Buzz
Hà Giang isn't just famed for its Dong Van karst plateau or its treacherously beautiful mountain passes. It's also renowned for the mystical allure of Noong Lake – often hailed as the 'utopian paradise' that captivates numerous travelers.
Explore Hà Giang and immerse yourself in the ethereal charm of Noong Lake.
Noong Lake, a natural freshwater lake situated in Phu Linh commune, Vi Xuyen district, Hà Giang province, lies approximately 23km from Hà Giang city. Noong Lake is famous for its floating forest, deemed one of Vietnam's top 'utopian' areas atop the water surface.
This ancient freshwater lake sprawls across Ban Noong 1 and Ban Noong 2, covering an area of about 80ha (during the rainy season) and 20ha (during the dry season). It is enveloped by a vast expanse of pristine forest spanning over 700ha, creating a surreal landscape that is both captivating and intriguing.
A unique feature of Noong Lake is the presence of both thriving green tree roots and dried-up tree roots, crafting a visually captivating scene. Noong Lake is a flooded land lake, classified as a special terrain where aquatic creatures can thrive alongside the cultivation of vegetables and herbs.
The water source for Lake Noong comes from underground streams in limestone caves originating from the two mountain ranges of primeval forests - where Lake Noong nestles against the mountain cliffs - and three underground caves connected to the Lo River. Consequently, whenever the lake water rises during the rainy season, schools of fish swim against the current of the Lo River, flowing into Lake Noong for shelter.
Lake Noong harbors numerous fish species including smooth-skinned fish and species found exclusively here. They typically grow and thrive naturally amidst diverse species, densely populating to form a vibrant ecosystem.
Visitors to Lake Noong will experience two distinct sensations during different times of the two seasons. In the rainy season, the lake water rises high, allowing visitors to leisurely explore alongside the local people on wooden boats or sit on makeshift rafts drifting across the lake. In the dry season, when the water recedes, local residents gather to release ducks and geese onto the clear lake surface, reflecting the glittering shadows of old leafless trees, the solitary floating huts, or a small boat leaning against a thatched roof.
Every day, groups of people carry baskets, nets, and traps to the lake to catch fish and scoop shrimp. By the end of the day, all the shrimp and fish are gathered and evenly distributed amidst laughter echoing across the shimmering golden lake. They remain diligently tending to the paddy fields, mingling with the blue smoke of the evening harmonizing with the rows of trees, accentuated by the laughter of children, further embellishing the charming beauty of Lake Noong.
If you pause here for a rest, you'll also get to indulge in the unique local cuisine, including: bitter fish, chicken, duck, goat, beef, wild game meat, and various homegrown vegetables. The most enticing is the renowned bitter fish, prepared in various styles such as grilled, fried, or cooked in sour soup with sour leafy vegetables, sour bamboo shoots, sour cucumbers, and starfruit. What's particularly special is that the fish is not gutted during preparation, promising an irresistibly delicious dish for travelers.
According to Lao Dong Newspaper
Sparkling Stars
Source: Travel Handbook from Mytour
MytourOctober 19, 2016
