Rao Quan Lake – Tuyet Tinh Coc in Khe Sanh, Quang Tri

Trần Xuân Cương

11:27 - 21.11.2025

Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, sometimes people just want to find a quiet place to listen to their own breathing. Rao Quan Lake, located deep in the Huong Phung mountains, Khe Sanh (Quang Tri), is exactly that place – a very new but fascinating destination.

The emerald green water, the majestic mountains and the vast, peaceful space make Rao Quan Lake known as the “Tuyet Tinh Coc of Western Quang Tri”, where the soul is cleansed, peaceful and relaxed.

Winter and spring are the times when Phong Huong forest changes leaves, this is also the time when it attracts the most tourists to check in.

Quang Binh Travel introduces to you this attractive place in western Quang Tri.

Mục lục

Rao Quan Lake Quang Tri – Overview

Rao Quan Lake is located on Rao Quan River, an upstream tributary of Thach Han River, in Huong Phung Commune, Khe Sanh, Quang Tri Province. This is the reservoir of Quang Tri Hydropower Plant, and at the same time a potential eco-tourism destination of the province.

Outstanding parameters:

Lake capacity: ~163 million m³
Lake surface area: 8.61 million m²
Normal water level: ~480m
Hydroelectric capacity: 64MW (2 units)

Not only a hydroelectric power plant, Rao Quan Lake in Quang Tri is also a natural treasure in the middle of the Truong Son mountain range, where the scenery changes with the seasons and is breathtakingly beautiful.

How to get to Ho Rao Quan

From Dong Ha

Go straight along Highway 9 for about 70-80 km to Khe Sanh
Turn onto the West branch of Ho Chi Minh Road and continue for another 10 km
Rao Quan Lake appears mysteriously in the middle of the mountains and forests

From Khe Sanh

From Khe Sanh

From Dong Hoi – Quang Binh (now part of new Quang Tri)

Follow the Ho Chi Minh trail, West branch, about 160 km
Combining tourist attractions in Western Quang Tri

The most ideal vehicle: Motorbike

The winding mountain pass is just enough to create a sense of adventure but not too difficult to travel. The pine forest scenery, mountain wind and the smell of moist soil will make the journey a complete experience. If you go from Dong Hoi, you will experience the western branch of Ho Chi Minh trail, which is rated by World travel magazines as one of the 10 most beautiful motorbike routes in the world.

From Rao Quan Lake, you can see the wind power field.

The captivating beauty of Rao Quan Lake

The lake water is crystal clear blue

The sunlight shining on the lake surface creates a mesmerizing emerald green color – a unique feature only found at Rao Quan Lake.

Surreal dry tree stumps in the middle of the lake

During the flood season, hundreds of dry tree trunks are exposed, creating a scene that is both magical and artistic – a great “check-in” spot for photographers.

Pine forests and Sau Sau forests change color with the seasons

Surrounding Rao Quan Lake is a lush green pine forest and Sau Sau (Phong Huong) forest that changes color with the seasons – creating an emotional natural picture. Especially in November – January, Phong Huong changes leaves, creating an extremely beautiful scene.

“Lonely tree” – symbol of Rao Quan Lake

An ancient tree standing silently by the lake, beautiful, peaceful and romantic – has become the symbol of this place.

Fun activities at Rao Quan Lake

Kayaking – SUP gliding gently in the middle of the lake

Watching the mountains and forests reflected on the water, weaving between the roots of ancient trees – a feeling only found at Rao Quan Lake. Visitors can participate in kayaking and Sup boating activities on the lake to experience Rao Quan Lake, see the wind farm or Phong Huong forest.

Overnight camping – a super chill experience

Make a fire
Grill fish
Enjoying a conversation amidst the mountains and forests
Watching the stars at night shining on the calm lake

Camping at Rao Quan bank — Camping at Rao Quan – Photo Khe Sanh Discovery

One of the most worth-trying experiences at Ho Rao Quan. Visitors can register for tours through travel agencies in Quang Tri.

Picnic – fishing – relaxing by the lake

The ideal place to “escape the soul”. Visitors can experience fishing activities when coming to Rao Quan Lake.

Trekking in Sau Sau forest (Photo: Khe Sanh Discovery)

Walking in Sau Sau Forest – Phong Huong

During the fall foliage season, Sau Sau forest is covered in a picturesque yellow and red color. The most beautiful time is from November to January. The entire forest changes its leaves from green to yellow and red, creating a majestic and beautiful scene.