Thang Hen Lake - A Pristine Jade Gem Hidden in Cao Bang

Nestled in the heart of Northern Vietnam, Thang Hen Lake is a pristine jade gem that awaits discovery. This hidden gem is a must-visit for travelers seeking a tranquil escape amidst breathtaking scenery. With its crystal-clear waters, lush green surroundings, and abundance of activities, Thang Hen Lake has something to offer everyone.

Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore the surrounding countryside, or simply soak up the stunning scenery, Thang Hen Lake is the perfect place for you.

On a Northern Vietnam tour, be sure to add Thang Hen Lake to your itinerary. You won't be disappointed!

No matter what you choose to do, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience at Thang Hen Lake. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

I. Where is Thang Hen Lake?

Thang Hen Lake is a hidden gem located in the Trung Khanh District of Cao Bang Province, Northern Vietnam. It is about 200 kilometers from the city of Cao Bang and about 400 kilometers from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.

The lake is nestled in the heart of the Cao Bang Geopark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The geopark is known for its stunning limestone cliffs, lush green forests, and cascading waterfalls. Thang Hen Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the geopark, due to its pristine beauty and abundance of activities.

Thang Hen Lake in the Tày language means "bee's tail," because from above, the lake has the shape of a bee's tail. Other lakes in the area are all muddy, but Thang Hen has a turquoise watercolor all year round because the lake has its source at a high altitude. Water flows out of the cave at all times, providing and purifying the water, and keeping it in a clear state.

Image soource: vietnamplus.vn

II. How to get to Thang Hen Lake?

The best way to get to Thang Hen Lake is by bus. There are regular buses from Cao Bang City and Hanoi to the town of Trung Khanh. From Trung Khanh, you can take a taxi or motorbike to the lake.

Take a bus from Hanoi to Cao Bang City. There are several bus companies that operate this route, including Hoang Long Bus, Hung Thinh Bus, and Thao Nguyen Bus. The journey takes about 6-7 hours.

From Cao Bang City, take a bus to the town of Trung Khanh. There are several buses that depart from Cao Bang City to Trung Khanh each day. The journey takes about 3-4 hours.

From Trung Khanh, take a taxi or motorbike to Thang Hen Lake. There are no direct buses from Trung Khanh to Thang Hen Lake, so you will need to take a taxi or motorbike. The journey takes about 1 hour.

If you are traveling by car, you can drive directly to Thang Hen Lake. The drive from Hanoi takes about 6-7 hours.

Here are some tips for getting to Thang Hen Lake:

• Book your bus tickets in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
• If you are taking a taxi or motorbike from Trung Khanh to Thang Hen Lake, agree on a price with the driver before you get in.
• The road to Thang Hen Lake is winding and mountainous, so be careful if you are driving.
• The journey to Thang Hen Lake can be long, so be prepared for that.

But despite the long journey, Thang Hen Lake is definitely worth the visit. The scenery is stunning and there are many things to see and do on your trip to Vietnam.

Image source: sinhtour.vn

III. What to do at Thang Hen Lake?

Thang Hen Lake is a beautiful and serene place with a variety of activities to offer visitors. Here are a few of the most popular things to do at Thang Hen Lake:

• Boat tour: Take a boat tour of the lake to admire the stunning scenery and spot wildlife such as monkeys, birds, and fish. You can also visit some of the small islands in the lake, such as Tuyệt Tình Cốc, which is known for its unique heart-shaped rock formations.
• Swimming: The water in Thang Hen Lake is crystal clear and refreshing, making it a great place to swim. There are several swimming areas around the lake, so you can choose one that is best suited to your needs.
• Fishing: Thang Hen Lake is home to a variety of fish species, making it a great place to fish. You can fish from the shore or from a boat. If you are new to fishing, there are several local guides who can help you get started.
• Camping: There are several campsites located around Thang Hen Lake, where you can camp and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Camping is a great way to experience the beauty of Thang Hen Lake and the surrounding mountains.
• Hiking: There are several hiking trails located around Thang Hen Lake, which offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Some of the most popular hiking trails include the Thang Hen Lake Loop Trail and the Tuyệt Tình Cốc Trail.
• Visiting local villages: There are several local villages located near Thang Hen Lake, where you can learn about the culture and way of life of the local people. You can visit the villages on your own or take a guided tour.

Image source: sinhtour.vn

In addition to these activities, there are a few other things you can do at Thang Hen Lake, such as:

• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Birdwatching
• Photography
• Simply relaxing and enjoying the scenery

No matter what you choose to do, you're sure to have an unforgettable Northern Vietnam tour at Thang Hen Lake.

IV. When to visit Thang Hen Lake?

The best time to visit Thang Hen Lake is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During the dry season, the weather is mild and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The skies are clear and the lake is at its most beautiful, with its pristine jade-green waters reflecting the surrounding mountains.

However, Thang Hen Lake is also beautiful during the rainy season, which runs from May to October. During the rainy season, the lake is surrounded by lush green vegetation and the waterfalls are at their fullest. The rainy season is also a good time to visit if you are looking for a more secluded and peaceful experience, as there are fewer tourists during this time of year.

No matter what time of year you choose to visit Thang Hen Lake, you are sure to have a wonderful time. The lake is a beautiful and serene place with something to offer everyone.

• Dry season (November to April)
  • Pros: Mild and sunny weather, Clear skies, Lake is at its most beautiful, Fewer mosquitoes
  • Cons: More tourists, Prices may be higher.
• Rainy season (May to October)
  • Pros: Lush green vegetation, Waterfalls at their fullest, Fewer tourists, Prices may be lower
  • Cons: Rainy weather, Humid conditions, Mosquitoes can be a problem

No matter what time of year you choose to visit, Thang Hen Lake is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Vietnam.

Image source: @avatarvietnamtravelers

V. Tips for visiting Thang Hen Lake

1. Plan your trip in advance. This is especially important if you are traveling during peak season.
2. Book your accommodation and transportation in advance. This is especially important if you are traveling during peak season or during the rainy season.
3. Pack for all types of weather. Even during the dry season, it is important to be prepared for rain.
4. Bring insect repellent. Mosquitoes can be a problem in Thang Hen Lake, especially during the rainy season.
5. Wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes.
6. Bring sunscreen and a hat. The sun can be strong in Thang Hen Lake, so it is important to protect yourself from the sun.
7. Be respectful of the local culture and environment. Thang Hen Lake is a sacred place for the local people, so it is important to be respectful of their culture and environment.

Image source: @thuongdinh.97

VI. Conclusion

Thang Hen Lake is a pristine jade gem hidden in Cao Bang, Northern Vietnam. It is a beautiful and serene place with something to offer everyone, whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous vacation.

With its crystal-clear waters, lush green surroundings, and abundance of activities, Thang Hen Lake is a must-visit for travelers to Northern Vietnam.

If you are interested in visiting Thang Hen Lake, Threeland Travel can help you plan your trip. We offer a variety of Northern Vietnam tours that include Thang Hen Lake. We also offer a variety of other tours and services, such as visa assistance, transportation, and accommodation.

Contact us today to learn more about our Thang Hen Lake tours and other services. We would be happy to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Northern Vietnam!