Glamping and camping in Vietnam is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when planning a vacation. Yet this hype has also spread to Vietnam and there are more and more places where tents can be set up. Camping in Vietnam is possible in the mountains, forests or even on the beach. Wonderful in nature, under the beautiful starry sky and warm by the campfire. It only gets really cozy when the Vietnamese rice wine appears.
Rent or buy tents and equipment?
Many backpackers buy a motorbike to ride around the country and sell the motorbike at the end of their ride. However, this will not be practical for camping equipment. You have to ask yourself: how often do I go camping? Vietnam is not the ideal country to travel through with a tent. It is not advisable to just set up your own tent somewhere along the way. So, to carry around a tent, pans, mattress and sleeping bag all the time is obviously not very comfortable.
Most of the places where you can camp are mainly the national parks in Vietnam. Well-organized camping tours are offered in these parks, which include all necessary camping equipment. There are also camping campsites in certain places in Vietnam. There are also tents here, so you never have to bring a tent yourself.
Best time for camping in Vietnam
In most places you can camp in Vietnam all year round, but you have to take the weather into account. The best time to travel to Vietnam depends on the region you are in. In the north of the country, it is best to camp from April to August. In the southern regions, it is best to camp between December and April, when there is little rainfall.
Glamping vs camping in Vietnam
Tips for camping in Vietnam
- In Vietnam you also have glamping sites. This emerging trend from Europe and the US is a more luxurious variant of camping. Instead of sleeping on a mattress, there is a real bed, with more luxurious furnishings and often the tent even has its own bathroom.
- Always book a camping tour with a reliable organization. In addition to the right camping gear, a good organization will also bring a medical kit, know the rules and ensure that the camping site is left neatly and tidy.
- Also make sure that you have left the place where you camped neatly.
- Bring the right clothing and gear to protect yourself from the elements of the weather and from insects.
1. Phong Nha National Park
The most unique place to camp in Vietnam (or perhaps in the world) is in a giant cave! The caves in Phong Nha are so huge that they almost have an ecosystem of their own, with trees, plants and underground lakes and rivers. There are several caves where you can do this. You can do this in the largest cave in the world, the Hang Son Doong, which can be found in the Phong Nha National Park. This cave is so big and deep in the jungle that tours to it take a few days.
However, the Son Doong cave is outside the budget for many people. Fortunately, there are plenty of other caves where you can camp as well. The Hang En cave is the most photogenic cave for camping. Here you set up a tent at the entrance of the cave where there is also an underground lake. The Pygme cave is another impressive cave where you can camp.
2. Dalat
Dalat is where recreational camping in Vietnam started. And if you know the area, you will understand why. Dalat is known for the hills and mountains that are full of forests. Hidden in the woods you will find lakes, rivers and waterfalls. There are camping pitches on hills where you have a great view of the surroundings. In the evening you can see the hundreds of lights from all the greenhouses on Da Phu hill and early in the morning you can see the clouds hanging in the valley below.
When you go camping at a lake around Dalat, you have the opportunity to have a nice swim after a long walk or early in the morning to wake up. If you want to camp in Dalat, you can simply arrange this through Local Vietnam.
Besides camping, Dalat is also the best place for glamping in Vietnam. There are a few beautiful luxury camping pitches, or glampings, hidden in the woods.
3. Bidoup Nui Ba National Park
Bidoup National Park is only 35 kilometers from the center of Dalat, but should be mentioned separately from Dalat in this list. This place is great if you want to combine camping with a hiking trip. While walking you can enjoy the beautiful nature and possibly spot animals such as rare birds. The best chance of seeing wild gibbons is early in the morning when they are most active.
Camping in this national park is all you expect; pitch a tent in the wilderness far from the beaten track, cozy around the campfire, lakes to swim in and forests to wander around.
Interested in pitching a tent in this beautiful forest? Check out our camping and trekking tour in Bidoup National Park.
4. Cuc Phuong National Park
The Cuc Phuong National Park is located in the province of Ninh Binh and is also the oldest national park in Vietnam. In the visitor center of the park it is possible to rent tents to spend the night. The staff will help you with camping there and the right equipment. Please note that it is not possible to set up a campfire here.
5. Cat Tien National Park
Cat Tien National Park is another great opportunity for camping in Vietnam. The national park is located about halfway between Ho Chi Minh City and Dalat. There is a camping spot around Crocodile Lake, but don’t be alarmed. The crocodiles don’t do anything and the camping area is a protected area and with rangers on site. While staying in Cat Tien you can take the opportunity to go cycling through the national park, there are night tours for spotting wildlife and you can go canoeing.
6. Ba Vi National Park
The Ba Vi National Park is located about 60 kilometers from the capital Hanoi. It is wonderful to escape from the busy city life here. The national park has beautiful forests, high mountain peaks with temples, flower and cactus gardens and ruins left behind by the French from the colonial era.
There are two places where you can camp. One of the two resorts located in the national park also has a campground and you can camp in the woods.
7. Ta Dung Lake
You can wake up to one of the most beautiful views in the country at Ta Dung Lake. This lake is also called Halong Bay of the Central Highlands, due to the many islets created by a dam. Keep in mind that some of these camping spots have become tourist attractions because of the view. It can get very busy here, especially on weekends, so you won’t be able to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Boat trips are available on the lake and there is a lake road with panoramic views. Near the lake you will also find a waterfall that is worth a visit.
8. Phu Quoc
When you think of camping in Vietnam, you probably think of the forests and mountains, but not so much of a beach destination. Many people choose to stay in a resort. But waking up to the sound of the sea and then zipping down the tent to have a beautiful view with palm trees, white sand and a clear sea is not wrong either.
In Phu Quoc you will find the best beaches in Vietnam and is therefore the best place if you want to camp on the beach. Tours are offered on the island, where you camp on a small island next to Phu Quoc and enjoy a BBQ on the beach, boat ride and snorkeling. But there are also permanent tents on the main island of Phu Quoc, including glamping.
9. Ta Xua
Ta Xua is a place far off the beaten track in Vietnam. It is the tenth highest mountain in Vietnam and best known for the mountain that runs through the landscape like a dinosaur spine. On top of this mountain you have a view in the early morning over a gigantic cloud cover in the valley below. This makes it seem like you are in heaven. It’s a spectacular sight.
You will find the best camping spot in Ta Xua on the top of the mountain by the camp at 2,200 meters altitude. Plan your trip well, because as said before, this is far from the well-known tourist spots and cities.
10. Binh Thuan
Binh Thuan is the province where the famous seaside resort of Mui Ne is also located. There are several camping spots along the coast, but the most famous is Coco Beach Camp. It is about 130 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City and is therefore a popular camping location for locals and expats from the big city who come here especially on weekends.
In addition to tents, you also have dorm-style rooms, private rooms, bungalows and beach huts and even camping caravans. There are also beach parties and beach weddings. If you’re not into this, you can easily find a quieter place somewhere else on the beach in Binh Thuan province.
