Highest man-made lake in Vietnam

Seo My Ty lake, about 20 kilometers from the center of Sa Pa town and at an altitude of 1,600 meters, is an artificial lake located in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.

Seo My Ty is a small mountainous hamlet in Tan Van commune. It covers 150 hectares, 60 of which is water surface. The hamlet is exposed to the very distinct climate of Sapa with year-round cool temperature.

From the center of Sa Pa town, along Fansipan road to Ta Van-Lao Chai-Ancient Stone tourism area, you have to drive 7 kilometers along the valley of Muong Hoa stream to come Seo My Ty.

The most challenging route is the 12-kilometer steep road to the center of Seo My Ty hamlet. Local people said that with 20% slope and being full of carved stones, it presents a challenge for every driver.

Seo My Ty climate is very suitable for many kinds of wildflowers in bloom year round. You would be blessed to visit the North western region during the autumn months to witness the purple haze of blossom all the way to the lakeside.

The vista from above shows the wild beauty of Seo My Ty Lake with the valleys akin to those on the Da Lat plateau.

According to GPS data, the altitude of Seo My Ty Lake is measured at 1,677 meters above sea level. It is Vietnam’s highest artificial lake and is among the highest in Indochina.

Seo My Ty Lake is also home to the Mong ethnic group with many preserved traditional customs.

Being a miniature picture of Sa Pa’s tourism, Seo My Ty owns poetic beauty of a peaceful village wrapped in the harmony of the cool clouds and fresh mountain air.

Despite a rigorous journey to get to the lake, it is receiving special attention from Lao Cai province with the aim of developing the area into an eco-tourist destination on the basis of available natural resources.

Photos: VnExpress ( VNF )