Discovering Ngoi Hoa Bay

Nestled in the heart of Vietnam’s largest artificial reservoir, Ngoi Hoa Bay (Suoi Hoa Commune) is widely referred to as a precious "green gem." This famous destination offers travelers unforgettable experiences.

Ngoi Hoa Bay (Muong Hoa Commune) is likened to a precious “green gem” amidst the vast waters of Hoa Binh Lake.

Pristine Landscape and Natural Beauty

The indigenous people recount that in ancient times, the landscape of this land was known as “bua ram”, representing its fertility and ecological diversity. The bay possesses a pristine, majestic, and poetic beauty, surrounded by towering limestone mountains. Vertical cliffs and mysterious caves, combined with the emerald-green lake water, create a picturesque landscape that leaves visitors completely captivated.

Tourists exploring sports tourism activities on Ngoi Hoa Bay.

To have a fulfilling trip and fully explore the beauty of this place, choosing the right time to visit is crucial. The climate in Ngoi Hoa Bay is heavily influenced by the general weather patterns of the Northwest region, featuring four distinct seasons. Due to the unique topography of a high-mountain bay, it remains somewhat cooler compared to other areas.

According to Mr. Bui Van Hien, a local tourism host in Ngoi Village, the ideal time to explore Ngoi Hoa Bay is from February to August. This period sees less rainfall, making the weather favorable for outdoor experiential activities such as boating, fishing, kayaking, or trekking. Notably, from May to August, the crystal-clear lake surface combined with brilliant golden sunshine creates a serene and relaxing scenery.

Dragon Eye Lake (Dragon’s Eye Pond) is a scenic highlight of Ngoi Hoa Bay.

One of the most prominent highlights of Ngoi Hoa Bay is Dragon Eye Lake. This jade-green lake is embraced by towering limestone cliffs, creating a majestic and magical landscape. Local lore has it that this was once a gathering place for mountain girls to bathe and cool off. As dusk falls, the sunlight reflects on the lake surface, creating shimmering, mystical streaks of light that form a one-of-a-kind natural painting.

In addition to Dragon Eye Lake, the Hoa Tien Cave National Relic Site is an unmissable destination when visiting Ngoi Hoa Bay. The cave features a natural structure with unique stalactite formations, illuminated by a colored lighting system. When the lights hit, the stalactites glisten like precious gems, creating a mystical, radiant space that catches the eye and stimulates the imagination of every visitor.

The national relic site of Hoa Tien Cave, with its magical stalactite system, sparks the rich imagination of visitors.

An Exciting Experiential Destination

Alongside the breathtaking landscape often described as a “Ha Long Bay on the mountain,” visitors are charmed by the lakeside village scenery in Ngoi Village. This is the concentrated home of a Muong ethnic community comprising 93 households and over 300 individuals. Traditional stilt houses hide behind green bamboo groves, creating a peaceful and rustic atmosphere. The life of the Muong community here is closely intertwined with traditional festivals, the sounds of Muong gongs, and folk songs, bearing a unique and distinct cultural signature.

Visitors enjoying cultural performances imbued with the cultural identity of the Muong ethnic group.

In Ngoi Village, the locals earn their living through agriculture and forestry, moving around primarily by boat. Beside aquaculture and fishing, several households have transitioned into developing ecotourism and community-based tourism models geared toward preserving cultural identity and safeguarding the landscape environment.

Also here, visitors have the chance to visit the historical site where locals once unearthed the Lung Cu bronze drum, visit the stilt house of a shaman—the “fire keeper” in the spiritual life of the Muong people—learn about the Mo Muong intangible cultural heritage, and listen to the shaman perform excerpts of Mo chants during blessing rituals.

Specialty dishes of the Muong ethnic people in Ngoi Village (Muong Hoa Commune) charm visitors.

On their journey to discover Ngoi Hoa Bay, travelers do not just admire the beautiful scenery but can also immerse themselves in exciting activities: visiting and staying in community stilt houses, participating in traditional cultural exchanges, and savoring Muong specialty dishes such as grilled fish, chicken cooked with sour bamboo shoots, meat served on leaves, and various wild vegetables, while experiencing the cage-fish farming trade.

Coupled with exploring Dragon Eye Lake and the mysterious cave system, tourists can rent kayaks to freely explore small islands and sheer cliffs. The feeling of rowing on the lake surface while contemplating the magnificent natural scenery is bound to be an unforgettable experience. In addition, visitors can participate in activities like swimming and fishing to unwind and enjoy the fresh air.

Bui Minh