The place where Ma To Lake is located

(Baonghean) - According to some local residents, many years ago, when they came to develop the economic zone in Tan Thanh commune, Yen Thanh district, they saw a large tomb there.

This tomb is believed to belong to the ancestor of a family from Northern Vietnam who came here to settle and work. In 1969, when a project to dam the stream to create a reservoir for agricultural production was undertaken, the lake's embankment was built right next to the tomb, so the lake became known as "Ancestor's Tomb Lake."

Ma To Lake has an area of ​​130 hectares and a water volume of 4 million cubic meters.

Ma To Lake originates from the Khe Sau mountainous forest area (Quynh Tam commune, Quynh Luu district). The lake covers an area of ​​130 hectares and holds over 4 million cubic meters of water, serving the agricultural needs of more than 50 hectares of farmland. Besides providing water for production and daily life, Ma To Lake is also an attractive destination for those who love exploring nature.

Mr. Tran Khac Nhan is one of the households involved in fishing and fish conservation in Ma To Lake. Each year, the fishing team releases 2 tons of fish fry. The lake boasts a diverse range of fish species. Their primary mode of transportation is by boat. Every day, at sunset, the fishermen in their small boats paddle and cast their nets to catch fish. Having been involved with Ma To Lake for over 10 years, protecting and fishing in the lake has become a daily routine for Mr. Nhan. He does it not just for a living, but it has long become an integral part of his life. “In the summer, friends and acquaintances from Vinh and Hanoi often come here and ask me to take them boat rides on the lake, to admire the wild natural scenery. They say I’m so lucky to live in a place like this,” Mr. Nhan shared.

Pointing towards Hon Ngang, situated in the middle of the vast lake, Mr. Nhan explained that it is the largest island in Ma To Lake. The entire large lake contains about five islands, among which Hon Ngang is covered in lush green acacia trees, resembling a mysterious, colorful forest from afar. Every evening, flocks of white egrets fly back to roost, and other bird species also gather, creating an incredibly poetic and romantic scene.

Ma To Lake: An interesting destination in Yen Thanh district.

Ma To Lake not only captivates visitors with its fresh air and picturesque natural scenery, but also offers the pleasure of fishing, exploring the vast lake, or hiking. Mr. Nhan said that there are countless fish in Ma To Lake; the fishing crew has caught fish weighing over 30kg on several occasions, and fish over 10kg are caught regularly. Visitors often bring their own fishing rods, and after enjoying exploring the winding lake embracing the mountain slopes, each person chooses an ideal spot to cast their line. As evening falls, by the crackling fire, the fragrant aroma of grilled fish blends with the scent of the forest, and around a rustic table, visitors "feast" on food, singing, and dancing. Visitors can also climb the vast chestnut hills beside the lake, listening to the whispering wind and picking chestnuts during harvest season—a truly unforgettable experience.

Mr. Tran Duy Liem, Chairman of the Tan Thanh Commune People's Committee, said that the locality has long desired to exploit the ecotourism value of this area, but for a long time has been unable to do so. Mr. Liem also revealed: "An investor is building a system of restaurants and hotels to serve the needs of ecotourism. In the not-too-distant future, the potential of this lake area will be exploited and bring significant economic value."

As evening falls, flocks of white egrets glide gracefully over the lake, as if regretting the end of the season. On the lake below, a small fisherman's boat begins to cast its nets. Young birds frantically search for their mothers, creating a stir in a corner of the forest.

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