If you’re craving an adventure off the beaten path, why not try camping in Vietnam? This country is a gem in Southeast Asia that offers everything from mighty mountains to laid-back beaches. You’ll find endless opportunities to pitch your tent in the middle of breathtaking landscapes.
Camping in Vietnam will give you the chance to connect with locals and fellow travelers around campfires under the starry sky. Keep on reading to learn about Vietnam and its best camping spots, along with some essential Vietnamese language camping words.
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Why Go Camping In Vietnam?
On my trip through Southeast Asia, I chose Vietnam as the first stop of my journey. And let me tell you, after spending one and a half months there, it has become one of my favorite countries to travel on a budget.
As a backpacker, I visited Vietnam from north to south and discovered that it has plenty to offer for adventure seekers. I’m talking about the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City, the rocky islands of Ha Long Bay, and the lantern festival in Hội An. The list goes on! Did I mention the delicious Vietnamese food and friendly locals? Vietnam truly has something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a good time.
When Is The Best Time For Camping In Vietnam?
The best time to camp in Vietnam is from November to April, when it’s the dry season. You can expect good weather, clear views, easier paths, and nicer sleeping spots. If the air isn’t as humid, this also means there won’t be as many bugs (phew, right?). Vietnam is a large country, so this may not apply to each place, but going during the dry season is usually the top pick for a good camping experience!
Best Camping Spots In Vietnam
If you’re into wild camping trips, Vietnam offers amazing opportunities! Here are some of the best spots to pitch your tent:
1. Ba Vi National Park
Just a stone’s throw away from Hanoi is the Ba Vi National Park in northern Vietnam. Hanoi’s hectic city center might be too overwhelming for some, so this is a great spot to come and set up camp in the middle of a relaxing pine forest. Pine Hill is the perfect place for peaceful camping, where you can also visit some attractions like the Cactus Garden and the Thuong Temple, all the while enjoying breathtaking views.
2. Coco Beach Camp
Do you like camping at the beach? Coco Beach Camp could be just what you’re looking for then! Think of the sound of sea waves just outside your tent as you drift off to sleep. You’ll spend lazy afternoons lounging in a hammock and enjoy some beach volleyball during the day. And when hunger strikes, you can head off to the nearby fishing village for some fresh seafood.
3. Trung Luong Camping Site
Another special place by the sea is Trung Luong camping site, close to Nui Ong Temple in Binh Dinh. It’s a peaceful spot where you can go diving or pick up some Vietnamese words and ways of life! The tents and chairs by the beach make it a good place for talking and sharing stories, especially at night around a campfire.
4. Da Phu Hill
Camping at Da Phu Hill in Dalat is a real treat, with beautiful nature all around. Tucked in between green valleys and tall pine trees, this quiet spot is far from the busy city, perfect for getting close to nature.
A must-do activity in these areas is to go cloud hunting. This involves camping among clouds, looking for high spots in remote places to see amazing cloud formations, like seas of clouds or rolling fog. This makes camping at Da Phu Hill a memorable adventure, full of beauty and excitement.
5. Mu Cang Chai
Mu Cang Chai in Yen Bai, Vietnam, is a great spot for camping amidst stunning views of rice fields and local villages. This area is famous for its amazing scenery, most of all from September to November, when the rice fields turn gold.
You might want to think about bringing your own tent and camping gear here. While the camping areas offer amazing views, they may not have rental options. If you bring your own tent, make sure that you’re gonna be comfortable and have shelter during your stay amidst the natural beauty of the region. Other than that, it gives you freedom to set up camp wherever you want.
What To Take With You On Your Camping Trip
While preparing for your camping expedition, it’s super important to be well-prepared and carry the right camping equipment. It’s all about safety, folks!
First off, get a lightweight tent, to keep you dry at night. You’ll find spots where you can rent it as well. Don’t forget a small stove for cooking, along with utensils, a torch, some warm clothing and, of course, a sleeping bag.
Take a trash bag with you for any waste, and bring a chain for your bike, if you have one. Some other useful things you might need are socks, wet wipes, mosquito repellent, aid kit, a thermos, and maybe a music instrument, just for fun!
Lastly, always remember to leave your campsite clean and tidy when you leave.
Is Vietnam Safe?
Simple answer: YES! Vietnam is considered to be one of the safest countries to travel in Southeast Asia.
But you should keep a few things in mind, especially if you’re planning on camping. Always keep your stuff safe and secure, no matter if you’re in the city or out in nature. It’s smart to only carry around what you need when you’re out and about.
For drinking, it’s safer to go with bottled water and steer clear of tap water when camping. Also, think twice about adding ice to your drinks.
But while it’s good to be cautious, don’t let worries ruin your happiness in Vietnam. Enjoy its beauty, chat with locals and other travelers, and have a great time visiting the sights, whether you’re in the cities or sleeping under the stars.
Basic Vietnamese Camping Vocab
Once on your camping trip, these simple Vietnamese words might come in handy when you’re trying to communicate with the locals on something you might need for your camping adventure!
Learn Vietnamese With Ling
While you’re choosing your perfect camping spot, let me invite you on a fun journey into the Vietnamese language with the Ling app as your guide!
With Ling, you can explore more than just camping vocabulary. It’s designed to make hard languages easy, with a fun and exciting approach. Through games and quizzes, you’ll be picking up new words and phrases daily. You can also dive into the culture with more of our Vietnamese language blog.
Download Ling today and make your camping trip in Vietnam even more meaningful!
