(VOVWORLD) - Ghenh Che Lake is a stunning ecotourism destination in Bình Sơn commune, Song Cong city, about 20 km south of Thai Nguyen city. Covering about 80 hectares with more than 50 islands and islets, the blue clear-water lake is surrounded by mountains and lush forests.
 Ghenh Che lake in Thai Nguyen province (photo: thainguyen.gov.vn) |
Ghenh Che lake is especially enchanting in the early mornings when its surface is covered with mist. At sunset, the lake takes on a fairy-tale charm as sunlight sparkles across its surface.
Phan Van Chinh of the Ghenh Che Community Tourism Cooperative, said: “The water source of Ghenh Che lake originates from the Tam Đảo mountain, which is a system of earthen mountains. Thus, the water contains more minerals than water coming from rock mountains. Fish in Ghenh Che Lake is sold at higher prices than from other nearby lakes.”
Visitors to Ghenh Che lake often take a boat sight-seeing ride around the lake, drop in on some islands, and visit vast tea hills where they can sample authentic Thai Nguyen tea and feel the hospitality of the local people.
During the lake tour, visitors can also explore a 400-meter concrete dam. In the summer, the overflow water turns the main dam into beautiful waterfalls.
The tour will also take visitors to fish-caged areas. A meal on the boat will be served with distinctive local dishes such as Binh Son grilled chicken, crispy fried river shrimp, and steamed meat in bamboo leaves.
Ghenh Che lake is home to many ethnic groups, including the Tay, Nung, San Diu, and Kinh, each upholding its own long-standing cultural traditions. In 2019, the Ghenh Che Community Tourism Cooperative was established, with 19 members engaging in services such as tour operation, accommodations, inland waterway transport, and other entertainment activities.
Mr. Phan Van Chinh said: “Since 2019, the Song Cong authorities have offered favorable conditions for us to develop tourism. We hope that in the coming years, tourism will continue to grow in a sustainable manner.”
 Tourists visit Cao Son Tea Cooperative (photo: thainguyen.gov.vn) |
Over the past few years, Ghenh Che lake’s tourism services have improved with more restaurants and homestays. Aiming to become an ecological, resort urban area, Ghenh Che lake will be connected with the Nui Coc Lake National Tourism Area and other localities to become a major tourism spot in Thai Nguyen.
Nguyen Thanh Luan, Director of the Thai Nguyen Tourism Promotion Center, said: “The Ghenh Che community tourism site has the necessary infrastructure to accommodate tourist groups. Visitors can enjoy boat tours on the lake, explore pine-covered hills, and other landscapes.”
Vy Thi Tham, Director of the Western Nghe An Tourism Coordination Center, said: “Ghenh Che lake is a model for promoting community tourism. With more efforts for promotion and communication, this model of tourism will be successful, attracting large numbers of visitors.”
Alongside the well-known Tan Cuong tea hills and Nui Coc lake, Ghenh Che lake is drawing a growing number of visitors with its community-based ecotourism model.