Ea Tyn map
The swamps of Dac Lac province are located in the mystical region of Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Surrounded by the Krong Ana (mother river) and Krong Bong (father river), the southern Dac Lac swamp in ancient times was a region of savannas, low forests, lakes and marshes, its terrain unstable and vaporous. The region was covered by giant grass, nenuphar water lilies, lotus blossoms, bamboo groves and reeds. It was home to a stunning array of wildlife, including crocodiles, swamp tigers, gaurs, elephant herds, unicorn rhinoceros, giant lizards, pythons and numerous aquatic bird species. Beginning in 1960, the region was drained and converted into rice fields or buildable zones. However, some of the ancient surfaces remain, providing witness to a forgotten primeval time. These areas are miraculously preserved, such as the three natural lakes of Ea Tyn, Ea R’Bine and Ea Boune, whose banks run up against the Chu Pangon and Chu Yi Yang (Spirit Yi Mount) forest on the northwest side of the Nam Kaa mountain range.
Nam Kaa crocodile
As told by forgotten testimonies about the traces of the lakes, Ea Boune, Ea Tyn and Ea R'Bine are three natural lakes located in the north-west facade of Nam Kaa, they extend to the west with swamps and rice fields, not far from the Krong Knô area. The Ea Boune, a semi-spherical shaped area is distinguished by an island and overlooked by Mount Chu Pangon. Further south is the Ea Tyn, an area stretching five kilometers along the banks of rivers by the edge of an old forest by Chu Pangon and Chu Yi Yang (Mount of the Spirit Yi). Travel to the south around the Ea R'Bine area which is embedded in the woody flanks of Chu Yi Yang.
Fishermen on Ea Tyn Lake
In 2017, Secret Indochina surveyed the area around the three lakes and created innovative new experiences such as an exploration of the Ea Tyn lake and its surrounding ancestral forest. This adventure starts at Lak-Lak lake, where you transfer to a path along the southern part of Krong Ana swamp, now dotted with rice fields. Arrive at a Rhade (Edé) hamlet and glean insights into local ethnic culture. Then, begin a five-hour trek to Chu Yi Yang Mount (781m) through deep woods and trails meandering inside thick undergrowth. Continue on to the Chi Yi Yang southern ridge under the sumptuous foliage of frangipanis, banyans and ancient dipterocarpaceas. Listen as your Rhade tracker explains tree varieties, the activities and beliefs of his people, and Vietnam War episodes such as the crash of various USAF fighters in the area. Follow a hunting track to Ea Tyn and embark on small boats known as pirogues to explore the ancient lake before enjoying lunch in a lakeside cabana
