Top Things to See & Do at Thacba Lake:
Boat tours and fishing on the lake
Homestay experience with the Dzao ethnic community
Hiking through ethnic villages and lush forests
Exploring the Luc Yen gemstone market
Watching the breathtaking sunset over the lake
Boat Tour & Fishing – A Must-Do Experience
A visit to Thacba Lake wouldn’t be complete without a boat trip on its calm, emerald waters. The moment you leave the shore, you enter a different world—one of tranquility, where the only sounds are birds calling and water lapping against the boat.
Explore some of the 1,300 forested islands, discover hidden caves like Thuy Tien, Chua Sao, or Xuan Thuy, and take a refreshing swim in the cool lake waters. Don’t forget to bring your camera—the surreal landscape of tiny islands, some resembling overturned bowls, others like birthday cakes topped with pine trees, is picture-perfect.
The lake is also a vital part of local life, supporting thousands of fishermen. Try your hand at casting a fishing net with the locals, or if that proves tricky, go for an easier catch—crayfish! Just be careful with your fingers. For an extra challenge, learn the unique "foot-rowing" technique, where locals use their feet to paddle the boat!
Cultural Immersion – Stay with the White Pants Dzao
Thacba Lake is home to diverse ethnic communities, but the White Pants Dzao are the most intriguing. The men typically wear short pants, a vest, and a shirt, while the women dress in indigo-dyed hemp tunics with silver earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.
A homestay in Vu Linh Commune offers an authentic cultural experience. You’ll be welcomed into a traditional stilt house with a thatched palm-leaf roof. The accommodation is simple but clean and full of charm.
During your stay, learn about the Dzao way of life—from farming and fishing to their unique customs and celebrations. Many locals also cultivate cinnamon trees, whose bark is used both as a spice in cooking and as a traditional medicine.
Luc Yen Gemstone Market – A Treasure Hunter’s Paradise
Located north of Thacba Lake, Luc Yen is one of Vietnam’s largest gemstone mining regions. Every morning, a vibrant gemstone market takes place, attracting both locals and international traders.
You’ll find a variety of precious stones like rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, as well as semi-precious gems like quartz and amethyst. Prices range from a few hundred thousand VND to several million, depending on quality.
For tourists, local shops sell gemstone artworks, including replicas of famous paintings, carved from natural and semi-precious stones. This growing craft industry has turned Luc Yen into a thriving hub for gemstone artisans.
