Khuoi Khoan Lake – an emerald lake nestled among sau sau forests, just 10 km from the mountain town
Just 10 km from the center of Cao Bang, an emerald lake winds between rolling hills. From above, it looks like a ribbon draped around the mountainside; submerged tree trunks stand quietly in the water, mirrored on its surface. In autumn, the sau sau forest along the shore turns vivid red. In winter, its bare silver trunks resemble a birch forest. This is Khuoi Khoan Lake, a peaceful retreat just outside the mountain town that many Cao Bang locals call “the lake for every season.”
Where is Khuoi Khoan Lake?
Khuoi Khoan Lake is in Nung Tri Cao Ward (formerly Vinh Quang Commune in Cao Bang City), with part of the reservoir extending into the former Ngu Lao Commune in the Hoa An area.
The lake is about 10 km from the city center, via Provincial Roads 203 and 204. Its close proximity makes Khuoi Khoan a perfect weekend getaway for city residents and visitors seeking a green escape without traveling far. Search for “Khuoi Khoan Lake” on Google Maps for directions.
From irrigation project to scenic attraction
Khuoi Khoan is an artificial lake whose construction began in July 2016, with a total investment of more than VND 374 billion. The project includes a dam, sluices, spillway control gates, a management building, service roads and a water conveyance canal system.
The lake holds about 3.7 million cubic meters of water, reaches depths of 31 meters and covers more than 20 hectares. It is one of the largest reservoirs in Cao Bang Province.
Water from the lake now irrigates about 454 hectares of farmland in Vinh Quang, Hung Dao and part of the Hoa An area. Fields that once depended on natural water flow and suffered shortages in the dry season now receive a reliable supply, bringing better harvests. The reservoir is managed and operated by Cao Bang Irrigation One Member Company Limited.
The lake’s beauty
The lake winds along the hollows between hills. Its surface averages several hundred meters across, and depths reach tens of meters, keeping the water clear and emerald green throughout the year, still as a mirror.
One of Khuoi Khoan’s most distinctive features is the trees rising from the water, creating a scene that feels both unusual and poetic. Reeds shimmer in the breeze along the shore, while lush regrowth forests cast cool shade nearby.
The sau sau forest through the seasons
The sau sau, also known as sweetgum, is the most distinctive tree along the lake and gives Khuoi Khoan’s scenery a different look in each season:
- Autumn: The sau sau forest turns red, its colors reflected in the emerald lake in a scene like a painting.
- Winter: The leaves fall, leaving the forest’s pale trunks bare and reminiscent of birch forests in colder lands.
- Spring and summer: The sau sau forest puts on fresh, young green leaves, sending its fragrance on the breeze as cicadas sing.
On some days, drifting clouds blanket the lake, lending the landscape an almost otherworldly feel.
Things to do at Khuoi Khoan Lake
Watch the sunset and stargaze: Visitors recommend staying to watch the sunset over the lake, then waiting for nightfall to see the stars. With its open space and few artificial lights, the night sky is beautiful.
Go camping: Khuoi Khoan is a favorite spot for groups of young friends to pitch a tent, especially in the cool weather of autumn and winter.
Take photos: Submerged trees, red autumn leaves, reeds along the shore and a mural near the lake are popular photo spots that young visitors often share on social media. The lake is also a favorite among photographers.
Go fishing: The lake’s size and depth make it a popular spot for lure fishing. Local residents also continue the traditional practice of fishing here.
Walk or cycle around the lake: Follow the road around the lake on foot or by bike, taking in the forest and water while enjoying the fresh air just outside the city.
When to Visit
- Autumn (around October–November): the forest turns red with autumn foliage, making this the most beautiful time of year.
- Winter: bare, silvery trees create a quiet, distinctive landscape—ideal for camping.
- Late afternoon in any season: for sunset views over the lake.
Places to Visit Nearby
Khuoi Khoan Lake is close to the city center, making it easy to visit alongside attractions in Nung Tri Cao Ward and nearby areas:
- Ky Sam Temple: dedicated to Nung Tri Cao, this national heritage site is home to a cluster of heritage trees, including banyan, muom and kapok trees.
- Na Can Ba Hoang Temple: dedicated to A Nung, the mother of Nung Tri Cao.
- Kim Dong Walking Street and Bang River Walking Street: stroll through the mountain town in the evening after a day at the lake.
- Mac Dynasty Citadel archaeological site and King Le Temple: a cluster of historic sites in Thuc Phan Ward.
Safety Tips—Especially Important
- Do not bathe or swim in the lake under any circumstances. Khuoi Khoan Lake is very deep (up to 31 m) and is not a swimming area. A student tragically drowned here in the past. Authorities have posted warning signs; please follow them carefully.
- Keep children under close supervision at all times near the water’s edge.
- Do not use boats or makeshift rafts without life jackets and a responsible operator.
- Camp only in designated areas, keep fires away from the trees, and make sure they are completely out before you leave.
- Do not break branches or cut down trees in the lakeside sau sau forest.
- Take your rubbish with you to help keep the lake clean and clear.
- Respect the irrigation infrastructure; do not enter the dam, sluice gates or restricted areas.
In Conclusion
Khuoi Khoan Lake was created as part of an irrigation project, yet nature has given it unexpected beauty: emerald waters, submerged tree trunks and a sau sau forest that changes color with the seasons. Just 10 kilometers from the mountain town, Khuoi Khoan is a place to watch the sunset, count the stars and take a break from everyday life. Come to admire and enjoy it, while keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.
