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A unique experience in the land of whispering pines.
Tai Pham currently works at Unilever, and he is also a travel blogger known by the nickname Tai Toi Day (Tai Comes Here). He always dreams of traveling to many places to have memorable travel experiences.
Recently, he experienced paddleboarding (SUP) in the dense forest of Tuyen Lam Lake, Da Lat. SUP paddling isn't an unfamiliar sport, but paddling in a dense forest is probably still new to many people.
Paddling a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) on Tuyen Lam Lake, you'll be immersed in the tranquil atmosphere of the lake's surface, admiring its beauty from many different angles.
When visiting Tuyen Lam Lake, besides the beautiful and peaceful scenery that resembles a painting, you also have the opportunity to experience stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) to admire the beauty of this place in a completely different way. This is also one of the most beautiful SUP paddling spots in Da Lat.
The term SUP (stand-up paddleboard) refers to standing paddleboarding, where participants typically sit or stand on the board and use paddles to move across various terrains such as rivers, streams, and canals.
Besides camping, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on Tuyen Lam Lake is a novel outdoor activity that attracts adventure-loving travelers visiting Da Lat. Not only does it relieve stress and improve physical fitness, but SUP paddling also allows visitors to immerse themselves in the majestic natural scenery. Participants can admire the pine forest reflected on the crystal-clear lake, and the feeling of exploring and conquering the SUP course on the lake is especially exhilarating.
The feeling of traveling amidst nature with a SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) fascinates many tourists.
Tuyen Lam Lake is located about 8 km from the city center and is one of the most beautiful lakes in the pine-covered region. “You will receive safety instructions before swimming, such as wearing a life jacket, a hat, and attaching a rope to your leg. If you don't know how to paddle, someone will guide you. Throughout the trip, you will always have someone supervising and assisting you in any necessary situations, so you can rest assured,” Tai Pham shared.
According to him, the best time to experience this activity is usually in the afternoon. Tuyen Lam Lake is a popular camping area, so tourists can stroll around and take photos, then start paddling around 4:30 PM. This time is ideal for paddling because the sun is about to set, allowing you to admire the most beautiful moment of the day. Sitting on the lake, gazing at the pine trees, the sunlight reflecting on the water creates shimmering streaks, making the scenery more romantic than ever. Tai Pham also said that the price for a SUP paddling tour on Tuyen Lam Lake is 400,000 VND per person. This cost only covers SUP paddling; other activities require additional payment.
You can paddle past ancient trees; the water is so clear you can see the tangled roots below.
Things to note when paddleboarding on Tuyen Lam Lake
Tuyen Lam Lake is known for its large size and depth, so safety is essential. You should not remove your life vest while paddling, and you must not untie the safety harness attached to your leg. There is an old-growth underwater forest on the lake; to reach it, you have to paddle a considerable distance on a SUP (stand-up paddleboard), which takes about 15 minutes. It's advisable to have a light meal beforehand to ensure you have the energy to paddle.
On longer paddling stretches, Tai Pham advises tourists to kneel down while paddling because keeping your back straight allows for more force and less effort. If you don't know how to swim, don't worry, as life vests are provided, the SUPs always float, and the lake is calm with no waves.
When visiting Da Lat, tourists will find it hard to miss Tuyen Lam Lake with its poetic and peaceful scenery. It's not only a popular check-in spot for tourists to admire the view and explore, but also a familiar location for stand-up paddleboarders due to its ideal conditions.
Wear comfortable clothing for easy movement and practice paddling and moving on the lake beforehand. Participants should prepare two sets of clothes for changing after paddleboarding and as a backup if clothes get wet during travel. If you choose to paddleboard in the afternoon, bring a hat for sun protection and better visibility.
Currently, there are quite a few SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) service providers on Tuyen Lam Lake. Most tours do not include transportation, so visitors need to make their own way to the lake area, where a guide will show them the way to the pier.
Throughout the journey, visitors can immerse themselves in the crystal-clear waters for moments of relaxation.
