Information
Landmark: Thac Ba LakeCity: Yen Bai
Country: Vietnam
Continent: Asia
Thac Ba Lake, Yen Bai, Vietnam, Asia
Overview
Thac Ba Lake, shimmering under the northern sun, is one of Vietnam’s largest and most beautiful man-made lakes, tucked away in Yen Bai Province.The Thac Ba Hydroelectric Power Plant formed the lake in the late 20th century, and today its still waters, misty mornings, and sweeping views draw nature lovers and photographers who treasure its quiet beauty.Tucked far from the roar of city streets, it’s a quiet escape where you can wander under pine-scented air and lose yourself in the region’s stories and traditions.Thac Ba Lake sits about 20 kilometers northeast of Yen Bai City, the provincial capital, where the road winds past green hills and quiet villages.It sits in northeast Vietnam, tucked among green forests, quiet valleys, and the rugged peaks of the Hoàng Liên Sơn range.The lake sprawls over roughly 23,000 hectares, its surface dotted with more than 1,300 islands like freckles on blue glass.The Red River and its tributaries feed the lake, which was formed in 1971 for hydroelectric power, flooding vast stretches of land and leaving behind a striking maze of islands and winding channels where trees once stood.Thac Ba Lake shimmers around more than 1,300 little islands, each shaped differently-some round as coins, others long and narrow like green ribbons.Thick green forests blanket these islands, their quiet rustle deepening the lake’s calm, glassy charm.Many of these islands sit empty, with nothing but wind in the palms, and they’re perfect for anyone eager to explore.Some spots are great for a boat ride, a quiet afternoon with a fishing pole, or just soaking in the rustle of leaves and the smell of fresh water.Thac Ba Lake takes its name from the nearby Thac Ba Waterfall, where water plunges over dark rocks into a foaming pool.The waterfall, tumbling into a cool mist, is part of the landscape here and draws visitors from all over.The waterfall tumbles over the rocks, mist rising in the air, and it’s breathtaking-especially in the rainy season, when the surge roars louder and the water runs thick and fast.The Thac Ba Hydroelectric Power Plant was among Vietnam’s first big hydro projects, its turbines humming beside the wide, green lake.It powers the nearby towns and, over time, has helped shape the lake’s look and the life it supports, from the curve of its shoreline to the reeds swaying along the water’s edge.Visitors can explore the hydroelectric plant’s past and see how it’s shaped the nearby environment, from the rushing river below to the quiet forests along its banks.Several quiet villages ring the lake, home to Tay, Muong, and H’mong families, with smoke curling from wooden stoves in the early morning.Tucked away in the hills, these small, quiet villages invite visitors to taste fresh bread from a market stall and soak in the rhythms of rural life and tradition.The villages by the lake are famous for their wooden stilt houses, where you can hear the boards creak underfoot, and for the fields they’ve farmed the same way for generations.You can chat with locals, glimpse their daily routines-like the smell of bread baking in a courtyard oven-and get a real taste of the region’s culture.Bac Yen and Van Yen districts sit near Thac Ba Lake, where mist drifts over green hills and the scenery draws visitors for its untouched beauty.These districts are perfect for trekking, hiking, and exploring, with rolling hills, quiet valleys, and farmland where the scent of fresh earth hangs in the air.You can wander through remote villages, pass shimmering green rice paddies, and watch farmers carry on age-old agricultural traditions.One of the best ways to take in Thac Ba Lake is to head out on a boat, feeling the breeze ripple across the water as you drift past its quiet coves.Hop on a boat and glide across the lake, weaving between quiet islands while the water laps gently against the hull.The lake’s perfect for kayaking, casting a line at dawn, or drifting in a small boat, and it’s a haven for anyone wanting to feel close to nature.With its glassy water, lush green slopes, and tiny islands dotted like gems, Thac Ba Lake is a dream spot for anyone with a camera.It’s the perfect spot to photograph the lake’s beauty, especially at dawn or just before sunset, when golden light ripples across the water.The hills and villages around Thac Ba Lake are home to several ethnic minority groups, each keeping alive distinct traditions-from bright embroidered clothing to songs passed down for generations.The Tay, H'mong, and Muong make their homes in villages by the lake, where smoke from cooking fires curls into the morning air and old traditions still shape daily life.These ethnic groups make their living from farming, fishing, and raising livestock, and many feel a deep bond with the land, knowing the smell of wet soil after rain by heart.Visitors can explore the customs of these groups-watching a pot of stew bubble over a fire, admiring intricate handwoven baskets, and joining in the rhythms of their lively festivals.When you stay in a homestay with a local family, you get to experience the culture up close-sharing a warm bowl of stew at their table, listening to their stories, and taking part in the life of the community.Around Thac Ba Lake, hop on a boat to glide past quiet coves, step ashore on scattered islands, and wander into hidden stretches of water you can’t reach from the shore.You can pull ashore on a quiet island, unpack lunch under the shade of a pine, or dive into the cool, clear water.Lace up your boots and set out on foot to roam the nearby hills, wander through shady forests, and cross quiet valleys.Around Thac Ba Lake, winding trails take you to high lookouts where the water glitters below and green hills stretch to the horizon.Thac Ba Lake teems with freshwater fish, from silver carp to tilapia, and both locals and visitors often cast their lines from its quiet, weathered docks.You can cast a line from a boat or stand on the shore, feeling the cool water lap at your boots.Take a trip to the Tay, Muong, and H’mong villages, where you can see how families farm terraced hillsides, weave bright fabric by hand, and keep traditions alive.You could join a neighborhood festival, then roll up your sleeves to cook a traditional stew or shape clay into a handmade bowl.If you’re looking for peace in the heart of nature, Thac Ba Lake is the place-calm water, soft breezes, and views that seem to stretch forever.You might drift along in a small boat, lose yourself in a paperback by the shore, or simply watch sunlight ripple across the water-either way, the lake makes it easy to relax.The best time to see Thac Ba Lake is in the dry season, October through April, when the air feels crisp and the sun glitters off the water.From May to September, the rainy season can turn travel into a challenge-downpours swell the rivers, muddy the paths, and leave low-lying roads under water.Thac Ba Lake sits about 20 kilometers northeast of Yen Bai City, and you can reach it by car or motorbike along a winding road lined with green rice fields.From Yen Bai, hop on a bus or rent a car, and you’ll be at the lake before the sun dips behind the hills.It’s about a half-hour drive, maybe closer to forty-five if you hit the lights.You can hop on a train in Hanoi and ride straight to Yen Bai, which has its own small railway station.When you reach the train station, grab a taxi or hop on a local bus and you’ll be at the lake before you know it, watching the sunlight ripple on the water.Though tourism hasn’t taken off yet around Thac Ba Lake, you can still find a few simple guesthouses and homestays tucked into nearby villages, sometimes with a hammock swaying on the porch.When you stay with a local family, you get a true taste of traditional life-like waking to the smell of fresh bread-and you can soak in the quiet beauty of the place.If you’re after something a bit more upscale, you can book a room in
