Looking for a hidden waterfall in Da Nang? Just 30km from the city centre, this natural spring and waterfall in Hoà Bắc offers the perfect escape from the city. The site is free to visit and offers a beautiful natural spring and waterfall to cool off in on a hot summers day in Da Nang. This is a nice alternative than the busy beaches and offers a beautiful and scenic bike journey to reach the site.
Location
This hidden waterfall in Da Nang is located in Hoà Bắc, Hải Vân, not far from the city. The journey to get there is very picturesque, and the difficulty level of the roads is low, so most competent riders shouldn’t have any issues.
It’s important to note that there is a stream of water, around 1 ft deep, which you can choose to ride through on your bike to reach the car park. However, if you don’t feel comfortable crossing it, you can leave your bike nearby, just remember to take your helmet with you.
The ride to the hidden waterfall
I set off from Liên Chiểu, located in the north of Da Nang, at around 11 AM and reached the waterfall around 12 PM. You can easily make the journey quicker, but I would encourage travellers to take some time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and maybe stop at a local restaurant or coffee shop.
It’s always a good idea to support local businesses, and the owners are usually more than happy to serve foreigners.
Getting to the hidden waterfall
If you’re following Google Maps, you will reach a small off-road section that leads to the waterfall. Take care when driving down this section, as there are plenty of loose rocks and potholes to avoid.
My advice would be to take it easy, there’s no rush. If there is anyone behind you, just let them pass to avoid any added pressure. It’s also worth keeping an eye on Google Maps, as it’s easy to accidentally drive down alternative roads that lead to private properties.
Crossing the stream
After driving down the road, you will reach a small stream, around 30 meters in length and, as mentioned, about a foot deep. This is where you need to decide whether to cross or not.
It mainly comes down to two factors:
- Your experience
- Your bike’s ability to handle water
I ride a Honda XR150L, which is well suited for this kind of terrain due to its soft suspension and relatively high frame, helping to prevent water from entering the engine.
However, I saw plenty of Vietnamese riders crossing the stream on much smaller bikes. Just be careful not to flood your engine. It’s surprisingly easy to lose control or get stuck in the water.
Swimming and waterfall
This hidden waterfall in Da Nang is popular with locals, and if you haven’t experienced how Vietnamese people relax in places like this, here’s what to expect.
There will be:
- Loud music (often karaoke)
- Families eating and drinking
- Small shelters along the water’s edge
These shelters are first come, first served, so if you want to secure a spot, it’s best to arrive early.
In terms of swimming, there’s plenty of space to enjoy the water and explore the small waterfall further upstream. If you’re a thrill seeker, there’s a rock where I saw plenty of kids jumping in.
Personally, I didn’t try it, and I’m not sure if the water is deep enough for an adult to jump in safely, but don’t let that put you off exploring the area.
Invited to eat and drink with a family
The highlight of the day was the spirit and friendliness of the locals, which is common across Vietnam, especially in the central region.
While swimming, an older gentleman ushered me over to join his family for some food and drinks.
I’ve been learning Vietnamese for around 4 months, and while I can hold a basic conversation, my tones still aren’t great. However, even with just the basics, we were able to share a lot of laughs, drink plenty of beer, and enjoy some delicious BBQ food.
I’m really thankful for the hospitality the family showed me. As a small token of my gratitude, I gave the father my Scotland football top. Who knows, maybe there’s now another Scotland fan in Da Nang. C’mon the Tartan Army!
