Noong Lake

Noong Lake is in Tuyen Quang of northern Vietnam, where peaceful water meets ethnic culture and green mountains. Its history, location, and best time to visit Noong Lake are explained in this Vietnam travel guide. Plan your unforgettable Vietnam travel today with Asia King Travel!
The beauty of Noong Lake in Tuyen Quang
Tuyen Quang is already famous for its picturesque mountain passes and ethnic culture, yet Noong Lake adds another brush of beauty. Unlike noisy tourist spots, it offers peace and authenticity. Simple but unforgettable experiences, like boat riding on the lake, watching water buffalo graze, taking a meal with locals of the area can be experienced here.
For those compiling a Vietnam travel guide or planning an itinerary, Noong Lake is a treasure worth highlighting. It's near enough to Tuyen Quang to be accessible but far enough to remain unspoiled. For photographers, nature enthusiasts, or cultural adventurers, there is something here for everyone.
Discover picturesque mountain through boat riding on the lake
Noong Lake, or Vietnamese "Ho Noong," has stories of more than peaceful waters. Legend has it that the lake was formed centuries back due to a natural disaster that reshaped the earth into a basin filled with water and flanked by forest and mountains. The Tay and H'mong communities, who were settled in this region for several generations, consider the lake not only a means of livelihood but a sanctum.
The lake is where the farmers fish and farm, and its seasonal fluctuation to get larger during the rainy season and smaller during dry season dictates their cropping cycle. For tourists on a Vietnam tour, it is valuable to know these traditions because the lake is not scenery but part of the cultural rhythm of Tuyen Quang.
History of Noong Lake
Noong Lake is situated in Phu Linh Commune, Vi Xuyen District, about 23 kilometers north of Tuyen Quang. That is not so far away in any event when it is compared with some other remote locations in the province. Its size is about 20 hectares in the dry season and up to 80 hectares during rainy seasons.
Nested between limestone mountains, rice paddies, and small ethnic villages, a paradise is hidden away from motorbike-clogged streets in Tuyen Quang. Its location is optimal for travelers looking for a mix between nature and culture without having to venture out so far for a road less traveled.
Location of the lake in Tuyen Quang
Noong Lake offers a different charm in every season, making it a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. From May to October, during the rainy season, the lake expands dramatically and creates a stunning scene where trees rise from the water, perfect for photography and boat rides.
In the dry season, from November to April, the water recedes, and there are lush meadows where locals graze cows and till the soil, creating a peaceful countryside landscape ideal for hiking and cultural exploration. For most travelers reserving a Vietnam tour, the months of September to November and March to May are most recommended because of the cold climate, clear sky, and breathtaking scenery.
Best time to visit Noong Lake
The most peaceful way to experience Noong Lake is by wooden boat. As you float smoothly across the water, you'll pass through trees half-submerged in the water, water buffalo splashing for coolness, and villagers discarding fishing nets. It's a photographer's dream and the best means to soak up the lake's peaceful beauty.
Wooden boat on Noong Lake
Fishing is a traditional mode of existence for Tay villagers surrounding the lake, and you can join in. With simple nets or bamboo fishing gear, you can try catching your own dinner with the villagers. It's not just fun, it's also a glimpse into Tuyen Quang daily life.
Visitors can experience fishing in the middle of the lake
The lake is surrounded by Tay and H'mong villages, through which you can hike along rice paddies, find stilt houses, and even share a meal with locals. Walking trails around the area head to viewpoints of the lake and surrounding mountains and are therefore a fulfilling activity for nature lovers.
Tay villages in Tuyen Quang
Noong Lake is Tuyen Quang's hidden treasure, offering tourists an unusual mix of untouched landscapes, cultural diversity, and peace. Whether you want to witness the annual beauty of the lake or immerse yourself in the traditions of ethnic minority indigenous people, this place is a jewel of north Vietnam. We at Asia King Travel specialize in designing individual Vietnam tours that go beyond the tourist trail.
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