Experience Guide to Dau Tieng Lake: The Ultimate Chill Camping Spot Near Saigon

Just about 2 hours away from Ho Chi Minh City, Dau Tieng Lake is the ideal destination for those wanting to "escape the city" and find some peace amidst nature. With crystal-clear lake scenery, spacious grasslands, and fresh air, this place is extremely suitable for camping, picnicking, sunset viewing, or simply relaxing on weekends. Join Vietnam Airlines to discover the complete A-Z travel experience to Dau Tieng Lake for a perfect trip!

1. About Dau Tieng Lake

Dau Tieng Lake is located across three provinces: Tay Ninh, Binh Duong, and Binh Phuoc. The majority of its area belongs to Duong Minh Chau District (huyện Dương Minh Châu) in Tay Ninh Province. The lake is approximately 90-100km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City center, making it very convenient for day trips or short vacation getaways.

Dau Tieng Lake attracts tourists with its pristine, peaceful beauty and vast natural space that hasn't been commercialized. The calm lake surface, surrounded by lush green forests and fresh air, creates an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as camping, SUP paddling, sunset viewing, or fishing.

Phong cảnh hồ Dầu Tiếng đẹp ngỡ ngàng

The stunning scenery of Dau Tieng Lake (Source: Internet)

2. Unmissable Experiences at Dau Tieng Lake

Lakeside camping

With its open space, vast lake surface, and lush green grasslands, this place provides an ideal setting for setting up tents and organizing BBQ parties with family and friends. When night falls, everyone can gather around the campfire, gaze at the star-filled sky, and listen to the gentle sound of waves lapping the shore.

You can prepare your own camping tent beforehand or rent directly from local providers. Rental prices range from 40,000 VND - 80,000 VND per tent (depending on type and size).

Suggested tent rental providers at Dau Tieng Lake:

  • Bang Lang Glamping - Dinh An, Dau Tieng, Binh Duong
  • La Ca Camping - Dinh Thanh, Dau Tieng, Binh Duong
  • Vivu 24h - Ap Hoa Loc, Dau Tieng, Binh Duong

Cắm trại ở hồ Dầu Tiếng

Camping at Dau Tieng Lake (Source: Internet)

Nhóm bạn mở tiệc nướng quanh khu cắm trại ven hồ

Groups of friends having BBQ parties around the lakeside camping area (Source: Internet)

Hẹn hò" ở một nơi khác

"Dating" in a different place makes memories more meaningful (Source: Internet)

Watching super romantic sunsets and sunrises

With its serene water surface and open space, Dau Tieng Lake is an ideal destination for those who love early morning or late afternoon scenery. During early morning or sunset, sunlight reflecting on the lake surface creates gentle, pleasant scenery that brings feelings of relaxation and peace. This is also the perfect time for lakeside walks or taking memorable photos.

Khoảnh khắc mặt trời lặn đẹp mê mẩn

Mesmerizing sunset moments at Dau Tieng Lake (Source: Internet)

Check-in với hoàng hôn bên hồ Dầu Tiếng

Visitors checking in with the sunset by Dau Tieng Lake (Source: Internet)

Check-in with lakeside scenery

The shores of Dau Tieng Lake have many ideal stops for photography, such as the lonely tree, reed grass hills, natural rock beaches, or small wooden bridges extending into the water. These locations have rustic, pristine beauty, very suitable for those who love nature-friendly styles. This is also a background chosen by many young people to capture impressive photos.

Check-in ở bãi cỏ ven hồ

Visitors checking in at the grassland by Dau Tieng Lake (Source: Internet)

Cây cô đơn bên hồ Dầu Tiếng

The lonely tree by Dau Tieng Lake (Source: Internet)

Fishing

With its diverse ecosystem, Dau Tieng Lake is an ideal location for fishing and relaxing in nature. You can bring your own fishing rod or rent equipment on-site, find a quiet corner by the lake to enjoy peaceful moments away from the noisy pace of life.

Some popular fishing spots in the Dau Tieng Lake area include Bai Vuon Dieu (Bãi Vườn Điều), Bai Da Trung (Bãi Đá Trứng), Bai Hang Gao (Bãi Hàng Gáo), and Bai Cay Tram Doi (Bãi Cây Tràm Đôi).

Câu cá ở lòng hồ Dầu Tiếng

Fishing in Dau Tieng Lake (Source: Internet)

Bãi Đá Trứng

Bai Da Trung - A suitable location for setting up tents and fishing (Source: Internet)

SUP paddling

If you want a change of pace with light sports activities, you can try SUP paddling on Dau Tieng Lake. Some providers like Vivu24h or La Ca Camping offer SUP rental services with instructors and safety equipment, suitable for beginners. SUP rental costs currently range from 250,000 - 300,000 VND per board, depending on duration and included services.

Chèo SUP

SUP paddling at Dau Tieng Lake (Source: Internet)

Trải nghiệm chèo SUP trên hồ

Visitors experiencing SUP paddling on the lake (Source: Internet)

Trekking

Not far from Dau Tieng Lake is Nui Cau (núi Cậu) - a destination visible from Bai Da Trung. With gentle terrain, pristine scenery, and fresh air, this place is very suitable for those who love light mountain climbing, relaxing trekking, and exploring nature at their own pace. The journey is not too difficult, suitable for beginners to trekking experiences.

Enjoying music

Some groups of young people often organize small acoustic sessions with portable speakers around the camping area. Music in the peaceful natural setting provides a different experience, helping to bond everyone in the group.

Nhóm bạn trẻ “mở concert”

Young groups "opening concerts" at Dau Tieng Lake camping area (Source: Internet)

3. Experience visiting Dau Tieng Lake

Ideal timing

Dau Tieng Lake is beautiful year-round, but the most ideal time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April of the following year. The weather during this period is usually less rainy, with gentle sunshine and cool, pleasant air - very favorable for outdoor activities like photography, fishing, or trekking.

Specifically for camping activities, the best time is in mid-June. At this time, the weather is dry, windy, water levels are moderate, and there are many favorable positions for setting up tents. You should start camping around 4 PM to catch the sunset and enjoy the beautiful sunrise the next morning.

However, you need to note and monitor flood discharge information as the lake typically releases water from October to December annually. This can affect your experience if not properly prepared.

Thời điểm lý tưởng đi hồ Dầu Tiếng

The ideal time to visit Dau Tieng Lake is from November to April (Source: Internet)

Transportation

From Tay Ninh city center, you can choose motorcycles, taxis, or private cars to reach Dau Tieng Lake, each vehicle having its own advantages:

  • Motorcycle: Travel via Boi Loi → Khedol - Suoi Da → Nguyen Chi Thanh → DT 781 → Dau Tieng Lake. This method is cost-effective, flexible, and suitable for those who love experiencing beautiful routes. Motorcycle rental prices range from 80,000 - 160,000 VND/day.
  • Private car: Similar route to motorcycles, convenient for large groups and carrying lots of camping equipment. Car rental prices range from 700,000 - 1,200,000 VND/day depending on vehicle type.
  • Taxi: Companies like Mai Linh, Sao Do, Long Son operate widely in Tay Ninh. Suitable for groups or families wanting quick transportation without navigation hassles. Fare ranges from 12,800 - 17,850 VND/km depending on vehicle type.

Cuisine

You should prepare food, drinks, or necessary ingredients for cooking when camping. Some local markets like Duong Minh Chau Market (chợ Dương Minh Châu) sell fresh meat, vegetables, and seafood for selection. If you don't have time to prepare, you can eat at local eateries in the area with some Tay Ninh province specialties like banh trang cuon phoi suong, banh canh Trang Bang, grilled snakehead fish with chili salt, etc.

Restaurant suggestions:

  • An Tam Restaurant (Nhà hàng An Tâm) - Provincial Road 781, Duong Minh Chau town, Duong Minh Chau district, Tay Ninh
  • A Ty Eatery (Quán ăn A Tý) - Trinh Dinh Thao, Duong Minh Chau town, Tay Ninh
  • Son Thuy Restaurant (Sơn Thủy Quán) - Lake Shore, Dinh Thanh commune, Dau Tieng district, Binh Duong

Accommodation

At Dau Tieng Lake, the most popular form of accommodation is lakeside camping. Additionally, you can choose to stay at homestays or guesthouses in Duong Minh Chau town area - about 10-15km from the lake. Some providers also organize complete camping tour packages, including transportation, tents, and meals.

Accommodation references:

  • Thong Dong Homestay & Cafe - Phan commune, Nui Ba, Ap Phuoc Long 2, Duong Minh Chau, Tay Ninh
  • Bang Lang Glamping - Dinh An, Dau Tieng, Binh Duong

Other notes

  • Prepare adequate personal items like tents, flashlights, portable chargers, insect repellent, sunscreen, etc.
  • Prepare 5-liter water containers for drinking, cooking, and hygiene; don't use lake water
  • Bring trash bags and maintain general cleanliness
  • Check weather conditions before departure
  • Bring ID cards and driver's licenses (if traveling by private vehicle) in case of patrol encounters

4. Suggested attractions near Dau Tieng Lake

Ba Den Mountain (Núi Bà Đen)

Located about 30km from Dau Tieng Lake, Ba Den Mountain is Tay Ninh's tourism symbol, notable for its modern cable car system and sacred Ba Pagoda (chùa Bà) on the mountain peak. This is an ideal combination destination if you have plenty of time to explore.

Address: Thanh Tan commune (xã Thạnh Tân), Tay Ninh city

Khu du lịch Núi Bà Đen

Ba Den Mountain tourist area (Source: Internet)

Duong Minh Chau Rubber Forest (Rừng cao su Dương Minh Châu)

The rubber forest with straight, orderly trees is especially beautiful in early morning or during leaf-changing season. This place is suitable for photography or rest stops during exploration journeys and is becoming a favorite check-in spot for young people.

Address: Thanh Duc commune (xã Thạnh Đức), Go Dau district (huyện Gò Dầu), Tay Ninh province

Rừng cao su trên cung đường Bông Trang - Cầu Khởi

Rubber forest on the Bong Trang - Cau Khoi route (Source: Internet)

Cao Dai Holy Temple Tay Ninh (Thánh Thất Cao Đài Tây Ninh)

The Cao Dai Holy Temple is the largest ceremonial center of Cao Daism - one of the most prominent religious structures in Tay Ninh province. The building has unique and exquisite architecture and is a worthwhile destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Address: Pham Ho Phap street (đường Phạm Hộ Pháp), Long Thanh Bac (Long Thành Bắc), Hoa Thanh (Hòa Thành), Tay Ninh province

Tòa Thánh Cao Đài Tây Ninh

Cao Dai Holy Temple Tay Ninh (Source: Internet)

Dau Tieng Lake is not only a destination for rest but also brings many experiences connecting with nature. If you want a short trip to recharge your energy, try visiting this place and enjoy the peaceful, fresh space amidst pristine nature!