Discover the “lake in the clouds” Seo My Ty – Sa Pa
About 20 km from the center of Sa Pa town, Seo My Ty (Ta Van commune) is located halfway up Fansipan mountain, at an altitude of more than 1,600 m above sea level. This is the highest artificial lake in Vietnam, likened to a "lake in the clouds" thanks to its magical beauty amidst the majestic Hoang Lien mountains and forests.
An overview of Seo My Ty lake
Journey to the "rough gem" in the middle of the mighty forest
Just by traversing the spectacular route from Sapa through Ta Van, winding through the famous Muong Hoa Valley, travelers will arrive in a completely different world – where a gentle mist hangs over the lake, where the wind whispers tales of the forest, and where the first rays of sunlight gently gild the water's surface.
The road to Seo My Ty.
From the center of Sa Pa, tourists can travel by motorbike or car in the direction of Ta Van village for about 8 km, then continue another 12 km of mountain road to reach Seo My Ty lake.
Seo My Ty Lake is located in the heart of Hoang Lien National Park, which is the home of three ethnic minorities including H'mong (73.8%), Dao (17.4%) and Day (8.8%). With more than 100 households, mainly Mong people, the life here is closely connected to the forest and the lake. People raise sturgeon and salmon in the lake as a sustainable livelihood associated with nature protection.
Raising salmon and sturgeon in Seo My Ty lake.
Tourism has begun to flourish in Seo My Ty since the hydroelectric reservoir was formed. Specially, after the road connecting Ta Van to Seo My Ty was completed in 2021, this place quickly became a new and attractive destination for tourists who love nature and exploration.
Beauty That Transforms with the Seasons
In spring, peach and plum blossoms burst forth across the hillsides, their vibrant hues reflecting onto the emerald lake, creating a scene that's both dazzling and serene. Summer brings clear blue skies and refreshing breezes – an ideal time for camping, kayaking, or simply lying back and listening to the wind rustle through the young grass by the lake. Come autumn, as the rice ripens to a golden yellow on the terraced fields surrounding the lake, Seo My Ty seems to don a magnificent new coat, making it hard for visitors to leave. In winter, a gentle mist blankets the entire area, transforming it into an ethereal, hidden paradise – a romantic version of Da Lat nestled in the mountains of the Northwest.
In the dry season, the lake water recedes, revealing terraced fields and lush green grass. The open space and gentle breeze from the lake make this an ideal place for camping, boating, campfires and stargazing amidst the fresh nature.
More than a destination, it is an experiential journey. Seo My Ty is not a place for a "quick check-in"; it is a sanctuary for slow living, for truly immersing yourself in nature, and for listening to the heartbeat of the mountains and forests. You can set up camp by the lake with friends, light a bonfire to grill fresh salmon, breathe in the scent of grass and trees, and gaze at the twinkling starry sky amidst the tranquil silence.
If you love exploring, consider trekking into the pristine forest in Hoang Lien National Park, or delve into the unique local culture of the H'mong, Dao, and Tay people – the communities living around the lake. Here, tourism goes hand-in-hand with conservation and green livelihoods, such as raising sturgeon and salmon, creating a sustainable and friendly tourism ecosystem./.
