Revisiting the "heavenly lake"

Located at the headwaters of the border area of ​​An Giang province, Bung Binh Thien is also affectionately called "heavenly lake" by locals, possessing a peaceful beauty that attracts many tourists from within and outside the province to explore.

The legend of the "heavenly lake"

Bung Binh Thien Lake spans the territories of two communes, Nhon Hoi and Khanh Binh, and comprises two lakes: Bung Lon and Bung Nho. Bung Lon has a surface area of ​​approximately 193 hectares, while Bung Nho has a surface area of ​​about 10 hectares. Besides its role in regulating water for a part of the Mekong Delta, Bung Binh Thien is also a popular destination for tourists who enjoy exploring the beauty of the upstream riverine landscape.

What sets Binh Thien Lake apart is its year-round clear blue water. Although the lake's mouth connects to the Binh Di (Binh Ghi) river branch, the water flowing from the main river into the lake seems to be "filtered," resulting in a crystal-clear blue, unlike the murky water of canals, streams, rivers, and lakes in the surrounding area. Especially during the flood season, when the rivers are murky with silt, the water in Binh Thien Lake remains abundant and intensely blue.

"Aquatic carpet" covers the "heavenly lake" in green.

Local elders recount a folk legend explaining the formation of Binh Thien Lake. One legend tells that while fleeing the Tay Son army through the An Phu region, due to the drought, the soldiers were hungry and exhausted, and there was no water source nearby. Lord Nguyen Anh observed a large lake filled only with sand and rocks, so he drew his sword and thrust it into the ground. Suddenly, a stream of water flowed out. Thanks to this water source, the entire army supporting Lord Nguyen Anh was saved.

The second legend says that, at the end of the 18th century, a general of the Tay Son dynasty, Vo Van Vuong, marched through the Bung Binh Thien area during the dry season. Seeing a large but shallow lake, Vo Van Vuong offered sacrifices to heaven and earth, hoping for water for his soldiers. When he thrust his sword into the ground, a stream of water gushed up and formed the lake. From then on, the lake was named Bung Binh Thien, or "heavenly lake."

Legends explaining its name contribute to the allure of Binh Thien Lake, leaving a lasting impression on visitors from afar. Over time, Binh Thien Lake has remained tranquil and pristine, providing a source of aquatic resources for the local people.

Peaceful beside the Cham village

Visitors can come to explore and admire Bung Binh Thien at any time of the year. However, the flood season is when the "heavenly lake" is at its most expansive, creating a romantic and peaceful atmosphere. Around August each year, when the water from the upstream flows down, it is also the time when the fields are flooded.

The rising water level caused the two lakes, Bung Lon and Bung Nho, to merge into one, creating a vast surface area of ​​approximately 900 hectares. The lake's surface is covered with lush aquatic plants, creating a picturesque, poetic, and vibrant scene.

Visiting Bung Binh Thien for the first time, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Dao, a resident of Ho Chi Minh City, expressed: “When I saw pictures of Bung Binh Thien on social media, I saw the peaceful scenery, so after visiting Ba Chua Xu Mountain in Sam, I made time to come and admire the view. This lake is truly blessed by nature; gazing at the peaceful scenery here makes one feel relaxed.”

Stopping at the open space by Binh Thien Lake, opposite the Masjid Al Khairiyah mosque in Nhon Hoi commune, under the shade of trees, looking out at Binh Thien Lake, visitors will feel the cool breezes and admire the clear blue water with its "aquatic carpet" of yellow flowers growing in long strips on the surface.

In the distance, small boats with nets drift lazily by. All of this creates a picturesque rural scene in the border region, with its slow, leisurely pace of daily life. During the flood season, the lives of fishermen in Binh Thien lagoon become even more vibrant; as the water rises, fish and shrimp from the upstream areas "flood" into the lagoon, enriching the aquatic resources.

Nguyen Van The, a resident of Nhon Hoi commune living near Binh Thien lagoon, said: "Besides farming, I also work as a net fisherman. The flood season is considered a prosperous time. I cast my nets at dawn and collect the fish by noon, which is enough to make a good day."

Another impressive aspect of visiting Bung Binh Thien is that tourists can learn about the unique culture of the Cham people through their traditional clothing and the distinctive architecture of their stilt houses. Around this "heavenly lake" are villages where the Cham people live together.

Most of the Cham people living here follow Islam. They all worship at the Masjid Al Khairiyah mosque. Therefore, when visiting the Binh Thien lake area, it is easy to see Cham people, both adults and children, in traditional clothing, attending prayers at the mosque. This makes Binh Thien lake even more radiant in the depth of the traditional culture of the Cham Muslim community living around the lake.

Text and photos: MY LINH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/tham-lai-ho-nuoc-troi--a425237.html