In mid-September, at Ngoi Hoa port (Muong Hoa commune, Phu Tho province), the surface of Hoa Binh lake is like a giant mirror reflecting the clouds and mountains.
Looking down from above, small boats drifting, moving in the middle of the blue water, creating a poetic natural picture of the Northwest region.
Along the wharf, tourists from Hanoi, Thanh Hoa, Hung Yen... are bustling with their cruise experiences, recording the moment the mountain shines down the lake surface, enjoying the peaceful river space.
Not only the scenery, the Hoa Binh hydroelectric reservoir is also associated with the livelihoods of the people. Cage fish farming, transportation services, community tourism development... have become the main source of life, opening up opportunities to exploit the potential of river tourism in the Northwest region.
"The lake is unique in every season, but September is the clearest," said Mr. Phung Van Luong (34 years old) - a local resident.
According to Mr. Luong, his family raises fish in cages and provides tourist transportation services. Tourists coming here not only enjoy the scenery but also taste the fresh Da River fish right on the raft.
Ms. Bui Thi Nguyet - owner of more than 10 fish cages on the lake, said that fish farming combined with tourism brings a stable source of income, helping people to be more attached to the water surface of the lake.
From the perspective of tourists, the scenery here leaves many emotions. Ms. Tran Thu Hang, from Hanoi, said that the lake scene appeared like a painting of watercolor.
"The clear water surface, high sky, and cool air make us feel like we are away from the noise of the city to truly immerse ourselves in nature," she said.
Talking to reporters, Mr. Ngo Ngoc My - Chairman of Muong Hoa Commune People's Committee said that the whole commune currently has 656 fish cages, distributed in 6/15 hamlets, becoming the main source of livelihood for hundreds of households. To support people, the government focuses on encouraging the development of seafood associated with community tourism.
Along with that, the locality regularly encourages people to preserve the landscape, not to dump garbage into the lake, and at the same time coordinates with forces to collect garbage from upstream to dump.
According to Hoa Binh Hydropower Company, as of 10:00 a.m. on September 17, 2025, the upstream water level of Hoa Binh Lake reached an elevation of 108.78 m; the flow to the lake was 2,550 m3/s.
