Buzz
After 7 years of construction, the Sơn La Hydroelectric Plant proudly stands as the largest hydroelectric plant in Vietnam and the Southeast Asia region at that time.
Sơn La Hydroelectric Plant – Monument of Proud Records
When mentioning Northwestern tourism, one cannot overlook the Sơn La Hydroelectric Plant, one of Vietnam's largest hydroelectric projects to date and the largest in Southeast Asia at the time. Completed three years ahead of schedule on December 23, 2012, the Sơn La Hydroelectric Plant became a source of immense pride for the engineers who brought this project to life.
Located on the second terrace of the Đà River, Sơn La Hydroelectric Plant is a national key project with an installed capacity of 2,400MW, consisting of 6 units (each with 400MW); the main facility is situated in the Pa Vinh area, It Ong commune (now It Ong town), Mường La district, Sơn La province.
The main mission of the project is to supply electricity to the national power grid with an average annual electricity output of 10,246 billion kWh; it also plays a vital role in flood control during the rainy season, providing water during the dry season for the Red River Delta, and contributing to the economic and social development of the Northwestern region.
According to electricity industry records, back in 1984, the Power sector initiated the pre-feasibility study report for the Sơn La Hydroelectric Project. At that time, the project's location was identified along a river stretch approximately 40 km from the Bản Tả line (downstream) to the Pa Vinh line (in Ít Ong commune, Mường La district). The Power sector recommended selecting a gravity concrete dam structure to withstand the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF).
The Sơn La Hydroelectric Plant is presently open to tourists to visit specific areas. This is your chance to witness the grandeur of this project. On the hill near the dam, a memorial has been erected as a token of gratitude for the labor, sweat, and tears of those who participated in the workforce on the Sơn La Hydroelectric Plant construction site.
Upon visiting the plant, you'll be utterly amazed by what human hands have achieved. The colossal hydroelectric dam, towering nearly a thousand meters, stands firm, dividing the river into two distinct parts – the bold red of the lower stream and the serene deep green of the upper stream. The clear water embraces the lush green mountain ranges, and the tranquil villages in the Northwestern mist, bathed in the gentle reflection of sunlight.
Touring the plant allows you to admire the beauty on both riverbanks and gain a deeper understanding of the monumental project that supplies electricity to the entire nation. Located 40km from Sơn La city, the road to the plant has been revamped for convenient transportation.
The harmonious blend of natural scenery and the colossal structure creates a picturesque landscape that is both serene and powerful, reflecting humanity's determination to conquer nature. It showcases the intelligence, capability, and pride of the Vietnamese people. The Sơn La Hydroelectric Plant is unquestionably a destination not to be missed when traveling to Sơn La and the Northwestern region as a whole.
According to Mytour
***
Reference: Travel Handbook from Mytour
MytourJanuary 31, 2023
