Discover Hue: Bach Ma National Park

The Bach Ma National Park is located in the south of Hue city. This region is nature lover's paradise, when you come here, you will be surrounded with all sorts of plants, trees, and wild animals.

What to bring along?

It is a mountainous journey so make sure to keep your backpack light. You should not to carry all your luggage with you. Except for you are travelling from Hue to Da Nang, Hoi An and then your next trip is Bach Ma. So some necessary things for the trip are:

• Mineral water and much water for cooking if you have camping
• Rain coat
• Sun cream
• Swimming suit and towel
• Map
• Lighter
• Anti-bug spray
• Some snack

Best time to visit Bach Ma National Park

Photo Journey Vietnam

You can visit Bach Ma at any time of the year. However, early fall and summer is the best time to visit here. This is because the cool air in Bach Ma will make your journey of exploring become much more poetic during this time.

What to discover

• Five Lakes

Situated about 5 km from Sea Observation Post (Hai Vong Dai), Five Lakes (Ngu Ho) is a collection of five lakes in five different high points. It is a system of large lakes which has cool and clean water. This is a great place for bathing, outdoor activities, and camping. The third Lake is said to be the most charming and beautiful by the clarity and cool water.

• Ocean Viewpoint (Vong Hai viewpoint)

It is situated on majestic Bach Ma peak at an altitude of 1,430m. You need to conquer the Vong Hai trail to reach this top. You can adore four sides of Bach Ma, Lang Co bay, Cau Hai Lake, Canh Duong beach, Truoi lake, Hue city hidden in the cloud, and endless mountains, etc.

• Do Quyen Waterfall

Spring is the best time to visit Do Quyen waterfall. With a height of around 300m, the falls are beautiful all the year with white water foam. You will notice the endless mountain hills when looking from above. The fall is named Rhododendron (Do Quyen) because many rhododendron flowers are growing around and blooming in March.

• Truc Lam Monastery

Truc Lam Bach Ma monastery is situated in the Loc Hoa Commune, Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province, surrounded by Truoi Lake. You must take around fifteen minutes by ferry to go through Truoi Lake to reach the monastery. Truc Lam is a complex of the picturesque landscapes becoming an attractive destination for tourists all around the globe when visiting Hue ancient city. You can look at the panoramic view of Truc Lam Bach Ma and Truoi Lake from the top of Bach Ma National Park. Besides, the mountain is covered by clouds all year round so that the climate here is always fresh and cool. Many arrivals flock to Truc Lam monastery to offer incense and take sightseeing.

Where to eat in Bach Ma National Park?

There is a restaurant at the middle of the mountain nearby villas, so you can have lunch and dinner here. However, when you have full day trek, it is better you should bring picnic foods to have on the way.

See more: Visit Hue, an ancient city in Vietnam

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What to know before trekking in Nepal

Nepal is famous as a trekking destination, and the majority of trekkers have a great time. But however popular it is, Nepal is still a rugged and under-developed country where mountain communities can be very isolated, supplies are limited, and weather is changeable.

Planning for a trek in Nepal should not be taken lightly. To ensure you have a successful trek in the Nepali Himalaya, keep these tips in mind.

Altitude education

The Himalaya are a beautiful range of mountains, but it is important not to get too starry-eyed about your surroundings and to remember proper high-altitude safety. Researching the effects of high altitude and the dangers it can present prior to arriving in Nepal will help solidify the knowledge before you are overwhelmed with the excitement and culture shock of your trip to Nepal.

Everyone, at some point or other in their high-altitude adventures, will have trouble acclimatising to the thinner air. There is no way to predict how your body will react, but, again knowledge is power. The only way to truly acclimatise well is by taking your time; do not rush the ascent or push your body if it is telling you to rest.

Bring the right gear for your trek in Nepal

If you are going with a trekking agency, they will send you a list with your itinerary and provide you with some essentials.
Please note that in both a guided trek and non-guided trek your backpack should not be too heavy. You are only making it hard for you or your porter.

Maps are often wrong

Yet another reason why hiring a guide is a good idea. Maps of mountainous terrain are often wrong. Terrain can change from year to year due to landslides or changes in a river’s course. Formatting issues can mean that what looks like a small town on a map is in reality just a single hut.

And, most worryingly, altitudes marked can be wrong. There was a well-known case of the Lake Gosainkunda map marking one settlement as 1000 metres lower than it actually was, and thus leading some trekkers to experience serious inconvenience and altitude-related problems.

Do not forget the trekking poles

The same applies for trekking poles. Failing to take at least a single trekking pole is something that identifies you as a first-time trekker who does not realize their value. Once you have tried trekking with poles, you will be a convert. No matter how fit you are, steep ascents and descents can be very tough on the joints. It is always good to have a bit of extra support.

Beware of the air

You will get a lot of use out of a face mask or a Buff! Kathmandu is a very interesting city, but it is overpopulated and extremely polluted. The smog is so thick that locals often wear face masks to work. If you start to develop a tickle in your throat while in the city, it may not be a cold, just the thick, dirty air.

In the mountains, the air is crystal clear but very thin and dry. Again, your Buff or face mask will
continue to be your friend as it protects your lungs from this harsh dry air and the dreaded "Khumbu Cough." The Khumbu Cough, or the high-altitude hack, will make trekking – and breathing – more difficult. Avoiding over-exertion and wearing a mask to keep moisture in the air going into your lungs will help prevent this.

Work out before you go on your trek in Nepal

A trek is a great way to stay fit, but you already have to be in shape before you go. Do not worry, you do not have to have a six-pack or be super slim and muscled, but you should have a good condition. You should not choose a very intense trek in Nepal if you are already out of breath after walking up some stairs.

See more: Discover the best traditional dishes in Nepal

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