In recent years, Thac Ba Lake has increasingly become a captivating destination for travelers. It entices visitors with its picturesque scenery of blue skies and tranquil waters. If you're seeking a place immersed in the beauty of nature, Thac Ba Lake is the perfect destination for you. Let's dive into the following article to uncover what makes this destination so special!
Overview of Thac Ba Lake
Do you know where Thac Ba Lake is located? Thac Ba Lake is situated in Luc Yen, Yen Bai province. It is approximately 140 km away from the center of Hanoi. The lake was formed during the construction of the Thac Ba hydroelectric dam.
When it comes to Thac Ba Lake, many people often mention the hydroelectric dam. So, which river is the Thac Ba hydroelectric dam located on? This hydroelectric project is situated on the Chay River. It is also the first hydroelectric plant built in the northern region of our country.
Many first-time visitors to Thac Ba Lake are impressed by its clear blue water. The lake serves the purpose of supplying water for electricity generation for the national power grid. It also helps regulate the air quality.

Thac Ba Lake with its unique natural landscape (Photo source: Collection)
Thac Ba Lake impresses visitors with its calm, green waters. Alongside, the surrounding forested mountainscape adds a poetic touch to the scenery. It's a charming and serene landscape that everyone who visits finds delightful.
If you're looking for a relaxing spot to spend time with family and friends, consider this place. The fresh, cool climate, along with the beautiful natural scenery, will leave you satisfied. So why wait? Plan your trip now!
Which season is ideal for visiting Thac Ba Lake?
Thac Ba Lake is located in the northern mountainous region, so it experiences four distinct seasons. The lake covers an area of over 23,000 hectares with a total length of nearly 80 km. Therefore, the climate here is relatively cool. Summer is usually not too hot or sweltering. The temperature is always lower than in the northern provinces by 1 to 2 degrees.
If you're interested in participating in or learning about spiritual festivals, you can visit here in January. On the 8th of January every year, the traditional festival at Thac Ba Temple takes place. This festival is very unique and always attracts the attention of tourists. Many people often book Yen Bai tours during this time.
However, you should avoid traveling to Thac Ba Lake during the rainy season. The water flow here during the rainy season is very high. This will cause difficulties for your trip. The sightseeing experience will be somewhat affected.
How to get to Thac Ba Lake
Depending on your departure point, there are several ways to get to Thac Ba Lake. Since the lake is located in the northern region, those in this area can easily travel here. However, if you are in the southern provinces or the central region, the transportation process will be more complicated.
In modern times, transportation has become much easier for us. Let's explore how we can get to Thac Ba Lake using various means of transportation!
1. Airplane
This mode of transportation is suitable for travelers coming from afar. However, Yen Bai currently does not have a dedicated airport. If you choose to travel by plane, you will need to purchase a ticket to Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) first. From Hanoi, you will then take another flight to reach Thac Ba Lake.

Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi is always crowded (Source: Collection)
The ticket prices to Hanoi vary depending on the region. But to find cheap tickets, you should avoid buying tickets close to the travel date. The ideal time to book tickets is about 2 to 3 months before your trip. Alternatively, you can also look out for promotional fares.
2. Coach
Currently, there are few direct buses from Hanoi to Thac Ba Lake. Make sure to research thoroughly before traveling to catch the right bus route. You can go to My Dinh to make it more convenient to catch the bus.
Another option that many people choose is to take a bus from Hanoi to Yen Bai. From Yen Bai, you can rent a car to go to Thac Ba Lake. It only takes 2 to 3 hours for the car to take you there.
3. Train
Another exciting way to travel is by train. These train journeys depart from Hanoi station. If you haven't traveled by train before, you can try it on your upcoming trip! Train tickets to Yen Bai may be higher than buses, but you'll find it well worth it.

Choosing the train as a means of transportation is also a great idea (Source: Collection)
4. Personal vehicle
If you're into adventure travel or backpacking, you can ride a motorbike to Yen Bai. Young people often choose this means of transportation for their trips. The advantage of traveling with your own vehicle is that you'll have more control over your time.
A trip may take about 3 hours or more. Along the way, you will get to see the scenery firsthand. Even better is experiencing the cool temperature and fresh climate of the northern mountainous region.
To reach Lake Thac Ba from Hanoi, you can follow the following route. Take National Highway 32 to Yen Bai or choose the Hanoi - Lao Cai expressway. Then, branch off at the intersection of Yen Bai city. From there, it's only 30 km more to reach Lake Thac Ba.
However, this mode of transport is only suitable for those in Hanoi or living near the Yen Bai area. During the trip, you should pay attention to your health as well as the condition of the vehicle. This will make your trip more enjoyable and smooth.
Where can you stay when visiting Lake Thac Ba?
If you're planning a trip to Thac Ba Lake, consider staying overnight. Staying overnight will give you more time to explore this land. When visiting Thac Ba Lake, most accommodations will be homestays or resorts.
This type of accommodation gives you the opportunity to learn more about the lives of the local people. Moreover, the cost is very affordable. Below are some suggestions for accommodations at Thac Ba Lake for your reference:
1. Thac Ba Paradise Islands
Thac Ba Paradise Islands is located on a secluded island in the heart of Thac Ba Lake. This characteristic creates a unique feature for this homestay. Being situated in the middle of the lake will give you a completely new feeling when staying here.
The various shades of green at Thac Ba Paradise Islands will make tourists feel like they're lost in endless nature. It's the azure blue of the sky, the emerald green of the water, and the lush greenery of the trees. Thanks to this, tourists will feel an indescribable sense of relaxation.

A panoramic view of Thac Ba Paradise Islands from above (Source: Collected)
Moreover, the 360-degree landscape is what tourists love the most. From dawn to dusk, whether it's sunrise or sunset, you can capture it all. The natural scenery suddenly becomes more splendid under the sunlight.
Here, there are 2 types of rooms for you to choose from: Paradise Bungalow, a 3-star standard, and community stilt houses. The most special thing is that every room will have a lake view for tourists to enjoy. The pristine yet romantic natural scenery will make tourists remember this place forever.
If you're worried that staying on the island will make you feel bored, don't worry. Here, there are some very interesting services. You can experience infinity swimming pools, pedal boats, kayaking, campfires, and more.
2. OM TARA Retreat
If you're looking for a place to retreat and embrace the simple rural life, don't overlook OM TARA Retreat. This resort is located within the Thac Ba Lake complex. Here, you'll feel a truly peaceful life. Time seems to slow down here.
This is a perfect place for you to escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. OM TARA Retreat offers a variety of room types for you to choose from. The rooms are designed in a minimalist, simple yet aesthetically pleasing style. Most of the furniture is made of bamboo, rattan, giving a cozy, eco-friendly feeling.

The bamboo and rattan furniture make the room look very unique (Source: Collection)
Here, you can experience interesting farming activities and harvests. Or join morning Yoga classes, meditation... Your vacation will pass by peacefully and gently.
All of these will help you slow down. Pay more attention to the small, simple things in your life. Choosing OM TARA as your accommodation will surely bring you unforgettable memories.
What makes Thac Ba Lake attractive?
Visiting Thac Ba Lake offers plenty of activities for you to explore. A domestic tour to Thac Ba Lake for about 2 days and 1 night is enough for you to discover all these destinations.
1. Thac Ba Lake
The first must-visit destination here is Thac Ba Lake. To explore and fully experience its beauty, the only way is by boat. Sitting on a boat allows you to fully enjoy the poetic scenery, floating peacefully on the tranquil and gentle lake.

The landscape of Thac Ba Lake is as beautiful as a painted picture (Source: Collection)
These boats are distributed in many places, but most of them are arranged in Lu Huong village, Yen Binh district. Each trip, the boats will visit an island and caves along the lake. If you're lucky, you'll see underwater creatures frolicking playfully.
Besides, you also have the opportunity to visit the famous Thac Ba hydroelectric plant. This journey will help you discover the beauty of nature and immerse yourself in it. What's more interesting is understanding more about the history of Thac Ba Lake.
2. Thuy Tien Cave
Another must-visit spot at Thac Ba Lake is Thuy Tien Cave. This is a limestone cave with many strange-shaped stalactites. While Thac Ba has many caves, this one is considered the most special.
Beyond its scenic beauty, Thuy Tien Cave holds immense historical significance. Nestled deep in the mountains, Thuy Tien Cave used to be the revolutionary base of the Yen Bai Provincial Party Committee.

The interior scenery of the cave (Source: Collection)
This place is also associated with the beautiful love story of the daughter of the Jade Emperor and the son of the Water Deity. According to legend, they met and fell in love on the eastern mountain peak. Later, their fathers built this cave for them to live together.
As you step inside, you'll feel the incredibly mystical atmosphere. There's a staircase inside to take visitors to the top of the island. From this vantage point, visitors will have a stunning view of the lake.
3. Thac Ba Mother Temple
Thac Ba Mother Temple is located about 5 km from Thac Ba Lake. This temple has been built for a long time and is renowned for its sanctity. Not only locals but also tourists often come here to worship and explore.
The temple is nestled in a tranquil forest surrounded by trees. Therefore, the atmosphere here is very peaceful and serene. This contributes to creating a solemn and serene atmosphere for the temple.

Annual spring festival at Mother Temple (Source: Collection)
Every year, the Mother Temple holds large festivals. These include the spring festival on the 10th day of the lunar New Year, the summer festival on the 17th day of the 5th lunar month, and the autumn festival on the 10th day of the 10th lunar month. Among them, the spring festival is the largest.
In 2004, the temple was recognized as a provincial-level cultural and historical relic. Visiting here, you will somewhat understand more about the culture and history of the locality.
4. Ngòi Tu Cultural Village
Another must-visit destination in exploring Thac Ba Lake is Ngòi Tu Village. This place attracts tourists with its picturesque and poetic landscape. Along with that is the village steeped in culture and containing long-standing traditional values. This distinctive feature has drawn tourists to this place.

When visiting Thac Ba Lake, don't forget to step into Ngòi Tu Village! (Source: Collection)
Visiting Ngòi Tu Village, you will gain insights into the lively rhythm of ethnic minority people. Along with that are unique customs and traditions. If you want to experience more about the local culture, you can even rent a homestay here.
Apart from Ngòi Tu Village, you can also explore some other nearby villages. Surely, there will be many interesting and informative things for you. Who knows, you may discover many other unique and interesting things?
5. Mount Cao Bien Trekking
If you're someone who loves challenges and exploration, you can test yourself with Mount Cao Bien. Setting foot on the summit, you'll be able to overlook the entire Thac Ba Lake. The beautiful green islands within Thac Ba Lake will be clearly visible before your eyes.
To trek up to the top of this mountain, it will take you about 3 and a half hours. The ideal time to hike is in the late afternoon. The perfect time to reach the summit is around 5 or 6 in the evening. At this time, as the sun begins to set, you'll see its rays shining down on the lake, sparkling with golden light.
A vast expanse of sky and sea unfolds right before you. This natural landscape is as beautiful as an oil painting. At this moment, you'll find your mountain climbing journey to be truly worthwhile.
Things to Note When Visiting Thac Ba Lake
The area around Thac Ba Lake has yet to receive significant tourism development, so it remains quite pristine. Therefore, if you choose to explore this place, you need to keep a few things in mind. These will help you avoid some unpleasant and unforeseen incidents.

It's important to understand what to keep in mind before your trip! (Source: Collection)
- Accommodation options here are still limited, so during holidays, it's advisable to book your room in advance to avoid fully booked situations. It would be regrettable to travel a long distance only to find no place to stay.
- Remember to bring personal identification documents along with essentials like water, insect repellent, sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, etc.
- Don't forget to bring a jacket. The temperature here is always 1 to 2 degrees Celsius lower than the average temperature. Mornings and evenings are usually colder than other times of the day.
- Check the weather forecast before each trip. This will help you have a smooth journey according to your desired schedule.
Thac Ba Lake offers visitors a sense of peace and tranquility. If you're looking for a place to rejuvenate your soul, there's no better place than here. Visiting Thac Ba Lake, you'll experience moments of slow living, blending into the vast nature. Contact Mytour via hotline Mytour to book your tour now!
