Trị An Lake: Travel Experience & Camping at Trị An Lake, Đồng Nai

Where is Trị An Lake?

Trị An Lake is located in the Dong Nai River basin, spanning the districts of Vĩnh Cửu, Định Quán, Thống Nhất, and Trảng Bom in Đồng Nai province. The lake is approximately 30km from the city center of Biên Hòa and 70km from Ho Chi Minh City. It is an artificial freshwater lake with a surface area of 323 square kilometers and a total volume of 2,765 billion cubic meters. The lake took three years to construct and was completed in 1987 to supply water for the nearby Trị An hydroelectric power plant.

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Trị An Lake boasts stunning natural beauty with its calm rippling waters, reflecting the azure sky, white clouds, and golden sunlight, surrounded by lush green meadows. The spacious lakeside area is perfect for outdoor activities such as camping, BBQ grilling, or setting up tents to stargaze at the night sky filled with stars. Additionally, the lake is dotted with around 40 small and large islands, creating a pristine and tranquil environment.

Travel Experience at Trị An Lake for Independent Travelers

How to Get to Trị An Lake from Ho Chi Minh City

Just about a 2-hour drive from Saigon, Trị An Lake becomes a favorite outdoor destination on weekends. The road to Trị An Lake passes through major highways and is relatively easy to navigate.

Below are some transportation options suitable for #teamKlook to get to Trị An Lake:

Motorbike: This is the most flexible mode of transportation chosen by many young people to travel to Trị An Lake independently. Make sure to prepare all necessary vehicle documents, fill up with gas, and equip yourself with safety gear for the trip.

Bus: If you're traveling with family or a group, taking a bus is a convenient option. Consider reputable bus companies from Saigon to Đồng Nai: An Anh Limousine, Trường Thịnh Limousine, Hoa Mai, Hà Linh. Bus ticket prices range from 150,000 to 350,000 VND per trip.

Car rental: To help you have a convenient trip to Trị An Lake, we offer quick self-drive car rental services in Đồng Nai.

Private car rental: If you want to comfortably enjoy the trip in an air-conditioned car, book private car rental packages from Ho Chi Minh City to Trị An Lake on Klook.

Here is the quickest route guide for backpackers:

Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, head towards Hanoi Highway and continue straight on National Route 1A to reach Biên Hòa.

Turn left at the Trị An intersection onto provincial road DT767, then continue for another 20 km along Nguyen Tat Thanh road, passing through Vĩnh Cửu Roundabout onto Quang Trung road.

Proceed for about 4km to reach the Lâm Sản intersection and then head to the Trị An Lake camping area.

No matter which mode of transportation you choose, the journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Trị An Lake will bring you many new and exciting experiences. Don't forget to check out the car rental deals on Klook for a smooth and cost-effective trip!

Which Season is the Best Time to Visit Trị An Lake?

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Trị An Lake is truly an ideal destination for those who want to temporarily escape urban life and enjoy a relaxing space amidst nature. According to the travel experience of Klookers, the following times are the most ideal for a trip to Trị An Lake:

October to June of the following year: The weather in the Southeast region during these months is quite cool and dry, providing favorable conditions for outdoor activities such as camping and trekking. Especially, you can indulge in the lively scenery of Mã Đà forest.

July to September: During this time, Trị An Lake enters the rainy season, which might pose some challenges for travelers in terms of transportation. However, it's also the period when the lake starts to flourish with green algae, creating unique and picturesque scenes.

Exciting Tourist Activities at Trị An Lake, Đồng Nai

1. Camping at Trị An Lake

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Camping at Trị An Lake has become a favorite weekend activity for many #teamKlook members in the South. This place will take you away from urban life, immerse you in the fresh natural surroundings, and create memorable moments with family and friends.

If you have experience with independent camping, you can bring your tent, food, and drinks from Saigon to the Trị An Lake area. If you don't have camping gear, many camping sites like Mã Đà LakeView, Lành Farm, Napy Garden, Gạo Farm Stay, etc., offer various services for tourists. Here, you can enjoy activities such as campfire under the moonlight, BBQ parties, karaoke singing, SUP paddling, renting bikes to explore the hydroelectric dam, and Mã Đà forest.

2. Trekking in Mã Đà Forest

Trekking through Mã Đà Forest to witness the pristine nature firsthand is an unmissable experience in exploring Trị An Lake. Known as the 'green lungs' of Đồng Nai province, Mã Đà Forest is covered with many old-growth trees, lush green grass, and diverse species of butterflies, birds, and wildlife.

Moreover, #teamKlook can capture standout check-in photos along the red dirt roads cutting through the forest. The best time for trekking in Mã Đà Forest is during the dry season when the roads are not flooded and the weather is more pleasant. You can travel by private car or Jeep shuttle service from nearby areas. Check out our all-inclusive 2D1N camping tour with biking, trekking through Mã Đà Forest, and SUP paddling at Trị An Lake for an exciting journey.

3. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) at Trị An Lake, Đồng Nai

Hồ Trị An offers an ideal setting for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), allowing you to admire the majestic landscape amidst the serene lake. This activity is suitable for all ages. If you don't have your own equipment, camping spots here also offer affordable SUP rentals.

Travelers often choose to go SUP paddling at dawn to catch the sunrise or in the late afternoon after 3 PM to enjoy the cool breeze and watch the sunset. The experience of freely paddling while standing or sitting on the paddleboard, swaying gently on the calm lake, is sure to bring you a rare sense of refreshment and relaxation.

4. Watching Sunrise and Sunset at Trị An Lake

With its vast and tranquil waters, Trị An Lake is renowned for its stunning sunrise and sunset views. Just as the sun rises over the hills around 5:30 AM, you can admire the sparkling water under the morning light. As dusk falls, the lake turns into a magical painting, reflecting the dreamy pink hues of the twilight sky.

In contrast to the unique moments of the day, Trị An Lake at night exudes a tranquil and mystical beauty. Experience gathering around the campfire with friends, sharing stories, and marveling at the starry night sky at Trị An Lake.

Nearby Attractions Around Trị An Lake

In addition to the unique experiences at Trị An Lake, we also suggest some famous nearby attractions not far away:

1. Cao Minh Ecotourism Area

Just 15 kilometers south of Trị An Lake lies the Cao Minh tourist area, an ideal stop after your lake adventure. This is one of the most sought-after eco-tourism destinations in Đồng Nai province.

Spread over more than 20 hectares, the tourist area was meticulously built by the renowned artist Cao Minh since 2000. Visitors can relax amidst lush greenery, in a uniquely refreshing and tranquil atmosphere with a variety of accommodation options ranging from homestays, villas, bungalows, stilt houses, to ancient stone castles. The recreational, entertainment, and culinary activities here are also exceptional. You can comfortably camp, fish, or participate in outdoor games such as rowing, ziplining, highwire, and more.

Address: Group 2, Hamlet 2, Vinh Tan Commune, Vinh Cuu District, Dong Nai Province

Entrance fee: 15,000 VND per person (excluding overnight stay fees)

2. Reo Stream Waterfall

If #teamKlook is looking for a less crowded outdoor destination on weekends, Reo Stream Waterfall is a suitable choice. This is a system of streams flowing through communes in Thống Nhất district, about 25 kilometers from Trị An Lake.

The waterfall originates from numerous small streams flowing vigorously day and night and nearing Trị An Lake, forming a smooth white water flow cascading from a height of over 10 meters. Surrounded by lush green primeval forests, Reo Stream Waterfall offers an incredibly poetic and romantic scenery. Some exciting activities that can be done in the waterfall area include stream bathing, camping, fishing, paragliding, and more.

Address: Gia Tan 1 Commune, Thống Nhất District, Đồng Nai Province

Ticket Price: Free

3. Dream Stream Ecotourism Area

Located less than 30 km from Trị An Lake, Dream Stream Ecotourism Area, also known as Dream Stream Park, is a top attraction in Đồng Nai.

Dream Stream is nestled in a valley spanning over 300,000 square meters, featuring numerous small streams running through the mountains and a natural swimming pool with clear water all year round. Visitors can spend a full day here relaxing amidst nature and experiencing hundreds of underwater entertainment areas such as SUP boarding, water car racing, pedal boats, stream bathing, or participating in mountain climbing, camping, picnicking on the banks... Additionally, within the ecotourism area, there is a system of restaurants and homestays catering to all overnight accommodation needs of families and groups.

Address: Hamlet 6, Tra Co Commune, Tan Phu District, Dong Nai Province.

Entrance Fee: 120,000 VND/adult, 60,000 VND/child (over 1 meter tall)

4. Visit Stork Island

Stork Island, also known as Ó Island, is a small island isolated on Trị An Lake, about a 45-minute boat ride from the lakeside camping area. This is an interesting destination for #teamKlook to experience unique adventures amidst the wilderness.

You can rent a boat or canoe to reach the island and observe the life of various birds, especially the majestic eagles. The scenery on the island is simple, creating a poetic and serene atmosphere amidst the surrounding lush greenery. Visitors can camp or stay overnight at some guesthouses on the island. Don't forget to enjoy the specialty fish dishes and other local delicacies here.

Address: Vinh An Town, Vinh Cuu District, Dong Nai Province

Boat ticket price to the island: 550,000 VND/trip for 5 people

5. Phu Dien - Cross Stone Mountain

Phu Dien Township, a traditional village, sits approximately 20 km west of Trị An Lake. Here, #teamKlook will discover a uniquely check-in spot, the Cross Stone Mountain.

Cross Stone Mountain, a colossal monolithic rock formation standing 150 meters tall, rests amidst expansive rice fields. Visitors often come here in the afternoon to admire the serene countryside and flocks of white storks soaring in the sunset. Not merely a picturesque spot, this is also a favorite destination for many adventurers. If you're up for the challenge of conquering the mountain peak and camping overnight, consider joining Klook's 2-day 1-night tour to explore Phu Dien – Cross Stone Mountain, Dong Nai.

Address: Hamlet 7, Phu Dien Commune, Tan Phu District, Dong Nai Province

Ticket price: Free

Local Specialties at Trị An Lake

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Here are three local seafood dishes that travelers must try when visiting Trị An Lake:

1. Grilled Freshwater Shrimp: A traditional dish not to be missed at Trị An Lake, featuring the natural sweetness of freshwater shrimp and a unique aroma from onions and spices.

Grilled Snakehead Fish Hotpot with Sour Soup Vegetables: Fresh and delicious snakehead fish caught from the lake, combined with the refreshing sourness of sour soup vegetables, creates a special flavor. This is a local specialty unique to Đồng Nai.

Empire Fish Cooked with Bitter Melon: Empire fish is a unique-looking fish that is abundant in Trị An Lake. Its meat is fragrant, tender, and fatty, suitable for grilling, cooking with bitter melon, or simply cooking in sour soup.

Travel Expenses for 2 Days and 1 Night at Trị An Lake

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Below is a reference table of estimated basic expenses for a 2-day 1-night self-guided trip to Trị An Lake:

Cost per person:

Tent rental: 300,000 VND per tent for 2 people

Beverages: 100,000 VND

Barbecue food: 200,000 VND

Shuttle bus from Ho Chi Minh City: 500,000 VND

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP): 250,000 VND per SUP

Bike rental: 200,000 VND per bike

Other expenses (entrance fee, petrol): 100,000 VND

Total: 1,600,000 VND

Above is everything you need to know about traveling to Trị An Lake – Đồng Nai. From the relaxing camping experience by the lake to exploring the natural beauty at nearby attractions, the peaceful atmosphere of Trị An Lake promises to recharge every traveler with positive energy.

Posted by: Đức Hạ

Keywords: Trị An Lake: Travel Experience & Camping at Trị An Lake, Đồng Nai