1. What's attractive about SUP paddling on Dau Tieng Lake?
1.1. Reasons why Dau Tieng Lake is a favorite SUP paddling spot in the South
With a water surface area of about 270 km² and a spacious natural landscape, Dau Tieng Lake is a destination chosen by many people who love outdoor activities on weekends. The open space makes the SUP paddling journey on Dau Tieng Lake more relaxing, bringing a sense of freedom amidst the vast water and clear blue sky.
On days with stable weather, the lake surface is relatively calm, suitable for beginners to get acquainted with SUP as well as for those who want to enjoy light exercise amidst nature. Besides, the not-too-far distance from Ho Chi Minh City, along with the development of camping, picnic, and outdoor experience services, also contributes to making Dau Tieng Lake a familiar rendezvous for the community that loves camping, trekking, and nature exploration in the Southern region.
Dau Tieng Lake attracts young people for picnics and SUP paddling. (Source: Collected)
1.2. What makes the SUP paddling experience at Dau Tieng Lake different?
The special aspect of SUP paddling at Dau Tieng Lake lies not only in the water sports activity but also in the moments of closeness with nature that this place offers. In the early morning, visitors can gently glide on the lake surface while the mist is still lingering, watch the sunrise gradually illuminate the horizon, and feel the fresh air. As the afternoon descends, the sunset reflects on the water, creating a peaceful scene, suitable for relaxing after busy working days. Along the lake, there are many green grassy areas, gentle slopes, and wide open spaces, creating beautiful photo opportunities without being too crowded. It only takes about two hours to travel from Ho Chi Minh City, and visitors can enjoy a change of scenery amidst nature without having to go too far.
2. Unmissable experiences when SUP paddling at Dau Tieng Lake
2.1. SUP paddling to watch the sunrise and sunset
Sunrise and sunset are two times chosen by many people to experience SUP paddling at Dau Tieng Lake, when the lake is calm and the light creates an impressive scene. In the early morning, a thin mist covers the water surface, the fresh air along with the first rays of the day bring a sense of relaxation, making each paddle stroke lighter. By late afternoon, the lake surface reflects the orange and pink hues of the sunset, creating a vast and peaceful scene. From the middle of the lake, visitors can admire the entire horizon, feel the cool breeze and the rare tranquility of nature. This is also an ideal time to put aside daily worries, enjoy a slow pace of life, and capture memorable moments amidst the spaciousness of Dau Tieng Lake.
Stand-up paddleboarding and watching the sunrise on Dau Tieng Lake. (Source: Collected)
2.2. Lakeside camping and weekend picnics
After finishing their journey on the water, many tourists choose to continue relaxing with camping or picnic activities by the lake. Around Dau Tieng Lake, there are many wide grassy areas, flat ground, and open spaces, suitable for setting up tents, resting, and organizing outdoor activities. When stand-up paddleboarding on Dau Tieng Lake, combining it with camping makes the trip more complete as you have more time to admire the scenery, enjoy a BBQ party, and experience the cool atmosphere by the lake. As night falls, the scenery becomes quiet, suitable for gathering to chat, admire the starry sky, or organize a campfire in permitted areas. The combination of activity, relaxation, and closeness to nature creates a unique appeal for weekend trips to Dau Tieng Lake.
2.3. Photo check-ins amidst natural scenery
Not only does it offer water experiences, but Dau Tieng Lake also boasts many impressive photo spots thanks to its open landscape and distinctive natural beauty. After stand-up paddleboarding on Dau Tieng Lake, visitors can stop at the green lakeside meadows, gentle slopes, or clusters of trees by the water to capture emotional photos. One of the most popular check-in spots is the dry trees emerging from the lake, creating a unique focal point amidst the vast water surface. If you have a drone, you can easily capture the panoramic view of the lake with its winding shores, long stretches of green, and expansive natural scenery from above. Whether taking photos with a phone or professional equipment, the light in the early morning or late afternoon is always the ideal time to create harmonious and deep frames.
3. How to get there and tips for stand-up paddleboarding on Dau Tieng Lake
3.1. Directions to Dau Tieng Lake
Dau Tieng Lake is located at the border of Tay Ninh, Binh Duong, and Binh Phuoc provinces, making it convenient for day trips from many southern provinces. If starting from Ho Chi Minh City, you can take National Highway 22 or National Highway 13, then connect to the roads leading to the lake area. The travel time is about 2-3 hours depending on traffic conditions. From the center of Tay Ninh City, the Boi Loi route combined with DT784 is a popular choice to reach the lake quickly.
Meanwhile, visitors from Binh Duong can take DT744 or roads through Dau Tieng town before continuing to the lakeside area. When searching on Google Maps, it is advisable to enter the exact SUP boarding spot or planned campsite to get accurate directions. It is also recommended to contact the service provider in advance to confirm parking and meeting points before departing.
3.2. SUP rental prices and reference services
To proactively plan your budget, tourists should check SUP rental prices and services before departing. Currently, the cost of renting a SUP board at Dau Tieng Lake usually ranges from about 200,000–300,000 VND, depending on the type of board, rental duration, and included amenities such as paddles, life jackets, or waterproof bags. If you are experiencing stand-up paddleboarding on Dau Tieng Lake for the first time, you can opt for group tours or services to receive basic technique guidance, photography assistance, and ensure safety throughout the journey.
Additionally, many providers offer combo packages combining SUP with camping, picnics, or BBQs, suitable for groups of friends and families wanting to enjoy a weekend getaway. The cost will vary depending on the number of people, length of stay, and selected services, so you should contact the provider directly for a quote and detailed consultation before booking.
SUP rental prices are quite flexible and depend on the rental unit. (Source: Collected)
3.3. Tips for a Complete SUP Paddling Trip
For a safe and complete SUP paddling experience at Dau Tieng Lake, you should choose days with stable weather, little wind, and prioritize starting in the early morning or late afternoon, when the lake surface is calm, the temperature is pleasant, and the light is favorable for sightseeing and photography. Before getting into the water, take a few minutes to get acquainted with the paddleboard, check your life jacket, and identify a suitable area to paddle, avoiding paddling too far from the shore or to areas with heavy boat traffic. If thunderstorms, strong winds, or large waves appear, you should quickly return to shore and pause the experience. After the trip, don't forget to collect your trash, limit the use of single-use plastics, and preserve the landscape so that Dau Tieng Lake remains a green, clean, and attractive destination for nature lovers.
4. Suggested Itinerary for a Complete 2-Day, 1-Night Exploration of Tay Ninh
On the first day, depart from Ho Chi Minh City early in the morning to reach Dau Tieng Lake, choose a suitable area, and start your SUP paddling experience while the lake surface is still calm. From the middle of the lake, visitors can admire the expansive scenery, take photos at the lakeside grass, fishing piers, or the dry trees emerging from the water. At noon, take a break and have a light picnic before continuing to paddle SUP or relax by the lake. Late afternoon is the ideal time to watch the sunset, take photos, then set up tents, enjoy a BBQ party, and spend the night in a peaceful natural setting.
On the morning of the second day, after packing up the tents, travel to Sun World Ba Den Mountain to begin your exploration of Ba Den Mountain. From around 10 AM, take the cable car to the summit and admire the magnificent triad of Buddha statues, including the bronze Lady Buddha Tay Bo Da Son statue at the peak, the sandstone Maitreya Buddha statue, and the Shakyamuni Buddha statue. For lunch, enjoy a buffet at Van Son restaurant in a spacious setting amidst the clouds, then spend time relaxing at the Uu Dam Garden, enjoying the serene atmosphere in nature. From around 2 PM to 4 PM, visit the spiritual sites and ancient pagodas on the mountain before descending by cable car around 5 PM, concluding your journey back to Ho Chi Minh City with many memorable experiences.
Experience exploring the sacred space on the summit of Ba Den Mountain. (Source: Collected)
With a vast lake, expansive natural scenery, and many attractive outdoor activities, stand-up paddleboarding on Dau Tieng Lake is an experience worth considering for those looking for a relaxing trip near Ho Chi Minh City. Just prepare a suitable itinerary, monitor the weather, and adhere to safety precautions, and you will have the opportunity to fully enjoy the beauty of Dau Tieng Lake. Don't forget to combine it with exploring Ba Den Mountain to make your Tay Ninh journey richer and more memorable.
