Trang Den Lake: Ecotourism Potential in Nam Dan

(Baonghean)The potential of the land and the sweat poured into it during a time of revolutionary fervor have given the northwestern part of Nam Dan district a magnificent ecological sub-region: Trang Den Lake. The rolling green mountains and whispering pines reflect their image in the vast expanse of the water, making the land not only a potential source of livelihood, but over time it has become a deeply ingrained symbol of the people's affection for the land, harmoniously blended with the beauty of nature.

Trang Den Lake. Photo: Sy Minh

Located in Nam Hung commune (Nam Dan district), Trang Den Lake is one of the "symbols" of the achievements of the anti-American war in the early 1970s, when the great rear area of ​​the North focused on implementing the Party's policy of "redirecting the river, clearing the cool water" to build reservoirs and dams for irrigation... From Lang Sen - Kim Lien to Trang Den Lake is only a little over ten kilometers, the smooth asphalt road takes you over the three-tiered slope, a place that evokes the fierce bombing by American planes in the past; past Nam Nghia market famous for its tamarind meat products and traditional cattle market, which has gradually become a place to visit for literary people who love rural markets... A little further up is Truong Bon, which is being developed as a national historical site, associated with the scenic mountains and the soulful Vietnamese countryside of the midland region.

And here, the lake, full of water year-round, teems with various fish species such as: scad, tilapia, carp, catfish, and many other aquatic plants and algae. One summer morning, arriving at the lake, paddling a small boat along the mountain slopes to the center of the lake where a small dam stands. Following the green stone steps up the dam, gazing in all directions, one sees the golden sunlight shimmering on the green pine trees, casting reflections onto the water, creating mesmerizing ripples of seven colors along the lake's edge.

And, rest assured of your initial concerns about the scorching temperatures of Nghe An during this hot, dry season, because Trang Den and its forest and aquatic ecosystem act like a giant air conditioner, soothing the terrible heat of Central Vietnam, making you dreamily immerse yourself in the scenery and exclaim: Is this Da Lat?

There, the pines rustle like whispers of a love story! There, countless tiny water droplets on the spillway create a swirling mist, forming the illusion of a land of fog. Beside the streams, the mountain slopes reveal layers of reddish-brown laterite rocks, hesitantly formed from millions of years old, suddenly bursting forth with clusters of shy, heart-shaped purple flowers… Far from the lake, the fishermen tap their boats, waking the drowsy shepherds as their plump buffaloes bask in the cool, green waters of the lake.

Afterward, you can continue by boat, venturing deeper into that magical landscape. The mountains gradually rise, now a jumble of peaks and clouds. Above lies the legendary Ba Khe Dam, a site of historical events during the time when Northern Vietnamese laborers "changed the world"! The massive spillway cascades down, its vast expanse like a silken veil shimmering in the silver sunlight, its countless ripples highlighting a fascinating formation in Trang Den: the Ru Dai "peninsula," bobbing on the water's surface, connected to the western mountain range by a single path. As you approach the "peninsula," paddle gently, for amidst the pine and eucalyptus trees, a symphony of birds familiar to the locals chirps... occasionally, a small weasel darts to the water's edge, momentarily bewildered, then disappears back into the dense vegetation. You can dock your boat on the peninsula. Find a soft patch of grass and lay down your food supplies for a quick meal. Amidst the chirping of birds, under the rustling of pine and eucalyptus trees, you can comfortably drift off to sleep in the gentle breeze…

It's summer. Take the time to return to Trang Den in early autumn. Remember to wear a light jacket. The clear blue water is perfect for casting your line, and soon after, a local guide can lead you to a small bonfire to grill the carp and catfish you've caught. It's essential to add a few clumps of gardenia (a broom-making plant and also used as a medicinal herb), readily available there, to the charcoal fire; the fish will develop a uniquely spicy aroma. You can also ask a fisherman on the lake for some "chap chap" (similar to minnows), grill them, and then braise them with fermented soybean paste, molasses, shallots, and fresh turmeric…; guaranteed you'll have a very impressive local delicacy that you'll fondly remember and crave: Trang Den Lake's braised "chap chap"!

And, no matter the season, after enjoying the lush green scenery, you can visit Nam Nghia market, and at the tamarind meat restaurant, you'll find that this specialty truly lives up to its reputation, sought after and praised by visitors from both the North and South who have the opportunity to come to Nghe An. Furthermore, wandering through the Nam Nghia cattle market, you'll immerse yourself in the bustling buying and selling atmosphere, the noisy local dialects, and grasp a unique market culture with its age-old traditions, no less captivating than the "Giat Market" of Nghe An described by writer Nguyen Minh Chau. And there are also the fragrant guava, persimmon, lychee... from Nam Dan, always smelling of the garden in the early morning, for you to choose from.

I just took you to visit Trang Den - a famous eco-cultural tourism potential in Nam Dan district, the birthplace of President Ho Chi Minh! This attractive destination is attracting investors to survey the area with investment ideas worth tens of billions of VND.

Mr. Vu