Northwest Vietnam, a majestic region of rolling mountains, is not only famous for its stunning terraced rice fields and unique ethnic cultures, but also for the serene and poetic beauty of its lakes. A lake tour in Northwest Vietnam will take you to emerald gems nestled amidst the mountains, where you can immerse yourself in pristine nature, enjoy the fresh air, and discover the unique cultures of the highlands.
Exploring the Pristine Beauty of Ba Be Lake
Ba Be Lake, an emerald gem in the heart of Ba Be National Park (Bac Kan province), is a must-visit destination on any Northwest Vietnam lake tour. With its vast expanse and crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and sky, Ba Be Lake offers a breathtaking natural landscape that captivates the hearts of all who visit.
When you come to Ba Be Lake, you will not only witness the beauty of Vietnam’s largest natural lake, but also have the opportunity to experience many exciting activities:
- Boat trip on the lake: Take a dugout canoe and drift on the lake’s surface, weaving through magnificent limestone islands, and explore the pristine beauty of Fairy Pond (Ao Tien), Puong Cave, and Dau Dang Waterfall.
- Discovering Puong Cave: A magnificent cave formed by the Nang River flowing through limestone mountains, featuring unique and magical stalactites and stalagmites.
- Dau Dang Waterfall: A majestic waterfall with three cascades tumbling down from a height, creating white foam and echoing sounds throughout the mountains and forests.
- Pac Ngoi Village: Learn about the life and culture of the local Tay ethnic people, enjoy local specialties, and experience homestay in traditional stilt houses.
- Fairy Pond (Ao Tien): A small, secluded lake located on a limestone mountain, with a tranquil, mysterious beauty and captivating legends.
A serene lake surrounded by lush greenery and limestone karsts, reflecting the clear sky.
Thac Ba Lake – Ha Long Bay in the Mountains
Thac Ba Lake (Yen Bai province), one of the largest man-made lakes in Southeast Asia, is likened to “Ha Long Bay in the mountains” due to the majestic beauty of thousands of small and large islands rising from the water’s surface. Thac Ba Lake is not only an important water source for the Thac Ba Hydropower Plant but also an attractive ecotourism destination.
A tour of Thac Ba Lake will bring you memorable experiences:
- Lake exploration by boat: Take a motorboat or kayak to admire the pristine beauty of Thac Ba Lake, explore lush green islands, lakeside fishing villages, and primeval forests.
- Thac Ba Island: The largest island on the lake, where you can learn about the history of Thac Ba Lake’s formation and admire panoramic views of the lake from above.
- Thuy Tien Cave: A beautiful cave with shimmering, magical stalactites, associated with the legend of the beautiful fairy Thuy Tien.
- Ngoi Tu Cultural Village: Learn about the culture and customs of the Dao ethnic people, enjoy traditional dances like the “bamboo dance,” Pao Dung singing, and traditional dishes.
- Fishing and kayaking: Enjoy the tranquility of Thac Ba Lake by participating in water sports activities such as fishing and kayaking.
A vast lake dotted with numerous green islands, resembling a bay with rocky outcrops emerging from the water.
Noong Lake – A Striking Highlight in Dien Bien
Noong Lake (Dien Bien province), although not as famous as Ba Be or Thac Ba, possesses a unique pristine and tranquil beauty. Noong Lake is the largest natural lake in Dien Bien, surrounded by primeval forests and ethnic villages of the Thai and Kho Mu people.
Coming to Noong Lake, you will feel peace and relaxation, and discover unique cultural features:
- Scenic boat trip on the lake: A dugout canoe will take you through flooded forests, watch flocks of birds returning to their nests, and enjoy the fresh air of the Northwest mountains.
- Exploring the ancient cajeput forest: Noong Lake is famous for its centuries-old cajeput forest, creating a unique and majestic natural landscape.
- Muong Phang Village: Learn about the culture and history of the White Thai ethnic people, enjoy local specialties, and visit the Muong Phang historical site, where the Dien Bien Phu Campaign Command Headquarters was located.
- Gau Tao Festival: If you visit Noong Lake in early spring, you will have the opportunity to participate in the Gau Tao Festival, a unique traditional festival of the Hmong ethnic people.
A calm lake surrounded by dense forest, with traditional wooden boats gently floating on the water.
Experiencing Unique Cuisine Around Northwest Lakes
Northwest cuisine always offers unique flavors, imbued with the highland identity. On a lake tour in Northwest Vietnam, you will have the opportunity to enjoy delicious specialties:
- Pa Pinh Top grilled fish (Dien Bien): Delicious grilled fish, rich in the distinctive spices of the Thai ethnic people.
- Nep Nuong sticky rice (Northwest): Sticky rice cooked from fragrant upland glutinous rice, served with sesame salt or grilled chicken.
- Thit trau gac bep – Smoked buffalo meat (Northwest): A famous specialty of the Northwest region, with a distinctive smoky flavor and the pungency of chili and ginger.
- Grilled hill chicken (Northwest): Chickens raised naturally on hills, with firm, fragrant meat, grilled over charcoal or cooked in bamboo tubes.
- Corn wine (Northwest): Wine brewed from corn kernels, with a distinctive fragrant aroma of the mountains and forests.
A spread of local Northwest Vietnamese dishes, including grilled fish, sticky rice, and smoked meats.
Tips for a Northwest Vietnam Lake Tour
To have a complete and meaningful lake tour in Northwest Vietnam, you should note a few things:
- Ideal time to visit: Autumn (September – November) and spring (February – April) are the best times to travel to Northwest Vietnam, when the weather is cool and pleasant, and the natural scenery is beautiful.
- Transportation: Buses, motorbikes, or self-driving cars are popular means of transportation to reach the Northwest lakes. However, roads in mountainous areas can be quite challenging, so you should choose a vehicle that suits your health and driving experience.
- Packing: You should bring warm clothes, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hats, personal medications, and other necessary items.
- Book a tour or travel independently: You can choose a package tour or explore the Northwest lakes independently. If traveling independently, you should carefully research information about destinations, book hotels in advance, and prepare a detailed itinerary.
- Respect local culture: When visiting ethnic villages, you should respect the customs and culture of the local people, maintain environmental hygiene, and behave politely and respectfully.
A scenic mountain road winding through lush green hills, illustrating the travel and transportation aspects of the article.
A lake tour in Northwest Vietnam promises to bring you unforgettable experiences, from exploring the pristine and majestic natural beauty to learning about the unique culture and cuisine of the highlands. Plan your trip today to enjoy wonderful moments in this poetic Northwest region.