Ba Be Lake and its mysterious island
Nestled in the spectacular karst landscapes of northern Vietnam,
Ba Be Lake captivates with its serene beauty and emerald waters.
From its peaceful waters emerges an island with an evocative name: Widow's Island, or Đảo Bà Góa, or even Pò Giả Mải.
Come closer, settle in... I'm going to tell you the story that whispers between the lake's calm waters and the steep limestone cliffs; this poignant tale of generosity and, for some, divine retribution, that forever shaped how this iconic place is seen.
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The serene beauty of Ba Be lake - Mr Linh's AdventuresA legendary tale of origins
Let me take you into the heart of the Tay people's oral tradition – those who've watched over these lands for so long. Two versions, like two branches from the same tree, tell us about the birth of this very special island.
Imagine a festive day, a lively festival unfolding in Nam Nau commune, celebrating Buddha. Amidst the laughter and colors, an old woman appears. A stranger, wretched, her appearance and, they say, her smell, repulse the villagers, too caught up in their festivities to see her distress. Everyone rejects her, without a trace of pity. Everyone? No. A kind-hearted widow and her young son, they can't bring themselves to leave this troubled soul. They welcome her into their humble home, sharing their meager meal and offering a bit of human warmth. As a thank you, the old woman, her gaze filled with unfathomable wisdom, gives them a strange gift: two simple rice husks and a bag filled with ashes. "Scatter this around your house," she tells them in a soft but insistent voice, "for soon the waters will rise."
Not long after, a terrible flood descends upon the valley. The furious waters engulf everything, creating Ba Bể Lake as we know it today. For many, it's no accident, but the hand of divine justice punishing the villagers' selfishness. Don't they say a dragon appeared in the sky on that fateful day? Death struck hard. The widow and her son, instinctively, run to seek refuge on higher ground. In their haste, they throw the two rice husks into the swirling waters, mixing them with the ashes. And then, under their disbelieving eyes, a miracle happens: the husks transform into a large boat, sturdy and safe, carrying them away from the disaster. Their house, humbly surrounded by ashes, withstands the flood and becomes, over time, this island we now call Dao Ba Goa, the Widow's Island.
There's another way to tell this story, another trial that highlights this woman's big heart. Imagine the villagers finding a stray buffalo. The animal is slaughtered, the meat shared, but in the excitement, they forget to give any to a poor old widow, left alone in her misery. You see, this buffalo actually belonged to the river spirit, who, heartbroken, comes to the village disguised as a hungry beggar. He asks for help, a bit of food, but meets only cold stares and closed doors. Only the old widow, with the stinging memory of being forgotten, offers him a warm meal and shelter for the night. In gratitude, the beggar whispers to her to scatter a handful of rice around her house. Soon, a torrential rain falls, swelling the waters until they submerge the valley, drowning those who lacked heart. The widow's house, perched on higher ground, defies the elements and transforms into this islet we still call "Go Ba Goa," the Widow's Island.
Dao Ba Goa, a rock full of symbols - Mr Linh's AdventuresThe island, emblem of the legend... and more
This small rocky island, you see, it's not just a dot on the map of Ba Be Lake. It stands, pretty and unassuming, covered in lush vegetation that seems to defy time and the elements. Its modest size doesn't stop it from being like a landmark, a familiar silhouette amidst the jade-colored waters of the lake.
Trees cling to its sides, offering a touch of sparkling green in this natural painting. Its unique shape catches the eye, making it incredibly photogenic for those sailing on the lake. And it's even more than just a pretty subject for the camera. The
Widow's Island is an invitation to contemplation, a place where your gaze lingers and your mind wanders. Imagine yourself gliding on the peaceful waters, catching sight of this island in the distance. It's almost as if the legend is taking shape before your very eyes.
During a trip on Ba Be Lake, approaching the Widow's Island is a must-do. Boats take you there gently, allowing you to admire its beauty up close. And as you observe it, the local guide, guardian of tradition, will surely tell you the story of this big-hearted widow and the founding flood. It's a suspended moment, a peaceful pause that invites reverie, appreciation of the surrounding nature, but also a reflection on this very human story. Truly, this island greatly contributes to the charm, the unique appeal of Ba Bể and its national park. It's a precious gem in this natural jewel.
The Widow's Island, a place filled with legends - Mr Linh's AdventuresA rock, symbol of resilience and compassion
Far more than a simple rock emerging from the tranquil waters, the Widow's Island is a symbol. A symbol of resilience, of the power of kindness in the face of indifference, and a constant reminder of the invisible threads that connect a place's history to its soul.
For anyone exploring the natural splendor of Ba Bể Lake and its national park, this island isn't just a point of interest: it's a place filled with legends and a touching natural beauty, an essential stop to understand the heart and spirit of this unique landscape.