Hoa Trung Lake: The Miniature Prairie and Peaceful Escape
Hoa Trung Lake (Ho Hoa Trung) is a large artificial lake located approximately 20 kilometers west of the Da Nang city center, nestled within the Hoa Vang District. Originally designed as an essential irrigation source for the Hoa Son and Hoa Lien communes, the lake has transformed into a favored, off-the-beaten-path destination for locals and adventurous travelers. Its tranquil atmosphere and distinct scenery create a beautiful contrast to the bustling coastal city, offering a pristine natural retreat.
I. Landscape and Unique Features
Hoa Trung Lake boasts a unique landscape that changes dramatically with the seasons.
Floating Islets: The lake features several small, verdant hills and artificial floating islets, which remain partially submerged during the high-water season. These islets create a picturesque and almost Ha Long Bay-like miniature landscape on the water’s surface.
The Steppe Effect: The best time to visit is during the dry season (typically late summer to early winter, around September to October). At this time, the water level recedes, revealing expansive stretches of lush, flat green grassland on the exposed lakebed. This scenery resembles a miniature steppe or prairie, making it an incredibly popular backdrop for photography, especially pre-wedding shoots.
Wildlife and Tranquility: The peaceful environment attracts local wildlife. Visitors often spot white egrets gliding over the water and herds of cattle grazing calmly in the surrounding meadows, which reinforces the lake’s idyllic, rustic charm.
II. Activities and Traveler Experiences
Hoa Trung Lake primarily caters to travelers seeking relaxation, outdoor activities, and stunning photo opportunities.
Camping and Picnics: The flat, grassy areas make this destination one of the best spots for day picnics and overnight camping in the region. Friends and families gather here to escape the heat, grill food, and enjoy the serenity. The lake is open 24 hours a day for visitation, although local regulations sometimes prohibit overnight camping to protect the environment. Check current status with locals upon arrival.
Boating and Fishing: Visitors can rent small, traditional dok mok boats (dug-out boats) from local fishermen for a small fee (around 20,000 VND). This provides an up-close perspective of the floating islets and allows for leisurely movement across the water. Fishing is another popular pastime, providing a relaxing activity by the water’s edge.
III. Essential Visitor Information
Plan your trip effectively by using this logistical data.
Location: Tan Ninh, Hoa Ninh, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang.
Getting There: The lake is best reached by motorbike or car. Drivers must follow the Hoang Van Thai or Au Co roads, leading towards the Ba Na area, and then turn onto a smaller concrete path that leads to the lake. The last stretch is an unpaved, red-dirt road, which requires careful driving.
Entrance Fee & Costs: Visiting Hoa Trung Lake is free of charge, as it lacks formal tourism management. Costs only apply if you rent a local boat (approx. 20,000 VND) or camping gear (approx. 200,000 VND).
Important Note: Since this is a wild and undeveloped area, visitors must bring all necessary supplies (food, water, sun protection, bug spray) and adhere to a strict principle of taking all trash back out to preserve the lake’s pristine condition. Also, the evenings can be quite cold, so pack a light jacket if you plan to stay late.
