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Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant was once the largest hydropower plant in Vietnam and Southeast Asia until 2012. This is a unique travel destination where you can not only admire a massive engineering project but also appreciate its historical significance and the Vietnamese spirit of resilience. Let’s explore it together with Asia King Travel in this Vietnam travel guide.
Panoramic view of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant
Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant was built on the Da River, Hoa Binh Ward, Phu Tho Province (prior to July 2025, it belonged to Hoa Binh Province). The plant is about 70 km west of Hanoi, roughly a one-hour drive. Since it lies on the route from Hanoi to Mai Chau, many travelers on a Vietnam tour often stop here to visit the plant.
The plant was built from 1979 to 1994. It was a cooperative project between Vietnam and the Soviet Union (with the Russian Federation continuing its support after 1991). More than 40,000 Vietnamese workers and staff, along with over 1,000 Soviet experts, endured hardships together and overcame countless difficulties, especially at a time when both countries were facing economic and political challenges.
The Soviet Union provided significant support to Vietnam during the construction process
Many people once questioned: “Why build such a massive project when Vietnam was still poor?” The reason is that the plant was designed to serve four key purposes: flood control, power generation, irrigation, and ensuring river transport. The Da River is a major river, and by controlling it, Vietnam could both prevent flooding in the northern provinces and harness its hydropower potential.
On December 30, 1988, the first turbine was connected to the national power grid. By 1994, the eighth and final turbine was put into operation. Upon completion, the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant became the largest hydropower plant in Southeast Asia. A monumental project born out of challenging circumstances.
From Hanoi, you can start from Tran Duy Hung Street and head onto Thang Long Boulevard. Follow the boulevard to reach Hoa Binh Ward. Once you see the Da River, cross the Thong Nhat Bridge, then continue along Thinh Minh – Truong Han Sieu – Hoa Binh Road, and you’ll arrive at the destination.
Hoa Binh Ward is located right at the foot of the dam
When visiting the hydropower plant, you definitely shouldn’t go during the stormy season, which lasts from August to October. Apart from that period, you can plan your trip at any time. The best moments to visit are in late summer, just before the storm season, or in the early spring months. During these times, the weather is pleasant, and the fresh, cool air enhances the feeling of comfort as you take in the vast surroundings.
The entrance fee for visiting the entire complex or just the outdoor areas is VND 50,000 and VND 20,000, respectively. For children aged 6 to 14, the tickets cost VND 35,000 and VND 10,000. Children under 6 years old can enter free of charge. There is also a parking fee.
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This letter to future generations is something truly unique, rarely found elsewhere. It is placed inside a pyramid-shaped concrete block in the visitor square. On it, a steel plaque bears the inscription in Vietnamese and Russian: “Here lies the letter from the builders of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant to future generations. The letter will be opened on January 1, 2100.”
The concrete block preserving the letter to be opened in the year 2100
The letter was handwritten by the people who built the plant. Knowing that they would likely not live to that year, they left these words as a message to future generations, from those who endured countless hardships to create a work meant to stand the test of time. The contents of the letter are completely kept secret, and we will only be able to know them in the year 2100.
Before arriving at the plant, you can already spot the massive dam towering over the Da River from your vehicle. The dam stretches nearly 1 kilometer in length and stands 128 meters high, featuring the logo of Vietnam Electricity (EVN) along with the words “Thuy Dien Hoa Binh” (Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant). Built from millions of cubic meters of rock and concrete, it is strong enough to withstand the enormous floods coming.
Standing on the dam, you’ll feel as if you’re on a “giant balcony.” On one side lies Hoa Binh Lake, its calm surface mirroring the surrounding mountains. On the other side stretches the town along the Da River.
The dam opening its floodgates
If you happen to visit during a flood discharge, you’ll witness torrents of white water cascading down from above, with thunderous echoes resonating through the mountains and forests. However, visitors are only allowed to observe safely from designated areas as regulated by the management board.
The statue of President Ho Chi Minh was built on a high hill. This monument is closely tied to the construction of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant, as in the memory of many, he once advised that the Da River must be tamed to bring prosperity and a better life to the people.
President Ho Chi Minh promoted the idea of building the dam
One of the most remarkable features of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant is that the entire facility was built underground within the mountain. Inside are eight massive generating units that once held the record as the largest in Southeast Asia. These turbines operate using the powerful flow of water released from Hoa Binh Lake, converting it into electricity supplied to the national power grid.
Eight turbines inside the plant
Another key attraction within the plant is the central control room, the “brain” of the entire complex. Here, you’ll be given a detailed explanation of the operation process: from the moment water flows into the turbines and generates electricity, to when that electricity is transmitted into the national power grid.
During the construction of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant, 168 people lost their lives (due to work accidents or illness), including 11 Soviet experts. A memorial dedicated to them was built about 300 meters downstream from the plant along the Da River. The memorial is simple yet solemn, surrounded by greenery. Visitors are encouraged to come and offer flowers as a tribute to whom gave everything for the future.
People who sacrificed their lives for the construction of the plant will be remembered forever
Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant is a truly fascinating destination to visit. Come to admire a magnificent structure set in a vast landscape and to learn more about its history. Get in touch with Asia King Travel to discover all the beauty Vietnam has to offer.
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