Deep within the hilly town of Dalat, Suoi Tia stands out as a stunning natural wonder. Far from the busy town center, this upstream part of Tuyen Lam Lake remains a secret haven for those looking for a peaceful retreat into a nearly otherworldly landscape.
Suoi Tia is best known for its distinctive flooded forests of Cho Nuoc trees, a local deciduous species. During the dry season, these trees lose their leaves, leaving behind pale, skeletal branches that rise from the emerald water like natural sculptures. When spring arrives, new green buds begin to appear, bringing the forest back to life and creating a striking contrast against the misty background.
The true magic of Suoi Tia unfolds at dawn. As the first rays of sunlight break through the dense canopy, the whole area is covered in a thin, shimmering veil of mist. The water’s surface acts like a mirror, reflecting the ghostly silhouettes of the trees and the shifting colors of the sky.
It is this “cinematic” atmosphere that has made Suoi Tia a legendary destination for landscape photographers and artists, who often wait hours in the biting highland cold just to capture that perfect, fleeting moment of “awakening.”
To truly immerse yourself in this landscape, taking a rowing boat trip is essential. Moving silently through the flooded forest, visitors can feel the cool breeze and hear nothing but the gentle ripple of oars and distant birdsong. It is an experience that promotes mindfulness, allowing one to appreciate the raw, untouched beauty of the Central Highlands.
Despite gaining popularity on social media, Suoi Tia still maintains its untouched charm. There are no busy tourist facilities here, only the quiet sounds of the forest and the lake. For travelers wanting to find a different Dalat – one that is peaceful, mysterious, and deeply poetic – Suoi Tia is a place that aims to touch the soul and awaken the senses.
