Camping and Sup/Kayak at Tuyen Lam Lake

Tuyen Lam Lake does the quiet thing really well, especially at sunset. This two-day camping and SUP, plus a hike up Samson Mountain, pairs gentle learning time on the water with real mountain air. I like that you get SUP instruction instead of just being handed a board, and I also like the included BBQ setup that turns nature time into a proper evening meal. One thing to consider is that the whole plan depends on good weather, so you may need to stay flexible if conditions are rough.

You also get a local guide experience that feels practical, not just scenic. In the feedback I read, guides like Harry, Fin, Viet, and Don are praised for being patient, safety-minded, and willing to slow down for the group, plus for helping with photos at viewpoints. If you’re hoping for a totally private trip, note that the group can be up to 50 people.

In short, this is a value-packed Da Lat reset: meals, gear, and basic camping support are included, and your day is split between lake time and hiking time.

Key things I’d plan around before you go

• Sunset SUP instruction on Tuyen Lam Lake so you’re rowing confidently instead of wobbling
• Camping gear and meals included, including BBQ plus a simple breakfast
• A serious hike element up toward Samson Mountain (about 10 km total, based on the tour description)
• Optional monastery and waterfall stops exist, but tickets are not included
• Guides matter here, with repeated praise for safety, pacing, and photo help
• Good-weather requirement, so build in a little flexibility on dates

Arrive at The Hillside, then trade car noise for lake time

Your day starts with pickup at The Hillside Cafe Đà Lạt, 26 Hoàng Hoa Thám, Phường 10 at 2:30 pm. You’ll meet your guide and group and then head out for the first big activity on Tuyen Lam Lake.

This timing is smart. Late afternoon means cooler temps in Da Lat and a more photogenic lake for your first paddle. Also, the start point being a café area usually makes it easier to find on your own, especially if you’re using local transport.

One practical detail: you’ll be using a mobile ticket, so keep it accessible on your phone, even if you only check in once.

Day 1: Sunset SUP training, then BBQ at the right hour

On day 1, you’ll learn how to row SUP with your guide. The key here is that instruction is part of the experience, not an optional add-on. If you’ve never tried stand-up paddleboarding before, this matters because you’ll be focused on balance and technique rather than getting dragged along behind faster people.

Once you’re comfortable, you head out to watch the sunset on Tuyen Lam Lake. The schedule keeps it relaxed: you’re not trying to maximize hours on the water. Instead, you get the classic lake-to-sky change that makes the paddle feel like more than just exercise.

After your rowing time, things shift to food and social energy. Around 5:00 pm, you’ll have a BBQ, with items listed as grilled pork, grilled chicken, corn, potatoes, vegetables, and fruit. The tour plan also mentions red wine, and it notes you can choose to cook separately in groups.

I like this setup because it breaks the day into clear chapters. Water first, sunset vibes second, then a meal when you’re hungry enough to actually enjoy it. It also gives you a way to meet people without forcing conversation.

The hike component: Samson Mountain work, plus optional monastery and waterfall time

A big reason to pick this tour is that it’s not only about water. The experience includes a hike of about 6 miles (10 km) that takes you up toward the top of Samson Mountain.

Plan for this as your “effort day” moment. Even with a guide and group pacing, 10 km of hiking is real walking. If you’re coming from a day of coffee shops and short sightseeing loops in Da Lat, this is your chance to feel your legs the next morning, in a good way.

There’s also an optional chance to visit a monastery and a waterfall on the way back. Tickets for any optional tourist sites are not included, so if you want those stops, budget extra time and money.

One more note for your expectations: the day-by-day schedule you’re given emphasizes sunset SUP on day 1 and an early SUP plus breakfast on day 2, but the hiking and optional sites are still part of the overall tour experience. So when you book, I’d ask how the hike timing works for your specific day, especially if you’re sensitive to long walking blocks.

Camping on Tuyen Lam Lake: included gear, simple comfort

After the first day’s SUP and BBQ, you’ll transition into the camping portion of the trip. The tour includes all camping equipment, which is a big deal for travelers who don’t want to pack gear or rent basics in Da Lat.

Camping here also makes the lake feel closer. You’re not just visiting for a few hours and leaving. You’re staying in the rhythm of the place, with the lake as your backdrop instead of a background to a bus ride.

From the tour details, the morning schedule starts early, and there’s a shared cleanup at the end. That usually means your camp setup is designed to be organized, and you’re not stuck doing complicated chores. Still, come with a mindset of simple and practical, not luxury.

Day 2: 5:00 am SUP under mist, then breakfast and cleanup

Day 2 begins with a 5:00 am wake-up to enjoy the fresh air at Tuyen Lam Lake. This is when the water time changes mood. The plan describes rowing SUP under the mist with scenery around the lake, plus a chance to cool off by putting your body into the clear water for relaxing moments.

Then you’ll have breakfast. The included breakfast options are listed as noodles and sausage, and the tour also includes coffee or tea plus bottled water. It’s not a fancy brunch, but it’s the kind of breakfast that actually works after a morning paddle.

By around 9:00 am, you’ll clean up the tent area together, and then the staff will take you back to Da Lat City. The tour ends back at the meeting point, so it’s easy to stitch back into your sightseeing day afterward.

If you’re thinking about this as a vacation rhythm, day 2 is basically: wake up, move your body gently on the water, eat, then wrap up and return. No long afternoon scramble.

Guides, safety, and photo stops that make the trip feel smooth

This is where the experience gets repeatedly praised in the feedback. Guides named Harry, Fin, Viet, and Don show up in multiple mentions, and the common thread is how they manage the group.

At least a few people specifically called out that guides:

• teach SUP technique so first-timers can handle it
• help with viewpoints and photos
• keep the group moving at a pace that feels comfortable
• make you feel safe and relaxed

One review also mentions a guide playing music during the tour and getting hot chocolate at the end. That’s not something you should treat as guaranteed, but it fits the pattern of guides adding small touches that make the time feel warmer and less like a strict schedule.

Since the tour includes both SUP and hiking, safety and pacing matter more than usual. You’re dealing with water conditions, balance, and a full walking day. Having a guide who slows down when needed and shows the best stops is the difference between a fun day and a slightly stressful one.

Price and value: where the $76.80 really goes

The price listed is $76.80 per person for about 2 days. For Da Lat, that pricing can be a good deal if you add up what’s included.

You’re getting:

• All kayaking/SUP equipment (listed as all kayaking equipment, and the activities include SUP sessions)
• All camping equipment
• BBQ with several food items (including grilled pork, grilled chicken, sides, and fruit)
• Breakfast (noodles, sausage) plus coffee or tea
• Bottled water
• Guides

That package value is biggest for travelers who don’t want to rent a board, hunt for camping gear, and pay separately for guided meals. Even if you only think in practical terms, you’re covering multiple parts of the trip under one cost.

Two things you should treat carefully:

• Optional tourist sites: monastery and waterfall tickets are not included.
• Air-conditioned vehicle: the tour description mentions hotel transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, but the non-included list also flags the air-conditioned vehicle. In real life, this can mean the transfer terms vary by pick-up location. Message the operator before booking to confirm what your actual pickup and transfer includes for your hotel.

Who this tour fits best in Da Lat

This is a good match if you want a break from scooters and quick city stops. It’s also a great fit if you like structured time outside, with meals handled and equipment taken care of.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if:

• you’re comfortable with an early morning (5:00 am) and a hike day
• you want guided SUP rather than self-guided lake wandering
• you like a mix of active time and campfire-style social time with BBQ

It’s also worth noting the tour says most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The group size has a maximum of 50 travelers, so while it’s not a private experience, it’s still likely to feel manageable compared to huge city-group tours.

Should you book this Tuyen Lam Lake camping and SUP trip?

If you want an active, scenic two-day plan in Da Lat where food and equipment are handled for you, I’d say this is a strong booking choice. The included BBQ, camping equipment, and guided SUP instruction make it good value, and the repeated praise for guides like Harry and Fin suggests the pacing and safety are taken seriously.

Only book if you can handle early mornings and the hiking workload. And before you pay, confirm the transfer details, plus whether any optional monastery or waterfall stop fits your priorities since tickets are not included.

If that all sounds like your kind of travel, this is exactly the sort of experience that turns a lake afternoon into a real two-day memory.

FAQ

How much does the Camping and SUP/Kayak at Tuyen Lam Lake tour cost?

It costs $76.80 per person.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is 2 days (approx.).

When does the tour start?

The start time is 2:30 pm, with pickup at the meeting point.

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at The Hillside Cafe Đà Lạt, 26 Hoàng Hoa Thám, Phường 10, Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam.

What happens on Day 1?

Day 1 includes a guided SUP session on Tuyen Lam Lake to watch sunset, followed by a BBQ around 5:00 pm. The plan also mentions enjoying red wine.

What happens on Day 2?

Day 2 includes a 5:00 am early morning SUP session (described as under mist), then breakfast, and finally cleanup at the tent area before returning to Da Lat City.

What equipment and meals are included?

Included items listed are all kayaking equipment, BBQ, all camping equipment, coffee or tea, breakfast, bottled water, and guides.

Are tickets for optional attractions included?

No. The tour notes that ticket of optional tourist site is not included.

Is hotel transfer by air-conditioned vehicle included?

The experience features say hotel transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle are provided, but the non-included list also lists the air-conditioned vehicle. I recommend you confirm your pickup details with the operator before booking.

What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The cancellation policy says you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.