1 The Route to Conquer Bach Van Waterfall
Bach Van Waterfall is located on Na Pa Stream (a tributary of the Khe Mam River), originating from the majestic summit of Tam Long Mountain at an elevation of over 1,250m. This waterfall is situated in Tam Lang Village, Quang An Commune, Dam Ha District, Quang Ninh Province, approximately 14km southeast of Dam Ha Town center.
Traveling by motorbike to Bach Van Waterfall is quite convenient, but once arriving at the village, you need to hike to the foot of the falls
My journey traveling to Bach Van Waterfall in Quang Ninh was divided into two distinct stages:
- Stage 1 (Motorbike ride): From the town center, I rode uphill toward Tam Lang Village. The pass over Tam Lang Slope is breathtakingly picturesque, resembling a strip of silk draped across the mountain flanks. Lining both sides of the roadway are fragrant cinnamon hills, lush green cassava and corn fields, and winding terraced paddies at the foot of rolling mountain ranges tended by the Dao ethnic community.
- Stage 2 (Jungle trek): From the center of Tam Lang Village, motorbikes must be left behind. I started a 30 to 40-minute trek along a forest trail to reach deep inside Bach Van Waterfall. This footpath traces the stream past boulders of all shapes and sizes, requiring sturdy endurance and a bit of agility when wading through rocky rapids.
The waterfall cascades down from the majestic Tam Long mountain peak
2 Awestruck by the Magnificent and Pristine 5-Tier Structure
After a breath-catching trek through the forest, my reward was the echoing roar of falling water, sounding like an epic ballad of the wilderness. Stepping past the final ancient tree canopy, Bach Van Waterfall emerged towering and captivating beyond words.
The cascading water weaves between massive boulders
An absolute highlight of this destination is that the landscape remains completely wild and natural, wholly untouched by commercialization. Plunging from an elevation of nearly 70m, the crystal-clear, icy-cool water flows year-round across five separate cascading tiers. Each tier possesses its own unique character and charm: some crash down furiously and noisily, while others glide gently and serenely over moss-covered grey cliffs.
Crashing down day and night in churning white foam
At the base of each tier at Bach Van Waterfall lie small, cool, placid pools interspersed with countless undulating boulders lining both banks. This is the perfect spot to dip weary feet into the chilly stream and feel the refreshing mist splashing onto your face. When you persevere and hike to the highest tier, looking down from the summit offers a panoramic vista over the small valley and primeval forests rich in flora, with pure white clouds drifting across mountain peaks like colossal silk scarves.
The icy pool at the foot of the waterfall is perfect for cooling off in summer
3 Handy Tips for a Safe Trekking Trip to Bach Van Waterfall
To ensure a smooth expedition to this 5-tiered waterfall and capture memorable photos, keep these handy tips in mind:
- Wearing athletic shoes with solid traction or dedicated trekking boots is mandatory. The rocky path along Bach Van Stream is covered with moss and extremely slippery.
- Wear comfortable, stretchy clothing and bring a spare set of clothes if you plan on bathing in the natural pools below the falls.
- Since commercial eateries and shops are scarce around Tam Lang Village, proactively pack drinking water and light snacks (energy bars, pastries, fruits) in your backpack to refuel along the trekking trail.
- Tam Lang Village is primarily inhabited by the Dao ethnic community; they are very hospitable, but you should always interact politely and show respect for local cultural customs.
- Under no circumstances should you litter along the forest trail or stream banks, in order to preserve the pristine purity of the waterfall.
Delectable specialties of Dam Ha await your indulgence
The expedition to conquer Bach Van Waterfall was truly a perfect healing journey for both my body and soul. Standing in the presence of pristine nature, listening to the white water roaring down, and beholding the boundless greenery of Dam Ha's mountains helped me brush aside all everyday worries. If you are an experiential traveler looking for a fresh outdoor adventure in Quang Ninh, pack your backpack and set out to conquer this gorgeous waterfall today.
