What is Tri An Lake like?
Tri An Lake is an artificial reservoir on the Dong Nai River, built in the 1980s to supply water for the Tri An hydroelectric plant. Covering more than 300 square kilometers, it’s one of the largest lakes in southern Vietnam and stretches across several districts of Dong Nai Province. Its scale is impressive when you arrive, with wide-open water that feels more like a small inland sea than a reservoir.
The lake is framed by patches of forest, including the Ma Da Forest to the north, and dotted with more than 70 small islands. Some are inhabited by fishing families, while others are left wild, giving the lake a mix of human activity and untouched greenery. The water is calm, reflecting the changing sky, and sunrise and sunset are especially scenic moments to take it in.
Atmosphere-wise, Tri An Lake is not a polished tourist attraction. On weekends it draws groups of Saigon residents for picnics and camping trips, but during the week it can feel quiet, even deserted in some areas. The vibe is rural and low-key — you’ll see fishing boats, local food stalls, and the occasional simple campsite rather than big resorts or manicured parks. For travelers, it offers a relaxing and authentic countryside experience, though without the facilities or organization you might expect at more developed destinations.
Location and How to get there
Where is Tri An Lake?
Tri An Lake lies in Dong Nai Province, about 65 kilometers northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. It spans several districts — Vinh Cuu, Dinh Quan, Thong Nhat, and Trang Bom — and forms part of the Dong Nai River system. The drive from central Ho Chi Minh City usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Transport options
Private car or driver
The most practical way for foreign travelers to reach Tri An Lake is by private car with a driver. This gives you flexibility to stop at viewpoints, continue on to Cat Tien National Park, or return the same day without worrying about logistics. Roads are generally good, though the last stretch closer to the lake can be smaller rural roads.
Motorbike
For more adventurous travelers, renting a motorbike in Saigon and riding out is an option. It’s a popular route for domestic bikers, with some scenic countryside along the way. Expect traffic on the highways leaving the city, followed by quieter roads as you get closer to the lake. Riding is only recommended if you’re experienced and comfortable with Vietnamese traffic.
Bus
Technically, there are buses running from Ho Chi Minh City to towns near Tri An Lake, but they don’t stop directly at the lake itself. Without your own onward transport (motorbike or car pickup), buses are inconvenient and not a realistic choice for most foreign visitors.
In short, the lake is easy enough to reach by private transport, but you’ll want your own wheels once you’re there to explore the shoreline, forest roads, and small villages.
Things to Do and See
1. Explore the Lake & Islands
The main draw of Tri An is simply being out on the water. Local boat owners offer short trips across the lake or to some of the islands, but don’t expect organized tours with commentary — it’s basic transport. One of the better-known stops is Eagle Island, where you can see birdlife, wander through simple trails, and even camp overnight if you’ve arranged it in advance. Other islands are wilder or semi-abandoned, with mossy paths and overgrown vegetation that add to the rustic atmosphere.
2. Visit Our Lady of Nui Cui
Perched on a hillside above the lake, Our Lady of Nui Cui is marked by a large statue of the Virgin Mary. It isn’t a major attraction in itself, but if you’re already exploring by car or motorbike, it’s worth a short stop for the lake views and a look at local Catholic traditions in the region.
3. Camping at Tri An Lake
Camping is one of the most popular weekend activities for Saigon youth groups, who come with their own tents and supplies. Wild camping along the lakeshore is possible, and there are also semi-organized campgrounds such as Ma Da LakeView, Lanh Farm, Napy Garden, and Gao Farm Stay that rent gear and set up BBQs or campfires. For foreign travelers, camping here is only realistic if you’re already carrying equipment or happy to book through one of these local sites.
4. Trekking in Ma Da Forest
North of the lake lies Ma Da Forest, often described as the “green lung” of Dong Nai. The red dirt roads winding through tall trees make for a good half-day walk or motorbike ride. It’s not a developed trekking destination with marked trails, but the forest is alive with butterflies, birds, and patches of untouched greenery. The dry season is best, as the tracks can turn muddy and flooded during the rains.
5. SUP, Kayaking & Sunrise/Sunset
Several of the lakeside campsites rent out stand-up paddleboards (SUP) and kayaks. The water is calm and safe for beginners, especially early in the morning or late afternoon when it’s cooler. Even if you don’t get on the water, sunrise and sunset are highlights at Tri An Lake — the wide horizon and still water make for beautiful reflections. Weekends can be noisy with groups camping, but during the week it feels tranquil.
6. Local Life & Fishing Village
Around the lake, you’ll find small fishing communities living in simple stilt houses or on floating platforms. Life here revolves around catching fish, mending nets, and moving goods by boat. There’s nothing staged for tourism, so don’t expect souvenirs or tours — just a glimpse of everyday rural life. For many visitors, this authenticity is part of the charm.
Staying at Tri An Lake
Camping
The most common way people stay overnight at Tri An Lake is by camping. You can pitch your own tent along the shore or book space at small campgrounds like Ma Da LakeView or Lanh Farm, which offer tent rentals, BBQ setups, and basic facilities. It’s a fun option if you’re prepared, but most foreign travelers won’t be carrying camping gear, and the setup is much more geared toward domestic visitors from Saigon.
Retreats, Farmstays & Glamping
There are a handful of retreats and farmstays scattered around the lake. They often market themselves as “glamping” or eco-stays, but in reality they are quite rustic — think simple bungalows, outdoor hammocks, or communal areas by the water. Don’t expect resort-level comfort, but they do provide a more convenient alternative to camping while still keeping you close to the lake.
Nearby Hotels
If you’d rather not rough it, the easiest option is to base yourself in Bien Hoa, where you’ll find standard hotels and guesthouses, or simply return to Ho Chi Minh City after a day trip. The drive back is short enough (1.5–2 hours) that many visitors prefer this option, especially if Tri An Lake is just one stop on a longer journey, such as heading toward Cat Tien National Park.
Nearby attractions
Cat Tien National Park
If you’re already making the trip to Tri An Lake, it’s well worth continuing on to Cat Tien National Park, about an hour further north. This UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve is one of the best places in southern Vietnam for trekking, wildlife spotting, and overnight stays in nature. Many travelers treat Tri An as a short stop on the way to Cat Tien, rather than a standalone destination.
Cao Minh Eco-tourism Area
Located around 15 km south of the lake, Cao Minh Eco-tourism Area is a semi-developed park with a mix of gardens, artificial lakes, and family-friendly activities. It’s popular with local groups for picnics and team-building outings. Expect a more manicured setting than Tri An Lake, though it doesn’t feel especially authentic.
Suoi Mo Park & Suoi Reo Waterfall
For smaller natural escapes, you can detour to Suoi Mo Park, a valley with streams, swimming areas, and water-based activities. It’s developed with restaurants and facilities, making it more of a day-use attraction than a wild adventure. A quieter option is Suoi Reo Waterfall, about 25 km from the lake, where you’ll find a modest cascade surrounded by green forest — simple but scenic, especially on weekdays when it’s empty.
Chu Thap Stone Mountain
A less-visited but photogenic stop is Chu Thap Stone Mountain, a huge black-gray rock rising from rice fields in Phu Dien commune, about 20 km away. It’s best visited in the late afternoon, when the surrounding countryside glows in the sunset and flocks of storks return to roost. Adventurous travelers sometimes climb the rock for the view or even camp overnight, though there are no facilities.
Is Tri An Lake worth visiting?
Tri An Lake has its charms, but it’s not a polished destination. On the plus side, the lake offers peaceful nature close to Ho Chi Minh City, with calm water, forested surroundings, and a handful of small islands to explore. The authentic rural atmosphere, chances to see fishing communities, and the option to camp by the water add to its appeal. Sunrise and sunset here can be genuinely beautiful, especially if you catch the lake on a quiet weekday.
On the downside, the infrastructure is very basic. There are no big resorts, limited dining options, and most activities rely on simple, local setups. Weekends can get crowded and noisy with groups from Saigon, which takes away from the tranquility. Compared to Vietnam’s more famous natural sites, Tri An isn’t a standout attraction.
Overall, Tri An Lake is best as a stop on the way to Cat Tien National Park, or for travelers who want a countryside escape from Saigon without going too far. It’s less convincing as a destination on its own, but if you set your expectations right, it can be a refreshing break from the city.
