Da Nhim Lake
Da Nhim Lake
Located 36 km from Da Lat, Da Nhim Lake brings together a dam built by Japan in 1962-1964 and the landscapes of the Lam Dong Central Highlands.
Situated 36 km southeast of Da Lat, in the town of Dran (Don Duong district), Da Nhim Lake stretches across approximately 9.7 km² at the foot of the Central Highlands relief. Held back by an earthen dam built in the 1960s, it feeds one of southern Vietnam's oldest hydroelectric power plants while shaping a landscape of hills and forests that attracts hikers and photographers.
Why visit Da Nhim Lake
Da Nhim Lake is not a developed tourist destination: no ticket booths, no dedicated infrastructure. This is precisely what makes it appealing for travellers seeking to escape Da Lat's city centre. The site combines several points of interest rarely found together: a major hydraulic structure, a mid-mountain natural setting (approximately 1,000 to 1,900 metres elevation), and direct access to Ngoan Muc Pass, which descends toward the Phan Rang coastal plain.
Visitors come mainly for the panoramic views from the heights, the cool climate of Don Duong, and the opportunity to combine the visit with other stops in the Lam Dong Central Highlands.
History and context of the dam
Da Nhim Lake's dam was constructed between 1962 and 1964 by Japan as part of war reparations paid to Vietnam following World War II. The earthen structure measures 1,460 metres long and 38 metres high. It holds back the waters of the Da Nhim River, which originates at 1,923 metres elevation on the slopes of Gia Rich Mountain.
The reservoir water feeds the Da Nhim hydroelectric power plant below via two penstocks that descend the slope of Ngoan Muc Pass. The installed capacity reaches approximately 160 MW, making it one of the key power plants in the regional network. The facility has been modernised several times since its commissioning in 1964.
The legend of Ha Biang and K Lang
A local legend is associated with the lake's name. In the village of Kon Do, in the commune of Đưng K'Nớ, lived a couple, Ha Biang and K Lang. During a drought, Ha Biang set out to seek help from Heaven but succumbed along the way. K Lang, finding his body, wept until rain finally fell, then died of grief. An elephant bound to them perished in turn. From their tears mingled with rain was born the Da Nhim River — "Nhim" means to weep in the local language.
What to see and do on site
Viewpoints
Two natural lookout points offer the best perspectives over the water:
- Dran Pass, on the road from Da Lat, which overlooks the Da Nhim River valley.
- The hill adjacent to Giac Hoa Pagoda, a clear vantage point over the entire lake and surrounding hills.
Ngoan Muc Pass
Southeast of the lake, Ngoan Muc Pass connects the Central Highlands to the Phan Rang plain. The descent, in switchbacks, crosses several vegetation zones and offers a sweeping view of the power plant's penstocks. It is one of the most frequently used passes by travellers heading to the central coast from Da Lat.
Photography and light hiking
Morning light, between 5am and 9am, is generally most favourable: mist lifts off the lake and the relief stands out sharply. The lake's surroundings can be explored on foot along unmarked trails, better suited to leisurely walks than structured hiking.
Practical information
- Location: town of Dran, Don Duong district, Lam Dong province, 36 km from Da Lat.
- Access: free, site not enclosed.
- Visit duration: plan for a half-day including stops at viewpoints and Dran Pass.
- Equipment: warm clothing in the morning (altitude), sturdy shoes for potentially muddy surroundings during the wet season.
When to visit
The dry season, from December to April, is the most favourable period: clear skies, passable roads and bright light for panoramic views. May to November concentrates the Central Highlands monsoon, with frequent afternoon showers and reduced visibility over the lake. Late dry season (March–April) often offers the best contrast for photography.
How to get there
- From Da Lat (36 km): road towards Cau Dat and Tram Hanh, then crossing Dran Pass. Allow approximately 1 hour by car or motorbike.
- From Ho Chi Minh City: heading up towards Duc Trong, then turning via Da Ron and Lac Xuan, through the vegetable-growing area of Lam Dong province.
- From Phan Rang: ascent via the national highway crossing Ngoan Muc Pass, approximately 60 km of winding road.
To combine in the region
Da Nhim Lake fits naturally into a broader itinerary around Da Lat and the Central Highlands. To further explore Vietnam's lake and mountain landscapes, you can consult our guides on Buu Long Mountain, Ba Den Mountain or Cat Ba Island. On the central coast accessible via Ngoan Muc Pass, the Cham Sculpture Museum in Da Nang complements a cultural loop well.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no dedicated tourist infrastructure, nor ticket booths. Visits are made from roads and external viewpoints, primarily Dran Pass and the Giac Hoa Pagoda hill.
The lake is an active hydroelectric reservoir. Swimming and leisure boating are not offered.
The 5am–9am time slot generally offers the best light, often with morning mist rising above the water.
Allow approximately 1 hour of travel for the 36 km, and a half-day total with scenic stops.
Not necessarily. The site is freely accessible, but a driver familiar with the region makes accessing the best viewpoints and combining with Ngoan Muc Pass easier.
Plan your trip
Da Nhim Lake integrates naturally into a circuit around Da Lat and the Central Highlands. To tailor-make your itinerary, consult our suggestions for travel in Vietnam.
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