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However, few are aware that amidst this rugged land lies a destination equally splendid: Quynh Nhai - home to the magnificent 'Quynh Nhai Seaside,' the largest artificial lake in the country and countless other breathtaking check-in spots. Let's uncover this lesser-known land with Vntrip right below.
1. Where is the 'Quynh Nhai Seaside'?
'Quynh Nhai Seaside' or 'Son La Seaside' is essentially the heart of the Son La Hydroelectric Reservoir, named by the Provincial Party Committee of Son La to brand it appropriately with the potential and strength of the largest hydroelectric reservoir in the country. This hydroelectric reservoir is located in the districts of Quynh Nhai, Muong La, Thuan Chau in Son La province, approximately 200km from Moc Chau. Taking National Highway 6, it takes about 5 hours to arrive.
Quynh Nhai Seaside. Image: Collected
If the natural area of Quynh Nhai district is over 105,600 hectares, then the total area of the Son La Hydroelectric Reservoir area within the district alone has occupied more than 10,000 hectares. Quynh Nhai lies amidst a vast valley, surrounded by towering majestic mountains, enveloped in dense, ancient green forests. As a land that few know of and still retains the beauty bestowed by nature, Quynh Nhai continues to preserve its pristine charm.
Son La Hydroelectric Plant. Image: Collected
2. What makes Quynh Nhai Seaside beautiful?
With its karst terrain, the area of the Son La Hydroelectric Reservoir within Quynh Nhai town extending to Dien Bien province is likened to the Ha Long Bay on land in the Northwest. This place boasts incredibly diverse landscapes, unique river ecosystems, and characteristic biodiversity.
Quynh Nhai Seaside, crystal clear turquoise waters. Image: Collected
Moreover, the reservoir is vast, stretching nearly 30 km long, with the pristine waters of the Da River flowing through, creating a network of floating islands and connected islets across the surface. During your exploration of the reservoir, you'll witness a captivating riverine ecosystem firsthand.
The limestone formations, shaped over thousands of years, exhibit various shapes and colors amidst moss-covered cliffs, adorned with stretches of lush vegetation as far as the eye can see. A delicate balance of natural and artificial elements, complemented by the rich imagination of the locals, shapes the uniqueness of this bay, concealing hundreds of small islands with intriguing formations such as Fairy Island, Phoenix Island, Chicken Island, Frog Island, Mushroom Tree Island, and more.
Quynh Nhai Eco-Tourism Area. Image: Collected
Along the lake's edge, there are hundreds of swallow-tail boats tethered, showcasing simplicity in everyday activities. Each fishing rod, each net, is cast amidst the morning mist, then tranquil under the noon sun, echoing the melodious sound of water like a Northwest ballad...
View of the lake from above. Image: Đăng Hấu
To this day, very few are aware of Quynh Nhai Seaside. However, with its rich and diverse tourism resources, the Quynh Nhai Hydroelectric Reservoir area will serve as a favorable foundation for future development in various tourism aspects including sightseeing, adventure tourism, eco-tourism, wellness tourism, medical tourism, scientific research, ecological and historical-cultural exploration of indigenous ethnic groups, and traditional tourism, offering opportunities to appreciate, experience the culture, life, and cuisine of the local ethnic communities.
3. Ideal Time to Visit Quynh Nhai Seaside
The best time to explore the Quynh Nhai Hydroelectric Reservoir area is from September of this year to April of the following year. This is the season of high water levels, where the vast surface of the Da River reflects the sky, scenery, creating a romantic and stunning landscape. It's also the time for various cultural activities, such as: Traditional boat racing festival; Head washing festival of the White Thai people in Quynh Nhai; New rice celebration in Ngoc Chien commune (Muong La)…
September to April is the perfect time to visit Quynh Nhai Seaside. Image: Collected
4. Other Attractions in Quynh Nhai
4.1. Pá Uôn Bridge
Spanning across the hydroelectric reservoir area is the Pá Uôn Bridge – a bridge that holds the record as the tallest bridge pillar in Southeast Asia according to the Guinness Vietnam with its main pillar towering at 98.6 meters. The bridge serves as a vital transportation artery connecting Son La with Northwestern provinces such as Dien Bien, Lai Chau, and Lao Cai…
Pá Uôn Bridge. Image: Collected
From afar, the bridge resembles a silk ribbon stretching across the vast expanse of blue water. Pá Uôn Bridge is considered a natural landscape highlight and a destination for tourism tours, fostering the development of the 'smokeless industry' in Quynh Nhai district specifically, and the Northwest region in general.
Annually, this area also serves as the 'grandstand' for traditional festivals where people and tourists from everywhere gather, such as boat racing festivals, head washing festivals of the Thai girls in Quynh Nhai,…
Pá Uôn Bridge during festivals. Image: Collected
4.2. Linh Son Thuy Tu historical site – Nang Han Temple
This is a spiritual tourism spot located on Pu Nghiu hill, Muong Giang commune, Quynh Nhai district, offering picturesque scenery. From here, you can admire the landscape of the Son La Hydroelectric Reservoir and the resettlement villages along the reservoir's edge.
Linh Son Thuy Tu historical site – Nang Han Temple. Image: Collected
The Linh Son Thuy Tu historical site – Nang Han Temple was inaugurated in 2011 to meet the spiritual needs of the local people. Linh Son Thuy Tu is the temple dedicated to the mountain and river deities, the gods overseeing all things in heaven and earth. The Nang Han Temple is where the heroic Thai female general who contributed to repelling the Northern invaders is worshipped.
Statue of Bodhisattva Quan Am built at the relic complex. Image: Collected
4.3. Heart Island
Heart Island spans approximately 1.3 hectares, located in Hat Lech village, Chien On commune, about 10 km from Pa Uon Bridge. Viewed from above, the island resembles a heart shape with picturesque scenery, misty atmosphere, clear blue water, and fresh air.
Heart Island. Image: Collected
Here, you can participate in various activities such as swimming in the cool water, mountain climbing, pedal boating, fishing, taking photos amidst colorful flower hills, windmill hills, love lock bridge... Additionally, you can enjoy traditional Thai dishes made from Da River fish such as grilled fish, fish salad, grilled chicken with mac khen leaves, sour soup, and experience feeding fish, listening to Then singing, watching traditional Thai folk dances performed by talented artists.
A popular check-in spot on Heart Island. Image: Collected
Experience fishing activity. Image: Collected
4.4. Uy Phong Bay
Uy Phong Bay, located in Khoang village, Pa Ma Pha Khinh commune, is currently a favorite check-in spot for young people visiting Son La due to its picturesque scenery, surrounded by overlapping mountains, creating a romantic atmosphere. To explore Uy Phong Bay, you'll drift along the Da River on a paddleboat upstream for nearly 2 hours.
Boating to Uy Phong Bay on a paddleboat. Image: Collected
On the boat to Uy Phong Bay. Image: Collected
Upon arriving at the bay, you'll be surprised by the harmoniously arranged floating houses, spacious surroundings creating a comfortable and close-to-nature feeling. Everything is simple, with most household items made from natural materials like wood, bamboo, and thatch... Here, you'll have the opportunity to experience various entertaining activities such as rowing, carousel, outdoor swimming pool, underwater volleyball, underwater activities, fishing, and foot massage by fish in the floating fish cages at the restaurant... So, don't forget to bring your swimsuit and equipment to experience these exciting activities.
Check-in at Uy Phong Bay. Image: Collected
4.5. Bon Village
Bon Village is located in Mường Chiên commune, where the typical architecture of Thai stilt houses is preserved. After the Son La hydroelectric plant came into operation, the agricultural land of Bon Village was reduced, and the locals gradually shifted their economic development towards the lake area. With the advantage of hot mineral springs, distinctive culinary and festival cultures, traditional stilt houses of the White Thai ethnic group, the people here are gradually investing in community tourism development, coupled with services on the lake.
Natural beauty in Bon Village. Image: Collected
Visiting Bon Village, you'll learn about the cultural life of the village, hear about stilt houses, visit some gardens, traditional handicraft workshops such as weaving, making musical instruments, weaving brocade, making hats, brewing leaf alcohol, cultural exchanges with Thai girls gracefully dancing in traditional dances, and enjoying ethnic specialties deeply imbued with Thai cultural identity such as deer antler porridge, bamboo rice, sticky rice, colored sticky rice, grilled meat, buffalo skin salad, buffalo meat, stream fish, various types of alcohol...
Accommodation in Bon Village. Image: Hoàng Lệ Sao
Moreover, when visiting Bon Village, you can experience bathing in natural hot springs. The mineral hot spring water in Bon Village flows naturally from the mountains, untouched by human intervention, with water temperatures ranging from 40 to 45 degrees Celsius, ideal for therapeutic soaking, relaxation, and skin rejuvenation.
Natural hot springs in Bon Village. Image: Collected
If you're looking for a place to immerse yourself in majestic nature and experience the authentic life of the indigenous people, Quynh Nhai – Son La is the perfect choice. So, gather your team quickly and explore this unique land now!
