Thac Ba Lake, a jade gem hidden in the mountains of Yen Bai, is not only a famous eco-tourism destination but also a paradise for those who love kayaking. The lake’s clear, calm surface, like a giant mirror reflecting the sky and majestic mountains, creates a captivating and picturesque landscape. Coming to Thac Ba, visitors will not only immerse themselves in pristine nature but also have the opportunity to discover the unique culture of this land through exciting and meaningful kayaking activities.
Thac Ba Lake – The Green Gem of Yen Bai Mountains
Thac Ba Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes in Vietnam, was formed by the construction of the Thac Ba Hydropower Plant on the Chay River. With a vast area of over 23,000 hectares, Thac Ba Lake boasts a pristine and majestic beauty with thousands of large and small islands rising above the water. It is likened to “Ha Long Bay in the mountains” due to its unique natural landscape, a harmonious combination of mountains, rivers, and lush green forests.
Not only does it have stunning natural scenery, but Thac Ba Lake is also home to many ethnic minorities such as Tay, Nung, Dao, and Cao Lan. Each ethnic group brings its own unique culture, customs, and traditions, creating diversity and richness for this land. Visitors to Thac Ba not only enjoy sightseeing and relaxation but also have the opportunity to learn about the life and culture of the local people, explore traditional fishing villages along the lake, and savor local specialties imbued with the flavors of the mountains and forests.
Thac Ba Lake is not only beautiful in the cool green summer but also charming in the autumn with the golden color of trees, mysterious in the misty winter, and brilliant in the spring with blooming flowers. Each season, Thac Ba Lake has its own beauty, promising to bring visitors unforgettable experiences.
Kayaking on Thac Ba Lake – Journey to Discover Hidden Beauty
Kayaking on Thac Ba Lake is an unmissable experience when visiting this land. Visitors can choose from various types of kayaking such as traditional bamboo boats, kayaks, SUP (stand-up paddleboards), or yachts to explore the beauty of Thac Ba Lake in their own way.
Traditional Bamboo Boat Kayaking: Bamboo boats have been a familiar means of transportation for the people of Thac Ba Lake for generations. Sitting on a small bamboo boat, visitors will feel close to nature, listen to the sound of paddles stirring the water, admire the lush green islands, and the peaceful life of the fishing villagers. This is a slow-paced, relaxing experience, helping visitors temporarily forget the noise and bustle of urban life.
Kayak/SUP Paddling: For visitors who love dynamism and want to explore Thac Ba Lake actively, kayaking or SUP paddling is an ideal choice. Controlling the boat yourself, gliding gently on the water, weaving through small islands, exploring mysterious caves, and freely admiring the beautiful natural scenery from a unique perspective. Kayaking/SUP is not only a fun sport but also a great opportunity to improve health and enjoy the fresh air of Thac Ba Lake.
Yachting on the Lake: If you want a more luxurious and comfortable experience, visitors can choose a yacht to explore Thac Ba Lake. Yachts are usually large, fully equipped with amenities, helping visitors relax and fully enjoy the beauty of the lake. The yacht will take visitors to famous attractions on the lake, enjoy local cuisine, and watch the beautiful sunset over the lake.
No matter which type of kayaking you choose, visitors will have the opportunity to discover interesting and surprising things on Thac Ba Lake. These could be islands with unique shapes, peaceful fishing villages nestled by the lake, lush green primeval forests, or historical and cultural relics hidden in nature.
Female athletes competing in a doubles kayak race
Culture and Life Around Thac Ba Lake
Kayaking on Thac Ba Lake is not only an activity to explore nature but also an opportunity for visitors to learn about the culture and life of the local people. The Thac Ba Lake area is home to many ethnic minorities, each with unique cultural features, expressed through costumes, customs, festivals, and cuisine.
Lakeside Fishing Villages: Along the shores of Thac Ba Lake, visitors will encounter small fishing villages, where people’s lives are closely tied to the water. Visiting a fishing village, visitors will learn about the traditional fishing profession, watch people make nets and cast nets, and enjoy fresh seafood dishes prepared right on the boat.
Specialty Cuisine: The cuisine of Thac Ba Lake region is imbued with the flavors of the mountains and forests with specialties such as grilled Pa Pỉnh Tộp fish, grilled chicken with lemon leaves, smoked buffalo meat, and five-color sticky rice. In particular, Thac Ba Lake fish is famous for its firm, sweet, and fragrant meat, which is processed into many attractive dishes. Visitors can enjoy local cuisine at lakeside restaurants or experience a cozy family meal at homestays in the village.
Traditional Festivals: The Thac Ba Lake area is also the venue for many unique traditional festivals, reflecting the spiritual culture and beliefs of the local people. The “Echo of Thac Lake” bamboo boat race is one of the famous traditional festivals, attracting a large number of locals and tourists to participate. The festival is not only an opportunity to train health and show martial spirit but also an opportunity to exchange, connect the community, and promote local tourism.
Athletes competing in a kayak race on a nearly 2 km long course
Tips and Experiences for Kayaking on Thac Ba Lake
To have a complete and memorable kayaking experience on Thac Ba Lake, visitors should note a few things:
Ideal Time: Summer (from May to August) and autumn (from September to November) are the best times to kayak on Thac Ba Lake. The weather is cool and pleasant, with little rain or storms, very suitable for outdoor activities.
Preparation:
- Clothing: Wear comfortable, sweat-absorbent clothes, and bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
- Personal Items: Bring drinking water, snacks, a camera, and a phone (waterproof if possible) to capture beautiful moments on the lake.
- Medication: If you have underlying health conditions or are prone to motion sickness, bring necessary medications.
Safety Notes:
- Choose a reputable service provider: Choose reputable kayak, SUP, or yacht rental providers with full safety equipment and professional guides.
- Follow instructions: Always follow the guide’s instructions on kayaking techniques and safety regulations on the lake.
- Wear a life jacket: Always wear a life jacket throughout the kayaking process to ensure safety, especially for those who do not know how to swim or have no kayaking experience.
- Pay attention to the weather: Check the weather forecast before kayaking, avoid going on rainy or stormy days or when there are strong winds.
Locals and tourists gather early at Ruby Eco-tourism Area, Thac Ba Lake, to watch the exciting boat race
Conclusion
Kayaking on Thac Ba Lake is a journey to discover the natural beauty and unique culture of Yen Bai province. From relaxing sightseeing on a traditional bamboo boat, actively kayaking/SUP paddling to luxurious yachting on the lake, each form offers unique and memorable experiences. Come to Thac Ba Lake to enjoy wonderful moments and discover the hidden beauty of the green gem in the Northwest mountains.