We rented a motorboat from a local household to explore the lake. While steering the boat, Ha Van Thang from Chieu hamlet, Muong Coi commune, shared: “In 2012, the Suoi Chieu Lake dam was built as an irrigation project with a surface area of over 50 hectares and a capacity of more than 4 million cubic meters, aimed at supplying water to the Muong Tac fields and nearby areas. In recent years, many tourists from different places have come here for picnic, fishing, filming, and taking photos. We started offering boat tours around Suoi Chieu Lake, with prices ranging from 200,000 to 300,000 VND (11.5 USD) per trip.”

The boat glided across the lake, flanked by mountains covered in lush greenery. At times, it veered into narrow, serene, and mysterious inlets. Occasionally, we heard calls echoing from fishing groups and the sounds of birds and rustling leaves, creating a harmony between nature and humans in a vast space.

In recent years, Suoi Chieu Lake has attracted various investors aiming to develop tourism. We visited the Ban Mai Retreat tourist site, run by Ban Mai Cooperative, and were impressed by the modern lodging area and the naturally sourced hot mineral spring baths.

Ta Nam Long, the resort’s investor, said: “I first visited Suoi Chieu Lake in 2018 and was captivated by its cool climate, unspoiled beauty, and hot mineral spring. In 2020, I applied for a licence to invest 10 billion VND (382,570 USD) in a resort tourism site covering more than 3 hectares. In August 2024, the Ban Mai Suoi Chieu Lake tourist site was officially recognised by the provincial People's Committee. We’ve developed a variety of lake-based experiential services, including sightseeing, kayaking, fishing, camping, and cultural experiences with local ethnic communities through activities like campfires, traditional dances (xoe and bamboo pole dances).”

Amidst the peaceful lakeside atmosphere, we enjoyed delicious local dishes such as fragrant grilled stream fish, golden charcoal-grilled chicken, and fresh, crispy wild vegetable salad bursting with natural flavours. Each dish not only delighted the palate but also carried the rustic and sincere essence of the local people, making the meal a truly memorable experience.

Visiting Suoi Chieu Lake with his family, Tran Dai Nam, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: “We learned about Suoi Chieu Lake through friends and beautiful images on the media and social networks. When we arrived, our whole family was truly surprised by the lake’s poetic and peaceful beauty and its refreshing green space. We enjoyed a boat tour, sightseeing, fishing directly on local fish cages, and tasting fresh fish and shrimp caught right on the lake. Our children were especially excited to interact so closely with nature.”

In recent years, households in Chieu hamlet have tapped into the lake’s potential by developing cage fish farming alongside tourism. Mui Van Lam, secretary of the Party cell and head of Chieu hamlet, Muong Coi commune, said that his hamlet currently has 66 fish cages, providing a stable source of income. “We organise boat tours on the lake combined with dining services and cultural performances for tourists. With its natural endowments, experiential tourism at Suoi Chieu Lake, combined with preserving local culture, is a promising direction for the future.”