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Black Stone Lake - a childhood cartoon scene
Located between Chau Duc district and Phu My town, Da Den Lake is one of the most important irrigation projects in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province (now Ho Chi Minh City). However, in terms of tourism, it is still relatively unknown, retaining its pristine and peaceful scenery.
The Da Den Lake Dam offers a refreshing view of the green landscape, with the lake and the sky.
We arrived at the lake on a bright, sunny morning, with clear skies and a cool breeze. From the moment our wheels rolled along the road leading to the lake's dam, all the noise seemed to stop on the main road. The lake's surface reflected the clouds and the lush green trees along the shore. From the small bridge spanning the canal flowing from the dam, we took in a 360-degree view of pristine nature: a clear stream beneath the bridge, a few locals fishing leisurely, and in the distance, scattered houses nestled in the peaceful countryside.
About 200 meters from the dam, a red dirt road led us to a completely different landscape: reeds dyed a patch of pink against the green grass, low mountains loomed in the distance, and a few cows grazed peacefully. The scene was as gentle as a cartoon I thought I had seen in my childhood.
A patch of pink reeds amidst the green of the trees and the sky.
An Nhứt - a rice field as familiar as home.
Leaving Da Den Lake, we continued on to An Nhut rice fields in Tam An commune, a relatively new destination on the tourism map but gradually gaining attention thanks to its pristine beauty and authentic Southern Vietnamese countryside atmosphere.
The road, stretching over 2 kilometers through the fields, has a smooth, paved surface, flanked by lush green rice paddies that extend to the horizon. At this time of year, the rice plants are in their prime, a vibrant green, rustling in the breeze. With no houses or shops along the way, the entire scene is open, expansive, and peaceful.
The An Nhứt rice fields are green during the harvest season.
We stopped many times, not only to take pictures but also to breathe deeply the fragrant scent of the rice fields and listen to the chirping of birds in the fields. In the midst of the tranquil fields, one seems to temporarily forget the daily hustle and bustle, leaving only moments of serenity.
The Rice Field - Resting in a small house by the rice field
In the afternoon, as the sun began to cast its slanted rays over the rice fields, we made our way to The Ruong – a small resort nestled deep in an alley in Xom Ray hamlet, on the outskirts of Xuyen Moc town. Just a few kilometers from the center, it felt like we had escaped the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
The hotel overlooks the fields, enjoying refreshing breezes.
The rooms are designed to blend seamlessly with nature, featuring large glass windows that open onto expansive rice fields. In the early morning, simply opening the door allows golden sunlight to flood the room, the breeze to rustle through the trees, and the earthy scent of ripening rice paddies to fill the air.
We strolled around the garden, surrounded by lush green bamboo, admiring the blooming lotus flowers and some trees in bloom. After relaxing by the pool, we tried archery, went for a bike ride, or simply sat quietly on the porch, listening to the wind and the birdsong.
Beyond the Hill - A small café nestled in a green garden.
The next morning, before leaving Vung Tau, we stopped by Ben Kia Doi, a café nestled amidst a garden, just a few minutes' drive from The Ruong. The café had no large sign, no loud music, an open space surrounded by lush greenery, and simple wooden furnishings.
A cafe with a garden style.
Behind the cafe is a small rice paddy, with rough fabrics hanging and swaying in the wind, creating a very "cinematic" backdrop for those who like to take pictures. In front is a pond of water lilies, next to which is the order counter designed like a simple, warm house with a red tiled roof. The menu mainly consists of coffee and fruit teas, light enough to start a refreshing morning.
In that space, one can sit for a long time without doing much. Looking out at the lush green countryside, listening to the rustling leaves, and letting time pass slowly.
The cafe is surrounded by lush greenery.
This trip lacked the sound of ocean waves, white sandy beaches, and fresh seafood along the roadside. Vung Tau appeared in its own unique way—gentle, rustic, and intimate. The tranquil green spaces, the small roads winding through rice paddies, the crystal-clear lakes, and the accommodations nestled amidst the rice paddies gave us a truly different summer.
A summer doesn't need a lot of planning or a packed schedule. Just a motorbike, some travel companions, and a soul yearning to relax is enough to enjoy Vung Tau in your own way.
