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Dong Lam steppe is located in Huu Lien commune, Huu Lung district, Lang Son province, roughly 150 kilometers north of Hanoi on National Highway 1A. This 100-hectare area is known for its lush grass and crystal-clear blue lake nestled amid majestic cliffs.

According to local photographer Hung Vi, Dong Lam is in its best season when the water dries up and reveals grassy peninsulas. The steppe is huge this time of year, and the trees are flourishing. It would be ideal for camping or other outdoor activities, especially when the weather is cool.
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As locals work in the fields, during the dry season, they release buffaloes and horses to find grass freely. Only a few households, according to Hung Vi, raise horses. Rather than erecting barns, they let the horses graze freely in the fields and only visit them once or twice a week. Many visitors and photographers have come to photograph the steppe because of its tranquil and pristine beauty.
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The horses in this area come in a variety of colors, including brown, white, and gray. Visitors are not allowed to drive inside to keep the area's nature intact. Instead, they may walk around 500 meters or hire locals to give a ride at the price of about 40,000 VND.
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A tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, Huynh Ly, brought a table and chairs to sit by the lake in the middle of Dong Lam steppe and rest. Ly has visited Huu Lien more than ten times in various seasons since she greatly admires its lovely and peaceful scenery.
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In the early mornings in Dong Lam, she would wander in the meadow or chase horses. She would rest and enjoy the fresh air when she is tired.

According to Ly, Dong Lam is particularly beautiful in spring. With the lush green grass, clear stream, and horses on undulating grassland, the scenery is as beautiful as it appears in the picture. This view reminds her of the vast Mongolian steppe in particular. Peach, plum, and apricot flowers are also blooming this time of year in Huu Lien.
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Visitors can bring their camping equipment, eat at local restaurants, stay in a guesthouse, or rent items from locals. There is also a rafting service for 250,000 VND per hour that takes guests on a sightseeing tour on the lake, as well as a kayak rental service costing 50,000VND per hour. The day would be ideal for tourists to unwind on boats while taking in the scenery.
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The horse would return to the bank before sunset from the little islands in the middle of the lake because it may rain at this time, causing the water to rise and block the path back.

The water normally floods the grasslands into a big lake with a depth of around 2 or 3 meters during the watering season, which lasts from about July to October. As a result, horses would only stay in the upper areas or along the mountain's edge. Instead of camping, tourists may try kayaking at the time.
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Bac Mo dam is about a 2-kilometer from Dong Lam. With brilliant blue streams and lakes, the scenery is wild. Tourists can visit during the day and combine their visit with a steppe tour. This photograph was taken near the end of December 2021, as the trees began to change its leaves. 
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Peach blossoms are in full bloom in the Dao village, which visitors can explore. The Dao people hold the fair once every five days. Through this event, visitors can get the opportunity to experience all of the locals’ traditional cultural features. 

There are several houses in Dong Lam where visitors can stay overnight. According to the local photographer, tourists should not miss out on grilled chicken with herbs and tasty wild vegetables.

Translated by Ha Phuong