Ve Vung Dam - a green gem in the rice homeland of Yen Thanh
Amidst the fertile plains of Yen Thanh rice district (Nghe An), Ve Vung dam appears like a charming green gem.
Not only playing the role of an important irrigation project, this place is gradually becoming an attractive destination on the eco-tourism map of Nghe An.
Man-made wonders blend with nature
Following National Highway 48E, connecting Hoa Thanh town, go about 7km to the West, to Hung Tran slope, on the right hand side is a vast chestnut forest with more than 120ha. From here, a large lake appears, which is Ve Vung dam, the whole chestnut forest casts its shadow on the water surface, creating a new beauty. During the chestnut harvest season, visitors can participate in the chestnut picking experience - a rustic but attractive activity.
Located in Dong Thanh commune, Ve Vung dam has a water surface area of up to 720 hectares, with a capacity of nearly 20 million m³ of water. Built in the 1980s, the dam plays a role in providing irrigation water for thousands of hectares of rice and crops in the area. But what is more special is that the clear blue lake surface and the surrounding mountains and hills have created a poetic and rare scene in the middle of the rice plains of Nghe An district.
From above, the lake surface stretches out like a giant mirror, reflecting the clouds, sky and endless forests. Small island clusters emerge in the middle of the lake like unique dots, reminiscent of a miniature Ha Long Bay. The islands have their own names such as Nay, Bach Dan, Ranh Ranh, Dong Mit, Anh Duc, Hon Bien and Len Dinh… undulating in the middle of the clear blue lake, creating a magical and peaceful scene. In the dry season, the water recedes to reveal 3 more temporary floating islands – ideal places for camping and picnicking.
Surrounding Ve Vung dam are large and small hills and majestic mountains, creating a poetic and peaceful scene. Surrounding the lake are chestnut forests, eucalyptus forests rustling in the wind, winding hills and especially a system of nearly 10 large and small oases, creating an attractive and novel landscape complex.
This place is also home to countless species of birds, including flocks of thousands of white storks that gather every sunset – creating a natural space that is both peaceful and vibrant. That scene is hard to forget for anyone who has ever visited.
Not only a destination for nature lovers, Ve Vung dam is also attractive with its simple and interesting everyday experiences: small fishing boats on the calm lake surface, clumps of reeds swaying in the gentle breeze, birds chirping... pure nature invites exploration.
Tenjoy local cuisine
Many people have been to Ve Vung Dam, but it would not be complete without experiencing the local cuisine.
Mr. Phan Trong Luong, who has been protecting the wild birds for many years, and is also the person who takes care of and protects 120 hectares of chestnut trees and plants over 40 hectares of acacia trees around Ve Vung lake, creating a variety of forest trees for the lake area, said that under Ve Vung dam there are countless types of fish, shrimp, snails...
Therefore, visitors can enjoy rustic specialties such as grass carp with snails, braised carp with bamboo shoots, braised soft-shell turtle with banana and bean... The dish "Ve Vung grass carp" is famous in this area because of its firm, delicious meat. The local people are hospitable, ready to invite you to a bowl of green tea and tell you stories about the dam and the chestnut forest that has been protected for decades.
From Vinh city, visitors can follow National Highway 7A, turn into the center of Yen Thanh district and continue about 7km west to reach the dam. This is a beautiful route, which can connect to other destinations such as Gam Pagoda, Duc Hoang Temple, etc. Ve Vung Dam now has a concrete road running along the lake, convenient for motorbikes and small cars to move. For many years now, there has been a restaurant serving tourists with culinary dishes.
With great potential in terms of landscape, ecology and cultural experience, Ve Vung dam deserves to be invested properly to become an eco-tourism highlight of Yen Thanh in particular and Nghe An province in general in the coming time./.
