Thang Hen Lake: Discover the Hidden Gem of Cao Bang’s Highlands

Famous for its stunning emerald waters, unique limestone formations, and vibrant ethnic culture, Thang Hen Lake offers an unforgettable escape into nature. Whether you’re seeking scenic boat rides, hiking adventures, or authentic cultural experiences, this serene destination is perfect for travelers looking to explore Vietnam’s untouched beauty. Plan your visit to Thang Hen Lake and uncover the magic of Cao Bang’s breathtaking landscapes in this article.

1. Overview of Thang Hen Lake

Nestled in the pristine wilderness of Tra Linh district, Cao Bang Province, Thang Hen Lake stands as one of North Vietnam's most breathtaking freshwater lakes, renowned for its year-round jade-green waters and the magnificent mountainous landscape that surrounds it. Located approximately 30 kilometers from Cao Bang city center, this hidden gem sits at an elevation of over 1,000 meters above sea level, creating a serene escape into nature's untouched beauty.

The crown jewel of this destination is the Thang Hen Lake System - an extraordinary network of 36 interconnected freshwater lakes of varying sizes that create a mystical and magnificent landscape. What makes this system truly magical is the mysterious phenomenon where water levels can rise or drop dramatically overnight, sometimes connecting all 36 lakes into one vast body of water during the rainy season.

These lakes are connected through underground caves and passageways, ensuring that the crystal-clear waters remain pristine throughout the year (Source: Internet)

According to local Tay folklore, the legend of Thang Hen Lake originates from Sung, a gifted young man from Cao Bang who passed the imperial exams and was granted seven days to return home in honor. There, he fell in love and married a beautiful local girl named Booc. So captivated by their new life together, he forgot his duty to return to the capital.

On the seventh night, he rushed into the forest but collapsed after just 36 steps, hitting his head on a mountain and dying. According to folklore, those 36 steps became the 36 lakes of Tra Linh, and the place where he fell is now the serene Thang Hen Lake, symbolizing eternal love and tragic destiny.

36 steps transformed into the 36 lakes that make up the Thang Hen system (Source: Internet)

2. How to get to Thang Hen Lake

Reaching Thang Hen Lake is part of the adventure itself. Nestled deep in the highlands of Tra Linh District, Cao Bang Province, the lake is only accessible via a single mountain road, making the journey as scenic as the destination.

From Hanoi (300 kilometers): Take an overnight bus from My Dinh Bus Station to Tra Linh, Cao Bang (6 - 8 hours, VND 200,000 - 280,000 per ticket). Once in Cao Bang, you’ll need to arrange separate transportation to the lake.

From Cao Bang City (30 kilometers):

• By motorbike: Take National Highway 3 for about 21km, then turn onto Provincial Road 205 and continue for another 4km. Look for the signboard on your left indicating the turn to Thang Hen Lake Ecotourism Area. From here, continue for about 8km on a winding mountain road. The full trip takes 1 - 1.5 hours, depending on road conditions.
• By taxi: A convenient option for families or groups. Fares typically run at around VND 10,000 per kilometer.
• By guided tour: Several local travel operators offer day trips or combo tours to Thang Hen Lake, often bundled with Ban Gioc Waterfall or Nguom Ngao Cave. These tours include round-trip transportation, a local guide, and sometimes meals or cultural activities.

From sweeping mountain passes to ethnic villages, every mile offers travelers a glimpse into the rugged beauty of Northern Vietnam (Source: Internet)

Notes:

• The only access to Thang Hen Lake is through the Thang Hen Lake Eco Resort entrance.
• Parking is available near the entrance of Thang Hen Lake Eco Resort, which is also the only official access point to the lake.
• If riding a motorbike, always check the weather forecast beforehand. The mountain roads are breathtaking but require careful driving, especially in wet conditions.

3. Top 8 Breathtaking Experiences Around Thang Hen Lake

From sparkling hidden lakes and secret caves to the daily lives of ethnic minorities, the area around Thang Hen offers countless experiences that speak to the adventurous soul. Here's a curated list of the most unforgettable things to do around this highland gem.

3.1. Trekking Through the Thang Hen Lake System

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the winding trails that connect all 36 lakes in this pristine mountain system. The trek takes you through dense "Tram" tree forests, across limestone karst terrain, and offers breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the interconnected emerald waters.

Local Tay and Nung guides (about VND 200,000 - 300,000 per day) provide invaluable insights into the unique flora, including centuries-old trees and rare wild orchids, while sharing fascinating folklore and legends passed down through generations. The moderate trek covers 3 - 5 kilometers depending on your chosen route and fitness level.

Explore winding paths around Thang Hen Lake and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Cao Bang’s highlands (Source: Internet)

Panoramic views of Thang Hen Lake’s crystal-clear waters framed by towering limestone cliffs and lush green forests (Source: Internet)

3.2. Camping Overnight at Thang Hen Glamping

There’s no better way to fully soak in the serene beauty of Thang Hen Lake than spending the night under its starlit sky. Nestled on a gentle hill overlooking the shimmering lake, Thang Hen Glamping offers a well-designed camping experience with cozy, vintage-style tents, warm lighting, and inviting shared spaces that blend perfectly with the surrounding nature. Just lifting your camera anywhere on the site rewards you with Instagram-worthy shots.

As night falls, guests gather for traditional Tay ethnic music performances, storytelling, and feasting on local dishes prepared with fresh-caught fish and organic vegetables from nearby farms. The atmosphere is calm and open – far from the chaos of city life, offering that rare feeling of drifting peacefully among the mountains. Morning here feels like stepping into a watercolor painting: dew-covered grass, sun-drenched lake reflections, and crisp air carrying only the sound of birdsong.

Note: Glamping spots are limited and fill up quickly during holidays or summer weekends, so booking in advance is highly recommended.

The glamping experience includes campfire activities, traditional music performances by local ethnic minorities, and authentic mountain cuisine (Source: Internet)

3.3. Enjoying a Boat Ride Across the Emerald Waters

Exploring Thang Hen Lake by boat or SUP is one of the most tranquil ways to take in its breathtaking scenery. Gliding across the jade-green surface, visitors are treated to views of limestone cliffs, ancient forests, and ethnic stilt houses mirrored in the clear water. During the high-water season, it’s even possible to paddle into nearby caves – an experience both peaceful and mysterious.

Boats and SUPs can be rented easily at the eco-resort dock, with prices around VND 150,000 for two people and no strict time limits. Locals may guide you to the lake’s hidden spring-fed source, adding a magical touch to your journey. It’s a must-try activity for those seeking calm, nature, and unforgettable lake views.

Enjoying the fresh, spacious air is enough for you to feel the peace of the mountains and water of Cao Bang (Source: Internet)

3.4. Conquering Thang Hen Viewpoint

Challenge yourself with a moderate 30-minute hike to the elevated viewpoint overlooking the entire Thang Hen Lake system. Though the climb is relatively short, the panoramic views are absolutely spectacular, especially during sunrise and sunset when golden light transforms the landscape into a natural masterpiece.

From this vantage point, you can clearly see the diamond shape that gives Thang Hen its name (“bee's tail” in Tay language) and understand how the 36 lakes connect during high water seasons. Bring your camera and drone for unforgettable aerial-style shots of this pristine wilderness.

For those seeking a touch of adventure, the Thang Hen Viewpoint offers one of the most stunning panoramas in Cao Bang (Source: Internet)

It’s an ideal spot for photography lovers, capturing the raw, untouched beauty of the northern highlands from above (Source: Internet)

3.5. Interacting With Local Tay and Nung Ethnic Communities

A visit to the Tay and Nung villages around Thang Hen Lake offers a rich cultural experience beyond the scenic beauty. Here, you can join locals in traditional activities like weaving brocade on wooden looms, cooking banh chung den (black sticky rice cakes), and tasting fragrant corn wine brewed with forest leaf yeast. Village visits provide meaningful cultural exchange while supporting local livelihoods through community-based tourism initiatives.

Your presence supports sustainable, community-based tourism that helps preserve cultural heritage and uplifts local livelihoods (Source: Internet)

3.6. Admiring the Unique Stalactite System

Tucked within the limestone cliffs feeding Thang Hen Lake lies a hidden cave system where underground springs flow through spectacular formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The main cave features a skylight-like opening that lets sunlight pour in, casting dreamy reflections on the emerald water below. Local guides often lead visitors through the cavern, revealing surreal rock shapes that resemble animals or legendary figures—shaped over millions of years and woven into local Tay folklore. It's a magical blend of geology and myth, perfect for curious explorers and cave lovers.

Stalatiticles over millions of years with unique rock shapes that resemble animals and mythical creatures according to local folklore (Source: Internet)

Most visitors are attracted by the fascinating cave system at the source of Thang Hen Lake (Source: Internet)

3.7. Capturing Stunning Photos of The Magical Water Level Shifts

One of Thang Hen Lake’s most mysterious features is its ability to dramatically change water levels overnight – sometimes drying up almost completely or rising without warning. These surreal shifts, caused by a unique underground water system, are most visible during the changing seasons, especially from September to October. Photographers and drone pilots flock here to document the ever-changing reflections, disappearing shorelines, and mist-covered valleys, creating time-lapse masterpieces of a lake that seems to breathe with the mountains.

Thang Hen Lake is famous for its mysterious overnight water level changes (Source: Internet)

Prepare your camera to capture the dramatic transformations, especially during transition periods between dry and rainy seasons (Source: Internet)

3.8. Exploring Wild Sunflower Gardens Landscape

Every October, the hills surrounding Thang Hen Lake burst into life with vibrant waves of wild sunflowers, painting the landscape in brilliant gold. This stunning contrast between the bright yellow blossoms, the lake’s emerald waters, the deep blue sky, and lush green forests creates a magical, almost otherworldly scene, like stepping into a fairy tale.

The sunflower bloom lasts just 2 - 3 weeks at its peak, making mid-October the perfect time to visit and capture this fleeting natural spectacle. Photographers and nature lovers alike flock here to witness and preserve these breathtaking moments that transform Cao Bang’s mountains into a radiant paradise.

During October, wild sunflowers bloom in brilliant golden waves across the mountainous landscape surrounding Thang Hen Lake (Source: Internet)

Plan your visit carefully, as the peak blooming period lasts only 2 - 3 weeks in mid-October when colors are most vibrant and coverage is most extensive (Source: Internet)

4. Insider Tips for Exploring Thang Hen Like A Local

Maximize your Thang Hen Lake experience with these essential insider tips gathered from local guides and frequent visitors to this remote mountain destination.

• Best time to visit: Plan your trip in summer to enjoy the lake at its fullest, with lush greenery and all 36 lakes connected by high water levels. Visit in autumn (September and October) for beautiful golden scenery and the rare chance to witness the lake’s sudden water level changes. For a quieter, more reflective experience, winter reveals the clear lake bed and peaceful surroundings. Avoid visiting Thang Hen Lake during the summer months (March to August) when water levels are low as this can lessen the lake’s scenic beauty.
• What to bring: Wear sturdy hiking shoes for slippery limestone paths. Bring a wide-brim hat and high SPF sunscreen to protect from strong sun. A waterproof camera bag is useful for boat trips. Don’t forget a portable charger, insect repellent, and layers of clothing for changing mountain temperatures.
• Safety tips: Be careful near wet rocks to avoid slipping. Always wear a life jacket on boats, even if you can swim. Inform someone if trekking alone and stay on marked trails. Note that phone signals are weak or unavailable in many areas.
• Respect local culture: Ask permission before photographing villagers and dress modestly when visiting ethnic Tay and Nung communities. Learning simple local greetings can create goodwill. Support local artisans by buying authentic handicrafts and avoiding littering to protect the environment.
• Save money: Stay in Cao Bang City for cheaper accommodation options. Bring your own food and drinks since lakeside options are limited and pricey. Join group tours to share transport costs and visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and sometimes get discounts.

At different times of the year, Thang Hen Lake reveals its own unique beauty (Source: Internet)

5. 4 Tourist Attractions Near Thang Hen Lake

Thang Hen Lake's strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring other spectacular destinations in Cao Bang Province, including dramatic mountain passes, ethnic villages, and unique geological formations.

• Nui Thung (Angel Eye Mountain): Also known as Mat Than Mountain, this extraordinary limestone peak features a massive 50-meter diameter hole passing completely through the mountain, resembling a giant eye gazing over the landscape.
• Ma Phuc Pass: This spectacular mountain pass serves as the gateway to Thang Hen Lake and represents one of Cao Bang's most scenic drives. Recognized as a UNESCO geological heritage site within the Cao Bang Global Geopark, Ma Phuc Pass offers panoramic views of winding roads snaking through limestone karst mountains and patchwork rice fields in the valleys below.
• Ban Gioc Waterfall: Vietnam's largest waterfall and one of the world's most spectacular multi-tiered waterfalls, Ban Gioc cascadas 30 meters across the Vietnamese-Chinese border. The three-tiered limestone formation creates multiple swimming pools and offers boat rides to the waterfall's base during high water season.
• Nguom Ngao Cave: Just a short drive from Ban Gioc, Nguom Ngao Cave is a magnificent limestone cave system known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmite formations. The cave’s cool interior and fascinating rock shapes provide a unique underground adventure for visitors.

Thang Hen Lake is truly a hidden gem in Cao Bang’s highlands, offering visitors breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re drawn by the serene waters, vibrant ethnic villages, or stunning landscapes, Thang Hen promises a unique escape into Vietnam’s untouched wilderness.

Ready to explore this magical destination? Book your flight with Vietnam Airlines – the country’s leading carrier known for excellent service, comfortable flights, and convenient routes. Enjoy 4-star service, modern aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and a vast network connecting you comfortably to Cao Bang and beyond. Let Vietnam Airlines take you smoothly to Cao Bang, so you can start your unforgettable journey to Thang Hen Lake with ease and comfort!