High mountain lake

Collecting water from mountain springs.

Located at the foot of Co To Mountain, Soai So Lake in Tri Ton commune covers an area of approximately 5 hectares and holds about 400,000 cubic meters of water. During the rainy season, tiny drops of water trickle through the crevices of the rocks, accumulating into the cool, refreshing Golden Stream that flows down into Soai So Lake. After a few heavy rains, Soai So Lake will be full of water. With its abundant water source and calm, mirror-like surface, the lake is picturesque and charming.

Thuy Liem Lake on Cam Mountain. Photo: THANH CHINH

During the six months of the rainy season, the Bay Nui region has an abundance of water. Heavy downpours pour down on the hills and mountains, often causing floods that wash away soil and rocks on rural roads. However, during the dry season, the mountainous region suffers from water scarcity, making rainwater reservoirs crucial for supplying water for production and daily life. Mr. Chin Phat (Nguyen Tan Phat, 49 years old) said that in the past, the Soai So reservoir area had a low-lying, empty plot of land. During the rainy season, water would accumulate, and the Khmer people would lead their cattle down to bathe and drink, eventually forming a small reservoir. Later, each year, the amount of rainwater flowing down from the Vang stream increased, creating a fairly large reservoir. The government recognized the importance of water storage during the dry season and built a solid reservoir. Currently, every rainy season, this reservoir holds a large amount of water. "During the rainy season, people have plenty of water to use, and during the dry season, they put pipes down to the reservoir to pump water for daily life and irrigation," Mr. Chin Phat explained.

Walking around Soài So Lake, we saw the lush green mango orchards of the local people on the hillside. Thanks to the water from the lake, the locals have been able to expand their orchards, bringing in a considerable income. Mr. Chín Phát said that in recent years, people have been establishing mango orchards, and thanks to the water from Soài So Lake, the orchards have maintained their greenery on the mountainside. His family grows 5 acres of Taiwanese and Hòa Lộc mangoes, and this season they are bearing off-season fruit for the Lunar New Year, hoping for a good income. Currently, many tourists come to visit and take photos at Soài So Lake and the area at the foot of Cô Tô Mountain.

Ideal tourist destination

Leaving Soài So Lake, we made our way to Ô Tà Sóc Lake in Ô Lâm commune. Located at the foot of Mount Dài, the lake is solidly constructed with a fairly wide road, allowing for easy vehicle access. Looking up from above, Mount Dài is shrouded in clouds, sometimes visible, sometimes hidden, creating a tranquil scene. The vast lake, with its clear blue water, reflects the mountains and forests like a mirror – truly beautiful. It was our first time here, and we were overwhelmed by the lake's dreamy beauty. The green of the mountains and forests reflected in the water created a peaceful atmosphere.

Soai So Lake at the foot of Co To Mountain. Photo: THANH CHINH

Approaching the foot of the mountain, we saw many tourists strolling around, and we felt the peaceful, carefree life, close to nature, at the foot of Mount Dai. Stopping to ask for directions, we learned that they were from elsewhere, visiting and traveling . Reaching the concrete road up the mountain, we rode under the forest canopy, then climbed the slope, meeting locals carrying agricultural products down the mountain. According to some locals, this mountain has a gentle slope with sandy soil, and the climate and soil conditions are favorable for establishing orchards. Quickly unloading baskets of green beans to weigh for the traders, Mr. Tran Van Hoa said that because there was no rain this season, the people here relied on water from O Ta Soc Lake to irrigate their orchards, resulting in good profits.

Located at an altitude of approximately 600m, Thuy Liem Lake on Cam Mountain in Nui Cam commune covers an area of about 6.7 hectares and has a capacity of over 500,000 cubic meters of water. Previously, this was a shallow lake, filling up during the rainy season and drying up completely during the dry season. Mr. Dinh Van Tuoi (93 years old), who lives near Thuy Liem Lake, recounts that this area used to be a valley. During the rainy season, water would accumulate in the form of a small lake, while during the dry season it would dry up. To store water year-round, the lake was built solidly to serve the daily needs, irrigation of gardens for the mountain dwellers, and forest fire prevention and control during the dry season.

The area surrounding the lake has been beautified and planted with flowers, creating a refreshing and attractive landscape for tourists. Thuy Liem Lake is known as the most beautiful lake in the Bay Nui region and is a famous tourist destination throughout the area. Around the lake is a complex of temples and pagodas, resembling a unique and picturesque landscape in the Mekong Delta. Visitors who come here early in the morning will experience the cool air, the tranquil scenery, and the misty clouds that create a scene like paradise. Many tourists compare this place to Da Lat in the lowlands.

Now, these artificial lakes not only serve the lives of the local people but also become peaceful stopping points for travelers on their journey to explore and experience the majestic Seven Mountains.

THANH CHINH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/ho-nuoc-vung-cao-a473505.html