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| A view of Soai So and (inset) a boy with some fish caught from the lake |
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In many ways it is therefore the perfect escape for us urbanites as it allows one’s mind to wander and one’s body to recuperate to the gentle sounds of waters cascading down the slopes into the lake.
The Soai So Lake is only about 100 meters from the entrance to the park and covers some 5 hectares at the base of the adjacent hillside. Visitors don’t have to wait so long to feel the delightful gusts of cool air cool from the Bac stream imbued with moisture from its hazardous journey down the mountainside into Soai So Lake.
Mingling with the murmurs of the water you can also hear songbirds, high above in the leafy tree canopy.
Along the banks of the lake, palm trees stand beautifully reflected on the surface of the lake, which is not only a delightful sight but also a puzzle, since nobody can understand why this type of tree has found its way to the lakeshore nor why they are so old and magnificent!
The lake itself is a great place for fishing since there are many different types of aquarian creatures lurking in its depths. Visitors can try their luck or just pass their time away soaking up the atmosphere by hiring a rod. You may even get lucky, in which case one can perhaps prepare dinner as well over a campfire in the charming green rustic wood. What’s more, some of the locals can easily find a selection of exotic regional vegetables such as mango’s sprouts or fresh banana inflorescences from the nearby fields to make a feast.
The lake contains about 400,000 cubic meters of water and is one of the main sources of drinking water for the residents around Tri Ton town as well as being a tourist destination.
It is also therefore pretty common to see lines of Khmer or other locals gathered in the afternoon wearing bandannas, carrying water back home by shoulder pole. Groups of local youths can also sometimes be seen in the early evening riding on ox-carts as they ferry some water urns back to their villages creating an unforgettable impression for those lucky enough to experience rural life by the lake.
Soai So Lake is also a great place to go for a camping excursion given the tranquil forest setting and access to the nearby Hung stream; the many pagodas that run alongside the base of the hill, which add to the charm and attraction of the area for pilgrims; and many forest paths which are dotted with mango, jackfruit, banana and other tropical fruit trees inter-mingled with cashew trees.
The hills are also sometimes covered with young bamboo shoots, which attract local herbalists and traders during the growing season, who return weighed down with the exotic fruits of the forest. All in all, there is something for everyone in An Giang, so many treasures await travellers who venture there to explore.
(ND)