Camping at Hoa Trung Lake – A "Miniature Da Lat" Right in Da Nang

Hoa Trung Lake is a man-made lake located in the territory of two communes, Hoa Lien and Hoa Ninh, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City. Located about 20 km northwest of the city center, the lake lies near DT602 road (the road to Ba Na), making it convenient for travel and combined sightseeing.

Directions (motorbike/car): From the center of Da Nang, follow the Dien Bien Phu route - cross the Nga Ba Hue overpass - turn onto Hoang Van Thai - connect to National Highway 1A - turn right onto Tan Ninh street and go straight to the lake. The average travel time is about 35–45 minutes.
You can also search directly on Google Maps with the keyword “Hoa Trung Lake” or “Hồ Hòa Trung” for detailed directions.

Suitable means of transportation:

• Motorbike: Flexible, convenient for stopping to enjoy the scenery, suitable for explorers
• Car/Taxi/Grab: Suitable for groups of friends or families, ensuring comfort

Note: During the rainy season (October–December), the road to the lake can be slippery, so prioritize traveling during the dry season (January–September) to ensure safety and a better experience.

It is no coincidence that Hoa Trung Lake is likened to a "miniature Da Lat" in the heart of Da Nang. When the lake water recedes (especially around September–October), the lake bed exposes vast green grassy carpets, combining with the surrounding mountainous terrain to create an open and peaceful landscape. The light morning fog along with the cool natural breeze further enhances the feeling of relaxation, reminiscent of Tuyen Lam Lake or the characteristic grassy hills of Da Lat, even though it is located not far from the coastal city center.

The experience here brings a clear difference:

• Fresh air, less dust, temperature usually 3–5°C lower than the city center
• Sunset falls with a red glow reflecting on the quiet lake surface
• Sunrise appears gently through a thin layer of mist
• Clear night sky, allowing clear observation of many stars, a rare sight in urban areas

It is the combination of natural scenery and a quiet atmosphere that has helped Hoa Trung Lake become an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing space close to nature.

Not just a camping spot, Hoa Trung Lake is likened by many tourists to a "resort in nature". The wide, open space and pristine natural scenery bring many diverse experiences, suitable for groups of friends, families, or picnic activities.

Highlight activities at Hoa Trung Lake:

• Overnight camping: Pitching a tent on the grass, lighting a campfire, stargazing in a quiet space
  Cost: Free (tent rental around 200,000 VND/group of 6 people)
• Dugout canoeing: A gentle experience on the calm lake surface
  Cost: Around 20,000 VND/person
• Fishing, picnic, BBQ: Prepare your own food and organize meals right by the lake
  Cost: Depending on personal needs
• Check-in photography: Vast grassy carpets and natural scenery create an impressive background
  Cost: Free
• Team building / picnics: Suitable for groups of friends and companies organizing outdoor games
  Cost: Free
• Watching sunrise & sunset: The most beautiful moments of the day with natural light
  Cost: Free

Previously (around 2024), camping near the dam area was restricted at times due to water source management. However, currently (2025–2026), visitors can still camp on vacant land about 500 m away from the lake. To ensure safety and update the latest information, you should check in advance through travel communities such as the 'Cam trai Da Nang' group on Facebook.

To have a complete and safe camping trip at Hoa Trung Lake, careful preparation is an important factor. Below are practical experiences and a necessary checklist to help you be more proactive in your journey of exploration.

Ideal time:

• You should arrive in the afternoon (around 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM) and stay overnight to fully experience everything from sunset and campfire to the next morning's sunrise
• The best time of the year is September – October, when the lake water recedes, exposing vast green grassy meadows

Checklist of items to bring:

• Tents, stakes, tarps (or rent near the lake area)
• Sleeping bags, air mattresses, warm jackets (night temperatures can drop low)
• Sufficient food and drinking water (no shops in the area)
• Flashlight, lighter/gas stove, multi-tool knife, trash bags
• Mosquito repellent, sunscreen, power bank
• Ice cooler if bringing fresh food

Estimated cost (group of 4–6 people/1 night):

• Round-trip fuel: 100,000 – 150,000 VND
• Tent rental (if needed): around 200,000 VND
• Boating: 80,000 – 120,000 VND/group
• Food: 300,000 – 500,000 VND

With a reasonable cost and an experience close to nature, Hoa Trung Lake is a suitable choice for short trips, especially for those who love camping and quiet spaces.

Because Hoa Trung Lake is still quite wild and tourism services are not yet developed, preparing everything carefully before setting off is the key to having the most complete and comfortable trip.

• Food & drink: Prepare pre-marinated food (meat, seafood...) for BBQ, or rice balls, bread, fruit, bottled water.
• Camping gear: Tent/tarp, grill, charcoal/firewood, lighter, knife and cutting board, bowls and chopsticks, spices.
• Personal items: Long-sleeved jackets (because nights are cold), hats, sunscreen, insect repellent (essential in the evening), flashlight, power bank, trash bags.
• Outfits: Swimwear/shorts for water fun and stylish outfits to take "virtual living" photos on the steppe.

The more thoroughly you prepare, the easier it is to fully enjoy the natural beauty and relaxing experiences on this romantic steppe!

Hoa Trung Lake is not just a tourist coordinate; it is a promise of balance and energy regeneration. Putting aside the twinkling lights and familiar car horns of Da Nang, this place opens up a poetic space where you can find absolute stillness amidst lush green lawns and a vast lake surface. Whether enjoying a romantic camping night under a starry sky or simply breathing in the fresh morning air, every moment at this 'miniature Da Lat' is a valuable memory. Pack your bags, set out to explore Hoa Trung Lake, so that this trip is not just a vacation, but also a journey to find yourself amidst pure, majestic, and romantic nature!