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Almost every Vietnamese person knows about Ke Go Lake through the melodious song “The People Who Built Ke Go Lake”. The song tells the story of the lake’s construction, praising the hard work of the builders and the lake’s poetic beauty. Thanks to the reservoir, local people have water for irrigation and daily use. If you're traveling to Central Vietnam by car, you might hear the driver playing this song along the way!
The vast of Ke Go Lake. Photo: Tien Phong
Ke Go Lake is the largest lake in Ha Tinh Province, covering a surface area of approximately 30km². Although an artificial reservoir, it boasts majestic, untouched, and poetic beauty, much like a natural lake. You'll be captivated by its picturesque scenery, with lush green hills surrounding the crystal-clear waters. Join Asia King Travel as we explore this stunning landscape in this article!
During the colonial period, the French planned and built some basic structures of Ke Go Lake. However, construction was abandoned due to World War II and the Indochina War. It was not until the end of the Vietnam War that the project was resumed. It began in 1976 and was completed within three years.
Beneath the lake, there are still traces of a former runway and numerous bomb craters. Photo: Bao dan toc
The initial plan for Ke Go Lake was to complete it in 10 years, later shortened to 6 years, and finally to just 3 years. To meet the deadline, the authorities at the time had to bring heavy machinery weighing 30 to 40 tons to the construction site, build 30,000 square meters of housing for workers, and mobilize 10,000 cubic meters of gravel in the first quarter of 1976 for construction.
In those years, thousands of people gathered on the barren land of Cam Xuyen District to build what was then the most magnificent irrigation project. The construction site regularly had 10,000 irrigation workers, along with tens of thousands of people mobilized from cooperatives, neighborhoods, government agencies, factories, schools, and the military. Each one was required to contribute at least 30 days of labor to the project each year.
Ke Go Lake is located at the head of Rao Cai River in Cam Xuyen District, Ha Tinh Province. It is just over 20 kilometers southwest of Ha Tinh City. For travelers from cities with international transport infrastructure, the lake is 70 kilometers from Vinh City (Nghe An Province) and 400 kilometers from the capital Hanoi.
Since there is no international airport, you should land at an airport in Vinh, Hanoi, or Hue, then travel to Ha Tinh via National Highway 1A. In Cam Xuyen District south of Ha Tinh City, take Provincial Road 121 until you reach Rao Cai River. Then, turn left and follow the Cam Xuyen – Ke Go road to reach the lake.
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Ha Tinh's weather is scorching hot in the summer, from April to July, and there is a rainy and stormy season from September to November, so it's best to avoid these periods. You can visit a few months before summer to enjoy the cool breeze from the lake, which helps ease the mild heat.
Cool days or those with gentle sunshine are the best for relaxing by the lake. Photo: Tien Phong
The overpass bridge on the lake is about 132 meters long and curves into a C shape. Standing on the bridge and looking around, you’ll be amazed by the dreamy, pristine beauty of the vast Ke Go Lake. Just bring along a few light snacks like pastries and fruit, and you can enjoy a super chill sightseeing experience by the lake.
C-shape bridge. Photo: Suc khoe va Doi song
Camping is an activity loved by many tourists. Since the lake is located within a nature reserve, the surrounding area is covered with a lot of trees. This is an extremely ideal place for you to set up camp, socialize, eat, and have fun with family and friends during holidays. The fatigue, worries, and busyness of life will almost disappear when you immerse yourself in the peaceful, refreshing scenery of nature.
The breathtaking nature surrounding the lake. Photo: Tienphong
Just 5 kilometers from the lake is the memorial temple of former General Secretary Le Duan, a prominent Vietnamese politician of the 20th century. You can pay your respects with an incense offering and learn about his life and career through various photos and documents displayed inside the temple.
Visitors often choose the lake for a day trip or an overnight camping experience. Since the lake is not part of a planned tourism area and is located within a nature reserve, there are no hotels nearby. If you wish to stay overnight, you can head to Ha Tinh City just 20 kilometers away to find accommodation.
Ke Go Lake maybe just a small stop on your journey through Central Vietnam, but don’t overlook its untouched beauty. Come and enjoy a wonderful, relaxing time with your family and friends. Asia King Travel is always ready to turn your travel plans into reality!
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