1. Overview of Yen My Nong Cong Lake
Thanh land is famously known for its river – mountain – sea landscapes such as Sam Son, Cam Thuy fish stream, or Pu Luong. Recently, Yen My Nong Cong Lake has emerged as a novel destination, sought after by many tourists for its pristine scenery, vast lake surface, and conveniently connected location. This is not only a large-scale freshwater lake in Thanh Hoa but also an area being planned to become a key ecological tourist area in the future.
1.1. Geographical Location and Impressive Scale of Yen My Nong Cong Lake
Yen My Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Thanh Hoa province, with an area of approximately 2,800 hectares, stretching across the communes of Nong Cong, Nhu Thanh, and Nghi Son ward. The lake is located about 1 km from Yen My junction – the intersection of three provincial roads 505, 512, and 513 – creating extremely convenient traffic conditions for tourists.
The lake area is only about 20 km from Ben En National Park, opening up potential for linking ecological – resort tours in the region. Not only does it have a beautiful natural location, but Yen My Lake is also close to the key industrial system in southern Thanh Hoa:
1.5 km to Cong Chinh Industrial Park
~7 km to Nong Cong Industrial Park
~20 km to Nghi Son Economic Zone
Close to the North-South Expressway and the Nghi Son – Sao Vang route
Thanks to this, the lake plays a strategic role in the South Thanh – North Nghe region: it serves as an important water reserve and has advantages for developing ecological tourism, resorts, and services.
1.2. Geological History and Natural Characteristics of Yen My Nong Cong Lake
Yen My Nong Cong Lake was formed from a large-scale irrigation system, with a red basalt earth dam design – a material characteristic of the semi-mountainous region of South Thanh. During various stages of construction and renovation, the lake has been continuously expanded, becoming an important water source for agricultural production, industry, and daily life.
Open natural space at Yen My Lake, suitable for exploration activities. (Source: Collected)
The lake area features semi-mountainous terrain, surrounded by low mountains, valleys, and a vast water surface landscape. The ecosystem around the lake is quite rich: natural forests, regenerated forests, native flora and fauna, creating a diverse environment suitable for ecotourism, boating, picnicking, and nature research.
The climate in the Yen My Lake area belongs to the tropical monsoon region, with four distinct seasons. Summers are mildly sunny thanks to the breeze from the lake, and winters are not too cold, making it very suitable for tourists to visit year-round.
Currently, Yen My Lake is part of the ecological tourist area planning within the Nghi Son Economic Zone, with a mapping and research scale of up to 1,815 hectares. Development orientations include: lake ecosystem exploration tourism, resort, entertainment, and integrated services. It is projected that by 2035, the Yen My Lake tourist area could welcome about 300,000 visitors per year – becoming a new bright spot for tourism in the Southern Thanh Hoa – Northern Nghe An region.
2. Must-do Tourism Experiences and Activities at Yen My Lake, Nong Cong
Picnic – Resort – Trekking Experience
Yen My Lake is gradually unlocking its experiential tourism potential. According to news sources, many households around the lake have invested in boats to serve tourists exploring the lake, combined with lotus cultivation and cage fish farming – creating a vibrant landscape and a very close-to-nature experience. The vast, serene scenery of the large lake, surrounded by lush green mountains, is ideal for lakeside picnic tours, camping, or peaceful retreats under the shade of trees.
Tourists picnic and explore the beautiful scenery by Yen My Lake. (Source: Collected)
Although tourism here is still in the development phase (the service system is not yet fully dense), the planning of a thousands-hectare ecological tourism area shows a long-term development vision: by 2035, Yen My Lake tourist area is expected to welcome about 300,000 visitors.
Best time, outstanding check-in spots
Suitable space for light trekking and nature photography. (Source: Collected)
Located in a semi-mountainous terrain, the area around the lake features mountains, forests, and a vast body of water. The ideal time for photography and check-ins is when the morning or sunset light spreads across the lake. Additionally, the lotus season can be a very beautiful time if visitors are interested in nature experiences – as some households have planted lotuses to serve as both scenery and to attract experiential tourism. With the planning of the ecological tourist area connected to the lake, there will be many new 'check-in spots' in the future, such as a bridge over the lake (as planned) – creating an impressive highlight for tourism from 2026 onwards.
Leisure Activities, Water Sports
Yen My Lake is very suitable for on-water activities. One of the most favored experiences by tourists is rowing, and traveling by small boats operated by local residents. Visitors can also tour the cage fish farms on the lake – not only to admire them but also to learn about the farming process, or buy fresh fish directly from the farmers.
Boating and fishing activities are popular among tourists at the lake. (Source: Collected)
Fishing is also a potential activity: local residents around the lake raise fish in cages and develop tourism related to fish farming, which provides fishing experiences for tourists. Furthermore, because the lake is vast and tranquil, it is also an ideal spot for camping by the lakeside, enjoying the wild natural space at sunset or stargazing at night.
3. Characteristic cuisine of the lake area: delicious dishes to try around Yen My Nong Cong Lake
When exploring Yen My Nong Cong Lake, besides the natural scenery and tourist activities, you should also take time to enjoy the local specialties of the lake area – where mountainous agricultural products, freshwater aquaculture, and wild vegetables create very unique Thanh Hoa dishes.
Fish: As many people raise fish in cages on Yen My Lake, you can easily try fresh and delicious fish dishes such as stream fish or local specialty fish. Additionally, the farming model for striped catfish (a specialty catfish species) is also developing around the lake.
Local delicacies around Yen My Lake, attracting visitors from near and far. (Source: Collected)
Ca chech lau fish is likened by many to "water ginseng", rich in nutrients, very suitable for preparing steamed, braised, or fried dishes.
Snails: Freshwater snail species are often specialties of river – lake regions, prepared into many dishes such as snails boiled with leaves, stir-fried snails, dipped in natural fish sauce. This is a rustic dish perfect for lakeside picnics.
Wild vegetables: Bitter vegetables and other wild vegetables are an indispensable part of meals when traveling to lake regions. The slightly bitter, slightly pungent, and fresh taste of boiled or lightly stir-fried vegetables helps balance the flavor with rich dishes like fish or goat meat.
Mountain goat: In the mountainous region of Thanh Hoa, mountain goat is a specialty meat. Goat meat is prepared by grilling, stir-frying, or making soup, carrying the flavor of the mountains and forests, and is very popular with tourists who enjoy simple, rich cuisine.
4. Directions to Yen My Lake, Nong Cong
4.1. Traveling from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other provinces to Yen My Lake, Nong Cong
If you are starting from Hanoi, the journey to Yen My Lake, Nong Cong is quite convenient. You can travel by car or bus via the North-South Expressway or national highway routes, then turn onto provincial road 505 to reach the Nong Cong – Nhu Thanh – Nghi Son area, where the lake is located. Provincial road 505 is the main road leading to the lake area; this road has been upgraded and renovated to increase connectivity.
From Ho Chi Minh City, tourists often fly or travel by bus to Thanh Hoa, then continue their journey by taxi or private car along provincial road 505 or nearby national highway routes. Although road 505 has been upgraded, some sections are still degraded and have potholes due to the impact of construction material transportation.
For visitors from provinces adjacent to Thanh Hoa, you can flexibly choose buses or self-drive cars via national highways + provincial roads. Thanks to its location adjacent to the North-South Expressway and provincial roads, travel to Yen My Lake, Nong Cong will be easier in the future as transportation infrastructure continues to be invested in.
4.2. Transportation within the area and exploring around Yen My Lake, Nong Cong
After arriving near the lake area, to explore the entire panorama of Yen My Lake, Nong Cong , tourists have many options for internal transportation:
Motorbike rental: This is a popular choice for young tourists who like to be proactive and freely explore the trails around the lake, nearby villages, or stop at beautiful check-in spots.
Taxi rental: If you are traveling with family or a group, a taxi or small tourist car will be more convenient, helping you move between tourist spots, homestays, and the lake without getting tired from driving.
Small boats: Some picnic tours at the lake include travel by small boat to go on the lake, admire the vast water surface, the tree lines along the shore, and beautiful scenic spots. This is a truly "Yen My Lake, Nong Cong tourism" experience: close to nature, easy for photography, and relaxing.
5. Experience visiting Yen My Lake, Nong Cong
5.1. Tips for choosing the time, preparing clothing and items
Ideal times:
March – May: Dry weather, sunny, very suitable for trekking, picnics, and boating on the lake.
September – November: Season of clear, cool water, the lake is deep blue; autumn weather with little rain, extremely suitable for taking photos and checking in.
Summer (June – August): The scenery is still beautiful, it is advisable to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, always bring water and sunscreen.
Beautiful timing and pleasant climate make the trip to Yen My Lake more complete. (Source: Collected)
Recommended clothing & items to bring:
Sports shoes or trekking shoes for moving around the lake and to higher points.
Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and a light jacket when boating or strolling along the lake shore.
Personal water bottle, tissues, and a mini trash bag to maintain cleanliness in the picnic area.
Insect repellent, especially when visiting in the afternoon or evening.
Camera or phone to capture the characteristic water surface – hills scenery of Yen My.
5.2. Notes on culture, environmental protection, and safety during your visit
The Yen My Lake area is closely linked to the lives of the people of Nong Cong, with many households engaged in fishing or fish farming in cages. Therefore, when visiting, you should maintain a respectful attitude, limit noise, and do not arbitrarily enter the production areas of the residents. If you wish to photograph boats, fish cages, or living spaces, simply ask for permission beforehand, as the local people are quite friendly and open.
Protecting the landscape is also important when visiting the lake. Tourists should bring small bags for personal trash, avoiding discarding plastic bags and bottles into the lake and grassy areas. The surrounding landscape has many bushes, wildflowers, and low hills, so please refrain from breaking branches, picking flowers, or starting fires arbitrarily.
Regarding safety, the lake surface is quite wide and has deep spots. You should wear a life jacket when boating or paddleboarding, and avoid water activities during heavy rain or strong winds. When trekking around the lake, the dirt paths can be slippery after rain, so wear shoes with good grip and avoid moving around at night. For groups with young children or those visiting this area for the first time, it is best to follow a route guided by local residents to ensure safety and easier navigation.
Sam Son Sea Square is a favorite destination for many tourists when visiting Thanh Hoa. (Source: Collected)
Additionally, when you come to Thanh Hoa, don't miss the experience at Sam Son Sea Square – where tourists can stroll in the evening, check-in with the vibrant sea space, and watch a lively water music show.
Yen My Lake Nong Cong offers a peaceful, nature-friendly travel option, suitable for groups of friends, families, and those who want a weekend "change of scenery". From the poetic water landscape, outdoor activities – water sports, to local Thanh Hoa cuisine, all create a gentle yet memorable exploration journey. If you are looking for a new, easily accessible, and rich experience destination, Yen My Lake is definitely a suggestion not to be missed in your upcoming travel plans.
