Charming Xuan Duong Lake - an ecological destination for winter days.

Xuan Duong Lake (also known as Xuan Duong Dam) is located in the south of Dien Phu commune, Dien Chau district, with a total area of ​​339 hectares and a storage capacity of 20,000,000 cubic meters.³The reservoir serves as a water source for agricultural production in five southern communes of the district. It was formed and dammed by the Dẻ, Lá, Chạch, and Ba Chạng hills. Construction of the dam was undertaken by the French from 1939 to 1942.

The aforementioned project was designed by engineer Souphanouvong (later President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic). On the inauguration day, King Bao Dai attended and highly appreciated the benefits of this project.

The dam and the water-opening and closing system were built in the middle of the water like watchtowers, known as multi-story pillars. The dam's gates, solidly constructed of blue stone, are situated between two mountains belonging to the Rú Chạch and Rú Ba Chạng ranges. The lake receives a large volume of water from streams and springs, flowing through two channels called Truông Đông and Truông Tây. Whenever people go into the forest to gather firewood, they still hear the babbling of the streams flowing down from above, carrying the sounds of the earth and sky, the tranquility and coolness of the mountains and forests.

During the war against the Americans, this area suffered considerable bombing. The Americans were determined to destroy the dam, but it was protected by two mountains. The remaining traces on the mountains are numerous bomb craters. Surrounding the lake are thousands of hectares of pine, eucalyptus, acacia, and ancient trees that have been carefully preserved for many years. The majestic natural scenery, with its many charming caves and ravines, stirs the hearts of visitors. The clear blue surface of the lake is like a giant mirror reflecting everything, creating a magical and shimmering landscape.

Xuan Duong Lake softens the harshness of nature with its dreamy beauty. Nestled between mountain ranges and surrounded by vast forests, the air here is very cool. Even in the hot summer, visitors feel a refreshing chill and have likened Xuan Duong Lake to a second Da Lat. The lake's water is crystal clear, allowing you to see schools of fish swimming playfully beneath the surface. Standing at the dam, gazing out at the rippling water and the undulating hills like a soft silk ribbon, you'll find a picturesque landscape of lush greenery and clear water that captivates visitors.

Particularly striking is the hill rising from the calm waters of the lake, resembling a small, unusual island. Locals call it Ru Dat (Earth Hill). Ru Dat is also home to many species of birds such as wild ducks, owls, egrets, herons, and bulbuls, as well as animals like turtles, civets, weasels, pythons, and snakes. During the rainy season, many birds flock here. Due to its location in the middle of the water, few people can set foot on it, resulting in a pristine ecological landscape with dense vegetation and a rich and diverse plant life.

At Xuan Duong Lake, visitors can also enjoy boat tours on the lake and through the mountain ranges, exploring the caves, with the help of local forest owners. Currently, the locals have invested in building dozens of farms for planting trees and fruit trees in the mountains. Therefore, if booked in advance, visitors to the lake can enjoy delicious local specialties such as carp and catfish weighing up to tens of kilograms, free-range chicken and goat, and various wild vegetables gathered by the locals.

Recognizing this need, Dien Phu commune established the Phu Thinh Agricultural and Forestry Cooperative with 9 members to develop an eco-tourism area with strong regional characteristics, including: landscape planning, areas providing local products such as fruit orchards, and food produced by local people…

Currently, Xuan Duong Lake is strictly managed and preserved by the local government, resulting in a clean, pristine environment with virtually no human intervention. In the near future, with increased investment and development, Xuan Duong Lake will become a memorable destination for tourists from near and far, creating an attractive tourist tour: Cuong Temple - Cua Hien - Xuan Duong Lake.

According to Mr. Le Manh Hien, Vice Chairman of the Dien Chau District People's Committee: According to the Dien Chau District Regional Construction Planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, Dien Chau town will become a type III urban area and one of the six key urban areas of the province, located within three economic corridors. It is expected that Dien Chau district will have key projects such as: the Dien Trung commune urban area, eco-tourism and golf course; and the Xuan Duong Lake eco-tourism and golf course in Dien Phu commune, with an investment of 2,374 billion VND from the provincial budget and socialized investment.

In the future, a project featuring a golf course and ecotourism around Xuan Duong Lake is currently being surveyed and planned. Once operational, Xuan Duong Lake will be a highlight of Dien Chau tourism, an ideal resort destination attracting domestic and international tourists after they have experienced recreational sports activities and visited spiritual and beach tourism sites.”