Tuyen Lam Lake in Da Lat is a tranquil escape amid pine forests and rolling hills. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in the city and has fresh air, peaceful landscapes, and endless opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities.
Introduction To Tuyen Lam Lake
Tuyen Lam Lake is approximately 7 kilometers to the south of Da Lat city center, along the Prenn Pass road, and just 2 kilometers from the well-known Datanla Waterfall. Tuyen Lam Lake is situated in Ward 4 of Da Lat city. This park encompasses a wide expanse of pristine lake, providing both refreshing air and a peaceful landscape. The combination of a cool climate and tranquil scenery makes Tuyen Lam Lake a natural attraction for day-trippers looking for relaxation in a unique environment.
With a size of 320 hectares, Tuyen Lam Lake is reportedly one of the three most stunning lakes in Da Lat. Sharply framed by an infinite stretch of pine forest, the surface of the lake is dotted with many islands of various shapes, offering a surreal and intriguing vantage point. The entire scene has the qualities of a stunning watercolor painting, combining endless hues of blue sky and azure water surrounding rolling hills of green – a breathtaking and very worthy experience for nature enthusiasts.
History Of Tuyen Lam Lake
There are various accounts about when Tuyen Lam Lake came into existence, but no one knows about what time it originated. It is known that Tuyen Lam Lake had roots in the Tia Stream, which has long lived in this area.
In 1930, Farraut, a French farmer, was visiting the area and was much impressed with its charm. He sought to develop the area so that he could have a beautiful spot for his vacation, seeing the very fame of the lake today. In 1987, the Lam Dong Irrigation Corporation built a big dam on the Tia stream, which is where Tuyen Lam Lake came from, the beautiful structure we see today. The name translated is “Tuyen Lam”, and it is very poetic to signify the blending of water and mountains.
Unique Structure Of Tuyen Lam Lake
Tuyen Lam Lake is an extensive freshwater lake, located in the Tuyen Lam National Tourist Area, and an area of 320 hectares. The lake is filled with pristine, emerald blue waters that reflect the sky and mountains, bordered by evergreen pine forests. The beauty of Tuyen Lam Lake comes in part from this beautiful combination of nature. It looks like something makes visitors fall in love at first sight.
In addition to the beautiful scenery, Tuyen Lam Lake has developed into a place of peace for visitors looking to escape the busy life of the city. Visitors come to the lake to relax, to clear their minds, and find tranquility. The region is currently undergoing development into a recreational and entertainment area with seasonal cultural and traditional settings, so that the tourist area will become an ideal destination whenever visitors go to Da Lat.
8 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
A visit to Tuyen Lam Lake is not limited to the views; it is a chance to immerse yourself in nature and make unforgettable memories. You can choose to feel relaxed while motoring on placid waters or have an adventure; here are the given experiences you should not pass up.
Take A Boat Trip Across The Lake
One of the most popular things to do is to enjoy a scenic boat tour. While gently cruising onto the crystal clear lakes, you will see the reflections of the endless pine forests above reflected in the waters, creating a serene and yet splendid scene. Visitors tend to flock to the lake during the dry season or during the fall foliage season to see the lake at its best.
Renting a boat from one of the many boat drivers is very affordable, costing roughly between 300,000 VND and 500,000 VND versus the much larger boat that holds up to 15 individuals. Life jackets and safety equipment are always provided to ensure a comfortable, safe, and secure adventure.
Paddle Kayak Or SUP On The Lake
For youthful travelers and adventurous people, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on Tuyen Lam Lake is a fun experience. Guided sessions generally begin around 8:30 AM and provide an initial overview of basic paddling techniques under the guidance of skilled instructors. Confident paddlers may even engage in mini races to add a new challenge.
Many patrons enjoy kayaking the maple forest area, which was planted in the last 10 years and now fills the hillsides brilliantly green. This is a peaceful experience with activity, providing an adventurous feeling along with a strong connection to nature.
Picnic And Camping By The Lake
Camping by Tuyen Lam Lake has become a common choice for groups of friends or families looking for outdoor fun! The lakeside location has plenty of flat, open, grassy areas where you can set up a tent and spend the night.
Just imagine: a campfire, BBQ steaks, and stories around the fire, staring into the starry sky, with a nice lake twinkling nearby. When you wake up in the morning, the sunrise will be incredible, well worth the effort! Most camping expenses can be around 1,200,000 VND per night for a group of 5-7 people.
Experience Free Fishing On The Lakeside
Fishing at Tuyen Lam Lake is more enjoyable than the usual fishing related with tons of fish and shrimp of any size. The greatest part is that it is free, so remember your fishing pole. After some castings, you can hang out on the shore for a while, enjoying the beautiful view. Local services will prepare the fish for you and cook your catch right there in front of you. This leisurely experience is rewarding, and it is authentic in every sense of the word as you taste the natural offerings of Da Lat.
Summit Pinhatt Mountain Peak
If you love adventure, it is not possible to miss the hike to Pinhatt Peak. It lies within the Elephant Mountain cord, located near Tuyen Lam Lake. This peak is still highly undiscovered and offers a real off-the-beaten-path experience. The hike is moderately difficult and offers fantastic bird’s-eye views of Tuyen Lam Lake and Da Lat City below, and the spectacular mountainscape provides great views and scenery of the tranquil lake for photography.
Explore The Hidden Overflow Dam
The Tuyen Lam Lake Overflow Dam is a hidden site, covered by trees and tall grasses, and also a little undeveloped as a tourist site. Yet it’s still an absolutely lovely place for really nice photos for those who discover it. Not to mention, the slow streaming water, combined with scents of greenery, adds to the peaceful ambiance. It is an excellent stop along the way to escape from crowds near the lake.
Observe A Romantic Sunset
Experiencing sunset time at Tuyen Lam Lake is the epitome of a joyful experience for visitors. When the setting sun hides behind the mountains, the lake turns into a breathtaking picture of glowing orange, purple, and golden hues. The reflection on the lake’s surface added to the irrefutable magic filling the air with feelings of romance.
Many travelers say that it is at this time that the real beauty of Da Lat integrates. Remember to bring your camera, as you can’t escape leaving with amazing photographs from the stunning sunset.
Check-In At The Wooden Bridge
The beloved wooden bridge at Tuyen Lam Lake, aka the lavender bridge, is a must-visit for anyone who loves to take pictures. Sitting next to a field of growing lavender, the peace has become synonymous with the lake itself. Visitors like to sit on this bridge for a time being and observe the water, listen to the wind cascading through the vegetation, and experience the quietness of nature in unison with Tuyen Lam.
And even if you dare to wear the perfect outfit, it would be easy to take unbeatable pictures at this super scenic setting. Although simple, this is unique and quaint and embodies the romantic theme of Da Lat.
Entrance Fee
Tuyen Lam Lake is a natural public attraction, and there is no entrance fee. However, some activities and service areas in the lake complex will require tickets. For example, visiting tourist areas or renting a kayak or SUP would require tickets.
Best Time To Visit Tuyen Lam Lake
The ideal time for a trip to Tuyen Lam Lake is the dry months, from November to June. The weather in Da Lat is pleasant with blue skies and a comfortable feeling, perfect for outdoor activities like camping, fishing, or photography.
With that said, any time of year has its own unique charm. The rainy season from May to September brings a peaceful feeling at the lake, where you can sit by the window with a cup of coffee, or have hotpot as you hear the rain on the rooftop.
How To Get To Tuyen Lam Lake
Tuyen Lam Lake is approximately 300 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh City, and there are many different options to get to this serene retreat based on your time and budget.
If you prefer to take a road trip, traveling along National Highway 20 by motorbike is a thrilling alternative. You can take in the sights as you drive through the beautiful Bao Loc Pass and Prenn Pass on your way to the lake. On the other hand, the distance may become tiring, so ensure that your bike is functional and your body is feeling good.
Combine Sleeper Bus And Motorbike
If you want a more relaxing way, you can take a sleeper bus leaving from Mien Dong Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City. The entire trip takes about 6-7 hours, and you will arrive at Da Lat Bus Station, where you can take a taxi or rent a motorbike (approximately 100,000 – 150,000 VND per day) to Tuyen Lam Lake. Bus tickets typically range from 300,000 to 450,000 VND per person.
By Plane
Another option that is typically faster and more convenient is to take the plane. It is only about a one-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Lien Khuong Airport, and will only cost about 300,000 VND for the taxi to the lake (or 40,000 VND by local bus) from Da Lat city center.
Things To Know Before Traveling To Tuyen Lam Lake
While a trip to Tuyen Lam Lake is always a refreshing experience, you’ll enjoy it much more with a little planning. So, be sure to remember a few things as a traveler:
- The dry season (November – June) is best for outdoor activities (camping, boating, fishing, photography, etc.).
- If riding a motorbike, be careful riding on Prenn Pass, especially when it is raining.
- If you want to camp or have a bonfire, you should confirm with the local management board where you can camp or have your bonfire.
- For trekking or riding elephants, you should go with an experienced group or guide, and take all necessary equipment.
- Entry is free, but for some activities (kayaking, boat rides or tent camping, etc) you will still have to pay.
Final Thoughts: Is Tuyen Lam Lake Worth Visiting?
Tuyen Lam Lake is more than a beautiful destination in Da Lat; it is a place of harmony between nature, peace, and adventure. Fresh air, beautiful scenery, and peaceful space designate Tuyen Lam Lake an ideal escape from busy city life. When you plan your next trip to Da Lat, be sure to visit Tuyen Lam Lake. Let Seni World guide you through its hidden gems, and create some of your best experiences!
