Unlike the turbid water in the rainy season, winter brings a truly green lake.
Thanks to the steady water supply, the weather is less unstable, the lake surface is these days calm, although the hydropower plant still operates a power generation to regulate the flow.
It is the contrast between the power of the largest hydroelectric project in Southeast Asia and the stillness of nature that creates a unique, poetic, and quiet attraction for the lake area.
According to Son La Hydropower Company, as of 9:00 a.m. on December 20, the upstream water level of the reservoir reached 214.54 m; the water flow to the reservoir was 190 m3/s; the total discharge was 604 m3/s.
Currently, the unit has closed all bottom spillways, only maintaining power generation through generators. The lake is operating according to the inter-reservoir process during the dry season, maintaining stable water levels to ensure power generation, water supply downstream and serving water traffic on the lake.
The beauty of winter makes famous tourist destinations such as Uy Phong Bay and Fruit Island (Quynh Nhai commune) more bustling.
Mr. La Van Phong, Director of Quynh Nhai Tourism Joint Stock Company, said: Tourists really like the green water of the lake in winter when the lake is full. On weekends, with three cruise ships operating, we welcome over 100 visitors per day.
Tourists are also impressed by the peaceful space here. Mr. Phan Van Quy, a tourist from Hai Phong, shared: What I like most about Son La lake is the quietness and poetic scenery. Local cuisine is rich, people are friendly. This is a very worthwhile destination for the whole family to have a weekend break.
Not only tourism has improved, but the lives of people living along the lake have also benefited from stable water levels.
Mr. Cao Van Quy, Na Nong village, Chieng Lao commune, shared: "The lake's water level is stable, so fishing and purchasing aquatic products is more convenient. Every day, my family buys 1-1.2 tons of shrimp and fish from people along the Da River; some peak days up to 1.3 tons, and sends them to Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Hai Phong and Hanoi for consumption. If the lake water remains stable like this, people will have a good income until Tet".
Mr. Pham Quang Son, Vice Chairman of Chieng Lao Commune People's Committee, shared: "In winter, Son La Lake is beautiful and quiet; early morning the mist covers the water surface, the sun is gentle and the sunset is purple and smoke from the houses along the lake, creating a peaceful picture of the water".
In winter, the Son La Hydropower Reservoir not only ensures power generation and regulates flow but also brings aquatic resources and ecotourism value to the Northwest region.
