Camping and Cloud Hunting in Cau Dat Highlands

A Unique Outdoor Experience Near Dalat

At sunrise, the valleys north and east of Cau Dat fill with a sea of floating clouds. Mist rises above the Đa Nhim River and covers the surrounding pine forests and mountain peaks. As the morning sun appears, the landscape slowly emerges through the clouds, creating one of the most beautiful natural scenes in the Central Highlands.

This spectacular phenomenon has made cloud hunting, known locally as săn mây, increasingly popular among travelers. However, Cau Dat offers much more than cloud hunting. The region also features excellent hiking trails, wild camping opportunities, tea plantations, coffee farms, fruit orchards, and peaceful forest roads.

For travelers seeking nature, adventure, and fresh mountain air, camping in Cau Dat provides an unforgettable alternative to traditional accommodation in Dalat.

Respectful Camping: Always camp responsibly. Protect the environment, respect local communities, and follow basic safety guidelines during your trip.

Camping, Hiking & Cloud Hunting in Cau Dat Highlands, Vietnam

Location and Best Camping Areas

Cau Dat lies about 20 km southeast of Dalat along National Highway 20. The village sits above the scenic Đa Nhim Valley, a region known for pine-covered hills, coffee plantations, tea farms, and fruit orchards.

One of the area’s most recognizable landmarks is its collection of giant wind turbines. These structures stand above the tea hills and offer panoramic views across the valley. From the hilltops, visitors can look down over vast pine forests and rolling mountains.

Wild camping in the Cầu Đất highlands, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam
Find the ‘perfect’ spot in the landscape to set up camp for a few nights

Early morning cloud in the valleys of the Cầu Đất highlands, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam
Morning mist in the valley: the Cầu Đất region is famous for săn mây – cloud-hunting

Riding narrow paved paths, Cầu Đất highlands, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam
Follow the steep, narrow, paved pathways deep into the forests, valleys & plantations

Đa Nhim River valley, Cầu Đất highlands, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam
The Đa Nhim River valley is densely wooded & mountainous: ideal for wild camping

Why Cau Dat Is Famous for Cloud Hunting

Early mornings in Cau Dat often bring temperatures below 10°C. During this time, mist fills the valleys and creates the illusion of standing above the clouds.

As a result, many visitors arrive before sunrise to watch the landscape transform as daylight slowly reveals the mountains and forests below. Several viewing platforms and photography areas now cater to cloud-hunting enthusiasts.

Hiking in the Cầu Đất highlands, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam
Hiking the narrow pathways through the Cầu Đất highlands is an enjoyable way to spend the day

Cloud-hunting in the Cầu Đất highlands, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam
Find the right campsite and you can ‘cloud hunt’ from your tent!

Bathing in a stream, Cầu Đất highlands, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam
Hike to a stream for a refreshing wash in the cold water

Hiking the pathways in the Cầu Đất highlands, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam
Immerse yourself in the landscape by taking long walks through the surrounding countryside

Exploring Beyond the Tourist Attractions

Many visitors stop at the tea hills and wind turbines during a day trip from Dalat. Although these attractions offer beautiful views, they can become crowded on weekends and public holidays.

To experience the real beauty of Cau Dat, continue beyond the tourist area and explore the surrounding valleys. Several narrow concrete roads and paved lanes extend north from the village toward the Đa Nhim River.

These quiet routes pass through forests, farms, and orchards. They also provide access to numerous potential camping locations. Finding the perfect campsite may take time, but patient travelers often discover secluded spots with outstanding scenery.

Because some roads are steep and narrow, riders should drive carefully and ensure their motorbike is in good condition before setting out.

Food around the campfire, Cau Dat highlands, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam
Dinner around the campfire: bánh Tét (sticky rice cake), pickles & baked sweet potato

Breakfast camping in Cau Dat highlands, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam
Camping breakfast: muesli & fresh coffee grown in the nearby plantations of the Central Highlands

Phindeli Café Cầu Đất Farm, Vietnam
Cafe PhinDeli is housed in an impressive, repurposed tea factory in the hills above Cầu Đất