Da Lat offers escapes from New Year holiday crowds

Usually, camping is associated with a lack of comfort – an adventure of sorts as campers have to prepare tents, tables and chairs, cooking utensils and food supplies in an outdoor setting that might be swarming with mosquitoes; or one’s sleep inside the tent maybe disturbed at midnight as rainwater seeps inside.

Well, welcome to glamping, the luxury version of camping that includes facilities and accommodation far more comfortable than traditional camping – a trend that is fast catching on.

Twin Beans Farm

Photo by VnExpress/Tran Khang Duy

Located on a coffee farm in Da Sar Commune, Lac Duong District, about 20 km from downtown Da Lat, this camping resort is surrounded by green pine forests and has a stream running through.

The resort offers waterproof tents and blankets for four people per tent. The campsite is fully equipped with toilets, hot showers, hair dryers, towels, shampoo and shower gel. Grilled BBQ dinners include sturgeon, chicken, pork, potatoes, corn, salad, fried rice, a coal stove and firewood.

The popular Central Highlands town in Lam Dong Province currently requires no quarantine for domestic tourists except for those arriving from red zones (very high Covid risk areas) who need to furnish negative Covid results from tests done 72 hours before arrival.

Photo courtesy of Twin Beans Farm

In addition to sleeping in comfortable tents and making campfires at night, visitors can visit Arabica coffee plantations, bathe in streams and drink coffee while watching the sunrise.

The glamping service here provides guests breakfast and dinner, clean toilets, bathroom with hot water, shower gel and shampoo. The price to hire a tent costs VND800,000 ($35) per person.

CampArt

Photo courtesy of CampArt

CampArt, a 2,000-square-meter area next to the Suoi Vang (Golden Stream) Lake, around 15 km from downtown Da Lat, is a popular glamping site among young people.

Its capacity is limited to 30 guests per day and it has different kinds of tents put up in a pine forest and a fair distance from each other, ensuring privacy as well as compliance with pandemic prevention measures.

CampArt prepares everything from tents, blankets, pillows and torches to an attractive menu with dishes like steak, smoked goose breast, spaghetti, mushroom soup and drinks.

Since the nights in Da Lat are typically cold, visitors are advised to dress warmly and bear in mind the toilets are located at a distance from the campsite itself and guests will have to walk around 200-300 meters to use them.

The price for renting a tent here is VND890,000 per person.

Dalat Camp

Photo courtesy of Dalat Camp

This glamping site nestles in a small valley in Lat Commune, Lac Duong District, about 24 km from downtown Da Lat. It takes first timers some getting here, having to conquer slippery and sometimes dangerous roads. The peaceful landscape with its lush greenery continues to attract visitors who think the hassle of getting here is worth it.

In addition to very comfortable tents, the site also has a two-storied building that functions as an office, kitchen and living area.

Photo by VnExpress/Tran Trung Hieu

Guests can pre-order food or buy ingredients to cook directly in the kitchen. A night's stay at Dalat Camp costs from VND750,000 to 2.2 million depending on the type of tent and the number of campers.

Keep in mind that there is no wifi connection in the area and the 3G mobile network service is also weak.

Dala Waterfall Camping

Photo courtesy of Dala Travel

Located near the Mimosa Mountain Pass, Dala Waterfall Camping offers luxurious camping services as well as activities like fishing, preparing BBQ meals and trekking in the nearby forest.

Guests can also book other services including mountain climbing, canyoning and boating. A luxury camping tour by the waterfall costs from VND995,000 per person, including transportation, food and drinks. The campsite has its own toilet and hot water.

A Day in The Forest

Photo courtesy of the camping site

Located in Lat commune, Lac Duong District, about 25 km from downtown Da Lat, this camping site has no wifi connection or phone signal, allowing intrepid campers almost complete isolation from the outside world.

The price of a luxury camping trip to this place starts at VND2 million, including shuttle bus from downtown Da Lat, sleeping tent, meals and other entertainment options like archery, yoga and mountain climbing.