Bien Ho Lake, also known as T’Nung Lake or Pleiku Lake, has long been a tourism symbol of Gia Lai, attracting visitors with its pristine, poetic beauty and mystical legends. Coming to Bien Ho, you will not only admire the majestic natural scenery and the vast blue lake stretching like a sea, but also have the opportunity to experience exciting activities and explore the unique culinary culture of the Central Highlands. Let “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around The World) explore in detail the beauty and wonderful experiences at this fascinating destination.
1. General Introduction to T’Nung Lake (Bien Ho Lake)
1.1. Origin and Legend
Bien Ho Lake Pleiku, a familiar name to tourists, is also affectionately called T’Nung Lake by the local Jrai and E De ethnic people. In the E De language, T’Nung means “sea on the mountain,” a name that evokes the vastness of the lake amidst the Central Highlands mountains and forests. T’Nung Lake is not only a natural scenic spot but also associated with legends imbued with indigenous cultural colors.
Legend has it that in ancient times, this place was a fertile land, home to a wealthy tribe. The tribe’s prosperous life angered Giang (the god), who punished them with a prolonged drought. The tribal people sincerely prayed to Giang, and to show their sincerity, they sacrificed all their precious possessions. Moved by the people’s sincerity, Giang caused the earth to shake, creating a large deep abyss, and water gushed up from the ground, submerging the entire tribe and their wealth, forming Bien Ho T’Nung Lake as it is today. This story not only explains the formation of the lake but also reflects the concept of the relationship between humans and nature, and the respect and protection of the living environment by the indigenous people.
1.2. Geographical Location and How to Get There
T’Nung Lake is located in the Northwest of Pleiku city, Gia Lai province, about 7km from the city center along National Highway 14. This location is very convenient for visitors to travel and visit, combining with other tourist attractions in the Pleiku area.
To get to Bien Ho Lake, visitors have several transportation options:
- Motorbike, self-driving car: This is the most proactive and flexible means of transportation, especially suitable for young people who love to explore. From the center of Pleiku, follow National Highway 14, turn into Le Van Sy street, then go straight following the signs to Bien Ho Lake. The road is quite easy to navigate; you can use Google Maps or ask local people for detailed directions.
- Taxi, motorbike taxi: This is a convenient option if you don’t want to drive yourself. Taxis and motorbike taxis are readily available in Pleiku city center. Just tell the driver your destination is Bien Ho Pleiku, and they will take you there quickly.
- Bus: If you want to save costs, the bus is also an option. Bus route number 03 (Pleiku – Bien Ho) will take you near the Bien Ho area, after which you can walk or take a motorbike taxi for a short distance to reach the lake.
Aerial view of Bien Ho Lake (T'Nung Lake) Pleiku, showcasing its blue waters and surrounding pine forest
2. Ideal Time to Visit T’Nung Lake
Pleiku’s climate is divided into two distinct seasons: the rainy season (May – October) and the dry season (November – April of the following year). The dry season, especially from November to April, is considered the best time to visit T’Nung Lake.
- Dry season (November – April): The weather is dry, sunny, and with little rain, very favorable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Especially in March, coffee flowers bloom white across the Central Highlands, creating a romantic and poetic scene. November and December are the seasons of bright yellow wild sunflowers, adding color to Bien Ho Lake. Traveling in the dry season, you can comfortably explore the beauty of the lake and participate in experiential activities without worrying about the weather.
- Rainy season (May – October): The rainy season in Pleiku often has showers and prolonged heavy rains, which can affect your travel plans. However, if you want to experience the cool, fresh air after the rain and admire Bien Ho Lake in the lush green color of plants, the rainy season also offers its own unique beauty. Note that you should limit traveling from May to October because the weather can be unstable, causing difficulties for travel and sightseeing.
If you want to combine a visit to T’Nung Lake with local festivals, April and May are the time when many unique festivals take place, such as the New Rice Celebration, offering the opportunity to learn about the traditional culture of the Central Highlands ethnic people.
3. Discovering the Beauty of T’Nung Lake (Bien Ho Lake)
3.1. Admire the Majestic Natural Scenery
T’Nung Lake is likened to the “eyes of Pleiku” because of its clear blue, dreamy beauty amidst the vast mountains and forests. Coming here, you will be overwhelmed by the majestic natural scenery, the vast lake surface stretching out like a sea, surrounded by green pine forests and rolling mountains.
A special feature of T’Nung Lake is the changing color of the lake water depending on the time and light of day. In the early morning, the lake surface is covered with a mysterious mist, creating a dreamy, tranquil beauty. When dawn breaks, the morning sun shines down on the lake surface, making the lake water sparkle and become as clear blue as jade. In the late afternoon, when sunset falls, dyeing the entire space in a romantic orange-yellow color, Bien Ho Lake becomes more charming and poetic than ever.
The road leading to T’Nung Lake is also a beautiful scenic highlight. On both sides of the road are tall, ancient pine trees, casting cool shade, creating a poetic and romantic scene like a painting. At the end of the road is a stone gazebo, where you can stop to rest, enjoy the view, and take souvenir photos. From here, you can admire the panoramic view of T’Nung Lake and the vast, majestic mountain and forest space.
Road leading to Bien Ho Lake (T'Nung Lake) Pleiku with green pine trees
3.2. Experience Fun Entertainment Activities
Traveling to T’Nung Lake is not just about sightseeing but also an opportunity for you to participate in many fun and entertaining activities, immersing yourself in the pristine nature.
- Walking and sightseeing: Strolling along the lake shore, breathing in the fresh air, and admiring the beautiful natural scenery is a wonderful relaxing experience. You can walk around the lake to discover different perspectives, find beautiful spots to take photos, and enjoy the peacefulness of the space here.
- Rent a bike to cycle around the lake: If you want to explore T’Nung Lake more actively, renting a bike is an ideal choice. You can cycle slowly around the lake, stopping at your favorite spots, and visit the nearby ethnic minority villages to learn about their culture and life.
- SUP boarding, kayaking: For adventurous visitors who want to explore the lake from a different perspective, SUP boarding (stand-up paddleboarding) or kayaking are must-try activities. Gliding gently on the clear blue water, admiring the surrounding scenery, fishing, or simply relaxing amidst the vast nature will give you unforgettable experiences.
- Picnics, camping: T’Nung Lake is an ideal place to organize picnics and camping trips with friends and family. You can prepare food and drinks, find a green lawn by the lake to set up tents, spread out mats, play, chat, and enjoy private space amidst nature.
3.3. Check-in and Capture Picturesque Moments at T’Nung Lake
With its pristine, poetic beauty, T’Nung Lake is a “check-in” destination loved by many young people. This place has countless beautiful photo spots, from majestic natural scenery to charming and romantic little corners.
- Green pine road: The road leading to T’Nung Lake with rows of ancient pine trees is a stunning photo background. Sunlight shining through the pine foliage creates shimmering, magical streaks of light, helping you capture poetic photos.
- Panoramic view of Bien Ho Lake from the gazebo: The stone gazebo at the end of the road to the lake is an ideal location for you to admire the panoramic view of Bien Ho Lake and take majestic panorama photos.
- Blue lake shore: The blue, calm lake water, as flat as a mirror, is a perfect backdrop for shimmering “check-in” photos. You can pose by the lake shore, on wooden bridges, or on small boats to have unique photos.
- Sunset over Bien Ho Lake: The moment the sunset falls over Bien Ho Lake is the most beautiful time to take photos. The afternoon sun dyes the entire space a romantic orange-yellow color, creating pictures as beautiful as paintings.
Peaceful scenery of T'Nung Lake (Bien Ho Pleiku) in the early morning
4. Cuisine Near T’Nung Lake
Exploring T’Nung Lake is also an opportunity for you to enjoy Pleiku, Gia Lai’s culinary specialties. Around the Bien Ho Lake area and Pleiku city, there are many restaurants and eateries serving delicious local dishes.
- “Bun Cua Thoi” (Fermented Crab Noodle Soup): A unique dish with a distinctive flavor that can be “addictive” for those who dare to try it. “Bun Cua Thoi” is made from fermented field crabs, combined with raw vegetables and “mam nem” (fermented fish sauce), creating a rich and unforgettable flavor.
- Gia Lai Dry Pho: A famous dish of Pleiku, with delicious chewy pho noodles, flavorful minced meat, fragrant fried shallots, and sweet broth. Gia Lai Dry Pho is usually served with black sauce and raw vegetables.
- “Com Lam Ga Nuong” (Bamboo Tube Rice with Grilled Chicken): A rustic but appealing dish, chicken marinated in spices and grilled over charcoal, and sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes. “Com Lam Ga Nuong” is an ideal dish for picnics and outings.
- Other Central Highlands specialties: In addition, you can enjoy other Central Highlands specialties such as hot pot with chicken and “la e” leaves, chicken salad with mangosteen sprouts, beef grilled in bamboo tubes, “ruou can” (straw wine)…
Pleiku's specialty Bun Cua Thoi with a unique flavor
Gia Lai Dry Pho, a typical dish of Pleiku mountain town
5. Important Notes When Traveling to T’Nung Lake (Bien Ho Lake)
To have a complete and safe trip to T’Nung Lake, you should note the following:
- Visiting time: You should spend at least half a day or a full day to explore all the beauty and experience activities at T’Nung Lake.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to admire the scenery of T’Nung Lake, when the mist still covers the lake or the sunset falls.
- Personal documents: Bring complete personal documents such as ID card/Citizen ID, driver’s license (if renting a self-driving car).
- Photo equipment: Don’t forget to bring your phone or camera to capture beautiful moments at Bien Ho Lake.
- Water safety: Absolutely do not swim in the lake without permission and protective equipment.
- Book hotel rooms in advance: If you plan to stay overnight in Pleiku, you should book hotel rooms in advance to avoid room shortages, especially during peak season.
- Prepare personal items: Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, insect repellent, motion sickness medicine (if needed).
- Ask for directions: If you are not familiar with the roads, do not hesitate to ask local people for directions.
Conclusion: T’Nung Lake – A Must-Visit Destination in Gia Lai
T’Nung Lake (Bien Ho Pleiku) is a gem in the heart of the Central Highlands, a must-visit destination when traveling to Gia Lai. With its pristine, poetic natural beauty, fascinating legends, and diverse tourist experiences, T’Nung Lake promises to bring you memorable memories. Come and feel the beauty of Bien Ho Lake, explore the unique culinary culture of Pleiku, and enjoy the fresh, peaceful atmosphere of this highland region. Wish you a fun and meaningful trip to T’Nung Lake!