On November 6, 1979, construction of the Hoa Binh hydropower plant officially began on the Da River, known for having some of the most powerful and challenging currents in Southeast Asia.
More than 30 years after its inauguration, the largest underground hydropower project built in Southeast Asia during the 20th century continues to stand prominently across the river.
In addition to generating electricity, the project plays a vital role in flood control downstream, supplies irrigation water to more than 70% of the cultivated land in the Red River Delta, and improves inland waterway transportation.

On May 25, 2021, the Hoa Binh hydropower plant surpassed a cumulative electricity output of 250 billion kWh. At the time, it was the largest hydropower facility in Southeast Asia by installed capacity, making a significant contribution to Vietnam’s energy security.

At the entrance to the tunnel leading into the plant is a quote from President Ho Chi Minh: “Wholeheartedly and devotedly serve the Fatherland and the people.”
The plant, built underground within a hill, houses all the main equipment, including eight generating units, high-strength transformers, and other auxiliary facilities. The eight units have a total capacity of 1,920 MW, with each unit having a capacity of 240 MW.
Every day, visitors from across Vietnam come to tour what has long been known as the “project of the century.”
The plant's Traditional House displays artifacts, documents and photographs chronicling the construction of the landmark project.
Construction machinery used nearly 50 years ago during the building of the hydropower plant is also preserved and exhibited at the museum.

Among its most notable exhibits is a “letter to the future,” which is scheduled to be opened in the year 2100. A metal plaque bearing inscriptions in Vietnamese and Russian reads: “This site preserves a letter from the builders of Hoa Binh hydropower plant to future generations.”
Beyond its role as an industrial project, Hoa Binh hydropower plant stands as a symbol of dedication, sacrifice and international solidarity. During construction, 168 engineers, technicians and workers lost their lives, including 11 Soviet technical specialists. A memorial overlooking the dam was erected to honor those who died while building the project.
In January 2021, the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) launched an expansion project on the right bank of the existing dam, adding two generating units with a combined capacity of 480 MW. The project is the largest hydropower expansion undertaking in Vietnam and will raise Hoa Binh’s total installed capacity to more than 2,400 MW, further strengthening the country’s energy security.

Construction timeline of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant

- Nov. 6, 1979: Site clearance work began along the riverbank.

- Jan. 12, 1983: First diversion of the Da River completed.

- Jan. 9, 1986: Second diversion of the Da River completed.

- Dec. 30, 1988: Generating Unit No. 1 was connected to the national power grid.

- Apr. 4, 1994: Generating Unit No. 8 was connected to the national power grid.

- Dec. 20, 1994: The Hoa Binh hydropower plant was officially inaugurated.

More than 30,000 engineers and workers, 5,000 sappers, 1,000 managers and 750 Soviet experts participated in the construction of the Hoa Binh hydropower plant.