DestinationsNature
Ba Ho Waterfalls
Suối Ba Hồ
Three rock pools linked by small cascades in a forested valley north of the city. A half-day hike for clear water, boulder scrambling and a break from the beach.
When the city gets too hot, many residents head north into the hills. Ba Ho, meaning “three lakes”, is a chain of natural rock pools in a forested valley about half an hour’s drive from Nha Trang. A stream drops through the valley from one pool to the next, in a series of small waterfalls.
The climb
The walk begins with a shaded forest trail and soon turns into a scramble over large boulders. Painted arrows and ropes help in some places, but this is not a paved path. Moderately fit visitors manage it without difficulty, though you will need your hands from time to time.
The first pool is the easiest to reach and the busiest. The second, a short climb above, is deeper and quieter. The third requires the most effort and rewards it with the most beautiful setting: a pool surrounded by smooth rocks and overhanging trees.
Swimming
The water is cool and clear, a welcome change from the sea. Locals jump from the rocks into the deeper pools, but only do this if you have checked the depth and know it is safe. Many people simply sit in the shallows with their feet in the water.
When to go
Visit in the dry months, when the water is clear and the rocks are dry. During and after heavy rain, the stream can become fast and dangerous, and the site may close. Weekday mornings are the quietest; on weekends, students and families from the city arrive by late morning.
Come early, climb to the top pool and have it almost to yourself for an hour.
Combine the trip with a drive along the coast road north of the city, where small fishing villages and beaches line the shore.
Sample editorial content. This article was written for the Just in Nha Trang demo. Opening hours, prices and practical details are deliberately general and will be checked on the ground before publication.
