1. Determine the coordinates of Ke Go Nature Reserve
The lake is located about 20km southwest of Ha Tinh city center in the administrative territory of three districts of Cam Xuyen, Ky Anh, Huong Khe and borders Quang Binh province to the south . The full name of Ke Go Nature Reserve is “National Nature Reserve in the forest area of Ke Go Lake”, established by Decision No. 970/TTg dated December 28, 1996 of the Government. It has geographical coordinates 105º50′ – 106º07′ East longitude and 18º00′ – 18º09′ North latitude with a total natural area of 24,801ha.
Ke Go Lake is located in the territory of 3 districts of Cam Xuyen, Ky Anh and Huong Khe. The lake is a great irrigation project with a reserve of 350 million m3 of water. Provide irrigation for nearly 17,000 hectares of rice crops. The lake is also an abundant source of food for the residential areas here.
2. Ke Go Lake Nature Reserve
Abundant vegetation
Ke Go Lake National Nature Reserve has a total area of 35,159 ha , of which 24,801 ha is a conservation area and 10,358 ha of protection forest . Here rich vegetation is covered by mixed evergreen forest , typical for many flora streams of the indigenous flora of North Vietnam – South China, flora of Indonesia – Malaysia and flora of Himalayas. with more than 40 species of woody plants, many precious plants such as Tau, Go, Cho chi, Kim Giao, Sen, Lat Hoa…, many types of trees listed in the Vietnam Red Book such as Green Lim, Sen Mat, Mahogany, etc. Golden heart, Gioi, Truong, Trin, Boi golden words…
Rich and rare flora and fauna
Ke Go Lake Nature Reserve has a very rich flora and fauna with nearly 400 vertebrate species belonging to 99 families, 47 species of mammals, 298 species of birds, 100 species of reptiles and amphibians, including 18 species of mammals. was included in the Red Book of Vietnam and the world. Here, populations of 5 endemic bird species with a narrow distribution area were found, which are blue-cresed pheasant, Ha Tinh pheasant, star pheasant…, of which blue-cresed pheasant and Ha Tinh pheasant are 2. species are threatened with extinction globally.
In terms of plants , there are 567 species of higher vascular plants belonging to 367 genera and 117 families, common in the shrub layer with trees in the family areca palm with major species such as conifer, rattan, forest areca, and Lui. ; In the lower carpet floor, there are crabs, tubs and other species of trees belonging to the holly family. In particular, the forest area of Ke Go lake also possesses more than 40 species of woody plants, of which many species are listed in the Vietnam Red Book such as: lim. Green, honey, mahogany, yellow heart, doi … Ke Go forest is also the place where beautiful and precious magnolia and orchid species such as cinnamon incense, elephant ears, buffalo ears, fox tails, phoenix tail, and spring flowers are developed.
3. Ke Go Lake
Ke Go Lake is the largest lake in Ha Tinh province built on the Rao Cai river basin , among the hillsides and mountains in Cam Xuyen district, Ha Tinh province. This is a flood prevention work, has the effect of creating aquatic resources for the irrigation system, regulating the flow of dams such as Ke Go lake, Boc Nguyen lake and Trac river, serving irrigation for more than 21,136ha of cultivated land. of downstream residents.
Ke Go Lake is not simply an irrigation work to prevent floods for downstream residents but also a tourist highlight in the overall nature reserve of the largest type in the Central region with an area of over 35ha. . Many types of trees are listed in the Vietnam Red Book, such as golden lily, Central Coast jars, blue lime, agarwood, mahogany, etc. in this garden. This is a rich flora area typical for the native flora of North Vietnam-South China, the flora of Indonesia-Malaysia and the flora of the Himalayas.
4. Ke Go Ecotourism
Perhaps many people in the country know the name “Ke Go” through the song “The person who built Ke Go lake” carrying the heart of Ha Tinh people by musician Nguyen Van Ty, smoothly conveyed by the inspirational voice of the singer. People’s Artist Thu Hien. Although born with the purpose of serving irrigation, but thanks to its unique terrain and natural scenery, Ke Go Lake along with the nature reserve has quickly become an attractive destination not only for scientific researchers. at home and abroad, but also with tourists near and far.
Surrounded by vast green forests, the water surface of Ke Go lake is like a large mirror reflecting shimmering sunlight , clearly imprinted with clouds and fresh green leaves, creating a peaceful and poetic picture. In the middle of the lake , there are also many small oases like mysterious worlds, evoking curiosity… With a cool year-round climate, visitors here can visit the forest, walk to explore the animals. zigzag streams or caves deep in the forest, admire blooming wildflowers and regal orchids…
Visiting Ke Go nature reserve, sitting on a canoe running along the lake bed watching the green forests pass by, visitors seem to be walking on the Amazon river of the far South American country. Coming here, visitors are not only satisfied with the river, clouds, sky, plants, flowers, birds, etc., but also satisfied with the feast of wild meat or lake fish that is processed simply but enough to captivate the heart. Many travelers… Especially impressive are the moments of exciting experience when diving between the clear shallows, comfortably in a naked position in the midst of heaven and earth, letting the gentle cool water flow. caressing the body, the feeling of seeing childhood again is strange, simple but unexpectedly holy…
In an effort to bring the National Nature Reserve in the Ke Go Lake Forest area to serve tourism, the Ha Tinh tourism industry is currently implementing projects, investing in infrastructure and a system of services to transform the place. This becomes a general eco-tourism area with many types of entertainment services, from multi-sports areas, building zoos, bird gardens, bonsai gardens… to taking advantage of nature to organize programs. Boat racing, windsurfing, fishing, climbing…
With such natural beauty, Ke Go has been visited and studied by many domestic and foreign scientists. Ke Go still carries a heavy affection for his children who are far away as well as leaving a salty impression for anyone who visits once.