Tà Đùng Lake: Dak Nong's Island-Studded Masterpiece
Hồ Tà Đùng (Ta Dung Lake) captivates visitors with its stunning archipelago landscape, earning it the nickname, the “Ha Long Bay of the Central Highlands.” Located within the Tà Đùng National Park in the Dak Glong District, this vast reservoir was formed by the construction of the Đồng Nai 3 Hydropower Dam. It spans over 3,400 hectares, featuring more than 40 large and small islands and peninsulas that rise from the clear, turquoise water.
Nature, Activities, and The Viewpoint
Ta Dung’s cool, tropical highland climate allows year-round enjoyment of its lush, pristine environment.
The Must-See Viewpoint: Visitors often prioritize the panoramic viewing areas along Highway QL28, especially near the Dak Som commune. From this vantage point, you observe the stunning contrast of the green-covered islands against the deep blue water, creating a picture-perfect scene.
Boat Trip Adventures: Embark on a boat trip across the lake. This activity allows you to weave between the islands, experiencing the natural tranquility and cool breezes up close. Some tours stop at small, accessible islands, offering opportunities for swimming, camping, or simply relaxing by the water.
Tà Đùng National Park Exploration: The surrounding national park protects a diverse ecosystem. Adventurous travelers explore the park’s dense forests through trekking trails, discovering various rare flora and fauna, and conquering the Tà Đùng mountain range, the highest in Dak Nong Province.
Local Culture and When to Visit
The area surrounding the lake is home to the Ma and M’Nông ethnic minority groups. While the primary focus is on nature, you can experience their unique culture by visiting local communities or trying authentic highland cuisine.
Best Time to Visit: Plan your visit between July and December. During this rainy season, the lake fills to its highest level, and the trees on the islands look their most vibrant green, maximizing the “Ha Long Bay” effect. The dry season, from November to April, also offers clear skies, ideal for trekking.
Accommodation: Accommodation choices are primarily local homestays and guesthouses, providing a comfortable base, often with spectacular views of the lake. Camping is also popular on the islands and at designated lakeside spots.
Practical Visitor Information
Ta Dung Lake is approximately 45 kilometers southeast of Gia Nghĩa City, the provincial capital.
Address: Đắk Som, Đăk Glong District, Dak Nong, Vietnam. It is situated along National Highway 28 (QL28).
Admission/Fees: Entry to the general viewpoint areas is usually free, though some private homestays charge a small fee (e.g., 20,000 to 50,000 VND) for access to their prime viewing decks. Boat tours typically cost around 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 VND for a private trip, or less if joining a group tour.
Contact: For official National Park information, search for Vườn Quốc Gia Tà Đùng or contact local tour operators in Gia Nghĩa.
