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Ba Ho Stream

Rating: 4.0

Three stone pools stepping up through forest — trade the sea for a stream

North of the city18.1 km from the centre

[Tycho] talk , http://shansov.net · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Address
Ninh Ich, Ninh Hoa, Khanh Hoa — about 25 km north of Nha Trang
Opening hours
Daylight hours; head back down before 16:00
Price range
Cheap (under 100k)
Best time to go
May to August, when the stream still runs but the flood season hasn't started
Open in Google Maps

On the map

Map © OpenStreetMap contributors · 12.3913, 109.1396

Overview

Ba Ho is in Ninh Hoa, north of Nha Trang. The name is literal: a mountain stream drops through three stepped pools, each higher one quieter and colder than the last. The first is easy to reach; the second and third mean scrambling over rock.

This is the option for anyone tired of the sea, or on a second trip to Nha Trang. To be clear: the climb to the upper pools is real rock scrambling, not a stepped path — slick stone, no handrails, and nobody on lifeguard duty.

Be clear about what this involves: the stretch up to the second and third pools is genuine rock scrambling, not a stepped path. The rock is permanently wet and slippery, there is nothing to hold, and there is no lifeguard. Wear shoes with grip — not sandals — and if you are alone, stop at the first pool.

On season: May to August is when the stream still runs but the rains have not arrived. In the wet season the water rises fast and runs hard, which is not the time to climb. Start back down before 16:00, because it gets dark in the gorge earlier than outside it. It is about 25 km north of the centre, the same direction as Monkey Island.

Don't miss

  • Three stepped pools, quieter the higher you go
  • Cold stream water — a complete change from the sea
  • A forest walk, shaded the whole way

Practical tips

  • Reaching pools 2 and 3 means scrambling on very slippery rock. Grippy shoes, never bare feet
  • There are no lifeguards. Don't jump in without knowing the depth
  • Avoid it after heavy rain — the water rises fast and the rock gets worse
  • Bring water and food; there's nothing to buy up there

Frequently asked

Is the climb at Ba Ho difficult?

The first pool is easy. The second and third need real scrambling — the rock is always wet and slippery, there is nothing to hold and there is no lifeguard. Wear shoes with grip.

Which months are best?

May to August, when the stream still runs but the rains have not come. In the wet season the water rises fast and runs hard.

How far is it from Nha Trang?

About 25 km north, the same direction as Monkey Island. Start back down before 16:00, because the gorge darkens early.

Closest to here