Dau Be lake - A hidden gem at the heart of the heritage bay

Tucked away amidst towering limestone cliffs and lush tropical foliage, Dau Be lake offers a serene escape for those drawn to untouched nature and the distinctive karst topography of Ha Long Bay.

Located on Dau Be island, near the former Cong Tau area and about 25 kilometers from Tuan Chau International Passenger Port, the lake may be modest in size, but its secluded setting and striking landscape give it a unique and irresistible charm.

Visitors are welcomed by a scene of pristine simplicity: a wide basin that, in the dry season, reveals a bed of gravel and silt; jagged grey limestone walls framing the lake; and tufts of dracaena and hardy shrubs springing from rocky crevices silent witnesses to life’s resilience in a rugged environment.

What makes Dau Be Lake truly distinctive is the single cave opening that links its tranquil waters to the broader expanse of Ha Long Bay. Roughly 10 to 15 meters wide and about 4 meters high, the cave remains navigable by small boat even during high tide.

For the more adventurous, another route leads over a small valley, an experience that includes forest trails, craggy mountain paths, and the quiet soundtrack of birdsong, wind, and rustling leaves.

This raw beauty makes Dau Be Lake an ideal destination for eco-tours, trekking, and rare flora observation, offering not just scenic wonder but also a peaceful retreat into nature. Especially during the rainy season, when the water rises to reflect the vivid greens of the surrounding forest and cliffs, the lake transforms into a living painting which is vivid, enchanting, and deeply calming.

More than just a stop on the tourist map, Dau Be Lake is a place to rediscover stillness, reconnect with nature’s purity, and step away from the noise of modern life.