you and the person in front of you so you don’t crowd on narrow rocky sections.

Picnicking at the mountains: a proper break before the final ascent

You’ll have picnic lunch on the trail. The schedule places it after the waterfall stage, so you’re eating when your legs are tired and you can finally exhale. Lunch is included, and it’s paired with a strong payoff: you’ll be able to enjoy views of the mountains while you eat.

This matters more than it sounds. After steep walking and crossings, a real meal—and time to sit—changes how you experience the rest of the day. Instead of pushing straight through fatigue, you reset.

Also, the tour includes a bottle of water, which is helpful on a day where the itinerary moves from coast-area sightseeing into forest terrain. Still, I’d treat that bottle as baseline and plan to pace your drinking. Heat and exertion aren’t always predictable, especially when you’re moving from pass viewpoints into shaded trails.

If you tend to get hungry fast during hikes, keep your lunch energy steady. Take your time chewing and hydrate a bit before the final climb.

Vong Hai Dai at 1,448 m: the panorama payoff before Hue

The third trekking stage is Vong Hai Dai, described as an ideal place for panorama views of Bach Ma. It sits at 1,448 meters above sea level, and it’s identified as the highest point in Bach Ma National Park.

This is your finish-line moment. By the time you reach this viewpoint, you’ve earned the altitude with lake walking and waterfall trekking. From up there, you get a big-sky, big-distance feeling—the kind of view that makes a long day feel worth it.

In practical terms, you’ll likely want to spend a few minutes just scanning the terrain. Look for how the forest edges break and how ridges layer out. Those are the mental photos you’ll remember even after the details of each trail step fade.

Then the plan turns back to logistics: around 16:00, you leave Bach Ma and the tour ends, with drop-off at your Hue hotel.

Timing, group size, and comfort tips for a 10–11 hour day

This is not a short “see a few things” outing. It’s a full 10–11 hour day. That matters because you’re mixing road transfer, sightseeing stops, and multi-stage hiking. If you treat it like a relaxed half-day, you’ll feel rushed. If you treat it like a focused nature day with a transfer built in, it works beautifully.

The small group size helps. With a cap of 12 participants, the guide can keep the pace realistic for most people and handle trail flow. You also get a more personal feel than you’d get on larger bus tours.

Comfort tips that actually match this itinerary:

• Wear grip-friendly shoes for steep and rocky bits, especially the brook crossings area near Do Quyen Waterfall
• Pack a light layer for the park’s cooler air once you’re deeper in the forest
• Don’t count on having time to buy snacks after the start. You’re moving from pickup to trekking pretty quickly
• If you want to swim at Ngu Ho, bring swimwear and something to keep your essentials dry

And a quick expectation check: this tour isn’t built for people who need step-free routes. It’s a walking-focused nature day.

Price and value: what $86 covers from Da Nang/Hoi An to Hue

At about $86 per person, the value comes from what’s wrapped into the price. You’re not only paying for the guide and trekking. You’re also paying for the hotel pickup from Da Nang or Hoi An and drop-off in Hue, plus transportation between the stops.

Added value items that make the math easier:

• Picnic lunch
• English-speaking guide for the Bach Ma portion
• Entrance tickets
• Bottle of water
• Travel insurance

If you tried to piece together a transfer plus a guided hike plus lunch plus park entry on your own, it usually costs more in time and hassle than you expect. This tour also saves you from having to coordinate multiple separate bookings while you’re moving between cities.

The price point also fits the “active day” category rather than a slow sightseeing tour. You’re getting nature time, a known swimming spot, and a high viewpoint at 1,448 meters.

Should you book this Bach Ma trek from Da Nang or Hoi An?

Book it if you want two things at once: a real hiking day and a practical way to move between Da Nang/Hoi An and Hue. This is especially good for nature lovers who don’t want to spend your transfer day staring out a window.

Skip it if you’re looking for a gentle, short walk or an easygoing day with minimal uneven ground. Also, it’s listed as not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, and people over 70 years or over 150 kg.

If you fit the target audience—able to handle steep, rugged sections—this is one of those “high payoff per hour” days. You get Hai Van Pass views, Lap An Lagoon nature setting, Ngu Ho lakes with a swim option, a dramatic 300 m waterfall walk, and a final panorama at Vong Hai Dai (1,448 m).

If your schedule is flexible, check the starting times for your date, then reserve. And since free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, you can book confidently and adjust if plans shift.

FAQ

Where are the pickup and drop-off points?

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in either Da Nang or Hoi An, and the tour ends with drop-off at your Hue hotel.

What time does the tour start?

Pickup is typically around 06:30 from Hoi An and 07:00 from Da Nang.

How long is the experience?

The total duration is 10–11 hours.

What sights are included before the trekking?

Before you start trekking, you’ll do sightseeing at Hai Van Pass and visit Lap An Lagoon.

What is Ngu Ho (Five Lakes) and is swimming included?

Ngu Ho includes about 2 km of trekking and forest walking to reach five lakes at different levels. This stage is highlighted as the best place to go swimming.

Do you visit a waterfall during the trek?

Yes. You’ll go to Do Quyen Waterfall, described as flowing down a steep cliff about 300 m high, with a winding rugged trail.

Is lunch provided?

Yes. The tour includes picnic lunch.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes. The tour includes an English speaking tour guide for the Bach Ma National Park trekking portion.

Who should not join this tour?

It is listed as not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, people over 150 kg, and people over 70 years.

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