Khuon Than Lake – pristine and peaceful

The clear water stretches as far as the eye can see under a blue sky with glistening rays dancing on the wooden boats lying idle around the lake’s shore. Nearby, an islet of pine trees whispers in the wind. Primitive and peaceful are the sensations for anyone to Khuon Than Lake, a new destination in Luc Ngan District, Bac Giang Province.
We visited Khuon Than Lake during the time of the litchi harvest. The nine kilometer stretch of road from Chu City to the site was lined with trucks carrying litchi. Passing a torturous section and then ascending a gentle slope, we were amazed by the splendid and fascinating scenery of the lake and the pine and litchi trees. We strolled over a rock plain next to the lake and felt as if we were in a paradise of peace, beauty and tranquility.
The lake’s five islets are covered with pines and the surrounding Khuon Than Forest includes about 300 hectares of old growth and 500 hectares of young trees and grass plains. Near the lake are also some orchards and Tu Ma Temple which is dedicated to a general of the Tran Dynasty. The temple has been recognized as a national historical relic.
At noon, we asked a forest ranger to give us a cruise around the lake. In the perfect silence, the motorboat was the only sound disturbing the site. We kept silent, breathing the fresh air to rejuvenate the lungs, allowing the cool wind to ruffle our hair and letting the sunlight pour onto our radiant faces for a peaceful feeling we will never forget.