The heroic White Horse of Southern Vietnam

"Looking back at the southern sky, we remember the Imperial City!" That was our feeling as we stood on the sacred peak of Bach Ma Mountain, gazing towards the imperial city of Hue as the sun set. In the historical connection between the land, the sky, and Vietnam over the past thousand years, Bach Ma proudly stands as a timeless witness.

Over 90 years ago, Bach Ma was first developed into a resort area for the French colonial government; later, it served as a military strategic point during the years of the war against the US, protecting the North-South supply route of the liberation army.

After peace was restored, the area was expanded into Bach Ma National Park, covering a total area of ​​over 37,000 hectares. Located on the border of Thua Thien Hue province and Da Nang city, nestled beside the Truong Son mountain range and facing the sea, it truly lives up to its name "White Horse of Southern Sky".

After peace was restored, the area was expanded to become Bach Ma National Park, covering a total area of ​​over 37,000 hectares. Located on the border of Thua Thien Hue province and Da Nang city, nestled beside the Truong Son mountain range and facing the sea, it truly lives up to its name "White Horse of Southern Sky".

The abundance of nature, along with many rare and exotic flowers blooming, especially in spring, gives Bach Ma a surreal beauty. Furthermore, from the observation deck at the summit, one can see the two major cities of Hue and Da Nang, and enjoy the mountain breeze and the rich flavor of the sea. The gentle coolness reminiscent of Sa Pa and Da Lat, blended with the salty coastal atmosphere of Nha Trang and Vung Tau, makes Bach Ma unique and distinctive.

Besides the towering Vong Hai Dai (Sea View Tower), one must mention the picturesque landscape of Bach Ma, centered around the poetic masterpiece of the Five Lakes. This is a system of five lakes situated side-by-side, each with its own unique shape and beauty, hidden within the ancient forest and rocky mountain slopes, seemingly waiting to be discovered. While the first lake is crystal clear and long, curving like a crescent moon, the second is wide and features many large, smooth granite crevices, polished by the erosion of water over time. The third lake is gentle and small, with water flowing towards the foot of the waterfall, narrowing into a funnel shape.

The fourth lake is oval-shaped with rippling water and large rocks that divide the stream into two large waterfalls. And finally, the most beautiful, is the fifth lake, vast and clear, reflecting the colors of the sky, clouds, rocks, and forest. It's a place not only for sightseeing but also for swimming, enjoying the cool water after the arduous hike to the lake. Perhaps this is where the saying comes from: "If you want to see trees, go to Cuc Phuong; if you like to see animals, go to Cat Tien; and if you want to swim in waterfalls, go to Bach Ma!"

Starting from Km16 on the Bach Ma road, there is also a small trail about 1.5km long leading to another spectacular waterfall: Do Quyen Waterfall. After a 30-minute walk on the gently sloping path through the forest, visitors will stand before the majestic waterfall, over 300m high.

The Rhododendron Waterfall is the source of the Ta Trach River (approximately 67km long), which flows through the Bach Ma mountain range. Upon reaching the Bang Lang junction (Tuan junction), it merges with the Huu Trach tributary (approximately 60km long), creating a graceful, flowing ribbon of over 80km – the legendary Perfume River in the dreamy land of Hue. The waterfall is named as such because in spring, rhododendron flowers bloom profusely, their vibrant red blossoms embracing the cliffs and streams, creating a picturesque scene.

Do Quyen Waterfall is also hailed as one of the tallest waterfalls in Southeast Asia, with nearly 700 stone steps leading down to its base. The white foam of the water splashing in the air, along with the rumbling sound of the "Milky Way slipping from the clouds" amidst the sacred mountains, further enhances the majestic and imposing appearance of the Do Quyen waterfall.