A picturesque artificial lake in Dak Nong, often called West Lake, is popular for its big fish caught in the volcanic lake.

Mirror in the heart of the city

The West Lake in Dak Mil ( Dak Nong province) was officially constructed starting in 1982. Because it is located in the western part of Dak Mil district, the local people named it West Lake.

Since 2023, West Lake has also been known as Dak Mil Volcanic Lake. It is point number 23 on the "Symphony of New Waves" tourist route, part of the UNESCO Dak Nong Global Geopark.

The volcanic lake has become one of the highlights for tourists visiting and exploring the Dak Nong region.

Here, a peninsula emerges from the middle of a lake spanning approximately 120 hectares, surrounded by lush greenery of coffee, cocoa, and pepper plantations cultivated by local residents, creating a picturesque and peaceful landscape. Photo: Ngo Minh Phuong

With a spacious surface area of approximately 108 hectares and a circumference of over 10 km, the volcanic lake acts like a mirror reflecting the town of Dak Mil, Dak Mil district.

The winding roads and lush green trees surrounding the lake also contribute to its picturesque beauty.

Viewed from above, the volcanic lake stands out amidst the vast expanse of mountains and hills, surrounded by lush green forests, serving both as a water reservoir and a valuable natural product of Dak Nong province.

Therefore, the volcanic lake is considered a precious gem within the UNESCO Dak Nong Global Geopark.

Volcanic Lake is another name for West Lake, located right in the center of Dak Mil town. Photo: Ngo Minh Phuong

The intersection between nature and humanity

West Lake is not only valuable in terms of its natural features but is also closely linked to the historical development of the Dak Mil region. From the 1940s, the French came to Dak Mil to cultivate coffee.

Recognizing the naturally low-lying terrain and the trenches created by the Nam Gle volcanic fissure, they decided to build this lake to store water for irrigating their vast coffee plantations. (Photo: Nam Gle volcano viewed from above)

By 1982, Dak Mil district had invested in expanding and upgrading the lake to serve the purpose of providing irrigation water, contributing to the agricultural development of the entire region. Because it is located to the west of the town, it is affectionately called Dak Mil West Lake by the locals.

The lake is located in the western part of Dak Mil district, so locals often call it West Lake. Photo: Ngo Minh Phuong

The volcanic lake remains crystal clear year-round and never dries up.

The volcanic lake provides a flexible water source for crops in Dak Mil district.

Throughout history, this volcanic lake has become a source of livelihood for thousands of people in the surrounding area.

Thanks to this, agriculture in Dak Mil has developed remarkably, with lush green coffee, cocoa, pepper, and durian plantations, creating a stable source of income for the people.

The unique biological treasure of the Central Highlands

Volcanic lakes are not only remarkable for their vast size but also for their diverse and rich ecosystems. With over 500 species of aquatic life living within them, the lakes have become a unique biological treasure of the Central Highlands.

The volcanic lake is located in the central area of Dak Mil town, with a circumference of over 10km and a surface area of approximately 108 hectares, with the deepest point ranging from 15-17m. Photo: Ngo Minh Phuong

From fish and shrimp to tiny organisms like seaweed and algae, all contribute to a sustainable habitat and help maintain the ecological balance of the region.

West Lake has a favorable environment for various types of fish and shrimp to thrive.

People are fishing around West Lake - Dak Mil Lake, Dak Nong province.

The lake's surface is calm and clear all year round.

The tranquil, clear lake is not only a vital water source for agriculture but also creates a picturesque landscape. Anyone who comes here is captivated by the serenity and mystique of the water, reflecting the blue sky and surrounding forest.

The lake's water, formed from volcanic springs, remains crystal clear year-round, helping to regulate the climate and create a balanced landscape for the beautiful town of Dak Mil.

In the early mornings or late afternoons, when the sun casts its gentle golden rays upon the lake's surface, West Lake becomes shimmering and enchanting, captivating countless tourists.

Cultural and ecotourism highlights

The volcanic lake is located right on the edge of National Highway 14, in the center of Dak Mil town, making it convenient for tourists to visit. Photo: Ngo Minh Phuong

With its advantageous geographical location, the volcanic lake is not only close to urban centers but also near famous tourist attractions.

Visiting Dak Mil Lake, tourists also have the opportunity to explore the unique cultural features of the Central Highlands. They can visit the Dak Mil Prison historical site; interact with the local M'nong people; and enjoy local specialties such as coffee, avocado, durian, sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes, bitter eggplant, stewed soup, grilled meat, etc.

Not only is it a place preserving historical values, the volcanic lake is also a unique cultural space. Every year, on the full moon of the first and seventh lunar months, the volcanic lake becomes vibrant with the Lantern Festival – a traditional activity of the people of Dak Mil to pray for national peace and prosperity.

The shimmering lanterns on the water create a mystical and captivating spiritual atmosphere, attracting thousands of locals and tourists from all over to come and admire them.

Lantern-releasing ceremony at volcanic lake to pray for national peace and prosperity.

Ecotourism areas, homestays, garden houses... around the volcanic lake. Photo: Ngo Minh Phuong.

A "check-in" spot designed by the homestay for tourists. Photo: Ngo Minh Phuong

Besides festival activities, visitors to the volcanic lake can also enjoy local specialties at charming restaurants and cafes located along the lake's edge.

Homestays and garden villas are built in various styles and architectures, offering visitors exciting and unique vacation experiences. Furthermore, West Lake is an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, picnicking, or simply enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings.

The lake's edge has been reinforced with stone embankments, pedestrian walkways have been built, and trees have been planted to provide shade.

In recent years, Dak Mil district has invested in building parks, fountains, and a system of walking paths around the lake, as well as stone embankments to protect the lake's banks, transforming it into an ideal destination for tourists and locals.

Locals and tourists enjoy the cool breeze and admire the scenery in the parks surrounding the volcanic lake.

The stunning scenery of the volcanic lake makes it a fantastic spot for taking photos and checking in on social media, especially for young people. The sunset views at the lake are truly captivating, with the golden hues of the setting sun, the sparkling lake reflecting the colors of the sky. Finding a small cafe by the lake and quietly enjoying the sunset at the volcanic lake is sure to be an unforgettable experience for visitors.

West Lake is a favorite photography spot for many tourists and locals.

Along the lake is a popular spot for locals to enjoy cycling for exercise in the shade of lush green trees.

The park by the lake is a place where people can play, relax, and exercise in a cool, fresh atmosphere.

Although the volcanic lake is gradually becoming an attractive tourist destination, protecting and sustainably developing the area is extremely important.

With the increasing number of tourists, the Dak Mil district authorities have been implementing various measures to protect the environment and ecosystem of the lake. Construction projects, waste collection systems, and the development of environmentally friendly tourism infrastructure are all being carefully invested in, ensuring that the volcanic lake retains its pristine beauty and rich ecosystem.

People exercise in the grounds surrounding the lake.

With its tranquil natural beauty and history closely intertwined with the lives of the people of Dak Mil, the Volcanic Lake is not only a prominent tourist destination but also a symbol of the harmonious blend between humanity and nature.

Nestled in the heart of the majestic M'nong plateau, the volcanic lake stands out as a gentle highlight, offering visitors a sense of peace and unforgettable experiences.