Song Da Reservoir is a body of water stretching out west from Hoa Binh. It is a beautiful site with a wealth of activities available for people of all ages and all levels of fitness. There are many places to stay here and most accommodation options are traditional and very rustic.
It is the perfect place to visit if you want to get away from it all as there are virtually no mod-cons and it is all about the beauty of nature. There are some islands in the middle of the reservoir which are very beautiful and popular with visitors. The Ba Khan islands can only be reached by boat from the shore and should really be visited for a whole day as the journey time is three hours each way. The islands are the perfect place to get close to nature and, with many trails to follow, you will find yourself immersed in the untamed beauty.
There is not much to do at the reservoir and only local restaurants. However, the food is excellent and very authentic. While you might get bored here after a week, for a few days it is incredibly relaxing and very beautiful, a highlight of any trip to the area.
Getting There & Away
The best way to get to Song Da Reservoir is from Hanoi, where you will also find the nearest airport. However, there are no direct public transport links so you will first have to get to Hoa Binh, which is the main city in the region. From here, regular local buses make the journey to and from the reservoir.