Phan Thiet, located approximately 210 km from Ho Chi Minh City, is accessible by bus, car, or train as it lacks an airport. A car trip from Ho Chi Minh City via the Long Thanh - Dau Giay - Phan Thiet expressway takes about 3.5 hours.

Lu Duy Tuong, 25, a Phan Thiet resident and camping enthusiast with over three years of experience, recommends several camping locations based on suitable terrain, untouched nature, and tranquility.

Hon Rom

Located in Mui Ne ward, Hon Rom is a small mountain jutting out into the sea near Long Son fishing village. It features unique vegetation, including tube grass that turns golden in the dry season, resembling a large pile of straw from afar. Hon Rom's sea boasts clear blue water, a lack of submerged rocks, and gentle waves lapping against various pebbles. The surrounding sand dunes are dotted with low bushes and cacti against a backdrop of golden sand.

Camping area at Hon Rom. Photo: Lu Duy Tuong

Hon Rom gained widespread recognition after the total solar eclipse on 24/10/1995, as Mui Ne offered the clearest view of the phenomenon. The area's cool, breezy evenings make it ideal for watching sunrises, sunsets, or enjoying bonfires under the moonlit sky.

Currently undeveloped, Hon Rom lacks camping services, requiring visitors to bring their own supplies. The campsite is about 5 km from the main road, accessible via a narrow, rocky, steep path through dense vegetation. High-clearance vehicles or motorbikes are recommended, and drivers should be experienced due to the challenging terrain. With no inhabitants within a 5-10 km radius, visitors must be self-sufficient and prioritize personal safety.

Mui Ne Rock Plateau

Located approximately 25 km from Phan Thiet's center, the Mui Ne Rock Plateau lies northeast. Its rugged terrain features striking coal-black cliffs, remnants of an ancient seabed.

Camping area at Mui Ne Rock Plateau. Photo: Lu Duy Tuong

The plateau has a large, flat grassy area perfect for camping, watching sunsets, and sunrises over the sea. Nearby, a beach with strong waves offers opportunities for nearshore fun. The area provides countless picturesque photo opportunities with crashing waves, golden sunlight, and green grassy hills.

Due to the lack of developed facilities, all personal hygiene activities are "open-air." Visitors with spacious cars can bring shower tents and water hoses. Alternatively, wet wipes and face washing suffice given the fresh sea air. As the campsite is secluded, visitors should travel in groups including men, avoid bringing valuables, and pitch tents close together for mutual support.

Mui Ne Beach

Phan Thiet offers numerous beach camping options, especially in Mui Ne, known for its spaciousness and variety. Suitable spots include Bai Rang, Bai da Ong Dia, areas near the white sand dunes, or the pristine beaches along Xuan Thuy Road (Mui Ne ward).

A pristine beach along Mui Ne. Photo: Lu Duy Tuong

These beaches typically have flat sand and are close to restaurants, making dining convenient. Visitors only need to bring tents for overnight stays. Activities include enjoying sunsets and sunrises, fishing, swimming, and having bonfires.

Tuong advises campers to be mindful of tides and protect their belongings, especially motorbikes, cameras, and phones, as these areas are relatively isolated and vulnerable to strangers at night.

Suoi Tien (Fairy Stream)

Located in Mui Ne ward near Hon Rom, Suoi Tien features natural red and white sandstone formations sculpted by erosion over time.

Despite its name (Fairy Stream), Suoi Tien is a small stream hidden behind sand dunes that flows into the sea. Due to its inconspicuous location, visitors should follow Huynh Thuc Khang Street (Mui Ne ward) and ask locals for directions.

A section of natural sandstone formations at Suoi Tien. Photo: Kim Cuong

The water level in Suoi Tien is shallow, reaching only the ankles, with the deepest parts not exceeding knee height. Visitors often wade barefoot through the cool stream, enjoying the soft sand and gentle current against the backdrop of surrounding sand.

Campers should choose locations away from the stream's edge to avoid rising water levels at night, especially after heavy rain. Nighttime temperatures in the coastal area drop to around 22-24 degrees Celsius with breezes. Visitors should bring jackets, light blankets, and air mattresses. Tents should be closed while sleeping to retain heat.

Tropical Eglamping Mui Ne

Tropical Eglamping Mui Ne, a glamping site (luxury camping), recently opened at 20 Nguyen Co Thach Street, Mui Ne, Lam Dong, on the road to Bau Trang. It caters to travelers seeking tranquility and a close-to-nature experience in a secluded setting.

A corner of the camping grounds at Tropical Eglamping Mui Ne. Photo: Tropical Eglamping Mui Ne

The grounds comprise 10 air-conditioned tents near the beach: 8 standard tents for groups of 2-4 people and two family tents accommodating up to 6 people. The tents are nestled under coconut and casuarina trees, steps away from a private beach. A notable feature is the 300 m2 event tent on a sand dune, with a maximum capacity of about 300 people for standing events or 150 for seated events.

Tropical Eglamping Mui Ne's cuisine focuses on local seafood. Accommodation prices range from 2 to 4.5 million VND, including three glamping-style meals per day, depending on the chosen package.

Tuan Anh