Tips for Trekking to Bach Van Waterfall, a Five-Tiered Masterpiece in the Vast Mountains

1 The route to Bach Van Waterfall

Bach Van Waterfall is located on the Na Pa Stream, a tributary of the Khe Mam River, which originates on majestic Tam Long Mountain at an elevation of more than 1.250m. The waterfall is in Tam Lang Village, Quang An Commune, Dam Ha District, Quang Ninh Province, about 14km southeast of Dam Ha town center.

My trip to Bach Van Waterfall in Quang Ninh was divided into two distinct stages:

• Stage 1 (By motorbike): From the town center, I rode uphill toward Tam Lang Village. The road over Tam Lang Pass is breathtakingly beautiful, like a ribbon draped across the mountainside. Along the route, fragrant cinnamon hills, lush cassava and corn fields, and terraced rice paddies winding beneath the rugged mountain ranges inhabited by the Dao people stretch out on both sides.
• Stage 2 (Forest trek): You must leave your motorbike in the center of Tam Lang Village. From there, I began a 30 - 40 minute uphill hike through the forest to reach Bach Van Waterfall. The trail follows the streambank past rocks of all shapes and sizes, so you will need steady legs and a little agility to cross the rocky rapids.

2 Be awestruck by the waterfall’s majestic, unspoiled five-tiered structure

After the breathless trek through the forest, my reward was the rumbling sound of the water, echoing like a heroic anthem of the mountains. As I passed the last of the ancient trees, Bach Van Waterfall appeared before me in all its imposing, captivating beauty.

The biggest highlight is that the landscape has retained its pristine, natural character, untouched by commercial development or human intervention. The waterfall plunges from nearly 70m, its clear, cool water flowing year-round across five distinct tiers. Each tier has its own appearance and character: some carry a forceful, thundering torrent, while others flow gently between moss-covered gray rock faces.

Small, refreshingly cool pools form at the foot of Bach Van Waterfall’s tiers, interspersed with countless uneven rocks lining both sides of the stream. It is the perfect spot to relax my tired legs in the icy water and enjoy the invigorating spray on my face. If you persevere and climb to the highest tier, the view from the top takes in an entire small valley, primeval forests rich in plant life, and pristine white clouds stretching across the mountain peaks like giant silk scarves.

3 Essential tips for a safe trek to Bach Van Waterfall

To ensure your trek to this five-tiered waterfall goes smoothly and gives you unforgettable photos, keep these tips in mind:

• Wear grippy sports shoes or proper hiking boots. The rocks along Bach Van Stream are covered in moss and can be very slippery. 
• Wear comfortable, stretchy clothing, and bring a change of clothes if you plan to swim in the stream at the foot of the waterfall.
• As few shops and services are available in the Tam Lang area, be sure to pack drinking water and snacks (energy bars, pastries, and fruit) in your backpack to refuel along the trek.
• Tam Lang Village has long been home primarily to the Dao people. They are very welcoming, but remember to communicate politely and respect local culture. 
• Never litter along the forest trail or around the stream, so the waterfall can retain its pristine, clean water.

My trek to Bach Van Waterfall was a truly restorative journey for both body and soul. Standing before the grandeur of unspoiled nature, listening to the water cascade in a cloud of white spray, and taking in the endless green of the Dam Ha mountains helped me leave all my everyday worries behind. If you love experiential travel and are looking for a new outdoor adventure in Quang Ninh, what are you waiting for? Grab your backpack and set off to conquer this magnificent waterfall.