Located just over two hours from Hanoi, Sam Tang Lake in Thanh Son Commune, Mai Chau District, stands as the highest mountain lake in Hoa Binh Province. But these lake vistas and refreshing climate remain undiscovered by many. Surrounding the lake are bowl-shaped grassy hills, forming green steppes that embrace its shores.
Situated at an altitude of 1,280 meters above sea level, in Thanh Son Commune, formerly known as Noong Luong Commune, Mai Chau District, the area is predominantly inhabited by the Thai and Muong ethnic groups.
Chu Duc Giang, a 30-year-old traveler from Hanoi, shared his journey to Mai Chau, Hoa Binh, which he reached by a passenger bus for approximately VND200,000 - VND250,000 ($7.90 to $9.80) per person. Upon arrival at the bus station, visitors can easily hail a taxi to reach Noong Luong Village.
Travelers can also opt for the convenience of personal vehicles. As one traverses Thung Khe, the route unveils natural vistas flanking the road, accompanied by cool forest breezes.
On the path leading to the lake, Giang took an S-shaped road that gingerly wound up grassy hills. The lake itself rests at the foothills, where visitors can find parking along the road and take a short 5-7 minute walk to immerse themselves in its scenic beauty.
Sam Tang Lake, spanning approximately 2.7 hectares, is revered as the raw beauty of Hoa Binh. Its surface mirrors the verdant hillsides, offering a captivating ambiance year-round.
Prior to 1973, the lake was merely a large stream. However, responding to agricultural needs, Mai Chau District mobilized young locals to construct dams, transforming it into a water source for domestic and irrigation purposes, serving 400 hectares of agricultural land in the commune, according to the Hoa Binh Province Center for Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion.
Giang suggests visiting the lake in the afternoon to witness its beauty under the golden hues of the setting sun. Besides capturing photographs, visitors can partake in picnics and camping. However, swimming in the lake is not advised due to its depth. As evening descends, guests can marvel at the sunset over the lake or observe the clouds on their journey back.
Sam Tang Lake offers a retreat for leisurely excursions with friends and family on weekends. While tourism infrastructure remains minimal, meaning there are fewer “official” attractions, accommodations, and entertainment options, visitors can relish ample time immersed in nature's embrace.
Within a 2 kilometers radius from the lake, several homestays offer accommodation options priced from VND700,000 to VND1,000,000 ($27 to $39) per room per night. Guests can extend their stay to explore nearby attractions such as Thung waterfall or Lac village, situated approximately 18 kilometers and 30 kilometers away, respectively.
Nguyen Ngoc Tuan, proprietor of a homestay near Sam Tang Lake, noted that the destination’s popularity is growing, which he attributed to visitors’ social media postings. He recommends visiting during summer to experience the transition from low to high altitude while escaping the heat.
Although Giang's initial intent was to behold the lake, he was surprised by the spectacle of the clouds and sunset unfolding behind his homestay. As white clouds drift upwards, covering the land in a gentle glow of orange-yellow light, the view is as stunning as Ta Xua or Sa Pa, but at a cheaper price of around VND1.5 million ($59) per person, Giang noted.
