Camping in the Hills above Da Nang, Vietnam

 

We had made our way up to the hills above Da Nang, to a spot called 68 Park. It was a place where time slowed down, and while they called it “glamping,” it felt more like honest-to-goodness camping with a few comforts thrown in. The plan was to camp under the stars, make a bonfire, and unwind with a group of students from the university. For me, it was my first time camping in Vietnam, and after a long stretch without a night in the outdoors, it felt like a refreshing change.

The setup at 68 Park was unique. Instead of luxury tents or elaborate setups, we found something closer to a traditional campsite, with group areas outfitted with essentials—blankets, pillows, and even fans to keep the warm Vietnamese night at bay. Though we had pallets instead of the forest floor, it was far from glamorous; it was just enough to keep you comfortable, a reminder that we were out in nature.

We were surrounded by greenery and could hear the river’s soft current nearby. There was a small swimming hole, perfect for cooling off, and just walking through the area had a grounding effect. From the hilltop, we could see controlled fires on the far side of the valley, part of the regular burn-off to keep the brush under control. The scene struck a strange but beautiful balance with our campsite.

In the early evening, we took a quick hike along the river, and the daylight faded into night almost without us noticing. Soon enough, the moon rose, a full, bright orb lighting up the entire camp. Even in the darkness, we could see clearly as we gathered around the fire to make s’mores. Teaching the students to roast marshmallows was fun in itself—golden brown was the aim, though a few burned theirs to a crisp before getting the hang of it. For some, it was their first s’more, and seeing their reactions, from delight to surprise, was a treat.

Morning came slowly, and we woke to birdsong and the warmth of early sun. Breakfast was simple but satisfying—noodles, the kind of meal that seemed made for an outdoor morning. Despite no rain, a heavy dew had settled over everything. My backpack, shoes, and even the blanket were damp with it, but it only added to that distinct camping experience. The best part, though, was the time spent with the students, who weren’t just here to learn from me but to share stories, laughter, and moments that classroom walls couldn’t hold.

For many of the students, it was their first camping trip. “This is memorable, right?” one of them remarked, and we all agreed. Being out there together, removed from the usual routines, created a different connection. Everyone opened up a little more than usual, and we enjoyed every bit of it. Camping has that strange way of making you grateful for simple things: a proper bed, running water, and a bathroom free of insects.

By the time we were packing up to leave, I already felt more grounded, recharged. A night out in the fresh air, under a sky full of stars, had been exactly what I needed. And 68 Park, with its blend of basic comforts and raw nature, was just the spot for it. The experience lingered, and even as we headed back down the mountain, I was already looking forward to the next night spent under the stars.