Vietnam Secret: Bach Ma

Most Vietnam itineraries connect the dots between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Hue, Hoi An and Nha Trang. Visitors take organized trips from either end, up north to Sapa or Halong Bay, and to the Mekong from Ho Chi Minh. Some might stop at Mui Ne, fly to Phu Quoc, or the hill town of Dalat. Great.

But everyone on anything resembling this itinerary should make it to Bach Ma National Park, a jungle mountain range with huge waterfalls and fun hikes to smaller ones. Very few people go. And it’s smack between Hoi An and Hue, about a five-hour drive. Instead of taking a bus or train, hire a taxi to go one-way. Go over the lovely Hai Van Pass, stop at a beach, and ride up into the hills. It was under $100 when I last did it — about five years ago — and easily arranged. And you can fit three or four in.

 


About Robert Reid

Robert Reid is a travel writer (Lonely Planet, New York Times, ESPN), travel expert (Today Show, CNN's Headline News), travel videographer (76-Second Travel Show) and travel artist (don't ask).
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