Pa Khoang Lake in Dien Bien Phu: An Emerald of the Northern Mountains

Located at an altitude of nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, the ecosystem of Pa Khoang Lake covers an area of 2,400 hectares, with the water surface itself spanning about 600 hectares, holding a total water capacity of 37.2 million cubic meters.

In addition to supplying water to the Na Loi and Thac Bayhydroelectric plants, providing irrigation to over 4,000 hectares of double-cropped rice fields in Muong Thanh, and protecting the ecological environment, Pa Khoang Lake is a unique and attractive tourist resource, forming part of the Dien Bien Phu - Pa Khoang National Tourism Area.

Pa Khoang, as locals call it, means Phyllostachys forest, or rừng trúc in the language of the Thai ethnic group. An artificial creation, completed and put into service in 1980, Pa Khoang Lake is located 20 km from Dien Bien Phu city, approximately 10 km from the Dien Bien Phu Campaign Command Post in Muong Phang.

There are two routes from Dien Bien Phu city to the lake: the first, via the Na Nhan junction (on Route 279, towards Dien Bien - Tuan Giao), and the second, along the Ta Leng - Muong Phang road.

Both routes attract visitors with their winding roads, lush forests, fresh air, and beautiful natural landscapes. Along the roads are the villages of the Thai, Mong, Ha Nhi and Kho Mu ethnic groups, who live in harmony with nature, creating a vibrant and colorful image. The local people are simple and hospitable.

Every early August, Pa Khoang Lake begins to accumulate water. The water level rises, forming many large islands and islets, marking the start of the most beautiful period of the year.

Nestled in a majestic natural area with varied geomorphology and a cool climate, Pa Khoang Lake is highly suitable for relaxation, picnicking, and exploration.

In winter, the mist covers the lake's surface, creating a mysterious and attractive watercolor-like scene. Hidden within this morning mist are mountains, islands, and stilt houses that emerge in the distance.

Notably, on the lake, there is an island with over 2,000 cherry trees, along with wild peaches and other colorful flowers that blossom at the beginning of January. This is also the place where the first cherry blossoms bloom worldwide. In summer, the surface of the lake is clear and calm, like a large mirror reflecting the clouds and thousands of mountains.

This peaceful and gentle setting allows travelers to completely forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life! Visitors can also enjoy a boat ride with the locals, gently gliding across the lake in search of the natural products it offers.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, canoeing is a great choice for exploring the islands, visiting the community tourism village, and experiencing unique activities such as buffalo cart rides, cycling around the village, and discovering the local way of life (eating together, living together, working together, and producing agriculture together).

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