Discovery of the 10 most beautiful lakes in Vietnam

Vietnam, a natural jewel of majestic splendour, is a mosaic of expansive landscapes stretching from North to South. These picturesque panoramas, both breathtaking for domestic and international tourists, help to forge a captivating natural image of Vietnam in the global imagination. Let's embark together to discover the 10 most sublime lakes in Vietnam!

1. Ta Dung Lake

In the heart of Dak G'long District, Dak Nong Province, Ta Dung Lake, connected to the Dong Nai hydroelectric dam, amazes visitors with its immensity extending to Bao Loc, Lam Dong Province. The water storage season from August to December provides the perfect time to explore this lake, where the waters are crystal clear and the verdant islands evoke Northern Vietnam's famous Halong Bay. Ta Dung, a gem formed by the ingenuity of a dam, is also a modern place of relaxation with varied activities like camping, barbecue parties and more.

2. Ba Be Lake

Nestled 70 kilometres northwest of Bac Kan Town, Ba Be Lake is a renowned ecotourism destination offering a breathtaking natural setting. Proclaimed one of the 20 unique freshwater lakes in the world requiring protection in 1995, Ba Be is adorned with green mountains and waters that are sometimes blue, sometimes mixed with the yellow tint of shadows. The lake, surrounded by mystery and cultural traditions, immerses you in the heart of local ethnic identity.

>> Read more: Ba Be Lake, a green jewel in North Vietnam

3. Hoa Binh Lake

Occupying a prominent place on the list of the most beautiful Vietnamese lakes, Hoa Binh Lake, a reservoir of the eponymous hydroelectric dam, extends 230 kilometres from Hoa Binh to Son La during the dry season. In the heart of Hoa Binh Province, the capital city is home to the lake's main dam. Pristine limestone caves, such as Thac Bo Cave and Hoa Tien Cave, add a historical dimension to this tourist region. Soak up the natural splendour with these stalactite formations in varying colours and shapes, blending harmoniously with the mountainous landscape and crystal clear waters of the lake.

4. Tuyen Lam Lake

With an imposing size of almost 320 hectares, Tuyen Lam Lake, located in Dalat City, Lam Dong Province, is the largest freshwater lake in the region. Bordered by a pine forest, the lake is also home to the monastery known as Truc Lam Zen Monastery. This picturesque place offers a serene atmosphere, a turquoise sea, towering pine hills and blue skies dotted with clouds. The Tuyen Lam Lake tourist area is accessible by car from the Dalat City Centre, providing a convenient experience for visitors wishing to explore this natural wonder.

>> Read more: What to visit in Da Lat, city of eternal spring?

5. Hoan Kiem Lake

Located in the heart of Hoan Kiem District in Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake, with an area of approximately 12 hectares, is an iconic place. Surrounded by Le Thai To, Hang Khay and Dinh Tien Hoang streets, this freshwater lake is an ideal starting point for discovering the historic districts of Hanoi. Each season offers the lake a new adornment, but many residents consider late fall the perfect time to visit. In this period, the freshness of the air accompanies the falling yellow leaves, creating a romantic atmosphere conducive to tasting the culinary delights sold by local street vendors.

>> Read more: The legend of Sword Lake

6. West Lake

Hanoi's largest freshwater lake, West Lake, lies northwest of the city's heart. With an area of 500 acres and a shoreline of 17 kilometres, the lake is a popular recreational spot with surrounding gardens, hotels and homes. The lake is surrounded by historical places such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in Vietnam, built in the 6th century on a small island in the centre of the lake. Spectacular sunsets and rooftop cafes make West Lake a favourite for visitors looking for an unforgettable visual experience.

7. Thac Ba Lake

One of the three largest artificial lakes in Vietnam, Thac Ba Lake, located in Yen Bai province, is a gigantic reservoir supplying the Thac Ba hydroelectric plant. More than 1,300 islands comprise more than 23,000 hectares of its total area. Besides its natural beauty, the lake is of historical and cultural significance, listed as a National Cultural and Historical Relic Complex since 1996. Nestled between forested mountains and islands, the lake offers an authentic experience with ethnic communities preserving their traditions.

>> Read more: Thac Ba lake, a treasure of the Northern mountains

8. Lak Lake

Located between Buon Ma Thuot and Dalat, Lak Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Vietnam, fed by the Krong Ana River. Covering 500 acres, it offers exceptional natural beauty, attracting visitors with its mountains, forests, and wooden boat rides. Surrounded by rugged mountains, the lake maintains deep blue water surrounded by immense old-growth forests, home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

9. Thang Hen Lake

Located in Quoc Toan Commune, Quang Hoa District, Cao Bang Province, Thang Hen Lake stands out for its exceptional beauty among the 36 lakes in the region. Perched several thousand meters above sea level, this diamond-shaped lake offers a dazzling spectacle with its blue trees stretching over cliffs. It takes its name from a spacious cave serving as a spring, where water gushes continuously day and night. Its distinct emerald green colour and its preservation during the flood season make it unique. Visiting Thang Hen Lake can be combined with exploring the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfalls, providing an unforgettable experience in Cao Bang Province.

>> Read more: The 8 Best Things to See and Do in Cao Bang

10. To Nung Lake

About 10 kilometres from Pleiku, To Nung Lake, perched on top of a dormant volcano, offers breathtaking views of the Highlands region. With its crystal clear emerald green waters, surrounded by lush vegetation, it is an oval-shaped natural freshwater reservoir, extending over 230 hectares. Locals proudly say that the lake sits atop a volcano that has been extinct for millions of years. Nicknamed the “pearl of Pleiku”, To Nung Lake is prized for its unspoilt natural beauty and serene ambience. The iconic Rong houses of the Highlands and the sunrise over the lake add to the richness of this region, providing an unforgettable experience.

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