Ta Dung Nature Reserve
Ta Dung Lake is a vast reservoir located within the Ta Dung Nature Reserve, covering an area of over 22,000 hectares. Originally part of the Dong Nai River system, the lake was formed when hydroelectric dams were built, flooding the valleys and creating a landscape of scattered islands and emerald waters. Today, the peaks of the former hills and mountains rise from the water, earning the nickname “Ha Long Bay of the Central Highlands.”
Aside from its breathtaking scenery, Ta Dung is an ecologically significant area. The lake and its surrounding forests are part of Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark, recognized for its unique geological features, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. The nature reserve is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare bird species and mammals, making it an important conservation area. While hydroelectric development changed the landscape, it has also transformed Ta Dung into one of the most scenic destinations in Dak Nong, drawing travelers who seek both adventure and tranquility.
Highlights of Ta Dung Lake
To make the most of your visit to Ta Dung Lake, there are a few activities to enjoy, scenic spots to visit, and breathtaking views to take in. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing nature escape or a short stop to admire the scenery, Ta Dung offers a peaceful yet striking landscape. Below are some of the best ways to experience the lake and its surroundings.
1. Ta Dung Lake Viewpoint
The main road QL28 is running for a large part around Ta Dung Lake, so there are plenty of places where you can stop on the way to take photos. However, there is one area where you have the best view, this viewpoint can be found and Tadung Topview Homestay (Google Maps location) in the Dak G’long district. Here you can enjoy a panoramic view of Ta Dung. In addition, there is also the option to eat here and you can also stay there. If you don’t stay here you can still visit and have a coffee, enjoy the view for 50,000 VND per person.
Keep in mind that this homestay has become a real tourist attraction, with dozens of quirky objects for people to take pictures with. You either love it or you hate it. Despite that, you can still see the view normally. There are also a number of homestays and restaurants with similar views along the same road.
2. Enjoy a boat trip over the lake
Another activity you can do is to rent a boat and go to the islands located in the lake. Boat rental ranges from VND 100,000 per person and you will be taken around the lake, stop on a small island, have lunch and you can swim. Keep in mind that you will need to negotiate about the full schedule and time in advance with the boat owner.
3. Visit the Lieng Nung waterfall
About 35 kilometers from the lake you will find the Lieng Nung waterfall, surrounded by forest. This impressive waterfall is definitely worth a visit. The water thunders down from a great height. There is a small natural pool down the waterfall where you can take a refreshing dip.
4. Drive the scenic road
Ta Dung Lake is of course the absolute highlight, but the scenic road that runs along the lake is also stunning. The road passes through and over some of the highest mountains in the central highlands. Unfortunately, most forests here have been replaced by endless coffee plantations, but this still gives an impressive view.
How to get there?
Ta Dung is located about 280 km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, about 160 km from Buon Me Thuot city and 150 km from Dalat. Gia Nghia is the biggest town that is close to Ta Dung Lake (40 km) and the easiest to travel to. There are buses that go straight from Dalat to this town and on the way you pass Ta Dung, where they can drop you off. All the buses that drive between Buon Me Thuot and Ho Chi Minh City also drive via Gia Nghia town. They don’t pass Ta Dung Lake, but from here you can take a taxi or get on another bus heading for Dalat. Alternatively you can also directly rent a motorbike from here and drive to the lake, on the way you pass Lieng Nung waterfall and some stunning scenery.
Ta Dung Lake tour with Local Vietnam!
Don’t want to arrange all your transfers yourself and driving around on motorbikes through the mountains of the Central Highlands? Check our unique custom made tour: Saigon – Dalat with Cat Tien NP & Ta Dung Lake. In this tour you will also visit Cat Tien National Park.
Accommodation at Ta Dung Lake
The area around Ta Dung Lake currently does not have many homestay and hotel services to choose from. Many young Vietnamese travelers from Ho Chi Minh City choose to camp by the lake. The Tadung Topview Homestay, the accommodation with the great view, has rooms from 700,000 VND and you can also get camping tents (per 2 people) for 300,000 VND. When evening comes, in the cold of the mountains, you can also have a barbecue. The homestay also has a pool overlooking the lake.
Keep in mind that it is not a real homestay experience, the property has become a tourist attraction, without any local feeling.
Another possibility is to stay in Quang Khe, Dak Glong- Dak Nong at Homestay Bien Rung. Here you can rent a scooter and drive to the lake and explore the area.
Best time to visit
In general, you can travel to Lake Ta Dung all year round. However, the best time to travel is seen from September to December. During this period there is a lot of rain, so the lake is at the highest level and the trees on the islands in the lake are beautifully green.
Tips for visiting Ta Dung Lake
Getting around
Unfortunately, transportation options around Ta Dung Lake are limited. If you arrive by bus, renting a motorbike or scooter is the best way to explore the area at your own pace. The roads are in excellent condition and generally quiet, except for weekends when domestic tourists visit. If you prefer to explore by car, it’s best to rent one in Dalat or Ho Chi Minh City beforehand, as finding a rental in this region is nearly impossible.
Exploring Ta Dung with an Easy Rider
For those who want a more adventurous and immersive experience, traveling with an Easy Rider is a fantastic option. Easy Riders are experienced motorbike guides who not only drive but also act as local guides, showing you hidden spots along the way. You can arrange a multi-day trip with them from Dalat or other parts of the Central Highlands, combining Ta Dung Lake with waterfalls, ethnic minority villages, coffee plantations, and scenic forest routes. This is one of the most fun and flexible ways to explore the region, especially if you don’t want to ride a motorbike yourself.
Where to go next
Ta Dung Lake, Lieng Nung waterfall and the scenic road can be easily visited within a day. From here you have 3 options to continue your trip.
- Going south, heading for Ho Chi Minh City via Cat Tien National Park (highly recommended).
- Going northeast to Dalat.
- Going northwest to Buon Me Thuot, with stops on the way at Chu Bluk Cave he longest volcanic cave in Southeast Asia and Lak Lake, another impressive lake.
Is Ta Dung Lake worth visiting?
Yes, Ta Dung Lake is worth visiting, but it’s best as part of a broader trip through Dak Nong or the Central Highlands. Since there aren’t many sights or activities around the lake, one full day is enough, or even just a short stop if you only want to admire the views.
If you’re just passing through, a great option is to stop for a couple of hours, enjoy a drink at one of the viewpoints, and take in the incredible panoramic scenery. There are a few cafés and viewing platforms that offer great photo opportunities. A good way to extend your visit is by combining it with a trip to Lieng Nung Waterfall, which is nearby and worth seeing.
For those who choose to spend a full day here, you can take a boat trip on the lake and explore some of the surrounding countryside, but there’s no need for more than a day. Ta Dung is a fantastic scenic stop, but it’s best visited as part of a longer Central Highlands adventure rather than a standalone destination.
