Artificial lake Tri An in Dong Nai Province turns into a beautiful green painting when it is covered in algae. 

This photo of Tri An Lake in Dinh Quan District was taken recently by Nguyen Tan Tuan, a Ho Chi Minh City-based lensman, in the algae season (July-September).

During the season, as the water level reduces in the lake, submerged areas resurface. 

Tri An is an artificial lake on the Dong Nai River, built to provide water for the Tri An hydroelectric plant.

Fishing and other vessels are anchored next to each other across strips of land that have temporarily surfaced. The contrast between their brown and the lake’s green is striking.

Local fishermen said the alga grows strong and thick on sunny days, creating an impressive emerald tint for the lake.

In some parts, the green and brown mix to turn yellow. The color of the algae changes depending on the intensity of the sunlight. When the rain comes, the color of the algae slowly fades away.

Algae plays an important role in the ecosystem of Tri An Lake, acting as sources of food for aquatic species and biofuel.

The lake attracts many visitors and photographers during the algae season, when fishermen are also active.

“The fishing boats here put the net in front so they look like fish from above,” Tuan said.

Fishing boats sailing on the viridescent water.

Farmers here also use the lands that resurface to raise cattle and poultry.

A pack of ducks feeds on the algae in the lake. 

A herd of water buffaloes crosses the lake. 

In Tri An Lake area, tourists can also visit other attractions like the Ma Da Forest and Nam Bau Island for group picnics.