Located in Yen Binh and Luc Yen districts of Yen Bai Province, Thac Ba Lake is one of Vietnam’s largest artificial lakes. Viewed from above, the lake impresses with its 1,300 lush green islands, creating a mesmerizing natural landscape.
Formed in 1971 with the completion of the Thac Ba Hydropower Plant, the lake spans nearly 20,000 hectares within the Chay River basin. Its vast waters are dotted with islands and limestone caves, making it a unique ecological and cultural destination.
The lake is home to various ethnic minorities, including Tay, Nung, Mong, Dao, Phu La, and Cao Lan communities, who reside on mountain slopes or along the lakeshore. Visitors can explore these villages to experience their rich traditions, festivals, and daily life.
Thac Ba Lake can be visited year-round, as it experiences four distinct seasons with stable temperatures. Its proximity to Hanoi (130km away) makes it an ideal spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Boating is the best way to take in the lake’s breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. Visitors can also explore the Thac Ba Hydropower Plant, Vietnam’s first hydroelectric facility, as well as Thuy Tien, Xuan Long, and Bach Xa caves. For a panoramic view, Cao Bien Mountain offers a spectacular vantage point of the lake’s island-dotted expanse.
Recognized as a national scenic and historical site in 1996, Thac Ba Lake is set to become a National Tourism Area by 2040. Under Vietnam’s tourism development plan, it will be transformed into a key tourism hub, offering diverse and high-quality tourism experiences that can compete regionally and internationally.
