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📍 lake · nature

Tri An Lake

Tri An Lake is a large reservoir in Dong Nai province, 60km from Ho Chi Minh City, formed by the Tri An hydroelectric dam on the Dong Nai River. A popular weekend camping and kayaking destination for city residents, with forested islands, calm water, and dramatic sunset views.

⛺ Camping🚣 Kayaking🌅 Sunset Views🏕️ Weekend Escape
🧭 Get Directions

Overview

Best Time to Visit
📅 Nov – Apr (dry season, water levels stable and camping conditions good; avoid Oct when post-rainy-season water may be high)
Entry Fee
🎟️ Free (boat hire and camping fees vary by operator: camping from 100,000 VND/person)
Opening Hours
🕐 Open all day; camping operators typically run overnight packages
Address
📌 Hồ Trị An, Vĩnh Cửu, Đồng Nai

Things to Know

👥Crowds
Weekends attract crowds and noise; evenings and weekdays are more serene and peaceful
🚶Accessibility
Remote location requires driving 44km on jungle roads; ensure reliable navigation and fuel
ABOUT THIS PLACE

What Makes Tri An Lake Special

Tri An Lake was formed in 1987 when the Tri An hydroelectric dam was completed on the Dong Nai River, flooding a large area of forest and farmland in what is now Vinh Cuu district of Dong Nai province. The reservoir covers approximately 323 square kilometres at full capacity, making it one of the largest artificial lakes in southern Vietnam, and its forested shoreline and scattered islands have made it a popular escape from Ho Chi Minh City for residents who want camping, water activities, and natural scenery within a 90-minute drive. The lake borders Vinh Cuu Nature Reserve on its northern shore, and sections of the forest around the lake retain good canopy cover with populations of birds and freshwater fish. The dam itself remains an active power station supplying electricity to the southern grid.

How to Get There

🚗 Getting There

Tri An Lake is 60km from central Ho Chi Minh City, approximately 1.5 hours by motorbike via Highway 1 through Bien Hoa and then north into Dong Nai province. By car it is slightly longer due to Bien Hoa traffic. Most visitors with camping or boat tour bookings receive specific pickup point directions from their operators, as the lake's access roads vary by section. The main public access area is near the dam site in Thanh Phu commune. From Bien Hoa city, the lake's closest points are about 25km - reachable by xe om.

What to Expect

👀 On the Ground

The lake experience varies significantly depending on which section mày access and whether mày are camping or doing a day visit. The island camping experience - typically on one of the lake's small forested islands accessible by boat - is the most popular format: operators provide tents, hammocks, basic cooking equipment, and boat transfers. The water is clear enough for kayaking and swimming in the dry season. Day-trip boat tours typically circle the larger islands and stop at fishing spots. Sunsets over the lake in the dry season can be very striking - the combination of flat water, silhouetted forest, and open western sky creates the kind of light that photographs well without much effort.

Travel Tips

🧳 Tips

Tri An functions primarily as a weekend destination for Ho Chi Minh City residents rather than an international tourism site, which means the infrastructure is geared toward group bookings and overnight packages rather than individual drop-in visits. The most straightforward approach for solo travellers or couples is to book through one of the established camping operators who run regular weekend packages - these typically include boat transfer, tent, meals, and kayak use for around 400,000 - 600,000 VND per person. The lake is genuinely pleasant rather than spectacular, but the combination of easy access from the city, calm water, and forested setting makes it one of the better quick-escape options in the south for travellers based in Ho Chi Minh City for more than a few days.

Insider Tips

Based on real traveler experiences and commonly mentioned advice from multiple visitors.

Visit during weekday evenings for tranquility; weekends are crowded and noisy
Allow 2 hours driving time from HCM City or 1.5 hours by motorbike
Check trash and cleanliness conditions at your chosen camping spot before setting up
Book camping spots in advance for weekends between November and April - popular operators on the lake's forested islands fill up fast, particularly around public holidays
Sunrise on the lake is often better than sunset - the eastern orientation of many camping spots and the mist sitting over the water in the early morning make for excellent photography
Bring insect repellent - the forested camping areas have mosquitoes, particularly in the hour after sunset
Kayaking around the lake's small islands is the best way to explore - the water is calm and the forest comes right to the shoreline on many of the lake's edges
The lake is also a fishing destination - if mày are camping overnight, early morning fishing from the bank or a small boat is worth trying for bass and snakehead

FAQ

Common questions from travelers who've visited this place.

How crowded is Tri An Lake on weekends?›
Daytime weekends are very crowded and noisy. Evenings and weekdays are much more peaceful and serene for visitors.
How far is Tri An Lake from Saigon?›
Approximately 65-85km from HCM City, taking about 2 hours by car or 1.5 hours by motorbike to reach the main area.
What activities are available at Tri An Lake?›
Stand Up Paddle boarding, camping, fishing, rowing, photography, and sightseeing along the scenic road around the lake.