Exploring the rustic beauty of Kala Lake (Lam Dong)
Update: Feb 20, 2024
Kala Lake has recently captured the hearts of tourists with its rustic and majestic beauty. The harmonious blend of rivers, mountains, and forests offers visitors a serene and rejuvenating experience, washing away the weariness of daily life.  

A panoramic view of Kala Lake - Photos: Cao Cao Adventures

This enchanting irrigation lake is situated in Bao Thuan Commune, Di Linh District, Lam Dong Province. It is approximately 12 kilometers from the center of Di Linh Town and around 220 kilometers from downtown HCMC. Kala Lake is the largest irrigation lake in Di Linh District, boasting a vast 300-hectare lake surface area and a total capacity of nearly 19 million cubic meters. Notably, the lake’s clean water source is utilized for freshwater fish farming, bringing significant economic value to the local residents.

Perched at an altitude of over 1,000 meters above sea level, the Di Linh Plateau graces the Kala Lake area with fresh and cool air. The optimal time to visit the lake is during sunset or the late afternoon. As the sun dips below the horizon, its gentle rays reflecting on the lake’s surface create an incredibly romantic and poetic ambiance.

Sunset at Kala Lake

Kala Lake remains relatively undiscovered by tourists, preserving its pristine allure. The lake and its adjacent ecological area offer tourists a perfect setting for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, overnight camping, or even trekking along paths adorned with wildflowers along the lake’s edge or through lush pine forests. Moreover, the surroundings feature many verdant green tea and coffee hills.

Travelers also have the opportunity to join climbing groups or organizations to conquer Brah-Yang and Yang Doan, the two highest mountains in Di Linh District. These mountains boast steep and dramatic ranges, enveloped by lush forests. When visitors ascend to an altitude of nearly 2,000 meters, they are rewarded with a panoramic view of Kala Lake and a green valley nestled at the mountains’ base.

This presents an excellent opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in the life and culture of the Co Ho ethnic minority, who have inhabited Di Linh for generations. This ethnic group enriches the region’s cultural diversity with its unique customs, including naming ceremonies and the new rice festival, offering a glimpse into the rich and enigmatic tapestry of both tangible and intangible cultural traditions.

By Thanh Thu

Saigon Times - english.thesaigontimes.vn - Feb 4, 2024