Discover the century-old Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Power Plant.

The Hoa Binh hydroelectric power plant is a magnificent engineering feat of the 20th century in Vietnam. Whether you've visited it many times or it's your first time, you'll be captivated by its many special features. Therefore, more than 30 years after its inauguration, this monumental project remains a source of pride and an unmissable destination.

The majestic Hoa Binh hydroelectric dam when releasing floodwaters.

The dam body is 128m high.

Water discharged from the turbines

The drainage outlets and underground infrastructure within the mountain.

In late September 2025, thousands of visitors from within the province traveled to Bac Ninh, Thanh Hoa, and other provinces, as well as Hanoi, choosing Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Power Plant as their destination. Here, tour guides were busy and enthusiastic, guiding visitors to explore and learn about the grandeur and unique features of the project, as well as its significant role and importance in national development.

The tunnel entrance leads to the area where the 8 generating units are operating.

Here, visitors can explore the tunnels within the mountain to learn about the operating power plants. Or they can ascend to the top of the hydroelectric dam to admire the panoramic view of the entire structure, a picturesque scene reminiscent of Ha Long Bay in the mountains, overlooking the city of Hoa Binh. They can offer incense at the largest statue of President Ho Chi Minh in the country, depicting him pointing down to the river to conquer the once fierce "Northern River"; and visit the museum and the location of the letter that was only opened in 2100.

The tour guide introduced the eight turbines and the scale of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant.

Hearing the itinerary, we, along with the group of tourists from Hanoi, were eager to explore . Our guide, Nguyen Thi Binh, first led the group about 400 meters deep into the mountain tunnel, past humming ventilation openings and a system of rail tracks carrying super-heavy transformers to raise voltage, to the area where eight generator units were operating. “We are standing at a position equivalent to the middle level of the legendary Da River. Further down to the bottom level, there are more than 30 meters to go,” guide Binh informed.

Below the power units, the depth is more than 30 meters.

Indeed, seeing the massive power plants inside the mountain from above, and learning about their operation below, we were even more impressed by the Vietnamese officials, engineers, workers, and Soviet experts who built this magnificent underground structure.

The Da River, with its many waterfalls and treacherous rapids, is familiar to every student through the work "The Ferryman of the Da River" by writer Nguyen Tuan. Rasungamzatov, a famous poet of Soviet literature, also described the Da River: "The waterfalls are white, like a lion's mane." On August 17, 1962, President Ho Chi Minh visited the Hoa Binh Socialist Youth Labor School (in Yen Mong commune, now Tan Hoa ward). While passing the fierce Da River, he pointed to the river and said: "We must transform the river into a source of water... we must conquer this river to bring long-term benefits to the entire people."

Survey to select a site for the Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Power Plant. Photo: Provided.

In 1971, the Politburo implemented President Ho Chi Minh's instructions, issuing a resolution on the construction of the Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Power Plant on the Da River. The project was designed for multiple purposes: flood control, power generation, irrigation, and improvement of waterway transportation. Given the then-backward state of science and technology in Vietnam, the former Soviet Union assisted in geological surveys and exploratory drilling to select the most suitable location for the hydroelectric dam along the Da River. The most suitable location was chosen in Hoa Binh. The construction of the hydroelectric plant required immense sacrifices from the indigenous people, who gave up their homes, fields, and ancestral graves for the construction site.

Prime Minister Pham Van Dong gives the order to commence construction of the Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Power Plant. Photo: Archival.

On November 6, 1979, the Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Power Plant officially commenced construction amidst the joy, expectations, and determination of the entire nation. After the explosion that shook Ong Tuong Hill, Prime Minister Pham Van Dong threw a stone into the Da River – signaling the start of construction of the Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Power Plant. The construction of the hydroelectric plant required two phases of river filling: the first in 1986 and the second in 1988.

The day of the ceremony to fill in the Da River for the construction of the Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Power Plant. Photo: Archival.

At that time, taming the raging Da River presented many challenges and dangers. However, with the spirit of "For the future electricity of the Fatherland," everyone was enthusiastic and overcame difficulties. At its peak, the construction site had up to 40,000 workers from all over the country and 2,500 Soviet experts. The site bustled day and night with a "three shifts, four teams" intensity, braving the sun and overcoming floods; some labor slogans have become legendary, such as "Altitude 81 or death." There were critical moments when the Da River "raged," such as the historic flood of 1985 that threatened to break the embankment and sweep away the achievements of six years of construction. With intelligence and unwavering will, a modern-day "Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh" story was written right at the Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Power Plant construction site.

Construction of the Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Power Plant. Photo: Provided.

Many remarkable achievements have been made: Construction units excavated 20,556,10³ m³ ^and filled 26,631,10³ ^{m³ of earth} and rock; installed 46,721 tons of equipment and metal structures; poured 1,899,10³ ^m³ of ^concrete ; and drilled and grouted 205,000 m . The dam's core is filled with waterproof clay. As an underground structure within a mountain, it can withstand an 8th-magnitude earthquake and strong external impacts.

Visitors view a model of the Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Power Plant at the Museum.

Operating model of the power plant and construction machinery at the Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Museum.

Despite the glory, 168 Soviet officials, workers, and experts perished in the construction of the Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Power Plant. A memorial to those who sacrificed their lives during the construction was built next to the plant to commemorate and honor their contributions to the nation's electricity supply; affirming the beautiful friendship between Vietnam and the Soviet Union, now the Russian Federation.

The letter, "To Future Generations," enclosed in a block of concrete, will be opened on January 1, 2100.

The selfless efforts were richly rewarded. On December 30, 1988 – a historic moment for the country and the electricity industry – Unit 1 officially connected to the national power grid, conquering the Da River. By April 4, 1994, Unit 8 – the final unit – was also completed, bringing the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant to a total capacity of 1,920 MW, the largest in Southeast Asia at that time; essentially resolving the long-standing electricity shortage in our country.

The joyous occasion of the inauguration of the Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Power Plant. Photo: Archival.

The inauguration day of the Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Power Plant (December 20, 1994) became a national celebration, marking the culmination of 15 years of tireless and selfless work by countless officials, engineers, and experts, creating a magnificent project of the 20th century. In the 21st century, after more than 36 years of operation (since Unit 1), the project continues to affirm its significant role in the industrialization and modernization of the country and its multi-purpose effectiveness.

Construction of the Hoa Binh hydroelectric power plant expansion project is being accelerated.

To maximize water resource utilization, the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant Expansion Project officially commenced construction in early 2021, installing two generating units with a total capacity of 480 MW. Upon completion, the project will increase the total capacity of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant to 2,400 MW, reclaiming its position as the largest in Southeast Asia, alongside the Son La Hydropower Plant.

The Da River has been conquered, and Hoa Binh Lake is overflowing with "white gold" (referring to its mineral resources).

On August 19, 2025, coinciding with the anniversary of the successful August Revolution, Unit 1 began generating electricity and connecting to the national grid. Efforts are underway to complete Unit 2 soon, in time for the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. This project further affirms Vietnam's intelligence, capabilities, and strength in the new era.

Cam Le

Source: https://baophutho.vn/kham-pha-cong-trinh-the-ky-thuy-dien-hoa-binh-239902.htm