Ben Nom takes on a different look as Tri An Lake recedes

Every dry season, Tri An Lake reveals a dramatically different landscape. In the Ben Nom area of Thong Nhat commune, Dong Nai City, receding waters expose parts of the lakebed that normally lie deep beneath the surface, revealing striking colors and distinctive patterns shaped by the terrain. Seen from above, Ben Nom resembles a giant abstract painting.

But Ben Nom in the dry season is about more than its changing landscape and colors. Life for the lakeside communities continues, shaped by the changing water levels.

From above, the semi-submerged area of Ben Nom reveals a mix of colors. The green of the grass along the shore and on the newly exposed lakebed creates a vast, striking landscape. Photo: Cao Tuan

As the lake recedes, water gathers in lower-lying areas, forming small branching channels. The flowing water erodes the sediment, creating broad reddish-brown streaks across the exposed lakebed. Photo: Cao Tuan

Several small islands emerge as the water level falls. Photo: Cao Tuan

As the water recedes, fishing activity on the lake remains lively. As water levels change, the areas where fishermen operate also shift. Photo: Cao Tuan

The dry season is also when green algae proliferate in Tri An Lake, adding another layer of color to the landscape. However, excessive algae growth can affect fishing activities. Photo: Cao Tuan

Small boats are the main means of transport on the lake. After each catch, the fish are gathered on board before being brought back to shore. Photo: Cao Tuan

The lives of fishermen in Ben Nom have long been closely tied to the changing water levels of Tri An Lake. Photo: Cao Tuan

By X.Luong  – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho