Vietnamese camping highlights
There are so many things to do and see when you’re in Vietnam, you may not have thought about the possibility of camping while you are there. However, it’s a great way to get off the main traveller track and discover your own little piece of Vietnam.
There are national parks dotted through the country and in many of them you are allowed to camp in tents while you are visiting. Only when you’re camping can you experience the magic of waking up to the full dawn chorus of birds and animals in the forests.
There are so many places to combine hiking with camping in Vietnam, and you can often join a guided tour group to get the best out of the experience. For example, one of the best known treks is the climb to the summit of Fanispan Peak in the north west of the country. Also known as the Roof of Indochina, the summit is at 3,143m. On the way up, you’ll stop at a small village at 1,500m, where food and accommodation is laid on. There’s an overnight camping stop at the base camp at 2,800m.
Here you’ll see amazing views across the Sapa valley. Another five hours climbing and you will reach the summit form which you can see as far as China looking north and Laos out to the west.
Another great place to camp in Vietnam is the national park island of Cu Lao Cham Nature Reserve. The nearest town is Hoi An, a two and a half hour boat journey away. Most people choose to pitch a tent on the beach, but if you’re not into camping there are also ten guesthouses to choose from on the island.
One of the things Cu Lao Cham is known for is the slanginess bird, whose nests that are sold for $4000 per kilo as a delicacy for birds nest soup. You’ll be able to spot the nests high up on the cliffs and you may get a chance to speak to the birds’ nests collectors who climb up to get them. The crystal clear waters around the island are perfect for diving and snorkelling.
What to pack fun!
If you haven’t come equipped for camping, don’t worry. There are plenty of places in the big cities in Vietnam where you’ll find tents for sale, as well as all the other camping accessories you’ll need. Don’t forget to pack items like fleece jackets for the cool of the evening and early morning – it’ll make watching the sunrise a whole lot more
