Khe Tân Lake, Da Nang: Cow Meadows, a Spillway and Lakeside Camping
Most visitors to Da Nang never leave the beach and the city. But head out into the countryside and you’ll find Khe Tân Lake: a huge, quiet lake ringed by green mountains, with herds of cows grazing on the meadows along its shore. We spent a day there filming, and right now is honestly the most beautiful time to visit.
Where is Khe Tân Lake?
Khe Tân Lake (Hồ Khe Tân) is in Phú Thuận commune, Da Nang. It is a man-made lake with a water surface of up to 1,400 hectares, an important water source for the area and, more and more, a favourite eco-tourism spot for locals.
The “cow village” meadows
Locals call the grassy meadows around the lake the cow village (làng nuôi bò), and you’ll see why. Big herds of brown cows graze freely on the open grass, guided by local herders, with the lake and mountains behind them. From the air it looks like a painting; from the ground you can watch the herd wander right past you.
Please keep a respectful distance from the animals and the herders, and don’t fly a drone low over the herd.
The spillway
When the lake is full, water pours over the spillway in a long white curtain. A bridge runs right below it, so you can stand and watch (and hear) the water rushing past. It is the most dramatic spot at the lake.
Lakeside roads and the lone tree
Quiet concrete roads run along the dam and the shore, perfect for a slow motorbike ride with the lake on one side and meadows on the other. Look out for the lone tree standing in the middle of the grass: it is the perfect photo spot, especially in the late afternoon.
Things to do at Khe Tân Lake
- Boat trips on the lake, out toward the Róc Rách and Dụ streams and their waterfalls, and the An Bằng primary forest.
- Trekking along forest trails to the waterfalls, and a dip in the cool streams.
- Fishing: the lake has carp, grass carp, silver carp and tilapia, and you can rent a rod and bait.
- Camping and picnics: find a flat patch of ground by the water, pitch a tent and stay for the sunset.
- Photos of the cows, the spillway and the lone tree.
When to go
Right now is the most beautiful time to visit and to camp: the lake is full, the meadows are green and the spillway is flowing. Go early in the morning or in the late afternoon for softer light, cooler air and the best chance to see the herds out on the grass. Stay for golden hour; the sky over the lake often turns pink.
Tips for visiting
- Bring water, sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent: there’s very little shade on the meadows.
- Wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy.
- Take all your trash home with you.
- Be careful near the spillway and the water’s edge, especially with kids.
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Source for lake facts and activities: Phú Thuận commune official website (April 2026). Photos and video: Visit Da Nang.
