Buzz
Embark on a rejuvenating journey tailored to soothe souls weary from work and constrained time in Saigon. Enjoy 3 days and 2 nights of glamorous camping amidst lush greenery near Trị An Lake, followed by a leisurely stroll to discover enchanting caves in Madagui. This is a laid-back expedition, perfect for those seeking tranquility with just the right amount of adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Nai
At 1 PM, commence the journey from Ho Chi Minh City to the campsite. Our group opted for the Tropical Eglamping service nestled on a hill in Mit Nai hamlet, La Nga commune, Dinh Quan district, Dong Nai. From Saigon, take the Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway, then follow QL20 towards Da Lat. After approximately 5 km from La Nga bridge, take a left turn into La Nga commune. The campsite is about 6 km from QL20. Choose from various glamping services or other camping options based on your preferences. Personally, I love the panoramic view overlooking Trị An Lake. Particularly, tents facing the lake allow you to witness a breathtaking sunset.
Set up camp beneath the cashew orchard with a view towards Trị An Lake.
By 4 PM, our group arrived at the campsite to check-in, stow our belongings, and freshen up. Glamping is no longer unfamiliar to the youth, and the tents here are incredibly spacious with all the amenities such as air conditioning, lights, blankets, and pillows. Take a stroll around the campsite, situated right beneath the cashew orchard, offering a beautiful and picturesque landscape reminiscent of a Korean drama.
Relax in a hammock inside the tent and enjoy the lake view.
The sunset over Trị An Lake offers an enchanting landscape that shouldn't be missed.
- 6:00 PM: It's personal hygiene time for everyone. Take turns getting ready, and as night falls, the campsite transforms with glittering lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- 7:00 PM: After a busy afternoon, you're probably tired and hungry. So why wait? Let's kick off the BBQ party! You can either prepare your own food for the trip or choose from the menu provided by the campsite. Gather around the glowing fire, savoring the grilled meat, a perfect bonding experience or a potential cause for serious team division if someone's better at grilling than eating.
A grand BBQ feast with friends
- 9:00 PM: Back at the tent, it's time to gather with friends, sing along, or have a cozy chat. But remember, an early start awaits tomorrow, so try to hit the hay before midnight to stay sharp.
Day 2: Dong Nai - Madagui
- 7:00 AM: Rise and shine! Freshen up, change, and head up the hill to the dining area for breakfast and a cup of coffee.
- 8:00 AM: Let's grab some breakfast! The campsite has a variety of options like beef noodle soup, Vietnamese-style baguette with fried eggs, plain congee with pork floss, and coffee. It's self-service, so feel free to choose according to your taste.
- 9:00 AM: Take a leisurely stroll around the camp for a light warm-up with activities like spear throwing, archery, and swinging. The outside area is transformed from a nut orchard hill, providing ample space with plenty of cool, shaded spots. There's a communal rest area with numerous benches and swings nestled under the trees.
Refreshing green surroundings, crisp fresh air
Morning kick-off with archery activities
- 10:00 AM: The camp provides bikes, so why not gather the group for a biking adventure? You can pedal your way to Trị An Lake, just 3km away. If time is short, explore the road into the camp, passing through jackfruit orchards, cashew nut plantations, and expansive rubber tree forests. Riding beneath the refreshing shade of the trees is truly enjoyable.
Biking through lush green meadows with grazing goats captivated by the grass
- 11:00 AM: Arrive to pack up belongings and return tents, gearing up for the next leg of the journey.
- 12:00 PM: Embark on the journey back to Madagui. Along the way, you can stop at eateries on QL20 for lunch. Head back from the campsite, travel 60km on QL20 towards Da Lat. Keep going straight until you pass the banana pass, and Madagui town will appear on the left, welcoming you to the Madagui tourist area.
- 2:00 PM: Arrive at the Madagui tourist area to check in. A specialized bus transports the group directly to the rooms. With our group of 9, we opted for a comfortable villa with 4 bedrooms for easy living. The surroundings are embraced by greenery, providing privacy from neighboring houses. In the evening, you can host a small gathering in front of the villa under the cool weather, or take a 15-minute walk to a nearby restaurant.
- 3:00 PM: Pack up and relax in the room.
- 4:00 PM: Take a stroll around the area. Madagui Forest is part of the Nam Cat Tien National Park, maintaining its ecological forest values. The air in Madagui is always cool and refreshing. Here, you can completely immerse yourself in nature, getting closer to the animal world. It's not surprising to easily spot deer foraging and birds flying around.
- 5:00 PM: After a scorching hot noon, there's nothing better than a refreshing swim. The whole group heads to the 3-tiered swimming pool within the tourist area. The pool is spacious with 3 tiers and suitable depths for both children and adults. Plus, if you didn't bring swimwear, you can rent it for as low as 50,000 VND.
The expansive and stunning 3-tiered pool at Madagui
- 6:00 PM: After a refreshing swim and with the evening setting in, winding down is the cue to return to the rooms and get ready for dinner.
- 8:00 PM: The whole group heads to the hilltop restaurant for dinner; note that meals need to be pre-ordered. Madagui Tourist Area's restaurant serves a variety of outstanding local dishes prepared from mountainous and riverine produce, such as snakehead fish, catfish, climbing perch, hotpot with wild vegetables, wild fern shoots, wild betel leaves, forest bamboo shoots, and the special wild boar. The food at Madagui is delicious and plentiful, ensuring you'll leave the table completely satisfied.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the rooms, and as usual, the group can either gather for some fun or retire early, depending on individual preferences.
Day 3: Madagui - Ho Chi Minh City
- 7:00 AM: Wake up to prepare for breakfast. This morning, the whole group decided to explore the elevated walking trail, bamboo forest, and Madagui farm. Since there's a lot of walking planned, everyone needs to eat adequately, not too heavy, to have the energy to walk.
- 8:00 AM: Embark on the trek to explore Madagui. Madagui eco-tourism area is a natural masterpiece dominated by the green color of lush vegetation, including a forest with over 50 species of bamboo. Nothing beats walking along rugged paths and enjoying the crisp air. Walking on staircases through caves and precarious suspension bridges, humans have also contributed to the beauty of Madagui with the Thien Phuc Cave mural project.
Thien Phuc Cave Mural
Outside the cave, inspired by the legend of Buddha's enlightenment. The story is conveyed through images of giant original rock blocks resembling real shapes, from the Buddha in meditation, preaching to all beings, to the images of the One Bull, Two Elephants, Three Giants (Great Bear – lion, Great Power – tiger, Great Compassion – bear), Four Supernatural Beings (Dragon – Unicorn – Tortoise – Phoenix), gathering to listen to the sermon.
Giant original rock blocks shaped realistically
The intricate carvings on the rocks vividly depict the pristine, majestic beauty of nature. Stepping into this place, I was awe-struck as if entering a Ghibli animated film.
Venturing deeper into Thien Phuc Cave reveals even more surprises with the hanging statue of Lord Bat (Fortune Dangle) on the cave's ceiling. According to legend, Lord Bat is a divine figure, bestowing fortune, luck, and happiness to those sincerely seeking it. So, when you come here, pray with all your heart and respect, for Lord Bat sees it all and will attest to your sincerity.
The sacred cave that may bring luck to those with a sincere heart
After completing the elevated walking trail, the whole group continued on foot to explore Madagui Farm and reached Đạ Huoai Lake. With such peaceful and pure beauty, life suddenly feels lighter and more tranquil.
Walking through the vast bamboo forest is an unforgettable experience
- 12:00 PM: Arrive at the villa to check out and have lunch.
- 1:00 PM: The entire group opts for lunch at the restaurant within the tourist area for convenience.
- 2:00 PM: Fully satisfied, hop on the vehicle and head back to Saigon where a multitude of responsibilities awaits!
- 4:00 PM: If the expressway isn't congested, it takes about 2 hours to reach Saigon. Concluding the 3-day, 2-night journey of 'healing the soul.'
Cost Reference:
*Based on our group (consisting of 9 people) traveling in October 2022:
Note:
This itinerary, based on personal experience, is perfect for groups or companies with less than 10 members. Just a few hours' drive from HCMC, glamping by Trị An Lake and trekking in Madagui's forest are exciting activities to immerse yourself in nature and strengthen friendships. This summer, invite friends for a 'escape-the-heat,' chill trip from Saigon!
Mytour Golocal presents a blog series showcasing beautiful destinations across Vietnam, part of the Mytour Go & Share program. This is an excellent opportunity to promote local tourism. For each qualifying article, you'll receive 800,000 VND and a chance to become a Mytour Contributor. Details about the program can be found at: https://trv.lk/golocal
