If you are in the south of Vietnam and don’t have enough time to move to the north to experience Ha Long Bay – the wonderful masterpiece of nature, you still have a chance to experience its copy in the Central Highlands. It is Ta Dung Lake which is considered a miniature of Ha Long Bay.

Where is Ta Dung lake

From Gia Nghia Town, tourists have to head on National Highway 28 towards Dak Glong District for around 10km to reach Ta Dung natural reserve. Located deep between Dak Nong plateau and Di Linh, with its 36 magnificent islands and its highest peak at 1982 meters, this completely isolated lake is a masterpiece of nature.

Situated 1,000m above sea level, Ta Dung covers an area of over 26,000ha featuring precious trees like pine and aloe and boasts numerous rare animals and birds from Vietnam’s Red Book.

Ta Dung lake is the upstream of Dong Nai river where Dong Nai 3 hydroelectric dam is located. When the dam starts to reserve water, it creates an immense manmade lake of more than 36 islands in all kind of shapes and sizes.

The lake is truly a green and blue color feast for the eyes, especially stunning in sunny days.

Hidden peaceful Ta Dung

Although it is a natural reserve, there are many ethnic minorities living here. At the foot of Ta Dung mountain, Ma and Mong people preserve their culture and live by fishing.

You need to trek to higher ground to admire better the vast view of the lake, the islands on water, and the mountains in the background.

To visit the lake, tourists can hire a boat, there have not been, and never been cruises. The water is always green and surrounded by many hills and mountains which are covered in coffee trees blooming. Just like Ha Long Bay, there are many floating houses which offer fishing activities.

Tourists can hire a boat to discover the lake with its pure green water surrounded by endless hills and mountains covered in coffee trees blooming in white. (Photo: Nhat Nam)

Although the lake is made up of hydroelectric power plants, Ta Dung ecosystem is particularly diversified with many rare animals and plants, including species recorded in the Red Book with strict national conservation. Therefore, you will never get bored when you come here because there are not only jungles for you to discover but also standard majestic waterfalls of Highlands along with adventure games, or just a simple camp where you can set fire to gather with buddies on the tiny island.

The service is almost nonexistent, yet perhaps that is reason why Ta Dung is adored by those who love the pristine, peaceful and immaculate nature to be dissolved with nature and live different days.

Consider one of our Vietnam Central Highland Tours to experience Halong’s copy in Central Highlands.