Boasting pristine beauty and a mild climate, Dau Tieng Lake has become a weekend destination for those seeking a green atmosphere to relax with family or friends without venturing too far.
If you're planning a short day trip, check out this complete 2-day-1-night camping experience at Dau Tieng Lake. Now, let Mytour Xperience guide you through the exciting adventures awaiting you at Dau Tieng Lake!
Camping scene at Dau Tieng Lake. Photo: Compilation
Where is Dau Tieng Lake Located?
Known as the largest artificial lake in Vietnam and the Southeast Asia region, Dau Tieng Lake covers an expansive area of 27 square kilometers. Situated at the crossroads of Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, and Tay Ninh provinces, the majority of the lake's expanse lies within the Dương Minh Châu district of Tay Ninh province.
The scenic beauty of Dau Tieng Lake features picturesque landscapes with lush green grasslands reminiscent of highland meadows, while the vast lake surface ripples in the distance, surrounded by rugged mountains. Consequently, Dau Tieng Lake has gradually become an attractive tourist destination, perfect for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city to immerse themselves in nature and tranquility during weekends.
Photo: Compilation
Stepping into Dau Tieng Lake, you'll immediately sense the tranquil atmosphere with cool air and the fragrance of fresh grass. Therefore, beyond the daytime recreational activities, camping at Dau Tieng Lake is the most exciting experience for you to fully enjoy the beauty of nature and the fresh air in this serene location.
Getting to Dau Tieng Lake
Modes of Transportation to Dau Tieng Lake
For your convenience, Mytour Xperience suggests two options depending on your location and preferences. You can consider and choose the most suitable mode of transportation:
Motorbike
If you're traveling in a group of around 4 people and carrying only essential items, you can choose a motorbike to explore Dau Tieng Lake. Riding a motorbike allows you to comfortably check-in at beautiful spots along the way or take a leisurely ride around the lake area after setting up camp. Moreover, you'll have the opportunity to experience the thrilling sensation of a short road trip!
Car
If you're traveling with a large group or family, a car might be a more suitable mode of transportation for your needs. Although traveling by car may limit your ability to make spontaneous stops for check-ins along the road, it will prevent situations where members get lost. Additionally, you can carry more items and transport them easily to the Dau Tieng Lake camping site.
Route to Dau Tieng Lake
From Saigon
Approximately 90km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Dau Tieng Lake with the following route: QL13 -> Suoi Giua intersection (Thu Dau Mot City, Binh Duong Province) → turn left onto Nguyen Chi Thanh Street -> DT744 -> turn right onto Cach Mang Thang Tam connecting Tran Van Lac -> turn right onto DT702. Follow DT702 (the road along the edge of Dau Tieng Lake) to find a suitable place to set up camp.
Note: The route to Dau Tieng Lake from Saigon can be quite complex for those who have not camped at Dau Tieng Lake before. Therefore, you can use Google Maps (you may take a screenshot of the route as there is weak phone signal near Dau Tieng Lake) or ask local residents for directions to ensure you don't get lost!
From Tay Ninh
Just over 20 km from the city of Tay Ninh, you can travel to Dau Tieng Lake with the following route: Cach Mang Thang Tam Street (DT 781) –> past Tay Ninh Holy See –> turn towards Ba Den Mountain –> Dương Minh Châu town. After reaching Dương Minh Châu town, turn right to travel along the road along the edge of Dau Tieng Lake and find a camping spot.
Experiences and Fun Activities When Camping at Dau Tieng Lake
Boating
Photo: Hà My
Paddleboarding is a must-try experience when camping at Dau Tieng Lake. Engaging in this activity allows you to enjoy a panoramic view of the expansive lake and capture unique moments. Ideal times for paddleboarding around Dau Tieng Lake are during the beautiful periods of the day, such as sunset or sunrise.
If you don't have a paddleboard or supporting equipment, you can easily rent them at Dau Tieng Lake! Camping gear rental places around the lake offer paddleboard and life jacket rentals for you to explore underwater activities.
Lake Swimming
The term 'Tay Ninh beach bath' has gained recent popularity, referring to the activity of swimming in Dau Tieng Lake. With its vast area, clean and clear water, it rivals natural beaches. You can immerse yourself in the cool water, explore the sandbanks with your friends, or organize various water sports activities. And to be a responsible traveler, let's remember to maintain overall cleanliness in the lake area!
Capture Photos with a 'Million-Dollar View'
Although built as a hydraulic project and an artificial lake, the landscape around Dau Tieng Lake is anything but 'artificial'! In the distance, a blue sky meets lush greenery, while the lake's edge is surrounded by green forests and reflected rocky mountains. All of this creates a majestic scenery that seems to only exist in famous scenic areas. With such a perfect background, it's truly a place to capture the most stunning photos. Below, Mytour Xperience has some photography ideas for you to 'pocket' when camping at Dau Tieng Lake:
Picnic Photoshoot
A patterned towel spread over items like a fruit plate, camera, or bag, or any item you have, can become a prop for your 'picnic concept.'
Photo: @Ttaammtttt
Pose with a Tent
Sitting in front of the tent and making some stretching moves to welcome the sunrise will give you energetic and lively shots. If you can get decorative LED lights, you can freely strike poses beside the tent with a glamorous and magical style.
Photo: Thanh Tuyền
Capture Backlit Photos
The vast scenery of the lake and the lush green mountains promise to be the perfect backdrop for your 'following the sun's rays' photo series.
Photo: Đinh Huyền Trang
Admire the Sunset and Sunrise on Dau Tieng Lake
Every traveler setting foot on Dau Tieng Lake can't help but marvel at the spectacular crimson sunset, creating shimmering ribbons on the lake's surface. Gentle ripples meander, the sun, like a fiery orb, gradually descends into the lake, while in the distance, the silhouette of boat rowers inadvertently paints a tranquil and indescribable scene. In that moment, Mytour believes that all worries and weariness in your daily life will gradually dissipate.
Photo: Nguyen Thanh Tuan
Besides the majestic sunset, the sunrise at Dau Tieng Lake carries a poetic and gentle charm. The morning sun rays, blending with the scent of flowers and grass, permeate the cool and refreshing mist, undoubtedly captivating the hearts of dreamers.
Photo: Ta Thanh Sang
Marvel at Ba Den Mountain
Standing from the Dau Tieng Lake camping site, you'll witness the imposing Ba Den Mountain shrouded in a layer of mist. Sometimes, low-hanging clouds around the mountain's peak evoke images of Mount Fuji in the Land of the Rising Sun.
If possible, bring professional photography equipment to capture the full grandeur of this 'Southeastern Roof'
Fishing at Dau Tieng Lake
Fishing is an enjoyable activity in your Dau Tieng Lake camping itinerary! After engaging in physical activities, you can relax by sitting on a folding chair, casting your fishing rod, and leisurely waiting for the 'harvest.' If you're lucky, you might catch some 'appetizers' for the evening BBQ feast.
Photo: Bao Tran
BBQ party with singing and board games
When night falls, it's time for everyone to gather, chat, and enjoy a campfire show. Board games like Cards Against Humanity, Werewolf, Uno, and more will contribute to creating a memorable camping night.
Photo: re.Greet
One thing to note is to have fun, sing, but remember to keep the noise at a reasonable level to avoid disturbing the neighboring campsites!
What to eat when camping at Dau Tieng Lake?
Breakfast on departure day
Before heading to Dau Tieng Lake, your group should have some bread or light snacks to fuel up for a day of travel and fun!
Lunch
There are local rice eateries around Dau Tieng Lake, but to suit your taste and avoid concerns about prices, it's advisable to prepare packed lunch boxes.
Dinner
A BBQ feast has long become an iconic and common sight during outdoor camping and excursions. It's a convenient meal that provides you with cozy moments to gather, chat, and enjoy delicious grilled dishes.
Photo: re.Greet
The 'light' menu suggested by Mytour Xperience for your BBQ party includes pre-marinated meats (pork, chicken, shrimp,...), assorted vegetables, desserts like cakes and fruits. Alongside these, don't forget to have refreshing beverages to 'chill' by the campfire during the night.
Breakfast on the Departure Day
A sunrise breakfast by the lake before breaking camp and heading home is a fantastic idea for your camping trip to Dau Tieng Lake. Prepare some sandwich packs or light meals to enjoy breakfast in this serene setting. Depending on your group members' preferences, consider bringing along accompanying items like pate, cold cuts, avocado, peanut butter, or various fruit spreads for the bread.
If possible, bringing a kettle and a mini gas stove for a hot noodle soup in the morning adds an equally enticing meal. Don't forget to bring a few packs of coffee for a delightful morning brew!
What to Prepare for Camping at Dau Tieng Lake
Some tips for camping at Dau Tieng Lake
Dau Tieng Lake is an incredibly ideal place for you to step outside and breathe in the fresh air after a series of days in isolation. Just remember the tips above, and you can confidently invite your 'core' team or family members to embark on a camping trip to Dau Tieng Lake!