Unable to find a replacement for a missed holiday plan, I quickly searched for a series of overnight camping spots near Saigon. The Ma Lữ Quán camping site in Tây Ninh captivated me with its lush greenery at the foothills of Bà Đen mountain!
The sparkling campsite under the sunlightFast Travel Guide - Simple Directions to Ma Lữ Quán Tây Ninh
Located approximately 90km away from Ho Chi Minh City, with a leisurely 2-hour drive, Ma Lu Quan Tay Ninh stands as a captivating blend of campgrounds, a restaurant, and a café nestled amidst a vast plain at the foot of Ba Den Mountain. The route is straightforward; just follow the guidance provided by the friendly staff accompanying your reservation or use the conveniently marked location on Google Maps.
Due to its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, a day trip is entirely feasible. However, if you choose to stay overnight at Ma Lu Quan Tay Ninh, it's advisable to contact and confirm tent availability in advance. Given the limited number of tents, there are some preconditions for a deposit before receiving your tent. Our group of four had pre-booked a private tent to accommodate our overnight stay.
A small note to consider is that the tents at Ma Lu Quan Tay Ninh do not come equipped with air conditioning. Additionally, with the hilly terrain, the midday sun can be quite intense. It's recommended to collect your tent slightly later around 4 p.m., coinciding with the check-in commencement, offering a more temperate atmosphere. We, arriving early, took the opportunity to explore the grassy expanse, enjoy lunch at a nearby rustic restaurant, and then returned for check-in. Notably, don't miss trying the fragrant sugarcane juice from the nearby convenience store at the entrance of the campground; we guarantee you'll find yourself going back for more during your stay! ;))
The delightful fragrance of lotus blossoms guides you into the campground.A lush expanse of swaying green rice fields stretches beyond the horizon.In the distance lies an expansive prairie, dotted with grazing cattle enjoying the verdant grass.The entrance to the adorable campground charms with its intimate design.Let me take you on a delightful tour around the campsite.
After verifying information and completing tent pickup, our guides handed us a box containing water, snacks, instant noodles for breakfast, and other essential items before leading us to the campsite. Our tent, a charming white triangular structure, nestled near a wooden stage for nightly concerts, accommodated up to 6 people with two large mattresses, a fan, several sets of blankets and pillows, slippers, electrical sockets, and convenient lighting. The tent was set up on a wooden platform overlooking a lush mango orchard, with a green grass carpet extending towards the thatched-roof kitchen.
General information about our package and expensesCheck out our adorable tent area!!Get creative and capture some memorable snapshots!A sudden downpour enhances the scenery, making it even more refreshing.Lying inside the tent, watching the rain, is a truly delightful experience.The communal space exudes a laid-back vibe.Engage in some exciting activities at Ma Lu Quan Tay Ninh.
In the evening, we had a BBQ feast set up with a variety of dishes right in front of each tent on the grassy field. Since dining outdoors might occasionally face unexpected rain showers, the friendly staff won't hesitate to help you move to the centrally located thatched-roof area so you can continue your dinner uninterrupted. Kudos to their dedicated and hospitable service!
On weekends, an acoustic band performs a plethora of songs, allowing you to fully unwind and immerse yourself in the soothing melodies. I vividly recall the moments around sunset, sitting quietly, listening to music, and admiring the last rays of light piercing through the trees, creating a sense of joy and contentment.
Our delectable dinner spreadThe enchanting scene of sitting and listening to music as the sun sets...The early morning, perhaps the most enchanting time to witness nature's beauty. At that hour, the campsite was mostly still asleep, only the sounds of crickets and frogs filling the air. Unzipping the tent revealed a misty green space, truly poetic. Cool clouds atop the mountain peaks, not yet dissipated, merged with the breeze to create a colossal funnel swallowing the summit, an awe-inspiring and peculiar sight. Stepping outside, stretching shoulders, and reclining on a chair to admire the scenery or read a book – the perfect activities anyone would indulge in that serene atmosphere.
The colossal cloud funnel obscuring the mountain's peakA thoughtful creation from a creative companionAs the orchard was in mango season, we couldn't resist a nostalgic activity from childhood – picking mangoes. Green and ripe mangoes adorned every branch, one holding the chair while the other supported the branch, we supplemented our breakfast with these quality mangoes.
Our cheerful group excitedly went mango-picking.Ta-daa, presenting the fruits of our triumph!A quick and delightful breakfast with an exceptional view.The 'host' enjoying a nap on the sandy ground, unaware of my sneaky snapshot.Around 9 a.m., we checked out, and if you've come this far, spend an extra day exploring Ba Den Mountain before heading back to the city. It's one of the most renowned spiritual tourism destinations in the Southern region, conveniently just 3km from the campsite.
The route to Ba Den Mountain tourism area offers breathtaking beauty.The famous statue of Quan The Am atop Ba Den Mountain emerging through the clouds.The vast expanse of Tây Ninh's fields seen from the cable car.Here, you'll experience standing at an impressively high altitude, almost level with the clouds.Despite only researching and planning this backup trip within a few weeks, I am thoroughly satisfied and content. Thank you, Tây Ninh, and the camping site for becoming one of the beautiful memories of our youth. See you again very soon!
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