This camping trip in Hué, Vietnam felt extra
special—not only for its beautiful natural setting at the base of Bạch Mã
Mountain but also for the chance to stumble upon something unique and
unexpected: a little "Hobbit Village." While this experience was
rustic and refreshing, Hué’s charming markets, local food, and cultural quirks
made it unforgettable.
We started by exploring one of Hué’s vibrant, sprawling local markets, a maze of colors, smells, and textures. Hué is famous for its bustling markets where you can find everything from local fruits and vegetables to clothing and handicrafts. Picking up provisions here is an adventure in itself, as you navigate the narrow aisles and chat with local vendors.
The camping area we chose near Bạch Mã is known for its
scenic pools, which draw local visitors for weekend getaways. Bạch Mã, meaning
“White Horse,” is a celebrated national park close to Hué, known for its rich
biodiversity, cool mountain air, and forested trails that lead to waterfalls
and scenic overlooks. The park’s location offers lush forest views and unique
flora and fauna, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable outdoor
experience.
As we set up camp, I noticed the unique “Hobbit Village”
setup. This whimsical attraction is inspired by Tolkien’s novels and is popular
with both locals and tourists, with small, dome-shaped huts styled to look like
Hobbit houses. Unlike traditional camping, these huts provide a cozy, almost
storybook setting. Vietnam has embraced this “hobbit” concept in a few tourist
destinations, aiming to attract visitors looking for a touch of fantasy mixed
with nature.
Bạch Mã’s trails offer a variety of outdoor activities, from
hiking to bird-watching. For those up for a more intense climb, Bạch Mã Summit
rewards trekkers with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and glimpses
of the lagoons and beaches on the horizon . We spent the day enjoying the
various activities, including a refreshing dip in the natural pools, and it was
interesting to see how popular the place was with Vietnamese families and
corporate groups.
When evening fell, the village took on a magical feel. Under
the canopy of stars, with soft lights flickering from the hobbit-style huts, it
was easy to forget that we were just a short drive from bustling Hué. The air
was filled with music from a nearby gathering, and though there were a few bugs
around, the overall experience was peaceful and serene.
In the morning, we were treated to a simple but satisfying
breakfast, which felt especially rewarding after a night of roughing it.
Camping here was a beautiful reminder of the simpler joys of life, and of how
disconnecting from modern comforts now and then makes us appreciate them even
more once we return. Camping in Hué, especially with quirky stops like this,
was a chance to enjoy Vietnam’s natural beauty and unique cultural spots all in
one trip.
