The reservoir's dam was built manually by over 10,000 workers, primarily youth volunteers, using basic tools between 1976 and 1979.
The Ke Go lake spans approximately 22 square kilometers and can hold over 300 million cubic meters of water.
The reserve is home to the critically endangered Hatinh langur (Trachypithecus hatinhensis).
The area was designated as a nature reserve in 1996 to protect the watershed and unique biodiversity.
The reserve protects over 300 species of medicinal plants.
The lake surface features numerous small islands that serve as isolated ecological zones.
Ke Go Nature Reserve is a protected tropical rainforest ecosystem encompassing over 20,000 hectares in Ha Tinh province. The central feature is Ke Go Lake, a massive man-made irrigation reservoir constructed in the late 1970s. The reserve serves as a critical watershed, providing water for agricultural irrigation across Ha Tinh province. It provides a habitat for rare flora and fauna, including endemic bird species and primates such as the Hatinh langur. The landscape consists of rolling hills covered in dense secondary forest bordering the vast expanse of the reservoir. A dedicated memorial temple for the Youth Volunteer Force stands within the area to honor those who died during the reservoir's construction. Water levels in the lake fluctuate significantly depending on rainfall and irrigation needs. The reserve is managed for biodiversity conservation alongside its primary role in hydraulic management.
The elevated viewing platform near the main dam overlooking the vast reservoir.
Bring high-strength insect repellent, as the forest environment is prone to mosquitoes and leeches.
Visit the dedicated memorial temple to understand the history of the reservoir's labor-intensive construction.
Hire a local guide if planning to hike beyond the main access points, as the forest terrain is complex.
Do not attempt to swim in the reservoir, as water depth varies rapidly and submerged vegetation poses significant safety risks.
Dress modestly when visiting the memorial site; carry out all trash to minimize impact on the sensitive ecosystem.
