Nui Coc Lake is one of Thai Nguyen’s most beautiful attractions. Despite that, the lake remains extremely underrated in comparison with other prominent attractions in the North.
Nui Coc Lake is regarded by the locals as an icon of Thai Nguyen. Despite being rather lesser-known regarding Vietnam travel, the lake poses incredible views and offers exciting activities for visitors.
1. An overview of Nui Coc Lake
1.1. Location and features
Looking at the Thai Nguyen Vietnam map, you will find Nui Coc Lake 16 kilometers away from the center of Thai Nguyen City and 100 kilometers away from the capital city of Hanoi. This is a man-made freshwater lake constructed from 1973 to 1982. Its primary function is to provide water for over 12,000 hectares of fields. Over time, this lake in Thai Nguyen has become a prominent tourist attraction, where there is also a tourist area to provide visitors with various activities like fishing and going on a relaxing boat ride.
The way to Nui Coc Lake is adorned with tea hills, rice fields, and streams, giving visitors an idea of what is going to welcome them at the destination. Spanning an area of 2,600 hectares, this 50-meter-deep lake is the centerpiece of a gorgeous arrangement of natural wonders. There are 89 islets in the area, making up a diverse ecological reservation with 15 species of mammals, 40 species of birds, and countless trees to add an enchanting shade of emerald to the scenery. To top it all off, the backdrop is the imposing Nui Coc (Coc Mountain), completing the beautiful painting with both man-made achievements and natural creations.
1.2. Legend
There is a legend surrounding the name of the lake as well as its origin. It is the story of Cong and Coc, a couple who were in love but did not get to be together. It was told that the time Coc spent waiting for his love was so long that he turned into a mountain. Seeing how her love turned out, Cong’s tears formed a river. The locals had dedicated the name of the star-crossed lovers to a mountain (Coc Mountain – or Nui Coc) and a river (Cong River – or Song Cong). Nui Coc Lake was named after the mountain.
2. Things to do on your trip to Nui Coc Lake
2.1. Enjoy a boat ride around the lake
A serene boat ride to escape from the busy city life is the best thing you can possibly do at Nui Coc Lake. The gorgeous landscape makes an amazing backdrop for a peaceful boat ride, allowing visitors to let loose and take in the tranquil atmosphere. During the ride, you can take some mesmerizing photos while asking the guides about the stories of this area. If you are looking to uncover these stories yourself, the boat will take you through some significant landmarks in the area, with one of them being Thac Vang Pagoda Complex.
2.2. Visit Thac Vang Pagoda Complex
This spiritual attraction is absolutely incredible for history buffs and travelers interested in learning about Vietnamese culture, specifically Buddhism. Appearance-wise, the complex houses majestic sculptures that have been preserved in mint condition for years. Venturing into the pagoda will allow you to learn about various Buddhist teachings, giving you a glimpse into the interesting and deeply-rooted influences of this religion on Vietnamese culture.
2.3. Explore majestic caves
The caves surrounding Nui Coc Lake are in a league of their own, presenting an undeniably enchanting atmosphere. Exploring these caves brings an opportunity to admire natural rock formations that create a mysterious vibe. Here, you will also get to know the cultural aspects of the region through the stories engraved on the walls. Make sure to properly prepare your hiking gear and find a tour guide to enhance your experience at these atmospheric caves.
3. Information for visitors planning to explore Nui Coc Lake
3.1. How much is the ticket fee for entering Nui Coc Lake?
Nui Coc Lake has grown into a tourist area, so tickets are required for your visit. The ticket prices are as follows:
- Visitors over 120-centimeter-tall: 130,000 VND
- Elderly visitors: 80,000 VND
- Children under 110-centimeter-tall and disabled people: Free of charge
*These prices are for reference purposes only and may change over time. If you are planning to visit Nui Coc Lake, it is recommended that you contact the management board for the most up-to-date information.
3.2. When is the best time to visit Nui Coc Lake?
As an outdoor attraction, a trip to Nui Coc Lake is somewhat influenced by Thai Nguyen weather. Your experience here may be hindered by the cold and rain, so it is important that you check the weather forecast days in advance. With that being said, the best time to visit the lake is from March to November to avoid the cold. Thai Nguyen is located in the North of Vietnam and this region is significantly colder than the South. Thus, you may want to steer clear of the period from December to February if you are not fond of the chill.
Pleasant weather allows for a comfortable trip to the lake (Source: Collected)
3.3. How to get to Nui Coc Lake?
Nui Coc Lake is not far from the capital city Hanoi, which is a popular departure point. There are two ways to make the journey from Hanoi to the lake:
- By bus: Make your way to My Dinh Bus Station and get a bus ticket to Thai Nguyen City. From there, you can continue with a taxi or motorbike taxi ride to the lake.
- By car or motorbike: For tourists looking to make the journey themselves, you can follow the Hanoi – Thai Nguyen highway. Make sure to prepare a map to avoid getting lost on your way to the lake.
If you are from other cities like Ho Chi Minh City, it is highly recommended that you fly to Hanoi first, because Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi is the closest major airport to Thai Nguyen.
Nui Coc Lake is one of the tourist gems of Thai Nguyen Province. Here, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities, from going on peaceful boat rides to exploring atmospheric caves. So, pack your bags and make the journey to admire the lake with your own eyes.
