What to Expect in Dak Ke Lake (Mang Den)?

Dak Ke Lake is one of 7 lakes in Mang Den Vietnam (six other lakes are Toong Ly Leng, Toong Ziu, Toong Zơ Ri, Toong Săng, Toong Pô, Toong Đam). Surrounded by low hills covered by lush pine forests, this lake spans 3 hectares. In the language of local ethnics, it’s called ‘Toong Ro Poong’.

To see Dak Ke Lake, visitors need to go to Resort Dakke or the coffee shop on its east shore. Booking a room or buying a coffee is required. For that reason, visiting this lake is not free.

There is one legend to explain the formation of Dak Ke Lake and other natural landmarks in Mang Den. It’s passed down by generations of Ro Nam people, one of the smallest ethnic groups in Vietnam (around 700 people today), who traditionally lived in the area. In the legend, their Yang Plinh (or the King of Heaven) sent 7 sons to Mang Den. After that, their wifes would become animals (pig, fish, lizard, deer). Yang Pling also reminded them that they can not eat the animal which their own wife transforms into. Later, these men established seven villages and thanks to wealth, a festival was taken place. Because feeling very happy and too drunk, they forgot the taboo and ate the meat of pig/fish/lizard/deer. Just the smallest man remembered and didn’t eat. Their father got angry then and he burnt all of seven villages. In the end, the people saw 7 lakes created.

On the top of a pine hill near Dak Ke Lake, there is Resort Dakke. Not far away, visitors can find a coffee shop.