Seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life? Look no further than Dong Do Lake in Soc Son, Hanoi. This hidden gem offers a perfect escape, boasting stunning natural landscapes, fresh air, and a wealth of exciting travel and leisure experiences. Join Du lịch khắp thế gian as we uncover everything about Dong Do Lake and help you plan an unforgettable weekend getaway!
Where is Dong Do Lake? Detailed Directions
Dong Do Lake is located in Minh Tri commune, Soc Son district, Hanoi. Just about 40km from the city center, it’s a popular “escape from the city” destination for families and young groups. The drive by car or motorbike takes only about an hour, making it incredibly convenient for a short trip.
Once a small stream, Dong Do Lake was formed in 2000 when the Dong Do dam was built. The lake’s surface area spans 200 hectares and was initially intended for agricultural irrigation. However, the pristine and poetic beauty of the lake was soon recognized, and its tourism potential began to be developed. Dong Do Lake quickly became an attractive destination thanks to its fresh, tranquil atmosphere and jade-green waters surrounded by lush green hills.
Getting to Dong Do Lake is easy with various transportation options:
By Private Vehicle (motorbike, car):
This is the most flexible and convenient option, especially if you plan to explore areas around Dong Do Lake.
- Route: From Hanoi city center, follow the Bac Thang Long – Noi Bai expressway. Take National Highway 2 and turn left towards Vinh Phuc. Continue straight for about 6km until you see signs for Hanoi Golf Club, then turn right into Lap Tri village. Follow the village road, and you’ll reach Dong Do Lake.
- Note: The route is relatively easy to find, but some sections are small dirt roads, so drive carefully.
By Bus:
This is a budget-friendly option for those who prefer not to drive long distances.
- Bus Route: Take bus number 95 from Nam Thang Long bus station. The bus will take you to the Cao Dang Cong Nghiep Phuc Yen – Minh Tri campus stop.
- Continuing from the Bus Stop: From the bus stop, you can take a motorbike taxi (xe om) or taxi to Dong Do Lake tourist area (about 3-4km).
Road to Dong Do Lake Soc Son by car
Best Time to Visit Dong Do Lake
Dong Do Lake has its own unique beauty in each season. However, to have the best experience, choose the right time to visit.
- Spring (February – April): The weather is warm and pleasant, plants sprout new buds, and flowers bloom. This is an ideal time for camping, picnics, and outdoor activities.
- Summer (May – August): The weather is hot and sunny, perfect for swimming in the lake, kayaking, SUP boarding, and enjoying the cool breeze from the water. However, avoid going on very hot days and bring sunscreen and hats.
- Autumn (September – November): The weather is cool and slightly chilly, creating a more romantic and peaceful atmosphere. This is a great time for overnight camping, lake views, and enjoying the fresh air.
- Winter (December – January): The weather is quite cold, but it brings a serene and tranquil beauty to Dong Do Lake. If you love peace and quiet and want to experience the winter atmosphere in the suburbs, this is also an interesting option.
Overall, the best time to visit Dong Do Lake is during spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is most beautiful. Check the weather forecast before your trip to avoid rainy days that could affect your experience.
Unique Travel Experiences to Discover at Dong Do Lake
At Dong Do Lake, immerse yourself in beautiful nature and participate in countless exciting activities:
Camping at Dong Do Lake – A “Healing” Experience in Nature
Camping is the most popular activity at Dong Do Lake. The spacious, airy area with green lawns along the lake is an ideal place to set up tents, have a BBQ party, and enjoy the fresh air.
Imagine waking up in the quiet morning, listening to birds chirping, watching the sunrise over the lake, and breathing in the fresh air – all fatigue and stress seem to vanish. Camping at Dong Do Lake is not just a fun activity but also an effective “healing” therapy for the soul.
Popular Camping Areas at Dong Do Lake:
- Ban Dao Peninsula: Located in the middle of the lake, this spacious and airy area is surrounded by water. It has shelters, restrooms, and convenient parking. Suitable for large groups and families.
- Ven Ho Lakeside Area: Located along the lake shore, near homestays and villas. This area has a large, flat lawn, ideal for camping and outdoor activities.
- Tu Do Free Camping Area: Areas around the lake where you can freely choose a camping spot. However, this area usually lacks amenities.
Camping Services:
Dong Do Lake provides full rental services for tents, grills, tables, chairs, cooking utensils, etc. You can rent a package or rent items individually as needed. Rental prices range from 25,000 VND to 100,000 VND per person per night depending on the area and services.
Relaxing Fishing
Dong Do Lake is a “paradise” for fishing enthusiasts. The clear, clean water creates ideal conditions for fish to thrive. You can indulge your passion for recreational fishing for free.
If you are a professional angler, bring your own fishing rod and bait. Otherwise, you can rent a fishing rod at the lake for about 50,000 VND. Sitting by the tranquil lake shore, waiting for a bite, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere will surely be an enjoyable experience.
Kayaking, SUP – Explore the Beauty of the Lake
Kayaking or SUP boarding is a must-do activity when visiting Dong Do Lake. Gliding gently on the clear water, admiring the majestic natural scenery, and feeling the cool breeze will give you wonderful moments of relaxation.
You can rent kayaks or SUP boards at service areas along the lake. Rental prices range from 100,000 VND to 200,000 VND per hour. This activity is suitable for all ages and skill levels; even beginners can easily get started.
SUP boarding on Dong Do Lake
Cycling Around the Lake
The trails around Dong Do Lake, about 8km long, are ideal cycling routes. The green natural scenery, shady trees, and wildflowers along the way will provide you with an enjoyable exploration journey.
You can bring your own bike or rent one at the lake. Cycling, breathing in the fresh air, admiring the beautiful scenery, and exercising at the same time – this is a great activity to fully enjoy the beauty of Dong Do Lake.
Cycling around Dong Do Lake
Trail Running – Challenge Your Endurance
For those who love sports and want to challenge themselves, trail running around Dong Do Lake is a must-try activity. You can choose a short route (6-7km) or a longer route (11km) depending on your fitness and experience.
The running route around the lake has varied terrain, from flat dirt roads to gentle slopes, offering an exciting and challenging experience. Especially in the winter, the running path becomes cooler, and wildflowers bloom, creating a beautiful scene.
“Virtual Living” Check-in
Dong Do Lake boasts countless stunning “virtual living” spots. From lush green lawns, mirror-like clear lake water, and ancient trees to vibrant wildflowers, every scene becomes poetic and romantic.
Just stand in any spot, and you can easily create “million-like” photos. Dong Do Lake is definitely an ideal destination for “virtual living” enthusiasts and nature photography lovers.
Checking in at Dong Do Lake
Accommodation at Dong Do Lake: Homestays, Villas, and Camping
To fully enjoy the beauty of Dong Do Lake, consider staying overnight. Dong Do Lake offers a variety of accommodation options, from camping close to nature to comfortable and luxurious homestays and villas.
Popular Accommodation Options:
- Camping: Suitable for those who love experiencing nature and want to save money. You can bring your own tent or rent one at the lake.
- Homestays: Homestays at Dong Do Lake often have unique, nature-friendly designs, offering a cozy and comfortable space. Some famous homestays include Stream House Homestay, Moon Lake House, etc.
- Villas: Villas at Dong Do Lake are typically spacious, with high-end amenities, suitable for large groups or families seeking luxurious relaxation. Some popular villas include Lakeside Villa Garden, Shoji Home, etc.
Suggested Accommodation Locations:
- Lakeside Villa Garden: A large villa area with many lake-view rooms, diverse design styles, suitable for groups of friends and families.
- Shoji Home: A villa with distinctive Asian architecture, luxurious, airy space, with a swimming pool and outdoor BBQ area.
- Stream House Homestay: A rustic, simple homestay, harmonizing with nature, offering various room types such as bungalows, 2-story houses, camping areas, and flower gardens.
- Moon Lake House: A homestay over 1000m2, suitable for large groups, fully equipped with amenities and services, including free kayaks and SUP boards.
Homestay at Dong Do Lake
What to Eat at Dong Do Lake?
When visiting Dong Do Lake, you can choose to enjoy local cuisine at restaurants or prepare your own food.
- Self-Organized BBQ: Camping at Dong Do Lake is a great opportunity to have an outdoor BBQ party. You can prepare ingredients and necessary utensils to cook delicious grilled dishes yourself.
- Local Restaurants: Around Dong Do Lake, there are several restaurants serving Soc Son specialties such as hill chicken, wild boar, forest vegetables, etc. You can visit restaurants like Bay Hien Restaurant, Thanh Binh Restaurant, Hong Anh Rice Shop, Huong Tram Ecological Garden Restaurant, etc., to enjoy local cuisine.
Important Notes When Visiting Dong Do Lake
To have a complete and safe trip to Dong Do Lake, keep in mind the following:
- Check the Weather Forecast: Choose sunny days to travel, avoid rainy days to ensure safe travel and activities.
- Prepare Personal Items: Bring portable chargers, sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent, personal hygiene items, etc.
- Prepare Food: If you want to save money or prefer to cook your own food, prepare food and drinks from home.
- Learn About Camping Services: Check camping service packages in advance to choose one that suits your needs.
- Maintain General Hygiene: Do not litter, and follow the tourist area’s regulations.
- Bring Swimwear and Sports Shoes: If you want to participate in water activities or trail running.
Notes for traveling to Dong Do Lake
Dong Do Lake is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful, nature-immersed getaway near Hanoi. With the experiences and detailed information in this article, Du lịch khắp thế gian hopes you will have a truly memorable and joyful trip to Dong Do Lake!