Thac Mo Reservoir

Thac Mo Reservoir (Hồ Thủy điện Thác Mơ) is a vast artificial lake in Phuoc Long, Dong Nai Province, surrounded by forested hills and the dramatic landscape of Ba Ra Mountain. Created as part of the Thac Mo Hydropower project, the reservoir has become one of the most distinctive landscapes in the eastern part of the province. Its broad stretches of blue water, scattered green hills and relatively quiet atmosphere make it particularly appealing for sightseeing, boating, camping and nature-focused travel.

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Overview

• Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EEmgLeiN2wsFdLSn6
• Address: Phuoc Long, Dong Nai, Vietnam
• Province: Dong Nai
• Category: Reservoir, Landscape and Nature Destination
• Visit Duration: Half day to full day
• Best For: Scenic views, boating, photography, camping and nature

Pronunciation

Hồ Thủy điện Thác Mơ

Why Visit

• Enjoy expansive views across one of Dong Nai's major reservoirs.
• See the striking landscape around Ba Ra Mountain.
• Explore a quieter lake environment away from major urban centres.
• Take photographs of the lake, hills and surrounding countryside.
• Combine the reservoir with Ba Ra Mountain and other attractions around Phuoc Long.

Things To Do

Enjoy the Lake Views

The easiest way to appreciate Thac Mo Reservoir is simply to find a good viewpoint and take in the enormous expanse of water. The surrounding hills create a layered landscape, with the lake changing character according to the weather and time of day.

Explore the Lake by Boat

Boat trips provide a different perspective of the reservoir, allowing visitors to move away from the shoreline and experience its broad water surface and surrounding islands and hills. Current boat services and departure points should be checked locally before planning a trip.

See Ba Ra Mountain

Ba Ra Mountain rises dramatically beside the reservoir and is one of the defining landmarks of the Phuoc Long landscape. Combining a visit to the lake with Ba Ra Mountain creates a more complete experience of the area.

Go Camping

The quiet lakeside environment makes the reservoir attractive for outdoor stays where permitted. Camping allows visitors to experience the landscape after sunset and during the cooler early-morning hours.

Take Landscape Photographs

The combination of open water, forested hills and mountain scenery creates excellent opportunities for landscape photography. Sunrise and sunset can produce particularly attractive reflections and changing colours across the reservoir.

Landscape and History

Thac Mo Reservoir was created as part of the Thac Mo Hydropower project on the Be River. Construction of the original hydropower plant took place in the early 1990s, and the reservoir subsequently became an important part of the region's water and energy infrastructure.

Today, however, the reservoir is also recognised for its scenic value. The large body of water extends between forested and rural landscapes, while Ba Ra Mountain provides a dramatic backdrop on its southern side. The contrast between the engineered reservoir and the surrounding natural landscape is one of its most interesting characteristics.

The lake is also connected to the wider tourism landscape around Ba Ra Mountain and Thac Mo. The area has been identified in provincial tourism planning as a major destination with potential for nature tourism, sightseeing, camping and recreation.

Best Time To Visit

The dry season is generally more comfortable for sightseeing, boating and outdoor activities. Early morning and late afternoon are particularly pleasant for photography, when temperatures are lower and the light is softer.

During the rainy season, the landscape becomes greener, but visitors should check weather conditions before taking boats or planning camping activities.

How To Get There

Thac Mo Reservoir is located around Phuoc Long in Dong Nai Province. From Ho Chi Minh City and other parts of southern Vietnam, the reservoir is most conveniently reached by road, with Phuoc Long serving as the main urban base for exploring the area.

The reservoir can be combined with Ba Ra Mountain, local cultural sites and other nature attractions in the Phuoc Long area for a longer itinerary.

Travel Tips

• Check current boat services before planning a lake excursion.
• Bring sun protection, drinking water and insect repellent for outdoor activities.
• Wear suitable footwear if combining the reservoir with mountain or forest excursions.
• Follow local safety instructions around the water and hydropower facilities.
• Check weather conditions before boating or camping.
• Keep the lakeshore clean and take all rubbish with you.

FAQ

Conclusion

Thac Mo Reservoir is more than a piece of hydropower infrastructure: it has become a defining landscape of Phuoc Long, where a vast artificial lake meets forested hills and Ba Ra Mountain. Its combination of water, mountains and quiet countryside makes it a good destination for travellers looking for scenery and outdoor experiences. Together with Ba Ra Mountain and the surrounding attractions, the reservoir forms one of the most interesting nature-focused areas of Dong Nai.

Nearby attractions

(Distances shown are straight-line estimates, not actual travel distance.)

• Soc Bom Bo - The Story of the S'tieng People and Their Wartime Rice Pounders (about 27 km east)
• Bu Gia Map National Park - Wildlife, Waterfalls and Trekking (about 36 km northeast)
• Soc Lon Khmer Pagoda - A Historic Khmer Buddhist Heritage Site in Dong Nai (about 36 km west)
• Bu Lach Grassland - A Vast Green Landscape of Grass, Forest and Water (about 45 km east)
• Ta Thiet Historical Site - The Wartime Headquarters Behind the Ho Chi Minh Campaign (about 53 km west)
• Cat Tien National Park - Rainforests, Wildlife and Ancient Forests (about 71 km southeast)

• Dong Nai Travel Guide