From Ta Dung, I think about Nui Coc Lake.

Visiting the "March in the Central Highlands," standing at Topview Homestay and looking down at the impressively undulating surface of Ta Dung Lake, I found myself lost in thought about Nui Coc Lake. Like many people in Thai Nguyen, I am waiting for the day when tourism in my hometown truly "takes off" from the tranquil mountain lake, a place often described as a paradise amidst the mountains of Northern Vietnam.

Ta Dung - a popular check-in spot for many tourists.

Ta Dung - the Ha Long Bay of the Central Highlands

With nearly 6,000 hectares of water surface and about 40 islands of varying sizes and shapes, Ta Dung has become a sought-after destination in recent years. From a relatively unknown hydroelectric reservoir, Ta Dung quickly gained popularity on social media, earning the memorable nickname: "The Ha Long Bay of the Central Highlands".

Ms. Nguyen Thi Nga, from Phan Dinh Phung ward ( Thai Nguyen ), shared: "When I arrived in Ta Dung, I was truly overwhelmed. Social media didn't disappoint me; the beauty of this place exceeded my expectations. I was able to witness some amazing sunrises here."

Ta Dung's appeal in recent years reflects the trend of experiential tourism and the need for "check-ins" among modern digital-age travelers. Without much staging, the natural landscape here "tells its story" visually, with captivating and layered imagery.

Having visited many lakes in Vietnam, Mr. Dong visited Nui Coc Lake many years ago and spent a considerable amount of time there just to carefully admire the scenery. He believes that Nui Coc Lake has a special beauty and says he is very fond of a particularly attractive viewpoint of the lake… only regretting that he lives too far away to start his business in Thai Nguyen. That is the view that Flamingo Maison Nui Coc Lake has chosen today.

Sunset over Nui Coc Lake.

Lake Nui Coc doesn't have the dramatic landscape of Ta Dung, but its beauty is gentle, intimate, and deeply romantic. This romance comes from the tranquil waters, the vibrant green islands, the low hills surrounding the lake, and the breezes carrying the scent of midland vegetation.

In particular, Lake Nui Coc also holds within it a legendary love story that has become ingrained in the minds of many generations: the love story of Coc and Cong.

Lake Nui Coc - the beauty of cultural depth.

Late in the afternoon, I suddenly realized that Ta Dung doesn't have a spot to watch the sunset like at Nui Coc Lake. This is also acknowledged by those who have visited Ta Dung and Mr. Dong. I can't remember how many times I've watched the sunset over Nui Coc Lake, or seen the last rays of sunlight stretching across the water, painting the small islands golden, creating a dreamy and romantic scene that never gets old—now a well-deserved source of pride.

With just 2,500 hectares of water surface, Lake Nui Coc boasts hundreds of islands of varying sizes and a rich cultural heritage. Lake Nui Coc possesses a profound beauty, encompassing both cultural depth and stunning natural landscapes. Indeed, sometimes people travel thousands of kilometers to seek out distant beauty, also to better understand and appreciate the beauty of their own homeland.

One thing is certain: the beauty of Lake Nui Coc has been undeniable since its inception. However, Nui Coc has yet to create a "breakthrough moment" in terms of its widespread visual impact. Clearly, tourism today is no longer about "beauty alone"; it needs a new mindset, a mindset focused on experiential and emotional tourism. The issue isn't about the landscape itself, but about how to awaken the landscape. Outstanding destinations must have symbolic perspectives, unique experiences, and a compelling story that resonates widely.

The province's tourism development orientations for the "Lake on the Mountain" area and recent projects implemented at Nui Coc Lake will certainly dispel the old perceptions that Nui Coc Lake has great potential but investment is superficial and fragmented. The scenery is beautiful, but the organization of the tourism space is not truly up to par.

Lake Nui Coc has not yet become an attractive destination for high-end domestic tourists… but we believe that Lake Nui Coc will have products that make tourists "stay," instead of just "passing by," a place where visitors can take "once-in-a-lifetime" photos with the love story of Princess Cong and Prince Coc told in the language of the modern era, full of sophistication, vividness, and touching the heart.

Many people choose Lake Nui Coc as a place to watch the sunset.

The beauty and tourism potential of Lake Nui Coc is like a symphony waiting to be awakened. That melody will only truly resonate when the entire "orchestra" harmonizes – from long-term visionary managers and creative planners to dedicated and capable investors, architects, artisans, and professional tourism workers. When the "conductor" possesses sufficient passion and courage, that symphony will surely be heard.

Like many people in Thai Nguyen, we are still waiting for the day when tourism in our hometown truly "takes off" from the tranquil lake in the midland region. At that time, Lake Nui Coc will no longer be a "potential" destination, but a destination everyone will want to visit at least once in their lifetime. And who knows, one day not too far away, those who watch the sunrise in Ta Dung will also realize they need another place to witness a truly beautiful, quiet, and profound sunset, a place capable of anchoring itself in the memories of those who visit: Lake Nui Coc.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/tin-moi/202603/tu-ta-dung-nghi-ve-ho-nui-coc-9e9332d/