Thac Ba Lake

Thac Ba Lake is a large artificial reservoir on the Chay River in Yen Binh District, Lao Cai Province, about 180 km northwest of Hanoi. Created between 1964 and 1971 for the Thac Ba Hydropower Plant, it covers about 23,400 hectares and contains more than 1,300 islands and islets. The lake is known for its forested islands, limestone caves, floating fishing villages and communities of Tay, Dao and other ethnic groups.

Visitors can expect a vast freshwater lake dotted with forested islands and limestone karsts. The main experience is a boat trip from Thac Ba or Vu Linh harbour to explore islands, visit caves such as Thuy Tien Cave, see floating fishing villages and stilt-house villages of Tay and Dao communities along the shore. The surroundings are hilly with secondary forest, calm water for photography and sightseeing, and small temples and pagodas on islands.

Thac Ba Lake was formed between 1964 and 1971 by damming the Chay River to create the reservoir for Thac Ba Hydropower Plant, the first large hydropower project in northern Vietnam built with assistance from the Soviet Union. The plant began operation in 1971 and the reservoir submerged a large valley, creating the present lake with over 1,300 islands.

The lake area is home to several ethnic groups including Tay, Dao, Nung, Cao Lan and Kinh communities who live in stilt houses along the shore and on islands. Traditional fishing, floating villages, folk songs and festivals are part of the local culture, and small temples and pagodas such as Thac Ba Temple and Mong Son area are visited by locals.