VietNamNet Bridge – Together with Dong Truong Island, O Island is considered a wild gem lying gently amidst Tri An Lake.

A view of Tri An Lake in Dong Nai Province.

There tourists will sense a wild natural world as they indulge in fresh water and splendid settings of mountains in Nam Cat Tien National Park seen in the distance.

We reached O Island in Vinh Cuu District, Dong Nai Province on a sunny morning. Seen from afar, the island looks like a cloudy streak emerging in the blueness of immense Tri An Lake. It is surrounded by primeval forests.

The lake not only functions as a hydro power dam, but also supplies a large source of aquatic products, an air filter to ease the scorching summer heat as well as a tourist destination for locals and tourists to enjoy a vacation and get closer to nature.

There are many ways to reach O Island. For public transportation from Bien Hoa City to HCMC, tourists can take the bus No.12 departing from Ben Thanh Bus Station heading to Giang Dien Waterfalls in Dong Nai Province.

Stopping at Tri An T junction and then continue taking another bus to Vinh An Town, tourists have to lastly catch a motorbike taxi for about one kilometer to get to O Island-Dong Truong Island tourist area which has boats taking guests to the island.

A guest house on O Island, Tri An Lake.

If you have your own vehicle, you can go from Cay Gao T junction to a local fishing wharf on the lake to hire a boat to reach the island.

Tri An Lake is a reservoir for the hydropower plant of the same name and has a total area of 32,400 hectares and contains three billion cubic meters of water. The lake supplies fresh water for millions of people in Bien Hoa City in Dong Nai Province and HCMC.

It also supplies 1.7 billion KWh every year.

In the past, the two islands used to be two hills for locals to plant pepper and bananas.

Going to the island, tourists should bring snacks and water but should not forget to experience the lake’s specialties, especially lang fish.

On the island, many restaurants, guest houses, tents and hammocks are there to serve tourists. Many student groups and families try to stay overnight on the island to gather by the flickering camp fire at night and wait for the dawn shining on the smooth water surface of the lake.

Cruising around the lake is a must for everyone to the site.

For bookings, tourists can call 061 386 0440 or email: [email protected].

Source: SGT