Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant Guide: Phu Tho’s Industrial Marvel & Sustainable Tours

A Monumental Eco-Attraction in Phu Tho

Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant, located in Hoa Binh Ward, Phu Tho Province, is a monumental eco-tourism and industrial site 75 km west of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, attracting over 60,000 visitors annually. Built on the Da River from 1979 to 1994, this 128-meter-high, 970-meter-long dam, once Southeast Asia’s largest, generates 1,920 MW, with an expansion to 2,400 MW underway. With entry fees at $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND), it’s a must-visit for history buffs, engineering enthusiasts, and eco-tourists near Mai Chau.

Known as Vietnam’s “Century Project,” the plant manages Da River floods, powers socio-economic growth, and offers cultural insights through its Soviet-Vietnamese heritage. Sustainable practices, like guided tours to minimize environmental impact and solar-powered facilities, align with Phu Tho’s green tourism goals, set in a temperate climate (dry season: November–April, 16–26°C or 60.8–78.8°F; rainy season: May–October, 23–33°C or 73.4–91.4°F). Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours guide you through this engineering marvel, blending history, technology, and nature. Book via the links below or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Update

Following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, Hoa Binh Province merged into Phu Tho Province, with Hoa Binh reclassified as Hoa Binh Ward. This simplifies navigation using ward-based maps, while the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant remains a key attraction near Mai Chau Ward.

Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering eco-friendly tours in Phu Tho for travelers seeking authentic industrial and cultural experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like electric shuttles or bicycles, led by English-speaking guides who share historical and technical insights, plus green practices, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting local Muong communities, we align with Phu Tho’s eco-tourism initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, planning is seamless. Book our eco-tours via the links below and explore Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant responsibly!

Located in Hoa Binh Ward, 75 km from Hanoi, the plant was built with Soviet expertise, featuring rock dams, 20 km of tunnels, and eight turbines. Its Sông Đà Reservoir, with a 9-billion-cubic-meter capacity, supports flood control and irrigation. The site honors 168 workers, including 11 Soviet engineers, who died during construction, with a memorial and a sealed letter for 2094. Activities like tunnel tours, Da River cruises, and Muong cultural experiences, combined with sustainable measures like waste management and local staffing, make it a model of eco-tourism, offering a unique blend of engineering and heritage near Mai Chau.

These eco-friendly activities, costing $0–$10, offer industrial and cultural immersion:

1. Tour the Engine Room Tunnel

Explore the 50.5-meter-high engine room tunnel, best at 9:00 AM, for $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND), viewing eight turbines generating 1,920 MW.

• Cost: $3–$5; entry $2–$3.

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Guided tours limit environmental impact; use LED lighting.

• Tip: Wear sturdy shoes; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hoa Binh Plant Tour ($50–$70).

2. Visit Ho Chi Minh Monument

See the 18-meter Ho Chi Minh statue on Ong Tuong Hill, best at 10:00 AM, included in entry fee ($2–$3), offering dam views.

• Cost: Free with entry; $2–$3.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Maintained paths reduce erosion.

• Tip: Ideal for photos; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hoa Binh Cultural Tour ($45–$65).

3. Cruise the Da River to Thac Chua Temple

Take a 1-hour boat tour to Thac Chua Temple, best at 2:00 PM, for $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND), exploring the Sông Đà Reservoir.

• Cost: $6–$10; entry $2–$3.

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Boats use low-emission engines; supports local boaters.

• Tip: Book at the dam; included in Legend Travel Group’s Da River Eco-Tour ($60–$80).

4. Explore the Hydroelectric Museum

Visit the museum, best at 11:00 AM, for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND), showcasing artifacts and a sealed letter for 2100.

• Cost: $1–$2; entry $2–$3.

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Digital exhibits reduce paper use.

• Tip: Guided tours available; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hoa Binh Plant Tour ($50–$70).

5. Honor the Memorial Shrine

Pay respects at the shrine for 168 fallen workers, best at 12:00 PM, included in entry fee ($2–$3), featuring a bronze bell.

• Cost: Free with entry; $2–$3.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Minimal footprint preserves site.

• Tip: Reflective visit; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hoa Binh Cultural Tour ($45–$65).

Visit from November to April for cool, dry weather (16–26°C or 60.8–78.8°F), ideal for tunnel tours and river cruises. The rainy season (May–October) may cause spillway activity, adding spectacle but limiting outdoor access; rain gear is advised. Weekdays (Monday–Friday) see fewer crowds (200–500 daily visitors) than weekends (1,000–2,000), especially during Tet (January/February). Early mornings (8:00–11:00 AM) offer cooler temperatures; afternoons (2:00–4:00 PM) are great for boat tours.

The plant, in Hoa Binh Ward, Phu Tho, is 75 km from Hoan Kiem Ward, reachable in 1.5–2 hours:

• By Private Car: Drive 1.5 hours via QL6, costing $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.

• By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly VinFast taxis, 1.5 hours, $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) one-way; $40–$60 (1,000,000–1,500,000 VND) round-trip. Use Xanh SM app.

• By Private Motorcycle: Ride via QL6, 1.5–2 hours, $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) fuel; rental $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).

• By Public Bus: Bus from My Dinh to Hoa Binh Ward (2 hours, $1.50–$2.50 or 40,000–60,000 VND), departing 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM.

• By Bicycle (Adventurous): Rent in Hanoi ($3–$6/day), 4–5 hours via QL6, not recommended for novices due to traffic.

• By Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): Group bus from Hanoi, 1.5 hours, $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND)/person for 20+ people, including guide.

• From Noi Bai Airport: Private car ($35–$50 or 875,000–1,250,000 VND, 2 hours, 100 km); Xanh SM taxi ($30–$40 or 750,000–1,000,000 VND); or Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min) + private car ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND). Navigation Tip: Save “Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant, Hoa Binh Ward, Phu Tho” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs from Hoa Binh center. Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM taxis or group buses reduce emissions; cycling minimizes impact.

• Safety: Wear helmets on motorcycles; secure valuables. Confirm fares for taxis.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:

• Clothing: Light layers, sturdy shoes for tunnels; waterproof jacket ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season; hat for sun protection.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.

• Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM/BusMap apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).

• Outdoor Gear: Small backpack, camera for dam shots, binoculars for river views.

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for snacks ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.

• Extras: Snacks for tours; cash for small vendors.
  Tip: Carry small VND notes for entry ($2–$3), activities ($1–$10), or snacks ($0.50–$3); secure valuables in tunnels.

Costs for Visiting Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant

Entry and Activity Fees

• Entry: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND) adult; $1–$1.50 (25,000–37,500 VND) child under 1.3m.

• Engine Room Tunnel Tour: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).

• Hydroelectric Museum: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Da River Cruise: $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND).

• Ho Chi Minh Monument/Memorial Shrine: Free with entry.

• Local Snacks (e.g., Muong Sticky Rice): $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

• Drinks (Water, Tea): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).

• Souvenirs (e.g., Muong Crafts): $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND).

• Guided Eco-Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)

• Private Car: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND).

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $40–$60 (1,000,000–1,500,000 VND).

• Private Motorcycle: $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) fuel; rental $5–$10/day.

• Public Bus: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).

• Bicycle Rental: $3–$6/day (75,000–150,000 VND).

• Private Tour Bus: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND)/person.

• Airport to Hoa Binh Plant: $35–$50 (875,000–1,250,000 VND).

• Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).

• SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $10–$20 (bus, entry, snacks).

• Mid-range: $30–$50 (private car, tunnel tour, cruise).

• Luxury: $80–$120 (Xanh SM taxi, guided tour, premium cruise).
  Tip: Budget for entry ($2–$3), activities ($1–$10), and transport ($3–$60); carry cash for tickets and vendors (no cards accepted).

• Timing: Visit at 8:00–11:00 AM for cooler tours; November–April for dry weather. Weekdays for fewer crowds (200–500 vs. 1,000–2,000 on weekends). Avoid Tet for quieter visits.

• Booking: Buy entry tickets on-site (QR code e-tickets); reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided visits or cruises. Book boats at the dam.

• Sustainability: Follow guided paths to minimize impact; bring reusable bottles to reduce plastic. Support Muong vendors for snacks ($0.50–$3) or crafts ($2–$10).

• Navigation: Save “Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant, Hoa Binh Ward, Phu Tho” in offline maps; ask locals in Hoa Binh center for signs. Avoid night rides due to rural roads.

• Safety: Wear sturdy shoes in tunnels; secure valuables. Confirm fares for taxis.

• Weather: Dry season for safe tours; rainy season needs rain gear ($3–$6) and waterproof bags ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.

• Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at memorials (cover shoulders/knees); say “xin chào” to locals. Respect shrine areas; avoid loud talking.

• Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant and nearby Mai Chau:

• Hoa Binh Plant Tour ($50–$70/person, 1 day): Private car to Hoa Binh for tunnel tour, museum visit, and Da River lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.

• Hoa Binh & Mai Chau Adventure ($90–$140/person, 2 days): Hoa Binh Plant, Mai Chau rice fields, Muong homestay ($15–$25/night). Includes meals, guide.

• Phu Tho & Ninh Binh Explorer ($220–$350/person, 3 days): Hoa Binh Plant, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh’s Tam Coc, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!

Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant in Phu Tho’s Hoa Binh Ward, with entry at $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND), is an eco-tourism and industrial icon enchanting over 60,000 visitors yearly, 75 km from Hoan Kiem Ward. From exploring its vast tunnels to cruising the Da River, its sustainable practices like low-impact tours preserve its legacy. Legend Travel Group’s Phu Tho Tours guide you through this “Century Project,” ensuring a sustainable Phu Tho Travel experience filled with historic and green exploration. Whether honoring fallen workers or admiring the Ho Chi Minh statue, Hoa Binh promises an unforgettable Phu Tho adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-journey today!
Ready to explore Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant in Phu Tho? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable industrial adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.